"In the afternoon, I'll go with you!" The factory director immediately settled the matter.
With only a few days left, the factory director was more anxious than anyone else.
As long as Chi Ge could be persuaded to help, he would personally plead if necessary.
At this time, the factory director had no idea that a very good opportunity had previously been presented to their silk factory, only to be forcefully pushed away by Ma Wanguo.
Vice Director Lü did not expect the factory director to go with him.
He felt extremely uncomfortable. What was the factory director implying?
If the factory director went along and Chi Ge agreed, who would get the credit?
He had been holding his breath, intending to claim all the credit for himself.
The factory director clearly saw through Vice Director Lü's little schemes.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Why was he so unlucky?
Look at the neighboring electronics factory. Its vice director had the factory's best interests at heart.
How could both of his subordinates only think of themselves?
Finally, the factory director spoke with resignation.
"I know your intentions. If the matter is successful, it will count as yours too!"
As he said this, the factory director was trying to calm himself down.
Be calm, be collected, absolutely do not get angry.
Vice Director Lü quickly put on a fawning smile, adopting the demeanor of a gentleman.
"Director, you truly misunderstand me. Why would I be such a petty person? I was just thinking that as the director, you are extremely busy with daily affairs and wouldn't have time for such trivial matters!"
The factory director snorted.
Extremely busy with daily affairs? What could be more important than finding a reliable translator right now?
He wondered how these two subordinates of his had ended up together.
Thinking of this, the factory director felt a pang of distress!
He envied and was jealous of the electronics factory even more.
"Director, I am truly thinking of you and our factory with all my heart. You must not misunderstand me!"
The factory director did not want to listen to Vice Director Lü's meaningless declarations of loyalty any longer.
Loyalty was not spoken, but demonstrated through actions!
He was not foolish; he knew what was what.
"Where do I meet Chi Ge?"
"I heard that Elder Chi Ge will be going to Yiming Pavilion this afternoon!"
Since the factory director had decided to go together, Vice Director Lü could not object.
He stated the address but did not definitively say that Chi Ge would definitely be at Yiming Pavilion!
When the factory director heard the name Yiming Pavilion, he cast a doubtful glance at Vice Director Lü.
He had certainly heard of Yiming Pavilion.
He heard that the food there was exceptionally delicious, and since its opening, it had been bustling with customers.
However, he was not entirely convinced.
A restaurant that was previously unknown, how delicious could it really be?
"Aren't you just wanting to go and taste the delicacies at Yiming Pavilion?" the factory director asked Vice Director Lü with suspicion.
Vice Director Lü quickly cried out in protest.
"Director, how could I possibly tell such a lie just for the sake of tasting good food?"
Besides, he had already tasted the delicacies yesterday. The taste was indeed good, but the price was a bit high, and it was rather unaffordable to always pay for it himself!
The factory director waved his hand, signaling Vice Director Lü to leave.
As soon as Vice Director Lü left, Vice Director Ma entered.
With the same meaningless words, the factory director was extremely impatient.
"Do you have something important to discuss with me?"
"Director, it's like this. I've been feeling a bit unwell these past couple of days, and I can't let some urgent work be delayed. Perhaps it would be best to hand over some of my urgent tasks to Director Lü. What do you think?"
After hearing this, the factory director's expression changed.
He knew that neither of his vice directors was easy to deal with, and they were indeed troublesome.
What kind of person was this Ma Wanguo? He knew him well.
He valued the power in his hands immensely, so how could he voluntarily suggest relinquishing it?
Bringing up this matter now clearly indicated that he wanted to pass a hot potato to someone else.
Hmph, what a clever plan!
"Do you want to hand over your salary to Director Lü as well?"
Sensing the factory director's displeasure, Director Ma quickly forced a smile.
"Director, that's not what I meant. I'm just worried about the work being delayed. If the work is indeed delayed due to my personal reasons, wouldn't I become a sinner to the factory?"
Ma Wanguo's words were clear: I want to hand over the work now. If you disagree, then the sinner will be you, not me!
The factory director, being who he was, understood the implication perfectly.
"That matter?"
"Director, it's about finding a translator! As you know, I've been in charge of this matter, and I've contacted many renowned translators in the capital. It was almost settled. Who knew that at this crucial juncture, my health... Alas, my health is truly unreliable. I'm getting old!"
Vice Director Ma also cast a pointed glance at the factory director as he spoke.
The factory director was almost furious.
What kind of talk was this?
This Ma Wanguo was more than ten years younger than him, yet he claimed to be old.
Wasn't this a clear indication that he was old and useless, like a worn-out cushion that no one wanted but still occupied a seat?
Ma Wanguo indeed had this intention.
He found the factory director to be a hindrance. The old man was nearing retirement in two years. Why didn't he simply retire early, go home to watch his grandchildren, and give his position to him?
Since he wouldn't step aside, he would make him feel uncomfortable too.
This time, the translator was definitely not going to be found.
The translation department was the only place left in the entire capital that hadn't been contacted. He had already searched everywhere else.
The translation department had translators, but would they easily lend one to a factory?
The factory director wouldn't have the ability to directly borrow someone from the translation department, would he?
When the matter failed, he would see how the factory director handled it.
Suddenly, Vice Director Ma felt that this might be an opportunity for him.
If the cooperation with the German manufacturer failed due to translation issues, the higher-ups would surely be disappointed in the factory director. At that time, they might not force the factory director to retire early, and wouldn't that give him an opportunity?
Moreover, it would also serve to suppress Lü Ruya.
He didn't believe that the person named Lü had the ability to resolve this matter.
Thinking of this possibility, Ma Wanguo almost couldn't contain his smile.
The factory director clearly saw Ma Wanguo's suppressed expression, his eyes filled with disappointment.
He used to think that Ma Wanguo was not a decent person, but he never expected him to be so utterly indecent.
Such a person could probably not remain in the factory.
For the sake of a little personal gain, he could disregard the factory's interests, the collective interests, and the national interests!
If such a person were entrusted with great responsibility, he would be a scourge to the factory and a parasite to the nation!
Ma Wanguo was unaware of the factory director's change in sentiment and was still secretly pleased.
He waited for a while but did not hear the factory director speak, which made him a little suspicious.
"Director, what do you think about this matter?" Ma Wanguo asked again.
The factory director gave Ma Wanguo a meaningful look!
Did he think everyone else was foolish and didn't understand calculation?
Director Ma was immersed in his dream of calculating against others, never considering that his methods of calculating against others might be a double-edged sword, cutting his own hands while harming others.
In his opinion, this was a brilliant plan to kill two birds with one stone. If it succeeded, the silk factory would be his alone from then on.
The factory director had initially wondered if Ma Wanguo would have a moment of regret for doing this.
However, he only saw a calculating smile on Ma Wanguo's face, with no trace of guilt!
"I am aware of this matter!"
Director Ma was stunned. Aware of it, but what did "aware" mean?
Did it mean he agreed to let him hand over the work to Lü Ruya, or did it mean he disagreed?
He wanted to say a few more words to get a definitive answer from the factory director, but unexpectedly, the factory director waved him away, saying he had urgent business.
He couldn't help but feel a bit confused.
But the factory director was already picking up his bag to leave, and he couldn't directly stop him.
Finally, the factory director looked back at Ma Wanguo, unable to hold back any longer.
"Ma Wanguo, there is a saying: 'Heaven watches what people do.'"
After saying this, the factory director turned and left.
He had to leave; he was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would start scolding.
Ma Wanguo savored the meaning behind the factory director's words and realized something was amiss.
He had been thinking too optimistically just now and had failed to notice the factory director's thoughts.
He quickly shouted at the factory director, "Director, it's truly because of my health. My heart has been a bit unwell lately. Director, I need to take leave to see a doctor right now!"
No one answered him.
He didn't expect the factory director to answer his question.
In any case, having taken this step, it was clearly too late to turn back.
The factory director, who had not gone far, heard Ma Wanguo's words and became even more annoyed.
Was this Ma Wanguo intending to go down this path to the very end?
Heart problems? Why not just drop dead?
And he wanted to see a doctor!
He wished he would just stay in the hospital and not come out.
The factory director grumbled as he walked!
Vice Director Lü stood by the window of his office and saw the entire drama unfold.
A smile flickered across his lips.
This Ma Wanguo was too impatient. Wouldn't it have been better to wait peacefully for the factory director's retirement?
With only two years left, why the rush?
However, let him stir up trouble!
He needed to figure out how to approach Chi Ge in the afternoon.
Also, where was the factory director going now? Would he be back for lunch?
If the factory director didn't return by the appointed time, should he continue to wait for the factory director, or should he go alone?
As Lü Ruya was contemplating, the factory director returned and went directly to his office.
"Director Lü, I have urgent business to attend to outside. If I don't return for lunch, you can go to Yiming Pavilion first and wait for Elder Chi. I'll make my own way there!"
Director Lü quickly agreed and put on a respectful demeanor as he saw the factory director out.
Although he also looked down on Director Lü's many petty thoughts, the factory director suddenly felt that Lü Ruya was much better than Ma Wanguo!
Ma Wanguo was very concerned about the factory director returning to Director Lü's office, but he didn't dare to openly eavesdrop.
He could only wait for the factory director to leave and then try to subtly ask Lü Ruya why the factory director had returned to find him.
Lü Ruya glanced at Ma Wanguo and said nothing!
At noon, Director Lü did not wait for the factory director and decided to go to Yiming Pavilion alone.
He had initially thought of eating lunch at the factory before going, but then he considered that if he was going to wait for someone at Yiming Pavilion, he couldn't go without eating.
With this in mind, he simply rode his bicycle and left.
Ma Wanguo had been keeping a close eye on Lü Ruya's movements. By almost noon, he hadn't seen any activity from Lü Ruya.
Thinking that it was almost time for lunch, Ma Wanguo let down his guard.
However, as he was eating a large piece of pork rib, he was surprised to find that Lü Ruya was not in the cafeteria.
He asked others and learned that Lü Ruya had left the factory before lunch.
At this, even the tenderly braised pork ribs lost their appeal.
This Lü Ruya was too cunning, sneaking away behind his back.
He wanted to find Lü Ruya, but once outside the factory gate, the roads were numerous and winding. Even if he wanted to find him, he couldn't!
In the end, Ma Wanguo could only swallow his frustration.
He originally thought that this meal was the most unappetizing meal he had ever eaten, but he later realized that it was the most enjoyable meal he would have for a long time to come.