That Taste, No More!

The challenges having been overcome, the subsequent tasks became much simpler.

The battery laboratory returned to its normal operations, progressing at a steady pace of about one percent every two to three days.

It was estimated that the research and development of the new lithium iron phosphate battery would be completed in about two months.

If another hurdle were encountered, it might even be faster!

Meanwhile, inside the Jiuzhou automobile factory, things had become increasingly lively.

During commutes, a large number of workers could be seen entering and exiting the main gate.

Everyone had a smile on their face, greeting familiar colleagues or heading home together after work.

Several familiar veteran employees, while cycling home after their shift, chatted with their companions, who were also veteran employees.

"There are so many more people in the factory now. It's like night and day compared to when it was shut down. I have to say, this new young factory director is truly capable."

"Work feels smoother than ever before. Although it's much busier than before, there are fewer things to worry about. I just need to do my job well.

Most of the recent batch of apprentices are good; only one was slacking off and was fired yesterday."

"Speaking of which, it's incredible. I hadn't even said anything, and the HR department came over to fire him directly.

That apprentice was also incredibly stupid. It was a very simple bending job with no technical skill involved, and he couldn't learn it after half a month of teaching.

The most crucial thing was his complete lack of learning attitude. I told him to do it this way, and he said he thought it should be done that way.

He almost gave me a heart attack from anger. Now that there aren't any more stupid apprentices, it's much more relaxing.

"Old Zhou, want to go fishing together? We still have plenty of time this afternoon, and I've already eaten in the cafeteria. We can fish until ten tonight."

"Let's go, let's go! I'll go home to get my rod!"

"This three-shift system is so comfortable now. It's much better than before, when there was nothing to do but we had to stay in the factory area."

"And the food in the cafeteria is really good now! The chef who came recently is great!"

"I'm so tired of the bland food from before. Now, having a normal chef makes me feel incredibly satisfied!"

A group of veteran employees gradually walked away after their shift. At the same time, a group of new employees who had recently joined the company walked past them, stepping through the factory gates with anticipation.

Similarly, they chatted with their companions as they prepared to eat in the cafeteria before starting their shifts.

"I've been here for half a month, and I've finally learned most of the work. I can do some tasks independently now. Yesterday, among that batch of people who were fired..."

"I heard our HR department is particularly effective, dismissing employees based on their suitability for their respective positions.

Anyone who doesn't work diligently or isn't suited for the role is almost entirely weeded out."

"Since we weren't fired, our probationary period should be secure, right? It's not easy to find a job these days.

We finally found a factory with short working hours and high pay. We can't afford to fail the probationary period because of our own reasons."

"Heh heh, luckily I had foresight. When they were recruiting, I brought my uncle, my nephew, and my brother along.

Now they're really grateful to me. If only they weren't assigned to different positions, it would be so much fun to commute together."

"The benefits are truly incomparable. They're even better than a state-owned enterprise my classmate works for!"

"There are over a dozen people from my village working here!"

"We're considered lucky to find work at this factory. No overtime, timely salary payments, and good benefits.

They even provide meals. If you don't have housing, you can live in the factory. Those who have their own accommodation receive a monthly housing subsidy of one hundred yuan."

"You can't even get overtime if you wanted to, haha. There's only one production line, and the three-shift system already has the production work fully scheduled. There are no extra spots for us to work."

"The previous batch was even luckier. Some who only came for three months have already become foremen, earning two hundred yuan more than us. That's enough to buy a lot of things."

"Work hard, and maybe we can do it in the future too."

"Why think so far ahead? Just do your own job well. Don't just look at those who are doing well; those who didn't meet their work targets were also fired.

Although there were only twenty or so people, we should still take it as a warning. It's not easy to find such a good job."

"Jiuzhou Auto is so much better than where I worked before.

Back then, we had to start work at seven in the morning and wouldn't get home until after nine at night. I was too tired to even move."

"Let's work hard for a year and buy a car from our factory. Then we'll be car owners too!"

As they chatted, they reached the bustling cafeteria. Those coming off their shift to eat and those who had eaten and were starting their shift, each holding their trays, waited for the cafeteria aunties to serve the food.

Half a month had passed since the recruitment drive, and the employees in most positions had basically learned the simpler operations. With the assistance of a veteran employee for more complex tasks, production targets could be met quickly.

The three-shift system was much more relaxed compared to the previous twelve-hour shifts. In fact, because they were better rested, their work was even better!

Currently, the single-day production capacity of Jiuzhou Auto's old production line had exceeded fifty vehicles!

And it was still more than ten days until the Lunar New Year.

The factory was abuzz with activity, and the sales performance of Jiuzhou's stores had also been very good recently.

It had been over a month since the Jiuzhou Mini began sales.

Even without daily outdoor advertising, the number of people looking at and picking up cars at the Jiuzhou stores remained continuous.

Elderly people, or some younger consumers, experiencing car ownership for the first time, naturally gave positive reviews to their peers.

It's simply wonderful, driving around with my wife every day, going to places beyond our usual haunts.

It's so convenient to visit our son or daughter, we can go every day if we want. It greatly helps elderly people who miss their children but find it inconvenient to travel.

Even relatives in the countryside, whom we rarely visited before, can now be seen frequently. We can even bring some home-grown vegetables back.

Occasionally, we can go play around reservoirs, small mountains, or by rivers on the outskirts of the city, making our twilight years more vibrant!

Old folks have plenty of time, and a car can greatly enrich their lives.

Elderly people need transportation. While Old Man Happy has its issues, it undeniably brings positive changes to the lives of seniors, making their lives easier and bringing them more happiness.

Perhaps one day, when we're old, we can drive a good quality Old Man Happy, meet up with old friends for a leisurely outing, and chat about our youthful days. Isn't that a kind of happiness?

And this Jiuzhou Mini is comfortable to sit in, great to drive, and its quality is beyond reproach. The battery, motor, and controller are all from major brands, manufactured to automotive production standards, so problems are rare.

It's also fuel-efficient, needing only one charge at home at night to travel a long distance, allowing for carefree driving.

The feeling is indescribable!

Word then spread like wildfire, from one person to ten, then to a hundred, building a reputation throughout the entire city!

Even seniors from neighboring cities have actively sought us out, specifically asking to buy the Jiuzhou Mini!

This is precisely because the Jiuzhou Mini doesn't overlap with the mainstream car market; it's still a blank market, hence this bustling scene.

Especially now that the Lunar New Year is approaching, many young people working in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are returning home.

Spending twenty to thirty thousand yuan to get a vehicle for their parents, one with a good reputation in the village WeChat groups.

That's a great act of filial piety, earning admiration and thumbs-ups from everyone in the village, a real show of respect!

Earning money and not forgetting to honor your parents, that's true filial piety!