The next time she woke up, it was already bright outside. The spot beside her was empty. Chen Lishu glanced at her watch; it was already seven o'clock.
Getting up, she prepared to check on the two little ones. As she reached the nursery door, she saw two small figures gathered around the crib.
Gu Xingdong: "Xiao Cheng, call me Daddy, Daddy."
Xiao Chengzi looked at the man in front of him, opened his small mouth, and very obligingly called out, "Mama."
Gu Xingdong frowned, "It's Daddy, not Mama. Say Daddy."
Xiao Chengzi insisted, "Mama, Mama!"
Rui Rui, standing on tiptoe, said a bit anxiously, "Daddy, Xiao Cheng probably doesn't remember you after you've been away for so long. Let him call me Gege. I've been teaching him every day."
Gu Xingdong flicked his forehead with his fingers, saying unhappily, "I am his father. You haven't forgotten me, have you?"
Rui Rui clutched his forehead, feeling a little wronged. He was already so old, and Xiao Chengzi was only a few months old.
Chen Lishu stepped forward, "What are you two doing here so early in the morning?"
Gu Xingdong said with some frustration, "I've been calling him Daddy all morning. But he hasn't made any progress."
Chen Lishu couldn't help but feel amused.
"Oh, right. Rui Rui told me you were taking the children to the zoo? I have to go to the transport station today, so I won't be able to accompany you. After breakfast, I'll take you to the entrance of the zoo, and pick you up in the afternoon."
"Okay," Chen Lishu nodded.
After breakfast, Gu Xingdong took them to the zoo and then left for the transport station.
The equipment had arrived. Gu Xingdong called the company and arranged for vehicles and personnel to transport the two newly purchased pieces of equipment to the construction site.
Ding Chen and Liu Yang were off work and also went to the site. They were quite shocked when they saw the equipment being delivered.
The two pieces of equipment Gu Xingdong purchased this time were a tower crane and a double-shaft concrete mixer. Both were the most advanced construction equipment domestically. Although the price was not cheap, the benefits were obvious: they would significantly save labor and greatly shorten the construction period.
Ding Chen: "Brother San, with these two pieces of equipment, our construction company's business capabilities will improve significantly. We won't be much different from those state-owned construction companies in the province."
"I just checked the markings. This equipment is imported, isn't it? That must have cost quite a bit. Dong Ge, you're truly amazing, absolutely incredible," Liu Yang couldn't help but admire. He was involved in machinery himself and was sure that this equipment was rarely seen in China at the moment.
Gu Xingdong: "To do a good job, one must first sharpen his tools. But from now on, maintenance and repair will all depend on you."
Since the equipment was imported, there was no after-sales service to speak of. Except for minor issues that they could repair themselves, any insurmountable faults would require them to spend a lot of money to hire engineers from the supplier company.
Liu Yang was also unsure, but he nodded and said, "I'll do my best."
...
In the Municipal Office, Yu Guofeng was in a meeting.
In addition to serving as Mayor, he also held the position of Director of the Development Office. Since the year before last, he had seconded personnel from the Housing Bureau, Construction Bureau, and other departments to develop the initial housing built after the city's reform and opening up.
Jiangpan Garden was one of the earliest development projects.
The government planned to renovate the old and dilapidated residential buildings in the western part of the city, covering an area of approximately seven hundred thousand square meters. The development would be planned and divided into sections according to time periods.
After explaining everything, Yu Guofeng sternly added, "The work of demolition and resettlement must be done properly. The demolition office must also strengthen its management. Anyone who uses intimidation or violent means, causing serious damage to the government's image, will be severely punished without leniency!"
...
In a private room at the Huaxia Hotel, besides Gao Mingyuan, there were two other people sitting opposite him: Jiang Huaijin, the director of the Demolition Office, and Director Du Runhai of the Construction Bureau.
"It is my honor to be able to invite Director Du," Gao Mingyuan raised the wine glass in front of him and respectfully toasted Director Du.
"Haha, President Gao is known for his modesty and competence. I have heard about you for a long time," Du Runhai symbolically raised his wine glass.
"Director Du, I have already introduced your situation to him. The urban planning in the west this time is not a small project. Once it goes out for public bidding, the few construction companies in the city will not let go of this opportunity. Not to mention others, but the strength of the Provincial Construction Engineering Company and the Municipal Construction Company One is stronger than your Pengcheng Construction Company."
Jiang Huaijin said, giving Gao Mingyuan a meaningful glance.
At Du Runhai's level, there were many people who flattered and gave gifts. If he didn't see tangible benefits, he wouldn't help for free.
Gao Mingyuan clearly understood this principle, and besides, he had invited them out this time specifically to "give gifts."
"Here is a contract. Director Du, please take a look."
Du Runhai took the contract and read it. A slight change appeared on his face.
What Gao Mingyuan gave him was a contract for dry shares in Pengcheng Construction Company.
"Director Jiang has already given me a general overview of your company's situation. Based on your current assets and performance, I don't think your chances of winning the bid are high."
Du Runhai's pupils contracted when he saw the ten percent figure.
Based on the scale of this project, even if only the first phase was undertaken, the profit would be at least several million yuan.
Ten percent would be one hundred thousand yuan!
Du Runhai: "Performance and other matters can be discussed. As for funding, we can consider government or other state-owned companies helping to guarantee bank loans."
Bank reviews were very strict at this time, and they rarely lent to private enterprises for fear of non-repayment.
However, with a guarantee, it was different.
As the matter was not yet certain, Du Runhai only hinted at it. As for other things, it depended on how capable Gao Mingyuan was.
...
The three children had a great time at the zoo. They were still reluctant to leave when Gu Xingdong came to pick them up a little after two in the afternoon.
The day after returning from the zoo, Rui Rui went to school as usual, while Chen Lishu prepared to check on the situation at the shop.
Not long after arriving at the shop, she saw Liu Mingliang, the president of the Youth Association, and another person entering from outside, holding a banner.
Liu Mingliang: "Comrade Chen, the supplies you donated have been successfully delivered to the disaster-stricken areas and the people supporting education. They have all sent letters of thanks. Our Youth Association has specially made a banner for you."
Another staff member added, "The district Labor Association has also awarded you a certificate."
Chen Lishu was surprised to receive a banner and a certificate. She felt both happy and excited. On the bright red banner were inscribed the eight characters 'Loving Donation, Boundless True Affection.' The certificate read 'Advanced Individual Laborer.'
These honors were not easily obtained.
Moreover, people at this time had a strong sense of honor. Things like outstanding collectives, advanced individuals, etc., were solid reputations.