Chapter 51: Are you the Big Brother in charge?

Cen was somewhat surprised, realizing that this event had inadvertently boosted his family's shop’s reputation. However, it might be due to Wang Ming, the beautiful scenery, attracting these young men...Chapter 51 Are You the Leader

"When you return from the holiday for two months, will you stay at home longer" Su Licheng asked at the dining table. During Su Cang's vacation days, although Su Licheng had to work, he would come back home punctually every day to have meals. -====- Zeng Ke said this was quite rare because on most evenings, Su Licheng usually had social engagements that he couldn't avoid, especially those involving provincial or municipal leaders above the vice-mayor level. Often, it wasn't until ten o'clock at night that Su Licheng would be forced by his driver to return home after drinking heavily.

Now that Su Cang is back home, some changes have occurred in daily life. Zeng Ke was very interested and asked most about what Su Cang wanted to eat the next day—whether it was octopus chicken stew or cold chicken, or something like pickled fish. "I would love to stay at home for a longer time. If I have any business to handle, once it's done, I'll come back immediately," Su Cang said with a smile.

Zeng Ke replied, "You're getting better at talking as you grow up. When dealing with things in society, be more cautious. There are many swindlers in the commercial field, and if your hard-earned money goes down the drain, it would be such a pity."

It seemed no matter how old he was or how successful he became in this society, his parents always felt that he wasn't mature enough. This was normal as all parents liked to rely on their age and experience when giving advice, wanting to impart life lessons into their children's minds.

The more they spoke at the dining table, the more prepared Su Licheng became for the day when Su Cang would spread his wings and fly away. After all, as a person grows stronger with time, it is an unchangeable trend of life, no matter how many times one might start anew. Along with their own growth and strength, they will gradually grow old.

Su Cang would eventually spread his wings to take flight, and it seemed he was starting earlier than the average person. Behind their relief was a deep sense of reluctance towards this inevitable outcome.

Recently, whenever Su Cang returned home, he often saw his father working late under the light at night, smoking heavily, reviewing reports and drawings, with his body showing signs of fatigue from overwork.

This made him feel guilty; it was as if his rebirth had altered the course of events, leading to Su Licheng's current position, fulfilling a lofty aspiration that seemed unattainable in his father's youth. Although his life goals were achieved, he also bore heavy responsibilities on his shoulders.

Was it happier back then when their family was poor and they lived together in a small room, or is this way of life better Outside the window, bustling car lights crisscrossed endlessly without pattern, making Su Cang feel that every moment of life had its own unique flavor worth savoring.

"In a few days, there will be an award ceremony for outstanding entrepreneurs in the province. Then we'll go out to eat together instead of cooking at home," Su Licheng thought about it and felt he needed to take care of his family despite being busy with work.

The selection of provincial outstanding entrepreneurs is a relatively recent event that has become an important gathering in the political and business circles in Southwest China. Such gatherings naturally wouldn't be complete without the participation of heavyweight state-owned enterprises like Dayong Construction Engineering. In fact, since the inception of this award, Dayong Construction Engineering has always had representatives selected each year, which has become a tradition. Even last year, when significant changes occurred within the group, Old Man Xu Zheng still managed to receive his award despite being ill.

Considering that an old military man and general like Old Man Xu Zheng, who has faced numerous battles and challenges throughout his career, would retire standing firmly as a testament to the strength of Dayong Construction Engineering behind him. He wouldn't be perceived as weak or cowardly.

This year, the achievements made by Dayong Construction Engineering through hard work have proven Xu Zheng's wisdom correct, silencing many who had been spreading rumors. However, just at this moment, internal restructuring and personnel adjustments within Dayong Construction Engineering Group brought it to a critical point in public attention.

Many people believed that Su Licheng’s move of divesting power during the internal reshuffle was ill-fated, as it affected numerous individuals who wouldn’t take such changes lightly. In fact, complex interpersonal relationships like this are common within state-owned enterprises and often hinder decision-making processes for incoming company heads.

Removing a department head typically requires backing from higher-level officials; this isn't merely a joke but reflects the reality of power dynamics in such settings.

But Su Licheng didn’t just make minor changes—he made sweeping ones, firmly grasping control and delegating operational authority while implementing evaluation systems. This overturned the previous situation where well-resourced subsidiary companies could coast without performance penalties.

Many were put under pressure not only to deliver results but to strive desperately for them. Moreover, these subsidiaries' managers had to compete against each other in terms of performance. Lack of progress or falling behind would lead to criticism and consequences.

This isn't just verbal reprimand; it involves penalties on bonuses and salaries and internal notifications. For two consecutive quarters ranking last in performance, they could face demotion and reassignment.

“Dad, the move made by headquarters this time is quite strategic. It's a disaster for those who are just taking up space without contributing anything meaningful. While you can't directly dismiss them, under the company’s new policies, they will have no choice but to step down. This truly implements tough measures gradually. Dad, were there influential figures behind your back” When others outside were still speculating and grinding their teeth with resentment, Su Licheng was at home discussing the recent stirrings with a smile.

Su Licheng retorted playfully, “Do you really think I’m incapable of making such decisions alone” Seeing his son’s jesting manner, he added, “This plan was discussed and refined by an internal task force. I drafted it, while Yu Zechao and your uncle Jin polished it.”

“You mean that short fellow with thick glasses, a round head, but proficient in calligraphy, music, chess, and painting Uncle Yu” Su Licheng chuckled. “Indeed, he’s a talented man.”

My father is no longer fighting alone. Over the past year, with the addition of Grandpa Xu Zheng and his son Xu Jianchuan's factional forces being accepted by Su Licheng, my dad indeed has a massive army of talented individuals from one of the top state-owned enterprises in the province.

The wisdom and energy of an individual are extremely limited; it is the potential of a team that is boundless. Correspondingly, personal heroism is merely fleeting like foam—only with a good system can people's potential at each position be unleashed. Three days later, at the Western political and business conference held in Rongcheng, the selection for outstanding entrepreneurs in the province was approaching.

The Shangri-La Hotel served as the venue for this grand event, and the surrounding streets were filled with thick festive atmosphere. Large banners hung overhead on the streets, suspended by large hydrogen balloons floating outside the hotel; water columns from a musical fountain danced around each other in an entwining dance. Amongst the three flags at the front of the building, the red flag beside the brand flag was particularly eye-catching.

Su Can arrived in one of the group's cars; there were five vehicles in total. The first vehicle was a Crown from the group, and the other four were all Saab 900s. Su Can and Zeng Ke sat in the third car, along with Guo Xiaozhong who had returned to Rongcheng recently.

After Guo Xiaozhong returned that day, he dragged Su Can out for a night of drinking and barbecue; naturally, also present were company cadres like Zhao Xin and Yang Zhao from the group's headquarters. Since last year, these cadres who had previously been estranged with Guo Xiaozhong due to internal changes within the group now have much closer relations with him. Naturally, this has led to a closer relationship with Su Can as well.

This change cannot be ruled out as being influenced by what Zhao Xin and Yang Zhao heard from their elders regarding the energy that Su Can's family unleashed within the group; furthermore, it was Su Can who immediately stopped the planned assassination against Xu Jianchuan. In the eyes of these big-shot cadres, Su Can is akin to a heroic figure. Of course, they are not completely close just because of this. Prior animosity between them and Guo Xiaozhong accumulated over time when they were young; after growing up together and maturing, they have become good friends once again.

That evening, the group found a famous late-night eatery for their meal. Guo Xiaozhong's crew also asked curiously about Su Can’s encounter with Wu Shirui in Shanghai, many versions of which had been circulating; all were limited to conjecture and speculation. Zhao Xin and Yang Zhao did not dare ask directly due to their pride or some taboos, but only Guo Xiaozhong could blurt out, "Wu Shirui told me that you allegedly pointed at the other party's nose saying you would buy their group! Is this really true"

There were too many cars for the parking lot to accommodate them all; after getting off at the Shangri-La Hotel’s entrance, the vehicles returned to the company. They would come back later when the event concluded to pick everyone up.

Guo Xiaozhong was beside Su Can; he could not participate in such gatherings but had been told by Su Can beforehand to join him, just to have a meal together. Hence, they came along.

Dressed in his best casual suit, Guo Xiaozhong reminded himself to stay calm as he walked down the red carpet leading up to the hotel entrance. Although it was not as dramatic as in movies with crowds surrounding every inch of space, there were still many welcoming ladies dressed in cheongsams showing off their bare legs which made him somewhat nervous next to Su Can.

Entering the lobby, they saw several young men and women around their age who were the children of political and business elites from various regions. Those a bit older, ranging in their late twenties or early thirties, wore formal attire like suits; those close to Su Can's and Guo Xiaozhong’s ages stood out when exiting luxury cars—Dior jackets, school uniforms for a pure look, all quite eye-catching.

Clearly, after Su Can and Guo XiaoZhong entered the room, they were also being observed by others, trying to identify whether they were known figures or who they were.

A man walked past them from behind at this moment. As he passed by, he glanced over at both of them, noticing the issues with the quality and maintenance of Guo XiaoZhong's clothes. He suddenly chuckled mockingly, which made Guo XiaoZhong feel quite inferior and awkward. The man then greeted some men and women already waiting inside the hall. "It seems that Tan doesn’t know many people here," Guo XiaoZhong smiled at Su Can.

Su Can saw that Guo XiaoZhong wanted to cover up his embarrassment, so he said along with him, "They are all children of influential figures in the business world. Like us, they probably came accompanying their parents for this event. Ultimately, it's just a dinner together. We might even end up at the same table later on; there’s nothing significant about it." “Is this competition for the title of outstanding entrepreneur really so highly sought after” Guo XiaoZhong was deeply impressed.

To establish their own brand and promote economic development within Sichuan Province, the key lies in whether a large number of excellent entrepreneurs can emerge in the province. This will have a significant impact on its economic development.

Most importantly, these selected outstanding entrepreneurs will also enter the CCTV Financial Figure Selections. The entrepreneurs here basically represent Sichuan’s economic strength; stepping out means representing a provincial brand and business card nationwide. How can you say that this isn’t important

Su Can patiently explained with an example: "Why is Chuan Shang not as famous as Zhejiang businessmen First, there has always been a good tradition of commerce in Zhejiang throughout history, passed down from generation to generation. Secondly, the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region has rich cultural heritage. Thirdly, Zhejiang businessmen entered the domestic market early and gained abundant market experience. The most crucial point is that they have formed a group concept and a prominent overall brand nationwide."

Guo XiaoZhong suddenly understood: "So you mean to say, organizing such an event, selecting a few leaders as our recognized leaders of Sichuan Province, and going on CCTV to compete for fame" Su Can was at a loss whether to laugh or cry: “You can put it that way.” “Damn, no wonder they all brought their families along. They’re here to cheer them on. So you mean...” Guo XiaoZhong immediately turned around, asking, "Is there a possibility that your father could become our provincial business card" Su Can looked at the bustling living room and said, "I don’t know."

Su Can knew now that many people were focusing on the selection of Sichuan’s outstanding entrepreneurs. They wanted to see if the aftermath caused by Su Licheng's decisive actions within Group Iron Sword would be catastrophic.

The people Su Licheng had offended this year might make it difficult for him to secure a spot in the list of provincial outstanding entrepreneurs.

I’m writing slowly, but I’ve managed to put something together. I have a feeling that the upcoming plot will bring out some better feelings. Double monthly votes are coming to an end; give me your support!ngzhi's ability to deceive a large group of people.This is another case hanging in the air; too high to reach but too low to disdain. Ultimately, it boils down to him having limited leverage.After lea...