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The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife (351-355)
🕑 Added 2024-04-23 00:08:38 +0000 UTCChapter 351: Small Romance
Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu were washing dishes in the kitchen.
More accurately, Xiao Cheng was washing dishes while Bai Lu used a cloth to dry them and put them away.
"Acheng, are you still making that electric chestnut roasting machine?"
Xiao Cheng handed her the last dish and dried his hands. "What do you want?"
Bai Lu could sense a hint of annoyance in his tone. Selling so many electric roasting machines seemed to have depleted his enthusiasm.
If it hadn't been for her tricking him with the kids earlier, she wouldn't have known the true thoughts of the big boss regarding the electric roasting machine.
She couldn't recall anything from the night of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Whether it was due to jet lag or the hypnosis not being effective, she would fall asleep as soon as she tried to hypnotize herself.
When she woke up, she had slept soundly.
She still couldn't remember anything.
But, she figured nothing major had happened since Xiao Cheng's attitude towards her hadn't changed much from before.
Even if she had said something, he was such a smart person, he should understand implicitly.
To understand and then proceed to make the electric flipping chestnut machine the next day was indeed surprising to the clueless Bai Lu.
But she was also very happy about it.
After all, who wouldn't be happy about making money?
She must keep up the momentum: "Ah Cheng, don't you think we can open a factory and hire some of our own brothers to make and sell the electric roasting machine?"
In other words, she wanted him to teach more people how to make the machine and then sell it to even more people.
Making money and spreading love everywhere.
Xiao Cheng obviously wasn't pleased and had his reasons: "The brothers will be divided into two groups. They will go to fruit factories in other provinces to learn the technology. After they return, they will work as technical guides in the factory we open."
Bai Lu paused in her motion of wiping chopsticks. "You're sending them?"
"Mhmm." Xiao Cheng took the chopsticks and continued wiping.
"Have you already checked the market conditions?"
"Mhmm."
Bai Lu was shocked.
This guy was too smart!
Sending the brothers to learn the technology at fruit processing factories in other provinces under the guise of working there, then having them return to to provide technical guidance in the factory he opened, was a solid move.
He didn't even need to learn any new technology himself. He could just give the brothers the specifications of the factory machines, and he could find them at the machinery factory and compare their performance.
After all, he had a remarkable talent for understanding electrical appliances and could easily learn and apply new knowledge in this field.
With the technology in place, the machines available, and his connections well-established, setting up a factory and starting a business would be a breeze.
There was no need to compete fiercely outside, as he could truly develop his business in his hometown and prosper.
There was no need to worry about sales either, as he already had connections in the surrounding areas of Nan City. Whether selling within the province or outside, he had already paved the way for the future.
Getting rich was just around the corner!
How could he not be clever? He was simply a genius!
Bai Lu liked geniuses and especially admired those with an innate talent for business: "Ah Cheng!"
Xiao Cheng was about to leave when his fingers were caught and held by Bai Lu, soon turning into four fingers being held.
Soft and gentle.
Yet the strength was not small.
Like a little tail, following him out, relying on his fingers for strength.
"Ah Cheng, Ah Dai and the others will need some time to learn the technology at the fruit processing factory. How about we open a small factory to make the electric chestnut roaster machine first? Don't you still have other brothers in other counties... If you think it's not good to allocate time for Ah Dai and the others to learn, let other brothers come to the factory and learn from you how to make the electric chestnut roaster machine...
"Nowadays, most electrical appliances on the market are practical household appliances. Non-essential items like the electric chestnut roaster machine have not yet gained popularity.
"The machines from other provinces are definitely not available yet, and even if they are, they are in very limited quantities and not as lightweight and practical as yours.
"If we open a factory and produce the electric chestnut roaster machine, we can seize the market in both the mainland and other provinces, make the first small fortune, and provide more sufficient and secure development funds and operational funds for the future fruit processing factory."
Xiao Cheng poured two cups of tea, one for Bai Lu and one for himself, and sipped slowly.
"The proposal is good."
His tone showed no excitement.
Bai Lu took away his cup, along with the teapot, and her own cup. Holding her chin in her hands, her eyes sparkled as she coaxed him: "Ah Cheng, think about it, if we sell the electric flipping chestnut machine to more places, not only can we make a lot of money, but we can also spread romance everywhere...
"In the future, if someone asks about the origin of the electric chestnut roaster machine, everyone will know it's a gift you created for me.
"How romantic~"
Xiao Cheng looked at the bright and clear little stars in the girl's eyes, filled with expectation and a small expression.
He lightly lifted her chin with his long fingers. "Do you like romance?"
Bai Lu nodded eagerly like a little chicken pecking for food: "I like it, I like it, I like it as much as when you gave me the hairpin, so romantic~"
Talking about romance in such a simple and ordinary life might seem demanding, but there was now an opportunity to make money and enjoy romance at the same time. How could she miss it!
Adding a touch of romance to an ordinary and simple life would make it colorful and beautiful.
"What are you guys doing?"
With a creak, the door was pushed open.
Three figures sneaking a peek through the crack in the door, nearly bursting with excitement.
They stumbled in a few steps before steadying themselves.
The trio of eavesdroppers felt embarrassed and didn't dare to raise their heads. If they did, they would surely be killed a thousand times. They could only turn back: "Xiao Wei, why didn't you make a sound when you came back!"
"Squeak—"
"..."
"Cough! We won't hold it against you this time, but next time, remember to make more noise when you come back. Suddenly speaking from behind will scare us to death. After all, we're easily frightened!"
Xiao Wei stomped his feet forcefully. "I walked like that just now."
Xiao Dazhuang scratched his ear. "I might need to clean my ears. I got bitten by mosquitoes when we went hiking by the river the other night. It's been buzzing all day."
Wang Hao also shook his ear. "Buzzing."
Xiao Dazhuang was quite straightforward and went straight to Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, reporting, "Luo Shiliu and Wang Hao blocked the door and wouldn't let me open it, forcing me to join them."
Luo Shiliu: "..."
Wang Hao: "..."
Don't like to be friends with honest people!
Stabbing their brothers in the back every day!
So annoying!
"Good morning, big brother and sister-in-law. What important matters are you discussing? Have a cup of tea first to moisten your throat, and then we'll continue chatting." Luo Shiliu eagerly poured tea and water.
Wang Hao took out two big meat buns. "Have you had breakfast, big brother and sister-in-law? I just bought these meat buns on the way... uh, not brains! Meat meat meat buns. Try them! I asked him when I bought them, and he said he didn't want any."
Xiao Da Zhuang pulled out a cooked ear of corn. "I remember big sister-in-law likes corn. This ear of corn is from home. Have it."
Xiao Wei suspected that the trio only knew how to suck up to the big brother.
Chapter 352: Not Quitting
As expected.
Bai Lu smiled warmly and gestured for Xiao Dazhuang to sit down.
She took the corn from Xiao Dazhuang, peeled back a few leaves, and took a bite.
"It's delicious."
The oppressive atmosphere next to them immediately eased up.
Xiao Dazhuang felt relieved.
But Luo Shiliu and Wang Hao were still in hot water.
Not that they were suffering much, it was just like having a slight numbness from head to toe, like polio.
Fortunately, Bai Lu hadn't forgotten about them.
After a few bites of corn, she took the meat bun from Wang Hao and accepted the tea from Luo Sixteen.
"We've already had breakfast. Please, have a seat. Ah Cheng called you here to discuss work, and we were just talking about work."
The trio: "…"
Talking about work, getting so close, almost kissing…
Why did they feel a bit incredulous?
A cold glare silenced them.
Alright, whatever the big sister-in-law says!
Xiao Cheng took a sip of tea. "If you have your own plans, you can leave now. The road ahead will be tough and risky. I can't guarantee that you'll become wealthy."
As soon as Xiao Dazhuang, Luo Shiliu, and Wang Hao sat down, they jumped up as if pricked by needles. Xiao Dazhuang was stunned, and their eyes widened like cow's eyes.
"Big brother and sister-in-law haven't made up yet?"
"The night before last, we were by the river all night, feeding mosquitoes! Shed blood with big brother! Drank a bellyful of alcohol with big brother! Hasn't the misunderstanding been cleared up yet?"
"How terrifying of a misunderstanding could it be! If necessary, let us help out a bit, okay?"
Bai Lu finally understood why Xiao Cheng had become irritable after returning from another province the night before last.
The big boss had been exposed, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot, as deep as the sea, wanting to punch someone.
"I'm asking you a question."
If they kept blabbering, they'd be sent straight to the western heavens.
"We're not quitting." Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao shook their heads like bobbleheads simultaneously.
It wasn't that they were afraid of Xiao Cheng.
They had never even considered quitting in the first place.
Over the years, they had traveled with Xiao Cheng to cities big and small, seen all kinds of places.
They knew about all sorts of industry secrets, corruption, dirty deals, and exploitation that ordinary people wouldn't know about.
Money wasn't easy to come by.
Their recent trip to sell fir trees in another province had shown them that the market there was similar to their hometown's. In cities with better economies, the waters were even deeper.
There was more scheming and competition.
They had seen people at the Nan City train station carrying bulging bags, heading out to work with rice and oil.
They had also seen people return with the same bags, carrying toothbrushes, cups, and other items in plastic buckets, eager to rush home.
Who would willingly leave their hometown to earn a few pieces of silver elsewhere?
The outside world might be beautiful, with prosperous skyscrapers and impoverished beggars under bridges.
But who could guarantee that they wouldn't end up among the beggars?
Luo Shiliu' grandfather was getting old.
After a lifetime of hard work, his body couldn't keep up anymore. He suffered from back pain, rheumatism, and arthritis from time to time. The only thing he hoped for in his twilight years was that his descendants would live comfortably without worries about food and clothing.
Even more so, he hoped to have family by his side in his old age.
He wanted to depart without regrets.
Luo Shiliu understood his grandfather's wishes.
Xiao Dazhuang had a simple reason for not wanting to leave either – he only had his mother.
Growing up as an orphan with no one to rely on, Liang Lixia had raised Xiao Dazhuang with great difficulty. Except for occasional help from his younger brother, her income came from repairing shoes on the street.
Recently, under Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu's guidance, Xiao Dazhuang had made money by teaching candied chestnut classes. He wanted Liang Lixia to stop working on the shoe repair stand, as it was hard work and she often got pricked by needles.
However, Liang Lixia insisted that in their town, there were rich and poor people, and not everyone could afford new shoes anytime they wanted.
With only their shoe repair stand in town, if she didn't work, what would people do when their shoes broke and they couldn't afford new ones?
She used to repair shoes to make a living, but now she did it to provide a place for old friends to stay when they visited.
Liang Lixia didn't have big dreams; she just hoped Xiao Dazhuang could work hard alongside Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu.
If her son made big money, she would make small money. Every penny saved would be left for her future grandchildren to buy candy.
Xiao Dazhuang didn't want children, he just wanted to work hard and give his mother a good life.
At Wang Hao's home, his father was bedridden, his mother's vision was declining, and there was a newborn baby and Chen Chunli.
Developing in their hometown was the most suitable and desired thing for him. It was the luckiest choice he could hope for.
All three of them were grown men, so didn't they have any dreams or ambitions?
Of course, they did.
But being able to achieve their dreams in their hometown, with the company of their loved ones and friends, was the best scenario.
"Have you guys thought it through?"
Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, and Xiao Dazhuang were jolted back to reality by Bai Lu's hearty call. They nodded vigorously.
"We've thought it through!"
"We've never considered quitting!"
"We want to eat spicy sticks and meat together with sister-in-law and big brother!"
Xiao Wei was eating the meat bun Bai Lu had given him when he suddenly froze. Who wanted to compete with him for spicy sticks?
Spicy sticks were clearly occasional snacks that sister-in-law secretly bought for him behind big brother's back. How did they become big brother's? How did following big brother mean there were spicy sticks to eat?
Was Luo Shiliu suffering from early-onset senility?
"What nonsense are you spouting?" Xiao Cheng wanted to reward Luo Shiliu with a cold tea to wake him up.
He was ruining his reputation with his constant nonsense.
"What? Isn't it true?" Luo Shiliu had a look of innocence, but there was a smirk in his eyes. "When we were kids, you lured me away with a bag of spicy sticks, and I've been following you down this path ever since…"
Finally, the lid of the teacup couldn't hold back and flew off.
"Nonsense!"
Luo Shiliu, who had anticipated this, caught it accurately. "Don't be so irritable, big brother, big sister-in-law is here~"
Bai Lu pursed her lips to hold back her laughter.
It was better to pretend she didn't exist.
If she hadn't seen Xiao Cheng's memories, she might have been fooled by Luo Shiliu's "truth."
Clearly, it was Luo Shiliu who chased after Xiao Cheng with the spicy sticks.
He insisted on treating Xiao Cheng to them.
Xiao Cheng didn't like greasy food, so he always ignored Luo Shiliu, who chased after him with the snacks. Luo Shiliu tried to cajole Xiao Cheng into eating them, and Xiao Cheng reluctantly tasted a little.
That's how Luo Shiliu got him hooked.
Who knew what was going on in his mind? Even after licking his wounds together, he still acted carefree. Every time Xiao Cheng took a bite of the spicy sticks, Luo Shiliu begged for a cold tea.
At happy times, there was even a slipper.
After countless rejections, Xiao Cheng was fed up and took a small bite.
That's when Luo Shiliu truly became his follower.
Chapter 353: Working Style Dog Food
The content of this conversation was straightforward.
The next development was outlined, the business blueprint unfolded step by step, and all parties were in place.
They were ready to receive tasks from the big shots.
"Shiliu, accompany the convoy from Xiao's Village to the docks, ensure smooth sailing, and solve any problems on the spot."
The distance from Xiao's Village to Jiang Zhengang's dock was not short.
The route was mixed, with village and city roads, both main and hidden paths, and occasional encounters with pedestrians.
Luo Shiliu was well-informed, familiar with the routes, eloquent, and adept at handling problems.
His style of handling things was similar to Xiao Cheng's – decisive when making decisions, never resorting to violence when words could suffice, but ruthless when necessary.
He wouldn't let himself be taken advantage of.
Luo Shiliu was the most suitable candidate to accompany the convoy.
"No problem, I know those brats by the roadside very well. If they don't listen, I'll just blow their heads off with some spicy rabbit!" Luo Shiliu cracked his knuckles, a sly smile on his lips.
Then he asked, "I'll only be handling the water route. Who's handling the land route?"
His tone was slightly displeased, as if someone had the audacity to take half the credit for his work.
Xiao Cheng calmly replied, "Ah Wen."
Any impulse Luo Shiliu had to argue for his position instantly vanished.
Ah Wen drove trucks for relatives, transporting goods around the city and beyond, with a wealth of experience.
He had passed through various checkpoints multiple times.
He was indeed a suitable candidate.
Xiao Cheng continued, "Haozi and Dazhuang will oversee the establishment, teaching, and supervision of the electric chestnut roasting machine factory, ensuring the completion of tasks and normal trade through external sales channels."
As soon as these words fell, not only Wang Hao and Xiao Dazhuang were stunned, but Bai Lu, who was munching on corn, also paused in surprise.
This allocation...
It had some relevance to the future blueprint and implementation steps discussed earlier.
It wasn't completely irrelevant!
Earlier, Xiao Cheng hadn't mentioned anything about setting up the electric chestnut roasting machine factory, and Bai Lu had thought he disagreed. She was preparing to continue persuading him after he finished discussing work.
Unexpectedly, he agreed without any warning.
He was spreading romance across the land!
He actually agreed!
At this moment, Bai Lu had a very bold and unrestrained thought – she really wanted to kiss Xiao Cheng.
To express her joy and surprise.
But when she saw the serious and focused work face of the man, his unquestionable authority, her unrestrained thoughts turned into a desire to work seriously with him and discuss business.
"As for the electric chestnut roasting machine factory, can't we just let Haozi take a few brothers to manage the factory town? Dazhuang can go to the countryside to oversee the quality of fruits."
"The villagers are frugal and don't waste any fruit. Even if the fruit is a little overripe, they are reluctant to throw it away."
"But exporting fruits requires strict quality control. Any substandard products could ruin our reputation on the first shipment, making it difficult to recover in the future. We want to do long-term business, so we need to establish quality and reputation from the beginning."
"Dazhuang's personality is straightforward and sincere. He will explain to the villagers the reasons behind the quality control measures. Whether they believe it or not, Dazhuang will explain, and the explanation will form the necessary work content in his mind."
"As long as someone questions the quality control, he will explain, no matter who it is."
"He will explain tirelessly and won't be swayed by anyone."
"Honest people don't care if you listen or not."
"He's the kind of person who won't care if you're related to him or not – whether you're his cousin, aunt, or grandfather, it doesn't matter. The standard is the standard."
"He only fulfills his duty."
"He executes the standard rules without fail."
Xiao Cheng glanced at the obedient Xiao Dazhuang, nodded slightly, and agreed with Bai Lu's suggestion.
"Dazhuang, go to Xiao's Village to oversee the quality."
Xiao Dazhuang immediately nodded. "Understood! Thank you, Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law, for your trust. I will work hard to fulfill my duties and not disappoint your trust!"
Bai Lu chuckled softly. "Very good, keep it up."
After saying that, she continued to eat her corn.
Xiao Cheng turned to Wang Hao and continued, "After I teach you how to make the electric chestnut roasting machine, let Ah Dai choose a few people to go with you. You can assign the roles yourself."
Wang Hao had already taught Candied chestnut making before, so doing something similar would be easy for him. "No problem!"
"We've already assigned the tasks within the province, but what about outside the province? Ah Dai and the others will go to the factory to learn, but someone has to oversee the handover of fruits and the factory. Who will it be?"
Luo Shiliu's question received unanimous agreement from everyone, and they all looked at Xiao Cheng.
All eyes were on Xiao Cheng, but he ignored them, focusing his gaze on the girl beside him, nibbling on corn.
"No need to worry."
Wow!
Following the husband's lead!
Even discussing work is like spreading a ton of dog food!
Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, Xiao Dazhuang, and even Xiao Wei were overwhelmed with dog food.
Only Bai Lu was puzzled, because when she met Xiao Cheng's gaze, he had already looked away.
All she could see was his cold and serious profile.
A serious attitude towards work.
They say people who work seriously are the most charming, and Bai Lu fully agreed with this sentiment.
"Ah Cheng, how many brothers do you plan to send to the electric chestnut roasting machine factory?"
Xiao Cheng lightly held the teacup. "Five. Once they've learned, we can hire more people later."
After thinking for a moment, Bai Lu nodded. "Five is indeed enough, but there are only thirty brothers going to learn. Will it be enough? Let's add another twenty?"
Minus five, add twenty!
Big sister-in-law understands math...
Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao's faces twitched as they silently awaited the big boss's response.
Should, perhaps, probably refuse, right?
After all, the people learning the technology are aiming to be smart and quick learners, not just in numbers.
But the big boss chose to go against the grain. Not only did he not refuse Bai Lu, he even asked her, "Who do you want to add?"
Bai Lu already had an idea in mind and spoke eloquently, "The villagers from Xiao's Village."
"In the future, when we start the fruit factory, we will definitely need to recruit our own people to manage it, to avoid being manipulated by outsiders and facing collective strikes due to lack of replacements."
"Thirty brothers are indeed enough for technical guidance, but if the workers go on strike collectively, thirty technical guides won't be enough to keep production lines running smoothly. Failure to deliver orders on time due to reputation damage can lead to difficulties in collecting final payments and affect subsequent order transactions..."
Chapter 354: Overwhelmed
Having experienced countless lifetimes, Bai Lu was well-versed in knowledge that Luo Shiliu and the others had never encountered. Each piece of information she shared was listened to attentively by everyone.
Even Xiao Wei, who was munching on a meat bun, paused his chewing, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Bai Lu.
Xiao Cheng's gaze remained fixed on the serious expression on the girl's face as she shared her insights.
She said, "When we establish the fruit factory, we will definitely need to recruit a large number of workers. Even for a factory with only a hundred employees, half of them should be our own people, ready to fill in for any sudden situations. Technical guidance should be provided to familiarize every worker with their position on the production line, enabling them to double their efforts when necessary."
"This will help the factory overcome difficulties during the recruitment period and stabilize production and timely delivery of orders."
"Xiao family members and our brothers are all our own people. From the work completed during this period, it's evident that they are diligent, hardworking, and earnest learners, without resorting to trickery or deceit. They are the most suitable candidates."
Bai Lu finished speaking and then realized that everyone was looking at her.
Those shining eyes resembled gold miners discovering a large nugget of gold, their eyes dazzled by the brilliance.
Feeling a bit awkward, she asked, "What's wrong with you guys? Is there anything you don't understand?"
Wang Hao shook his head, "No!"
Xiao Dazhuang nodded, "Big Sister-in-law's reasoning is very sound!"
Luo Shiliu praised Bai Lu with a thumbs-up, "Big Sister-in-law has thought of all the problems we hadn't considered and found the correct and reasonable solutions. Impressive!"
Xiao Wei, with a face full of admiration, swallowed the now tasteless meat bun. "Big Sister-in-law is so amazing!"
Although he only understood the general content, he knew that Sister-in-law had once again proposed a very correct and reasonable idea.
But seeing the fiery gaze with which Big Brother was looking at Big Sister-in-law, he knew that everything she said must be right!
Every word must make perfect sense!
Otherwise, Big Brother wouldn't look at Big Sister-in-law like this. It was a very special look, different from the one he had when he hugged Big Sister-in-law every time he came home.
It was very, very special.
Xiao Wei didn't understand what made it special, but it must be because Big Sister-in-law was very powerful that Big Brother would have such a look.
In his memory, he had never seen Big Brother look at anyone with this kind of gaze, not even Luo Shiliu and the others.
Without a doubt, Xiao Cheng agreed with Bai Lu's suggestion, "I'll go with your plan."
Xiao Cheng, after all, was opening a factory for the first time. Although he had gathered a lot of information beforehand, there might still be some oversights, especially since he had never experienced a collective strike.
The only time was when he and Luo Sixteen, Xiao Dazhuang, Wang Hao, and Xiao Zhongbiao entered a sweatshop.
Rebelling against the oppression and exploitation of the boss, they taught him a lesson and then left with their money.
To agree so unequivocally with Bai Lu's proposal showed his complete trust and sincerity towards her.
Understanding his intentions, Bai Lu blinked and smiled at him, "Boss Xiao's insight is sharp, making decisions decisively."
Xiao Cheng was slightly embarrassed by the compliment, his lips curling slightly, "Boss's wife has a broad understanding, grasping the overall situation and focusing on key points."
Overwhelmed, overwhelmed!
Spreading dog food again, making it impossible for anyone to live!
Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, Xiao Dazhuang, and even Xiao Wei felt overwhelmed with dog food.
Only Bai Lu was puzzled because when she met Xiao Cheng's gaze, he had already looked away.
All she could see was his cold and serious profile.
A serious attitude towards work.
They say people who work seriously are the most charming, and Bai Lu fully agreed with this sentiment.
"Brother Cheng, why would employees go on strike collectively?" asked Luo Sixteen, representing everyone, as he broke through the wall of pink bubbles.
Wang Hao nodded vigorously in agreement, "Cheng Ge definitely wouldn't resort to those methods, and we wouldn't manage the employees in such a life-threatening way. So why would they go on strike collectively?"
Xiao Dazhuang also didn't understand but nodded in agreement.
The three of them were thinking that if they could identify the reasons, they could nip the signs of a strike in the bud.
This was their consistent way of doing things on the streets.
You couldn't let threats hang over your head. You had to snuff out the threat in its infancy.
Xiao Cheng was obviously curious about this issue as well, his gaze returning to Bai Lu's face.
Xiao Wei also leaned on his hand, waiting for Big Sister-in-law to teach them again.
The reason for a collective strike was actually not complicated, and Bai Lu believed that Xiao Cheng and Luo Shiliu and the others could also think of it, but because they hadn't experienced it, they weren't as certain as she was.
"Human nature is hard to predict... For poor families, finding a job to support their families is naturally cherished, and they work hard to live a good life."
"But not everyone thinks like this. Even among people from similar poor backgrounds, due to various factors such as their upbringing, there are differences between those who are diligent and those who are lazy. Not everyone is down-to-earth, and there are always some who are lazy and scheming, wanting to reap the benefits without working hard."
"They form cliques in the factory, organize collective strikes when orders need to be rushed, demand pay raises, or extort money. It's one of their means of getting something for nothing."
At this point, Bai Lu explained further, "Not all employees are like this; most of them are diligent and conscientious workers. Lazy people are in the minority, but when a few of them gather in one place, they become a force to be reckoned with, and if not careful, they can ruin the factory's reputation."
After listening, Luo Shiliu and the others finally understood.
They also admired Bai Lu's insight into human nature and her extraordinary attention to detail.
Since they couldn't prevent it in advance, they would make sure to be fully prepared, to resist when necessary, and to adapt when challenges arose.
Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu's wise and clear eyes and reached out to refill her cup with tea.
"Please continue, Lady Boss."
Bai Lu almost choked on her tea, not blaming her for drinking too quickly, but rather for the boss unexpectedly being so considerate while discussing serious matters.
Luo Shiliu and Wang Hao expressed that they were no longer surprised.
Xiao Dazhuang agreed.
Lady Boss must still have many good ideas and insights to share. He should finish his tea slowly.
Doing business step by step, every detail, big or small, must be well managed. They could wait.
Brother Cheng could definitely wait.
However, Bai Lu felt that Xiao Cheng had already planned the broad direction for the future very well and compreh
ensively.
There was no need to add anything else.
But Xiao Cheng asked her, "Do you have any reminders for Ah Dai and the others when they go to study at the factories in other provinces?"
Bai Lu carefully analyzed his words and seemed to have grasped his point.
She understood what he meant.
Chapter 355: Joining Forces
After all, it was their first time leaving the province to work in a factory.
The outside world was vast, with towering skyscrapers and dazzling lights, making it tempting to linger.
However, loyalty would keep them adhering to their principles, remembering that learning was only a task, and the ultimate goal was to return home.
But they lacked the eagerness to return home.
Yearning would prevent them from being lost in the flashy world, keeping them from feeling reluctant to leave.
They wouldn't leave with their hearts elsewhere, still wanting to turn back.
After pondering for a moment, Bai Lu spoke up, "We can offer an additional salary to our brothers and the Xiao family members."
"Doesn't the factory already provide them with salaries?" asked Wang Hao in confusion.
Luo Shiliu also looked puzzled, "Why do we need to offer an additional salary?"
Xiao Dazhuang: "???"
Xiao Wei saw everyone's puzzled expressions, and his own face gradually mirrored theirs.
But in the next moment, he saw his big brother's completely normal expression and stopped abruptly.
If big brother didn't have any questions, he shouldn't have any either.
If he didn't understand, he should wait for Sister-in-law to explain.
Bai Lu didn't tease them this time. After taking a sip of tea, she explained, "The salary provided by the factory is the rightful compensation for the labor our brothers put in. It's just and reasonable.
"Regardless of whether we ask our brothers to work in the factory, they will receive salaries for their work.
"The additional salary we offer to our brothers is unrelated to the factories in other provinces. It's a commission paid by our fruit factory to them for going to study technology. This will instill in them a sense of belonging. They won't just be working in other provinces; they'll be learning skills for our fruit factory.
"It's us paying them to learn technology. They will always remember that they belong to us, and we are their true leaders.
"Working is just working. Their ultimate destination is with us and our fruit factory."
Everyone was stunned.
Their eyes widened, filled with astonishment as they looked at Bai Lu.
How could she be so knowledgeable?
This time, their brothers would definitely study diligently, with their minds completely swayed by the boss's wife.
Bai Lu continued, "When our brothers and the Xiao family members set off, we'll arrange for a dedicated car to pick up their relatives, spouses... and take them to the station to bid farewell.
"If they leave reluctantly, they'll remember where their true home is, what's in their home, their relatives, their loved ones, their friends. No matter how far they go, they'll always have a heavy heart...
"They'll never forget the way back home."
The brothers were all young people. Even if they didn't have spouses, they had close relatives. Even if they didn't have close relatives, they had relatives.
They had friends, after all, they were not alone.
Their hearts were firmly held, with no longing for anywhere else, no attachment—none!
Their only yearning was for home.
Their deepest attachment was to home.
Yearning for home would only lead them to the warmest place!
At this moment, Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, and Xiao Dazhuang were not just amazed by Bai Lu; they were filled with admiration.
Seeing Xiao Cheng calmly holding a cup of tea, strategizing and making decisive decisions, they respected him even more!
Xiao Cheng could win people over, and Bai Lu could make people yearn for home. When these two joined forces, it was an unstoppable combination!
They would sweep through everything, soaring to new heights!
Overcoming all obstacles and surpassing all challenges!
In this economic stronghold where no one could resist, they would carve out their own economic territory.
After all decisions and plans were finalized, and all detailed guidelines were established, there was a knock at the door.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
The truck transport team had arrived.
Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, Wang Hao, and even Xiao Wei all walked out with a spring in their steps, full of energy.
There was no confusion or hesitation when entering the room.
A bright future awaited them, and they were about to set off with their big brother and sister-in-law!
"Where are the red envelopes?"
"I gave them to you."
Big brother and sister-in-law were still looking for the red envelopes.
Bai Lu rummaged through her pockets, "I don't have any."
"If I remember correctly, today is also the start date for the construction of our new home. The construction workers' team must have already arrived and is waiting outside. I remember we're supposed to give them a red envelope to start work, just like we did when we built Aunt Wu's new house last time. And cigarettes, we need to give those too. Where did you put them?"
"You're right." Xiao Cheng confirmed her answer and then said, "The red envelopes are in the drawer."
The red envelopes were packed together by the two of them in the morning, half for the construction team and half for the truck team.
The cigarettes too.
Last time, when Zhang San brought the accounts to Bai Lu in the new town, she asked him to bring them back. They were all placed in the drawer.
Xiao Cheng hadn't taken them out. They had packed the red envelopes in the morning, and Bai Lu saw that none were missing from the drawer.
And now, none were missing.
"Why didn't you remind me to take them out? The construction team and the truck team must be waiting anxiously. It's all your fault..."
Bai Lu checked if there were any empty red envelopes while muttering.
Xiao Cheng lightly pursed his lips, a faint smile appearing on his face, as he casually picked up the pink knitted jacket hanging on the back of the chair.
Sitting in the car and driving through the countryside, there was a breeze blowing.
The construction team had indeed arrived. They must have arrived not long ago and knew that Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu had guests, so they didn't come to disturb.
They waited for a while at the old house.
When Bai Lu came out, she distributed the red envelopes for starting work and a pack of cigarettes to each person.
The uncles smiled warmly at Bai Lu. They didn't dare to say much. After all, the big shots were still watching under the big tree, ready to intervene if needed.
Then, they could go and have their boxed lunch.
The construction team was the same one that had built Aunt Wu's new house last time, and there were indeed two female workers in the team.
They didn't smoke and wanted to politely refuse the cigarettes Bai Lu offered, but Bai Lu said they could give them to their husbands.
With grateful smiles, they accepted.
Bai Lu also gave a red envelope to Wang Cuihua, after all, she had been buying groceries and cooking without asking for anything in return. Consider it as wages.
"Bai Lu, you're so kind. I knew you wouldn't abandon me..." Wang Cuihua, being rewarded by her savior, was deeply moved and wanted to express her endless gratitude.
"Enough!"
Bai Lu blocked the incoming White Flower with one hand, "We're going out, and I don't want to hear anything unpleasant."
"Okay, then. I wish you a smooth journey."
With joy, Wang Cuihua held the red envelope and decisively turned away.
Bai Lu's lips twitched slightly. She also turned away decisively and went to distribute the red envelopes to the truck drivers.
The drivers had already learned from Xiao Dazhuang that the beautiful girl giving them red envelopes was Xiao Cheng's wife.
When they saw Bai Lu coming towards them with red envelopes, they all got off the car and waited respectfully. No one dared to be negligent.
Accepting red envelopes while sitting in the car would be impolite, and accepting red envelopes from the sister-in-law while sitting in the car would be even more disrespectful.
Since sister-in-law was reasonable, they couldn't be rude.
"Thank you, sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law, you're too polite..."
"You've all worked hard on this journey." Bai Lu smiled and responded, distributing the red envelopes and then the cigarettes.
Finally, amidst everyone's farewell gazes, Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng got into Xiao Cheng's car.
Xiao Wei also got in.
Although the truck was large, the driver's cab could only accommodate four people, so there was no private space. Therefore, Xiao Cheng naturally took one car for himself, only carrying Bai Lu and Xiao Wei.
