93: Chapter 93 The Soybean Factory Gets a New Look

Come to think of it, although he had known Li Dakang for quite some time, the two had never eaten a meal together. He had extended invitations a few times during the two previous road construction projects, but they had all been politely declined.

In fact, it wasn't just Gao Qiqiang. The truth was, in the more than half a year that Li Dakang had been in Guantian Township, he hadn't eaten privately with many people unless it was for official business. This led many to mistakenly believe he disliked being wined and dined, but that wasn't the case at all.

Facing the invitation, Li Dakang smiled and declined, "Boss Gao, I'm sorry, I have things to attend to today and really don't have the time."

Gao Qiqiang felt inevitably disappointed, but what Li Dakang said next gave him hope, "When these schools are completed and pass inspection, you'll have to invite me to dinner, no excuses."

"Secretary Li, when that time comes, I will personally invite you to attend the group's celebration banquet!" Gao Qiqiang said excitedly.

"Mm, I'll look forward to that day."

Li Dakang responded with a smile, and the two walked toward the construction site while talking.

They carefully observed the workers' operating procedures and discussed every detail in depth.

Li Dakang reminded him earnestly, "Although we are rushing to meet the deadline, safety must be the top priority. This is an absolute prerequisite; there must be no safety accidents."

"If you don't have enough manpower, hire more. Use two or three shifts if necessary. Just don't let a moment of negligence cause irreparable loss."

"Secretary Li, rest assured!" Gao Qiqiang replied hastily.

"I emphasize this at every weekly meeting and have several of my capable subordinates watching the site; I wouldn't dare slack off even a little."

"I myself also go back and forth between the various school construction sites every day to ensure everything is foolproof."

Li Dakang nodded with satisfaction, "If you encounter any difficulties that require me to step in, tell me in time, and I will do my best to support you."

Hearing this, Gao Qiqiang scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, "Secretary Li, there is actually one thing I would like to trouble you with."

"Oh? What is it? Go ahead," Li Dakang asked with concern.

"It's just that we've spread ourselves too thin, and our group is having some problems with capital turnover," Gao Qiqiang said awkwardly.

"Do you think you could provide some support in this regard?"

"No problem," Li Dakang agreed readily.

"I'll have the township transfer one million to your account within the next two days, and the remaining funds will be disbursed after the project is completed and passes inspection."

"Thank you so much, Secretary Li!" Gao Qiqiang was so excited he nearly jumped up.

Li Dakang waved his hand, "If you want to thank someone, thank yourself. Remember, safety and quality are the most important. As long as you can ensure these two points, I will support you as always."

"Yes! Secretary Li! Rest assured! I will definitely put your instructions into practice!" Gao Qiqiang promised solemnly.

"That's good. You go ahead and get busy; I have other things to do and will come back when I have time."

Afterwards, Li Dakang set off for Zhengjia Village.

Come to think of it, it had been a while since Li Dakang had been to the Bean Products Factory.

The factory had long since changed its appearance, having moved into a brand-new, modern facility. A pair of imposing stone lions stood on either side of the grand gate, and a straight cement road led deep into the factory grounds, with every corner exuding the vigorous vitality of the enterprise.

With the expansion of production scale, there were many more workers in the factory, and a security department had been specially established. The Police Station personnel who had originally been stationed at the factory had withdrawn, and the factory was now fully responsible for its own security.

The security guard on duty in the guardroom saw a black Santana driving slowly from afar. In this era, those who could drive a Santana were mostly people of status, so it was already eye-catching.

However, the security guard had seen plenty; business owners came to the factory to discuss business in an endless stream, and he had even seen cars better than this, so he didn't think much of it.

Just as he was about to step forward to ask about their purpose, the passenger-side window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.

"Director Zheng! It's you!" the security guard greeted warmly.

Zheng Shijun was the communications officer for the Township Party Committee Secretary, Li Dakang. Having accompanied Li Dakang to various occasions, there was no one in the township who didn't know him.

Moreover, he was originally from Zhengjia Village, and his father, Village Party Secretary Zheng Yaoxian, was the village party secretary.

Although this security guard was from a neighboring village, he was also very familiar with Zheng Shijun.

"Mm, Secretary Li is here to visit the factory today. Are the factory leaders all here?" Zheng Shijun asked, leaning forward slightly.

"They are, they are!"

The security guard replied, unable to help but glance toward the back seat of the car.

"Good, open the gate," Zheng Shijun nodded.

The security guard hurriedly pressed the button to open the electric gate, watched the Santana slowly drive into the factory grounds, and then ran back to the guardroom in two or three steps, grabbed the phone, and called the factory office: "Quick! Secretary Li is here!"

At this moment, the leadership team of the Bean Products Factory was in the conference room discussing production plans. Upon receiving the news, they immediately interrupted the meeting and hurried downstairs to welcome him.

The factory had long since changed to a new leadership team. Although Village Party Secretary Zheng Yaoxian was highly respected, he was getting old, his thinking was rather conservative, and he was gradually feeling overwhelmed in the increasingly fierce market competition.

The newly appointed Factory Director Zheng Hongqi was a young man born and raised in Zhengjia Village. In his early thirties, after graduating from high school, he had gone to the coastal regions to seek his fortune and had reached a management position in a foreign-funded enterprise, demonstrating outstanding ability.

When he returned home for the Spring Festival, Factory Director Zheng Hongqi was shocked by the tremendous changes in Guantian Township, especially in Zhengjia Village. Hearing that the Bean Products Factory was recruiting management talent, he keenly sensed that it was a rare opportunity and volunteered himself.

After Li Dakang had a deep conversation with him personally, he discovered that not only was the young man clear-headed, but his judgment on market trends was also particularly accurate. After careful consideration, he made the final decision to let him take on the burden of being Factory Director.