Such a Huge Appetite

The next morning, Li Ye returned to work. Before he could ask Lu Zhizhang what important matters had come up over the past few days, Lu Zhizhang lowered his voice and asked, "How many people are you planning to invite to your child's full-month celebration?"

Li Ye asked in surprise, "Old Lu, do you think I still need to make a big production out of it?"

Only a few people at the Light Vehicle Company knew that Li Ye had taken leave to go home and accompany his wife while she gave birth. He had not intended to publicize it. When the time came, he would only invite Lu Zhizhang, Old Ding, and a few others to get together.

But Lu Zhizhang said, "While you were away these past few days, several people came around asking whether your family had welcomed a new child. In the end, this can't be kept under wraps."

"I know you don't want to make a big fuss, but if you always keep everyone at arm's length, you'll end up pushing some people over to someone else's side."

Li Ye looked at Lu Zhizhang in surprise, turned and shut the office door, then asked quietly, "Explain it to me. I haven't figured it out."

Lu Zhizhang poured Li Ye a cup of tea, then explained in detail, "Let me put it this way. Over the years, some unwritten rules have formed in our workplace.

Those who wanted to get ahead would do everything they could to stay close to the leaders, seize chances to drink and chat with them, and deliberately or casually report on their work, showing their loyalty."

"If a leader showed impatience, they would turn around and report to another leader instead, pledging loyalty there, because they felt uneasy if no leader