Chapter 27: Disturbance

for both of you."Seeing Lin Zhouwu start to take sides once there was a real conflict, Su Chen didn't sigh or feel discouraged. In fact, it had always been this way; ever since he first interacted wi...Chapter 27: Disturbance

. Text version: In the afternoon, Su Cen returned to the shop for lunch. Soon after eating, his father received a page from his pager. Due to numerous matters at work, company bosses and above were all given pagers. After making the call, Su's father's expression gradually grew serious.

Seeing this, Zeng He asked, "You haven't even finished your meal properly; is there something going on at your workplace"

"Workers are causing a disturbance. They've been demanding their wages for two months now and have blocked the entrance of the unit as they haven't received it yet. I need to go up!" Su Licheng hurriedly picked up his bag and left the shop.

Su Cen was taken aback, and when Zeng He wasn't paying attention, he quickly followed after his father in the direction of their home.

From a distance, they could see police cars and crowds surrounding the entrance of the unit. Paper scraps with messages written in black ink like "Return Our Justice!" were scattered on the ground.

The shouts from the crowd could be heard even from afar: "The people from the head office have arrived; officials are here now, taking money for city construction projects while claiming that an electrician's monthly wage isn't enough! Yet they don’t give us our wages despite it being our company and project. What kind of world is this!"

"When the engineering payment is settled, their salaries will be paid out promptly after making a profit, but ours remain unpaid. Do we even have to live anymore"

"It's definitely Ren Jianjun, Su Licheng and others who've embezzled the money; they're full of it while we get none. Who cares about our lives as ordinary workers"

The crowd became increasingly indignant, nearly overwhelming the police officers nearby.

The one stirring up trouble in the crowd is Ma Nan, another deputy director of the Engineering Division. Back then, he had mustered up the courage to report Zhao Chengrong about Su Licheng's misconduct, originally thinking that he himself would ultimately benefit from it and finally get a chance to become an official director.

However, unexpectedly, General Terminal sent Zong Jianjun down instead. In this era, the Engineering Division still received annual allocations from the parent company. The parent company also had broad power over appointments and dismissals. After Zong Jianjun arrived, he only focused on promoting Su Licheng to become his confidant; in contrast, Ma Nan was given nothing substantial besides some verbal commendation. Instead, he was assigned to manage a few projects in nearby suburban counties. Yet after the Engineering Division took over the Star Sea Square project, these projects seemed insignificant by comparison. To Ma Nan, this appeared as Zong Jianjun's way of excluding him.

The inspection team sent down from General Terminal represented by Li Yuhé was quite close to Ma Nan. Among those instigating trouble in the crowd were a few of Ma Nan’s confidants; there must also be people like Li Yuhé behind Ma Nan, fanning the flames.

Su Chan watched this scene and his mind flashed through many possible speculations. Then he saw his father push through the crowd to go inside.

Originally a soldier, Su Licheng was solidly built and easily pushed aside the crowd, spotting Ma Nan’s few confidants right away; these few individuals immediately retreated into the crowd.

A woman in her fifties held onto Su Licheng’s sleeve: “Licheng! I’ve watched you grow up. Before you became a soldier, you still ate at my house! Now that you've become a director, can’t our salaries be issued on time Can you brazenly take the hard-earned money of ordinary workers like us”

Su Licheng patted her hand and sighed as he addressed everyone: “I’m not new to this Engineering Division; you’re also not unfamiliar with me. Some of you were even neighbors in my childhood. You can say that you don’t know Director Zong or Chief Engineer Zhao sent down from the parent company, but how could you say that you don’t know Su Licheng We’ve known each other for a long time; isn't it true that we understand each other deeply But do you really think I would extort money from my neighbors and fellow workers who also started as ordinary laborers like me”

Everyone was taken aback by Su Licheng's commanding presence. At this moment, Zong Jianjun’s car arrived, and he got out to see that the situation seemed under control.

Someone said: “We’ve grown up with you and watched you rise step-by-step to this position; but people can change! You say you won’t extort our hard-earned money, then why not tell us where our salaries have gone We haven't been paid for months now. The combined salaries of these workers are at least ten thousand yuan a month. Even if you put that amount in the bank, wouldn’t it be easy to embezzle interest”

Su Licheng was both exasperated and uncertain whether he should laugh or not: “The first batch of project funds hasn't been allocated yet. We are building Star Sea Square, and all company funds have been used up for that. This has already been explained at the staff representative meeting; we need everyone’s understanding.”

"With no money for even basic meals, who cares about understanding anything!" Some of Ma Nan's close associates sneered.

Su Licheng clenched his teeth and glared at them. He then said with a sweeping glance around the room, "We have always been trying to find ways to solve our difficulties. Originally, we thought that this month’s project payment would come through without any issues. We will do everything in our power to make things right. The words I want to say have been bottled up for too long and need to be expressed."

In everyone's eyes, the Fourth Engineering Division has seemed lifeless recently. There's no denying that others view us negatively. Yes, we once had our glory days, but those are in the past now.

The crowd fell silent. Indeed, they used to be full of vigor and ambition, gathering here from different places to work on urban construction projects. Here is where their youth and lives were burned away, living through countless stories and years that can’t even begin to be recounted. But those days have passed.

Su Licheng continued, "However, now our company's condition is dire, and many of us are looked down upon by others. Are there not enough problems within this company Now we have a chance: if we unite and show what we're capable of, we can regain the respect we once had. Ultimately, only then will our lives improve, and that’s what matters most."

Someone in the crowd got excited, "Who dares to look down on us Who has control over Star Sea Square now" Those close associates of Ma Nan did not dare speak at this moment.

"We will definitely negotiate as soon as possible and resolve your wage issues! But surrounding the office won't solve anything. Trust me, Su Licheng; I place everyone's interests first. Please go back home; I'll give you a satisfactory response soon!"

The workers lowered their protest banners, nodded, and said, "Since Director Su has spoken, there’s no need for us to say more. We know each other well enough to believe he wouldn’t harm us. Let's all go back home now and wait for the news."

An old technician waved at everyone, saying, "Let's leave; what are we waiting for Don't let others laugh at us! The Fourth Engineering Division may lose people but not face. Why did we start arguing with Xiao Su over this financial issue when it’s clear to everyone that this is hurting our reputation We may be workers, but we still have dignity. Let's go back!"

Su Licheng’s words calmed the workers down. He exchanged a glance with Zong Jianjun who visibly relaxed.

Inside the grey glass windows of an office building facing the street, Li Yuhe and Ma Nan are coldly watching the scene below.

Ma Nan is quite discouraged. "It was好不容易鼓動起來，結果蘇理成一出現振臂一揮，人就散了。

Li Yuhe is a refined man who wears glasses, but upon closer inspection, his eyes behind the glasses are cunning and shrewd. At this moment, he lets out a dismissive laugh: "So what if he can scatter them Haven't we achieved our goal He cannot pay workers’ wages. Even if he suppresses them temporarily, those people still have to live. When it comes time for families and children, how can he not pay the salaries I’ll see how Su Licheng will explain this! Another excuse about financial difficulties and asking everyone to endure How can they endure when there’s nothing to eat but empty stomachs Or when their kids cannot afford school fees and have to take a break from studies When people are starving, they may even rebel; who is he to say otherwise"

Ma Nan agrees. He is weak in character and holds a grudge against Su Licheng, but it's impossible for him to oppose Zhong Jianjun and Su Licheng directly. If not for Li Yuhu’s help from the headquarters, which is entirely different from Zhong Jianjun’s faction, and his promise of benefits, he wouldn’t be so proactive.

The benefits are indeed tempting; if there's a position at the headquarters, Li Yuhu promises to help Ma Nan secure it. He has long wanted to go to the provincial capital, which means greater opportunities for them. To companies under the General Construction Group, this building construction headquarters is like a palace. If he can be transferred to Ge City, his待遇 and future development would far surpass that of an associate director in this small city.

Moreover, Zhong Jianjun has offended high-level officials within the large construction team; it won’t be difficult for them to deal with this project office. Wherever he goes, there’s a better future than staying here.

"But what if Su Licheng really manages to secure funding" Ma Nan is still skeptical.

“Secure funding” Li Yuhu chuckles. "We’ve just had dinner with the old Zhao from the finance bureau; it’s not easy for him to release that first installment of funds. My rectification report is piling up, and until those issues are resolved, how can Zhong Jianjun expect to get money Besides, government procedures must be followed when disbursing funds. At least a few more months will pass."

Ma Nan laughs upon hearing this: "Not for long; just another two months, hahaha. By then, I wonder how Su Licheng and Zhong Jianjun will face the ire of the Construction Engineering Office!" slope entrance to City No. 1 High School. He handed her an egg roll ice cream cone and watched her extend her little red tongue to taste it—such a charming sight. Then they strolled over to a food st...