So, even Scott canât fully grasp the future direction of development, huh? Abel mused.
âWell, everyone, take some time to think it over,â Scott said. âWeâll communicate again another day, and once the plan is confirmed, weâll convene a staff meeting.â
Abel left the office of the factory director.
At 5:30 p.m., he called Emmeline and told her he would depart immediately.
As he drove, he analyzed in his mind what the future situation of the factory would be and if a business reform would be good or bad.
Before he knew it, he had arrived at RetroWave Advertisements.
Tony and Benjamin were already waiting at the entrance while Emmeline was still upstairs.
Benjamin said, âIâll go upstairs and get her.â
Emmeline came downstairs shortly after, followed by the graphic designer, Ryan Chamberlain.
âWeâve been working on improving the design drafts. Mr. Chamberlain here has been working hard these past few days,â Emmeline said.
âEmma is right; this success is partly thanks to Ryan,â Tony agreed.
Designing hundreds of graphic images had been exhausting for the designer.
Ryan modestly smiled and said, âNot at all, itâs thanks to Emmaâs great ideas that I was able to work quickly.â
âYou donât need to be so modest,â Benjamin said. âEveryone has contributed, including me.â
Tony glanced at Benjamin. âWhat contribution did you make? All you do is show up for free food.â
âIâve been giving you all moral support. Go, team!â Benjamin laughed.
Abel said, âYou guys have a great atmosphere here, much better than what we have back at our place.â
âThereâs more to it than meets the eye,â Tony said. âAbel, what kind of trouble have you run into this time?â
âOur factory is undergoing reform, and the leadership team is starting to play politics. I had a meeting with everyone today.â
âSounds serious!â Tony said. âLetâs go to the restaurant, sit down, and fill me in. Iâll also give you some advice.â
The group arrived at the restaurant Tony had booked, took their seats, and placed their orders.
During the time they were waiting for their food to arrive, Abel explained the situation to Tony.
Tony had worked for the transportation company for many years and had a broad knowledge of various matters, so Abel trusted his insights.
âAs far as I know, most of these companies under the Light Industry Bureau implement the contract system using the factory directorâs centralized authority,â Tony began.
âYeah.â Abel nodded.
âThis also indicates that before being merged into the Bureau of Commerce, the Light Industry Bureau.
wants to leave itself some room to maneuver, Tony analyzed.
âIs it true that the Light Industry Bureau is merging with the Bureau of Commerce?â Abel asked.
âItâs true. After the transformation of state-owned enterprises, there wonât be a Light Industry Bureau anymore; theyâll all fall under the Bureau of Commerce,â Tony explained.
âSo, they are using this last bit of power to take care of these companies that have been supplying them for years?â Abel inquired.
âItâs not out of the question. Look at these companiesâ leadership; so many arrange jobs for dozens of their relatives and friends! They enjoy job security, receive salaries, and basically act like parasites.
Isnât that how state-owned enterprises are brought down?â Tony remarked.
âI got in just like that too!â Abel chuckled. âBack then, it was Uncle Maxwell who bought a job opening, and without that, I wouldnât be where I am today.â
âBut how many people like you actually earn their keep with real skills? Most are just coasting and passing. the time. Layoffs are the way to go,â Tony said.
âWill this transition period of the factory directorâs centralized authority affect my contracting plan?â Abel wondered.
âFactory directorâs centralized authority is, to put it bluntly, just for show, but it might not necessarily be a bad thing.â Tony said.
âWhat do you mean exactly?â Abel asked.
âMost of these Light Industry Bureau-affiliated companiesâ heads are nearing retirement age. This model, is basically to transition them out!â Tony explained.
âSo, you mean I should cooperate with Scott?â Abel had a plan in mind.
âHeâll play the role of the retired emperor, and you can become the new ruling power. When he eventually steps down, the world will be yours.â Tony chuckled. âDoesnât that make sense?â
Abel pondered, âIt actually makes some sense.â
âHaving a retired emperor behind you has its pros and cons,â Tony said. âGiven the intricate web of relationships, he can provide you with protection, but it also means you have to provide him with certain supplies, if you catch my drift.â
âI see. Abel made up his mind.
âBut thereâs one thing.â Tony added. âIf you take power, he might take this opportunity to profit from you.â
âThatâs obvious, isnât it?â Abel said. âIf he dares to take advantage, it will make things easier. Iâm just afraid he wonât dare.â
âThere are people like that, stubborn, Tony said, glancing at Benjamin. âMany of them.â
Benjamin burst into laughter. âIâm happy to be one of them. Let him bloody well try!â
âAlright, Iâll consider it,â Abel said. âIâll talk to Scott and probe the situation.â
Tony made a money-counting gesture. âPrepare yourself for the windfall when the doors open!â
Everyone burst into laughter.