They're No Pushovers Either

The Head Factory Director was quite capable. After a brief silence, he spoke a string of steady, forceful words.

"Old Xiao is also a veteran of our organization. He joined the factory in 1960. It could be said that the thousands of employees and hundreds of Party Members in the entire factory are all his brothers and sisters. Now that he sees his brothers' and sisters' rice bowls hanging by a thread, it is only natural for him to be anxious."

"The First Branch Factory's strong performance is certainly due to Lu Zhizhang and Li Ye, but we must also consider the interests of the main factory. So whether we should adjust the price of the J3 model car or unify sales management, everyone can discuss it together. There is no harm in speaking freely, whether one is right or wrong."

At first hearing, there was nothing wrong with those words. They acknowledged Li Ye's and Lu Zhizhang's contributions while also explaining why Xiao Jingang had pressed Li Ye by asking whether he would obey the organization's decision.

But on closer thought, weren't they confirming that the First Branch Factory was fighting the main factory for food? And then discussing whether to reclaim the First Branch Factory's independent sales rights?

"The First Branch Factory's pricing is still too low. Deputy Director Li is indeed highly educated and capable, but he is ultimately too young and does not know how expensive firewood, rice, oil, and salt can be. He only calculates production costs, then sells cheaply as long as there is even a little profit."

"Nor can Deputy Director Li be blamed entirely, can he? Lu Zhizhang is an experienced cadre. Why would he make such a mistake? Before setting the price, he should have discussed it with Section Chief Park