Chapter 71: The Girlfriend's Inspection
Zhang Long's words were heavy with implication.
If the seasoned veterans present couldn't understand the subtext, they wouldn't have earned their stripes.
At that moment, Pan Qingfeng, the plant director who had been watching from the sidelines with a grim expression, patted Song Guangyuan on the shoulder.
"I'm telling you, Brother Song, take a good look at your company. What a mess you have here."
"Forget Liu Shang—even you or I wouldn't be able to get any work done in these conditions!"
"If I'm not mistaken, had Liu Shang not deliberately shown you this side of things today, you'd still be completely in the dark!"
"Alright, it was a coincidence that President Zhang and I ended up participating in this surprise inspection with you."
"We'll let it go this time. We'll just pretend we didn't see anything, since this wasn't the main purpose of our visit today."
"However, whether it's from a personal or a professional standpoint, your company, and especially this site, needs a thorough reorganization."
"You'd better make sure a situation like this never happens in front of me again. Otherwise, we will show no mercy!"
Seeing the stern finality in Pan Qingfeng's words, Song Guangyuan managed to squeeze out a wry smile and nodded his head repeatedly in assurance.
Pan Qingfeng then patted Liu Shang on the back. "Looks like you're going to be busy for the next few days."
He then turned back to Song Guangyuan. "As for Liu Shang, President Zhang and I are taking him with us. He'll stay at our factory tonight."
"Anyway, what comes next has little to do with him, and President Zhang and I have really taken a liking to this kid."
Without waiting for Liu Shang to respond, Pan Qingfeng and Zhang Zhengmao pulled him into their car and drove off.
After their car disappeared into the night, Song Guangyuan, who was already on the verge of collapse, finally exploded with rage. He roared:
"All work at this site is suspended, effective immediately!"
"Go and tell everyone from the company who's involved to gather for a meeting! Now!"
"From the warehouse to the ledgers, to the equipment, and even the finances—start a complete and thorough investigation!"
"If there's a problem, every single person involved, I don't care whose nephew or relative they are, will be dealt with severely!"
"Anyone who's done something wrong shouldn't even think about getting away!"
"I'll be right here with you tonight. *Nobody sleeps!*"
***
On the other side of the field, Pan Qingfeng, Zhang Zhengmao, Liu Shang, and others were seated in the factory's well-decorated private hall, a room typically used to entertain high-level leaders and distinguished guests.
A sumptuous dinner, easily rivaling those of the big restaurants in the city, was spread across the dining table, where several bottles of special-grade Moutai had already been placed.
Zhang Zhengmao looked at Liu Shang with a smile. "Liu Shang, I have to say, that move you pulled today shows a deep understanding of the art of corporate politics."
"Considering your actual age, it's all the more unbelievable."
"I'm a little curious now—what kind of family raises a kid like you?"
Hearing this, Pan Qingfeng and the others also laughed.
Pan Qingfeng, in particular, was open in his admiration for Liu Shang.
"President Zhang is absolutely right."
"My own son is several years older than Liu Shang."
"But compared to him? No, there's simply no comparison!"
"If my son were even half the man Liu Shang is, I'd be overjoyed."
Just then, the final dishes were served. An observant subordinate quietly began to pour wine for Pan Qingfeng, Zhang Zhengmao, and the other leaders. Naturally, Liu Shang was not overlooked.
At this point, Zhang Zhengmao asked the question that was on his mind, and especially on Pan Qingfeng's.
"Liu Shang, today's business is over."
"There are no outsiders here, we're all on the same side. You have to tell your Uncle Zhang, what's your take on this nine-well project?"
As he spoke, the lively atmosphere at the table quieted down considerably. Many held their breath and turned their gazes toward Liu Shang.
Liu Shang appeared perfectly at ease, smiling at Zhang Zhengmao and Pan Qingfeng.
"Since you've asked, Uncle Zhang, I'll be direct."
"In a few days, once President Song has dealt with the many problems on-site, our nine-well project will officially begin!"
"As for the results?"
"Hehe, if you trust me, I can promise you that I will deliver a surprising and very satisfactory answer."
As soon as they heard Liu Shang's words, everyone present felt like students hearing that they'd received top marks on an exam.
They were overjoyed, practically jumping for joy.
And Pan Qingfeng, who was the most invested in this matter, seemed particularly thrilled and excited.
He slammed his wine glass down on the table with force. "Okay! That's great!"
"Liu Shang, let me tell you, at our plant right now, we have absolute confidence in your skills and your word!"
"President Zhang can't go home today anyway, and it's the weekend. We must have a proper drink tonight."
"I, Pan Qingfeng, will be pouring myself. No one's going home sober tonight!"
Immediately, the atmosphere in the hall became extremely animated. Everyone was exchanging toasts and clinking glasses in a lively celebration.
And Liu Shang, as the man of the hour, was naturally the center of attention. He was so busy that he missed several text messages from Jiang Ruolin and failed to reply in time.
Consequently, Jiang Ruolin, who was getting worried, called him directly.
"Hello? Liu Shang, where are you?"
For some reason, the moment he heard Jiang Ruolin's voice, it was as if a wave of calm washed over him.
All the tension, fatigue, depression, and troubles of the day seemed to vanish.
"Hehe, I'm out drinking with some uncles. I won't be coming back to school tonight."
"Are you at home now?"
Jiang Ruolin had already heard the boisterous noise from the dinner party in the background.
At the same time, she was curious about these "uncles" Liu Shang mentioned.
From what she knew, Liu Shang didn't have any relatives in Fengcheng.
Inevitably, a hint of disappointment and dissatisfaction crept into her voice.
"So, tell me! Your girlfriend finally gets a chance to come home for the weekend, specifically to surprise you and spend time with you."
"And what happens? You have the nerve to go out partying without a word, and you didn't even tell me!"
Faced with such a playful accusation from Jiang Ruolin, Liu Shang could only apologize while sweetly coaxing her.
At this, Jiang Ruolin's tone softened. She gently reminded him to drink less and take care of himself. A few moments later, the two hung up the phone.
---
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