Chapter 60: This Young Boss Is Quite Impressive

In the early morning, the first ray of sunlight fell upon the Dali Toy Factory, casting the shadows of everyone present. More than a dozen employees had arrived early, waiting at the factory gates. They were all veteran workers who had joined when the toy factory was first established—hardworking, resilient women who could endure hardship and keep their heads down.

With their seniority and experience, each held a position of authority; the lowest among them was a workshop group leader, managing over a dozen workers.

“That young factory director is quite handsome, just a bit too young, I think.”

“Yes, a boy without so much as a mustache—how reliable can he be?”

“He may be clean-shaven, but you’re not. Why don’t you go be his girlfriend and keep him in check?”

“Please, I’m old enough to be his mother, let alone his girlfriend! Don’t be ridiculous.”

The group of women huddled together, chatting and laughing. Their laughter echoed throughout the factory.

But as soon as a sedan rolled in, the laughter died instantly. Ordinary workers couldn’t afford cars; only the boss could arrive in one.

The managers lined up neatly in the open space, as if awaiting inspection like a regiment.

Zhang Tianfeng stepped out of the car, first glancing at the assembled crowd, then at the clock hanging on the wall. It was 8:50 a.m.

“Why are there only a few of you here? Where’s everyone else?”

“Boss, I’m the leader of Group Three. Seven women under me called in sick.”

“Really? Is it serious? They should get to the hospital right away—I’ll cover the medical expenses.”

The managers were dumbfounded.

Seriously? Anyone with eyes can see they’re making excuses, and not only do you believe it, you even offer to pay their hospital bills?

So young and naïve!

“Boss, are you serious?” a senior employee asked hesitantly.

“Of course. Make sure they go to the District People’s Hospital—better facilities there,” Zhang Tianfeng said. “As long as it’s not a major illness, I’ll reimburse the costs.”

“Boss, you’re so kind.”

Already handing out the badge of ‘good man’? Girl, you’re too quick to judge.

“But,” Zhang Tianfeng continued, “the one thing I can’t tolerate is deception. Every employee who goes to the hospital must bring back their medical record.”

“Don’t even think about fooling me. I know the directors and chief physicians at every hospital in Tangwan Town. I can tell you down to the last cent how much each visit costs!”

“Also, if I discover anyone pretending to be ill, you’ll be fired on the spot! And if the fraud is serious, I’ll take you to court.”

Only then did the women realize that this young director was no lamb in wolf’s clothing—he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, one who devoured without spitting out the bones.

If he hadn’t said that last part, who knows how many would have faked illness to cheat him out of money—and then been fired without knowing why.

“I’ll give you half an hour to notify your workers. If you can get everyone back on shift, I’ll reward you with a hundred yuan each.”

“Boss, do you mean it?”

Zhang Tianfeng took out a stack of bills, already prepared: “The money’s right here. Whether you can take it from my hand depends on your ability.”

Who could resist the lure of money so early in the morning? The women, who normally found walking two steps exhausting, instantly turned into athletes and dashed out the door.

Back in the car, Gao Ran handed over a bottle of water and smiled, “Boss, that was a clever move—knowing they’re the best ones to talk to the others.”

“Do you really think I’m that stupid?” Zhang Tianfeng rolled his eyes.

“Oh, I was just looking for a chance to praise you! How about breakfast? My improved version of spicy tofu pudding.”

Looking at the red and green bowl, Zhang Tianfeng swallowed and opted for the siu mai on the side. Such culinary experiments were a luxury he dared not indulge.

With the management taking charge, the workers gradually returned.

By 9:30 a.m., all 129 employees of the Dali Toy Factory were present. There had originally been 136, but after hearing Zhang Tianfeng was the new director, seven had resigned overnight.

Worried they wouldn’t be able to take their belongings, Zhang Tianfeng even provided a large red bucket to help them “leave with bucket in hand.”

Standing in the open space behind the production workshop, Zhang Tianfeng, in front of all 129 employees, drew 1,500 yuan from the stack on the table and handed 100 yuan to each of the group leaders.

“As promised, you got your people back—here’s 100 yuan each. I keep my word.”

The managers’ faces paled and flushed. With the money right in front of them, accepting it meant showing all the workers they now stood with Zhang Tianfeng. Refusing it meant opposing him. Neither outcome was what they wanted.

They had clearly underestimated this young boss. From the issue of sick leave to the use of money, he had calculated every move.

In the end, a woman from a struggling family could not withstand the pressure and reached out for the 100 yuan.

Once someone took the lead, the rest followed quickly. In under a minute, all 1,600 yuan was distributed.

After the money was handed out, Zhang Tianfeng looked at the workers below:

“We met in passing yesterday, so many of you probably don’t know me.”

“Let me introduce myself. My name is Zhang Tianfeng, from Xikang Province…”

“What’s the point of all this? The factory won’t last long in your hands anyway,” a lazy, yellow-haired man interrupted. “Just pay us the wages you owe and be done with it.”

“Weren’t all the wages settled already?” Zhang Tianfeng replied.

When the Huo family handled the toy factory’s affairs, they had settled all outstanding wages. Now, except for debts to material suppliers, the factory owed nothing.

“Says who? I didn’t get paid—did you?” the yellow-haired man challenged, and a few scattered voices followed—mostly men, with a few women.

Zhang Tianfeng wasn’t angry. He waved his hand, and Gao Ran brought over a small video camera.

After setting it up, Zhang Tianfeng pointed at the lens. “Come, speak to the camera. Say you’ve received your wages—state your name, age, and work number.”

“Go on, speak!”

The yellow-haired man was startled by the sudden shout.

Zhang Tianfeng stepped forward. “You think I’m easy to bully because I’m young? Fine, any troublemakers, step forward.”

“Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance. When I took over this factory, I made sure I understood all the debts.”

“Your wages were paid long ago—I have your signed receipts in my desk.”

“If you want to make a scene, go to court, or bring someone to cause trouble, I’m ready for you!”

“But think carefully: if I can send Zhou Yuancong and Wang Qi to jail, do you really think small fry like you can make any waves in front of me?”

“Even if the factory shuts down, I can still pay your salaries for two or three years out of my own pocket.”

“Now get over here and speak into the camera. And you with the yellow hair—don’t hang your head, I’m talking to you.”

Caught in the act, the yellow-haired man decided to brazen it out. He stepped up to the camera and faced Zhang Tianfeng. “I’m talking about this month’s wages. I’m quitting, so it’s only fair I get paid before I leave.”