Chapter 149

When District Chief Zhou saw the various meat and vegetables in the lunch boxes on the table and then looked at the lunch boxes in his hands that were being served at the window, he understood what was going on, but he didn't say anything.

"District Chief, please try the food first. This is made by a specially hired chef."

Li Zhiguo greeted everyone and they all started eating.

"Hmm, this tastes really good, this Dongpo pork alone is very authentic.

The cabbage was also fried very well, and the big pot dish tasted like a small stir-fry.”

District Chief Zhou exaggerated and asked again: "Manager Li, you haven't answered the previous question yet."

“District Chief, it’s like this, although the cafeteria is a public-private partnership, it cannot cause waste of manpower.

Those people you see ordering food at the window are all kitchen staff.

They generally have low educational level.

So, we separate the food windows and charge a fixed fee for each window, which makes the calculation easier.

At the same time, it can also create jobs for more people who have no cultural foundation but are able to work.

Moreover, this separation also speeds up the serving of food.

In addition, we also organized internal training to teach illiteracy and simple arithmetic to employees who have no cultural foundation. "

When he finished speaking, District Chief Zhou smiled and nodded, saying, "Manager Li, this is a good idea.

I think you can be bolder in your internal literacy campaign, not only for employees of the public-private partnership, but also for customers.”

"District Chief, what you said is very good. It's my lack of foresight that I didn't expect it to be so far-sighted.

How about this? There won’t be much to do in the cafeteria in the afternoon.

Manager Chen and I arranged some people to conduct literacy work in the lobby downstairs in the afternoon. Rain or shine, anyone who wanted to listen could come.

This is a canteen and we can provide free boiled water.

If you are hungry, you can buy food directly.”

Li Zhiguo thought that he would have to organize literacy classes sooner or later. Firstly, he wanted to respond to the call, and secondly, he wanted to get a chance to see what kind of reward he could get.

It is better to bring it up now and let the district chief decide. This is much better than organizing literacy classes first and waiting for the street to report.

"This is a great arrangement! Director Li, the manager you selected has a very high level of ideological awareness!"

District Chief Zhou was very happy. He had made a great contribution to the establishment of this literacy class, as it was he who proposed it.

Director Li said hurriedly: "Li Zhiguo is a cadre of our Qianmen Street Office. As for the public manager, the street office will naturally select the most outstanding person to take the position."

"Okay, that's great!"

District Chief Zhou and his entourage were very happy. Plus, the dish was really delicious and the portion was large enough. And it didn’t violate any rules when it was packed in lunch boxes.

After eating and drinking their fill, everyone went downstairs and saw that there were still people coming to get food, but they were not giving money.

Li Zhiguo quickly explained: "District Chief, these people are employees of the silk shop. They can have a free meal at noon. They are issued internal tickets for two vegetarian dishes.

In addition, two meat tickets are issued every month, which can be used to buy two meat dishes at will.

There is also a large canteen which also serves as a staff canteen for the subdistrict office and neighborhood committee.

There are chefs on standby in the kitchen. If any dish is short, they can cook it up right away to make up for it. This ensures the canteen’s supply and prevents waste. No matter who comes first or later, everyone can eat hot food.”

"Well, Manager Li, you have done a great job in public-private partnership."

District Chief Zhou did not leave in a hurry. He watched for a while and personally asked the employee who was serving the food. He learned that the silk shop had been providing free lunch since its opening.

Even now, you can have a free lunch just by giving a food coupon, which is very rare.

“Director Li, this is how public-private partnerships should be run. Not only will it make profits for shareholders and collect taxes, it will also provide benefits for employees.

This is the spirit of public-private partnership that the higher authorities want. I think this pilot project has been successful and can be promoted throughout the region.”

District Mayor Zhou spoke highly of the silk shop and he will be able to write a work report after returning.

After seeing off District Chief Zhou and his group, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The inspection was over and there was nothing wrong with the silk shop.

"Ding, the host intercepted Xu Huizhen's literacy class in the tavern!"

"Reward evaluation in progress, awarding the host the title of Five Form Fist Grandmaster."

Oh my god, he actually rewarded a set of boxing skills. He already has the Turtle Fist, which is useless. Wait.

In an instant he realized that this set of boxing techniques could nourish the body and even prolong life.

This is something I can think about carefully. When I have time, I can go to Shichahai and perform Twilight of the Gods with the old men and women?

The so-called five-form boxing is imitated from animals and belongs to pictographic boxing along with "Xingyi Twelve Gates" and "Five Animal Exercises".

Look at me, the monkey stealing peaches, the black tiger digging out hearts, and shooting cows from across the mountain, hehe, haha!
……

In the afternoon, Director Li of the street took District Chief Zhou and his party to the tavern, but the situation there was not satisfactory.

Although it is normal to have no customers in the afternoon, there is something wrong with the account book. Not many people had lunch today.

"Boss, the cafeteria just opened today and we haven't had time to promote it yet. Business will definitely pick up in the future."

Fan Jinyou quickly explained that it wasn't his fault!
At this time, the accountant grumbled to District Chief Zhou, who immediately said, "Let's not talk about the canteen. The profit of the tavern alone is not good. Director Li, this is also a pilot project. You have to pay more attention."

"Yes, yes. I will open a special door for research later."

Director Li had sweat on his forehead and glared at Fan Jinyou fiercely.

After this group of people left, the lady director of the neighborhood committee also gave a speech and then left.

Xu Huizhen happened to be away at the moment, having gone home to take care of her children, and thus missed the opportunity to report to her superiors.

Accountant Zhao Yali couldn't help but say, "Manager Fan, our tavern only made a profit of 421.52 yuan last month. After deducting the wages of the six of us, we can only hand over 54 yuan, which is really too little.

This does not include the money invested in the cafeteria and the purchases, otherwise we wouldn’t even be able to pay the salaries.”

"It's so little. Then we won't pay Xu Huizhen any salary. She goes home to take care of the kids every day, so we'll treat it as absenteeism."

Fan Jinyou thought for a moment and said, "When the canteen organizes activities, they will only accept coarse grain coupons for buying cakes, pancakes, etc. I have connections at the grain station, and I can use the coarse grain coupons to exchange for fine grains when the time comes."

When Xu Huizhen came back and learned the news, she had a big fight with Fan Jinyou. She didn't get paid for her work, so she quit.

This month she only received forty-five dollars and twenty-five cents in dividends. She might as well have rented out the tavern with this little money.

At night, Chen Xueru made an appointment with two other female merchants and happily went to the pub to drink, only to find out that Xu Huizhen had quit.

She didn't need to avoid suspicion and went straight to the backyard.

"Huizhen, what happened to you? I just heard that you didn't go to work."

"I'm not going to continue. I worked for a month for nothing and didn't get a penny of salary..."

Although Xu Huizhen regarded Chen Xueru as her competitor, she couldn't help but complain now.

Finally, he suddenly said, "Sister Xueru, how about letting Brother Li come to my place and be a public manager?

Fan Jinyou has no idea about public-private partnership and keeps treating me like a capitalist.

He doesn't know how to run a business, and you can expect him to shut down both the tavern and the cafeteria in less than a month."

"Li Zhiguo is not doing well. He didn't go to work. He went back to rest after lunch.

Huizhen, don't worry. If you need money, just ask and I will lend it to you."

Chen Xueru didn't come here just to make fun of him, she just wanted to show off, and she was genuinely willing to lend him the money.

"Forget about borrowing money. I can still make a living." Xu Huizhen looked helpless and could only take one step at a time.

Not long after Chen Xueru left, He Daqing arrived and boasted as soon as he entered the room, "Huizhen, the district chief came to the Qianmen canteen today and praised the delicious dishes I cooked.

Our canteen is also going to run a literacy class. If it becomes a model for the district, I will definitely get a bonus at the end of the year."

"Brother He, what is a literacy class?"

Xu Huizhen was really interested in it. After learning the truth, she decided to do something about it. The next day, she went to find Xu Hesheng, a primary school teacher.

She wanted to use this opportunity to turn the tables and organize literacy classes so that Chen Xueru would not be able to take the lead in everything.

"Teacher Xu, do you think we can run a literacy class in the tavern?"

"Huizhen, I'm afraid that won't work. You're too late. Manager Li from the silk shop approached me last week, and I agreed to run a literacy class at the Qianmen Canteen."

Xu Hesheng was naturally happy that Xu Huizhen came to see him, but the Qianmen Canteen was a typical example in the district. If he got involved, it would not be a problem for him to get a promotion and a raise in salary in the future. Maybe he could even become a leader in the school.

"Huizhen, how about this? I'll teach the students there for a while, and then I'll come to your place."

"Teacher Xu, that's not necessary. Just teach the students over there."

Xu Huizhen left disappointed. Suddenly she felt that everyone had left her. Cheng Laoer, who tried to climb over the wall in the middle of the night, was caught.

Qiangzi, who is interested in her, is irresponsible.

Sha Zhu hasn't been here much recently, and He Daqing has also defected to the enemy and is helping Chen Xueru with her work.

There is also the villain Fan Jinyou and the unreliable Xu Hesheng.

When she returned to her doorstep, she found a tricycle parked next to her and a person squatting in front of the door.

"Huizhen, you're back."

Cai Quanwu stood up quickly, but almost fell because he had been squatting for too long.

Xu Huizhen couldn't help but say, "Brother Cai, are you here to say goodbye?"

"What goodbye? You mean Brother Li asked me to go to work there? I didn't agree, but I'm not needed there."

Cai Quanwu had a silly smile on his face, but he was not that honest. He was using a trick and he learned a lot from Li Ge'er.

"Why did Brother Li ask you to come over?"

Xu Huizhen was very surprised. She almost left. "They asked me to teach a literacy class. I was a three-wheeled cyclist. I didn't even finish junior high school, so I couldn't go to class. I turned it down."

Cai Quanwu used a trick again. He doesn’t have many merits, but this should be one of them.

"Brother Cai, have you ever attended junior high school?"

Xu Huizhen was stunned for a moment, and suddenly heard crying in the yard. She quickly opened the door and called Cai Quanwu in.

……

Time flies, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye. Today's summer is hotter than in previous years.

Li Zhiguo was sitting in the main room, biting the tip of a pen and thinking about something. Xiao Jingru was standing beside him, fanning him, and the radio was playing the song "In the Fields of Hope".

His eyes fell on Xiao Guanxiang playing with sand at the door of the room, and he suddenly got an inspiration and started writing quickly.

"In 1956, the crops were not yet harvested.

My son was sleeping so sweetly in my arms.

I don't have time to watch the open-air movie tonight.

My wife reminded me to fix the pedal of my sewing machine.

I'm going to my neighbor to borrow some more money tomorrow.

The child cried all day and asked for biscuits.

The pain of the blue polyester shirt pierced my heart.

I squatted by the pool and punched myself hard twice..."

Isn't that it? He has created an image of a father who loves his son Xiaoguan Xiang as much as a mountain, and he will do his best to provide for him in his old age.

"Brother-in-law, what are you writing?"

Little Jingru was standing nearby. She had just turned ten and would be in the fourth grade at the next school term, but she still didn’t recognize many words.

"Uh, it's a diary!"

Li Zhiguo put away the notebook and stretched himself. It was a hot summer day and he felt sleepy.

He has passed his 26th birthday, but he is still young and everyone who sees him calls him a handsome guy.

"Jingru, you stay at home and watch over the door. Your brother-in-law is going to the factory."

He looked at his watch and saw that it was past four in the afternoon, just in time to pick up his wife from get off work.

"Okay brother-in-law!"

Little Jingru quickly ran to the door and looked at her three-year-old nephew.

"Dad, where are you going?"

When Xiao Guan Xiang saw his father pushing a bicycle, he immediately dropped the sandbox and came over.

"I'm going to pick up your mom from get off work, so I won't take you with me."

Li Zhiguo bent down and touched his son's head. He looked like a porcelain doll. A version of New Year pictures had been published at the end of last year and were still pasted on the wall of the house.

He is just a little naughty, because his family spoils him and he is a little treasure, but he soon stopped being one.

"Oh, then buy me some delicious food." Xiao Guan smacked his lips, wanting snacks.

"I'll take you to the store tonight."

Li Zhiguo left with a smile. He had agreed to raise his son in poverty, but the family's financial situation did not allow it. How could he not spend money when going out for a walk?

I passed by Damao's house now. Another year has passed, and Chunyan's belly is still not moving. It seems that I have to take Damao to the hospital for a check-up one day.

"Li Zhiguo, are you going to pick up Qin Huairu?"

Mrs. Chen is washing vegetables. There is nothing to do at home, so she prepares to cook early.

"Yeah, just go out for a walk and take a trip."

He said hello and went to the front yard. His mother-in-law was not at home these days as she had gone to the village to help.

Of the three brothers in the Qin family, except for the second uncle and the second aunt, the rest of the main forces have gone into the city, and sometimes they are really too busy to handle everything.

Last autumn, the rural areas had gradually entered the stage of advanced cooperatives.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Changping rapidly developed into more than 7,000 labor mutual aid groups, then to more than 1,000 primary cooperatives, and now to more than 100 advanced cooperatives.

We are moving step by step towards people's communes. In about two years, one county will eventually become 25 people's communes.

"Hello, Uncle Li!" Suddenly, a child covered in dust ran out from somewhere.

"It's Bang Geng!" Li Zhiguo leaned down and pinched Bang Geng's cheek. The touch was okay. "Play by yourself. Uncle has something to go out for."

"Hey, Li Zhiguo, you are going to the factory, right? You need to go and have a look around."

Yan Bugui was sitting on a stool, picking beans with a winnowing basket. He was just looking for something to do because he had nothing to do.

"Third uncle, is your eldest son confident about next year? Last year, Guangqi from the second uncle's family failed to get into high school, and he still has to stay at home to eat long meals, but he has been beaten a lot."

Li Zhiguo asked about the younger brothers in the courtyard. They were gradually growing up, and if they couldn't get into high school, everything they did would be in vain.

"Hey, Xie Cheng is a smart kid, but he just doesn't put enough effort into studying. Let him take the exam first. If he fails, he can repeat the year and see how it goes."

Yan Bugui, a teacher, never helps his son with his homework because that is his son's teacher's job. If he tutors at home, then the tuition fees would be in vain and he would lose money.

"Okay then. I'll go first."

Li Zhiguo shook his head. There were no talented people coming out of the courtyard house. Each generation was weaker than the last. It seemed that he had to take up the banner of the younger generation.

When passing by Beixin Bridge, he looked under the tree and saw that the old man who was playing chess was gone. He was outlived. Time is merciless. Fortunately, he was young and could still enjoy himself.

After a while, they arrived at the steel rolling mill. The security guard was replaced by a taciturn old man. He smiled at him as a greeting.

"Li Zhiguo, you're here. I was just talking about you."

"The excavators over there are all done. I saw them digging a circle outside the workshop yesterday..."

"Li Zhiguo, a reporter from the People's Daily came to our factory to take pictures this morning and asked about you..."

The workers in the workshop greeted them one after another because the excavator was so sensational. They hoped that it would pass over the square on National Day as a gift to the motherland.

And I heard that last month in Jichun, two days before the third anniversary of FAW's factory, the first Jiefang heavy-duty truck rolled off the production line. The agreed three-year goal has been achieved, and it will also appear in the square on National Day.

"Okay, I'll go to the excavator workshop over there and take a look."

Over the past year, he has fulfilled his original promise and basically goes to the factory once every two weeks to follow up on the progress of the excavator.

"Zhiguo, you are here."

Qin Huairu stood up from her seat. She was already pregnant and the due date was around October. It would be a good opportunity to celebrate her birthday together with Dabao, which would save her money.

"Hey! Come to the factory and take a look. I'll take you back later."

Li Zhiguo walked over with a smile and greeted the people next to him, "Jia Zhang, the second uncle, the first uncle, uh, Li Xinmin, are all busy."

"Nothing to do. It's already the middle of the afternoon. It's time to get off work."

Jia Zhang was holding a propeller blade in his hand. He had already advanced from drilling screw holes to sewing shoe soles, and his skills had great potential.

"I'm not busy either."

Liu Haizhong has secured his position as team leader and has more than a dozen workers under him.

Li Xinmin's face looked a little ugly. He originally thought that he would be transferred to the workshop for a few months at most, but who knew that it would be a long-term job and he was still staying in the workshop for more than a year.

"Ok!"

Li Zhiguo nodded and looked at his former deputy factory director, who had been punished nine times by the factory in the past year. Even though this man's father-in-law had a background, there was no way to get him out of the workshop.

But using punishment to stop people is not a solution. We still have to remove the source of the problem. It is time to activate the backup plan and let He Daqing take the stage.

"Huai Ru, you take a rest first. I'm going to go to the excavator workshop and go home when the time comes."

"Okay, go ahead. The reporters are here for interviews today. Since you're not here, I'll say a few words for you."

Qin Huairu was very happy. Life at home was getting better and better, and her second baby was about to be born.

"Ok!"

Li Zhiguo walked around the second workshop and then went to see the excavators. Unexpectedly, he saw an acquaintance when passing the back door of the cafeteria.

"Silly Zhu, you're being lazy again."

"Hey, it's boring." Sha Zhu squatted at the back door of the cafeteria, holding a cigarette in his hand, and his whole body looked like an eggplant hit by frost.

"What's wrong? Are you still thinking about the little widow?"

Li Zhiguo stopped the car, walked forward and asked for a cigarette, then squatted beside him to share Sha Zhu's mental journey.

"Hey, how come my uncle won? He and Huizhen have already got married and moved in."

Shazhu still can't figure out why his uncle no longer lives in the courtyard.

Li Zhiguo thought, that's because you don't know how to deal with things and you lack a good master.

"Silly Zhu, don't think too much about it. At least she is still your second aunt. We are all family."

He doesn't seem to be very good at comforting people, which is one of his rare shortcomings.

"But I want to get married!" Sha Zhu had a miserable look on his face. The blow was too great and he couldn't recover.

"What's so difficult about this? Don't think about it. My wife is still... Uh, Liang Ladi, why are you here?"

Li Zhiguo was stunned for a moment, then saw Liang Ladi running towards him quickly.

(End of this chapter)