Chapter 82: A Call from Qin Yong! Chen Dazhu Wants to Buy Scrap Material Too?

It would be more practical to arrange for his relatives to work at the factory, after all.

Zheng Rong didn’t rush to answer; he wanted to clarify things with Li Junsheng first.

“It’s nothing major, really. But, brother, what do you do with all that scrap material you want? Aren’t you afraid of losing money trading scrap with the state-run recycling station?”

Li Junsheng smiled; how could he possibly lose money? In fact, those scraps were quite profitable.

Just then, the waiter arrived with the drinks. Zheng Rong poured a glass for Li Junsheng and began chatting casually.

“Director Zheng, I don’t send the scrap to the state-run recycling station. I remelt and remake it myself, then sell it at a price just a bit higher than what the recycling station would pay. I make a small profit—not losing money.”

Li Junsheng spoke lightly, but Zheng Rong was calculating the costs in his mind. Remelting and reshaping those scraps would incur expenses, and after doing the math, it was clear Li Junsheng was indeed pocketing a modest margin.

That bit of profit wasn’t much for a deputy director, but for someone who’d been a worker for years, it was a decent chunk.

As long as he wasn’t just hauling the scrap away to resell it, that was fine.

“So that’s how it is, eh? Brother, you’re earning honest money. As long as it’s done legally, that’s all that matters!”

Zheng Rong clinked his glass with Li Junsheng and sipped the wine.

Li Junsheng noticed Zheng Rong still had some doubts about his request for the factory’s scrap, so he deliberately emphasized legality, subtly hinting to Zheng Rong.

To dispel any concerns, Li Junsheng spoke confidently: “Director Zheng, I’m just supporting township enterprise cooperation, helping your factory process surplus materials. Everything at our agricultural machinery factory is above board.”

“Buying scrap from the machinery factory and reprocessing it into other products for proper sale helps your factory recover capital. It’s a win-win!”

“When I was a worker at the machinery factory, I noticed how troublesome it was to deal with scrap. If it was sent to the recycling station, the transport costs alone wouldn’t be covered.”

“Later, when the agricultural machinery factory had this plan, the first thing I thought of was your factory!”

Zheng Rong listened in silence for a long while.

Helping the factory process scrap and recover funds was indeed a good thing, especially during these difficult times. Zheng Rong welcomed any way to bring in cash.

It was mutually beneficial, and since the agricultural machinery factory operated legally, Li Junsheng wasn’t doing anything illegal.

Zheng Rong’s doubts were finally laid to rest, and he readily agreed to Li Junsheng’s request.

“Alright, since it benefits both factories and harms neither, I’ll speak to Section Chief Zhou about it.”

Li Junsheng raised his glass in thanks. “Let me thank you in advance, Director Zheng.”

This trip to the provincial capital was truly worthwhile. He’d originally planned to use his important information to control Section Chief Zhou and deal with Chen Dazhu.

But now, with Director Zheng’s support, he could avoid making a fuss—there was no need to use a sledgehammer to kill a chicken.

The crucial information he’d obtained at the University of Electro-Mechanical Engineering could be saved for an even more critical moment.

With Li Junsheng’s proposal, Zheng Rong could now try desperate measures for desperate times; it was far better than sitting helplessly in the face of the machinery factory’s current predicament.

Over dinner, Zheng Rong toasted and chatted with Li Junsheng.

Looking at Li Junsheng’s slightly stooped figure, he spoke sincerely: “The factory’s business is important, but Director Zheng, you must take care of your health.”

Director Zheng’s heart warmed; he felt he’d met Li Junsheng too late in life.

He laughed heartily: “I’m a few years older than you, I admit my health isn’t what it used to be. If you don’t mind, just call me ‘old brother’ from now on.”

“Gladly. It’s my honor.”

After a few drinks, Zheng Rong borrowed the restaurant’s phone and, right in front of Li Junsheng, called Section Chief Zhou.

In his office, Section Chief Zhou grabbed the ringing phone and answered coolly, “Hello, who is this?”

Zheng Rong’s voice came through at once.

“Section Chief Zhou, it’s me!”

Section Chief Zhou dared not put on airs with Zheng Rong. Upon hearing who it was, he immediately dropped his aloof demeanor.

“Deputy Director Zheng, it’s you! Is there something important, any instructions? I’m listening!”

“You must know Li Junsheng from the supply and production department of the Red East Agricultural Machinery Factory, right? I heard he’s working with our machinery factory on scrap material.”

“From now on, prioritize and exclusively supply all factory scrap to Brother Li. Don’t concern yourself with anyone else, understood?”

Though Zheng Rong’s tone was calm, his instructions were unmistakably authoritative.

The order left Section Chief Zhou shocked—how did Deputy Director Zheng know Li Junsheng? And was on such familiar terms with him!

To be told to supply all scrap exclusively to Li Junsheng, Section Chief Zhou realized Li Junsheng must have a close relationship with Deputy Director Zheng.

To think he could get Deputy Director Zheng to make a special call on his behalf!

Though his mind was full of questions, Section Chief Zhou replied respectfully, “Understood. I’ll strictly follow Deputy Director Zheng’s instructions!”

Zheng Rong replied with a deep “hmm,” satisfied, and hung up.

Section Chief Zhou sat holding the phone for a long while, his mind replaying Director Zheng’s “Brother Li”—such familiarity between the deputy director and Li Junsheng put an end to any previous schemes of comparing suppliers and playing hard to get.

Clearly, Li Junsheng was no ordinary man if even the deputy director issued orders for him.

If possible, he’d better cling tightly to Li Junsheng.

In the provincial capital, Li Junsheng was also reflecting—it was true what they said, one rank higher crushes all. Look at Section Chief Zhou; in front of the deputy director, he didn’t dare utter a word of refusal.

After dining with Zheng Rong, Li Junsheng grew concerned about his two daughters at home and called the little shop downstairs.

Soon, Li Xiaoyu came down to answer. She assured Li Junsheng all was well, though someone had called earlier, claiming to be Qin Yong.

He was asked to call Qin Yong when he had time.

Li Junsheng reminded his daughter not to let anyone trick her into going home, then called Qin Yong.

They exchanged some pleasantries, then Qin Yong delivered news about Chen Dazhu.

“Uncle Li, I don’t know why, but your friend Old Chen asked me to go to the machinery factory to collect scrap. I wasn’t sure if I should, so I called you to check.”

The first time he met Li Junsheng, Qin Yong could tell there was tension between him and Chen Dazhu. Otherwise, Li Junsheng wouldn’t have secretly given him a deposit to fetch the goods.

Qin Yong felt Li Junsheng was a good man and valued their partnership, so when Chen Dazhu asked him to haul goods, Qin Yong wanted to let Li Junsheng know.

It was a warning to be wary of Old Chen, who didn’t seem trustworthy. Was he trying to steal business while Li Junsheng was away?

It felt underhanded, and Qin Yong wasn’t sure if he should help.

Li Junsheng had always treated him well, so Qin Yong couldn’t betray him.

Li Junsheng just laughed, “Is that all? If he wants you to haul goods, go ahead. But before you start, make sure he pays you a deposit for fuel. Don’t let him waste your time—make sure you keep the fuel money, whether the job gets done or not.”

As for the scrap, Chen Dazhu wouldn’t be able to take it.

Tomorrow, he’d surely make a big fuss, only to end up with nothing, skulking back the way he came.