Chapter 15: Breaking to Rebuild, Decentralizing Power into Three Groups

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Qian Youfu collapsed completely to the ground, his face ashen and lifeless. Liu Dashuan was even more terrified, having wet his pants. Director Zhao immediately summoned security personnel to restrain Qian Youfu and Liu Dashuan, then proceeded to seal off the office and audit the warehouse accounts.

Old Chen watched Qian Youfu being taken away, a mixture of lingering fear and a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He turned to He Yuzhu, his eyes filled with gratitude and relief. "Little He... thank goodness for your keen attention! Otherwise, who knows how deep this hole would have been!"

He Yuzhu shook his head. "Master Chen, this is what I should do." Yet his heart held little joy. Bringing down Qian Youfu was just the first step. The complicated look in Deputy Factory Director Li’s eyes as he left told him that the real struggle was probably just beginning.

The news that Qian Youfu and Liu Dazun had been handed over to the judicial authorities caused a huge uproar at the rolling mill. A deputy section chief and a custodian colluding to embezzle public property—such a significant sum and such a grievous offense.

This not only exposed massive loopholes in the procurement department but also deeply angered the plant leadership, who realized the fragility of the logistics management system.

The plant party committee swiftly made a decisive ruling: both Qian and Liu were to be dismissed from their public posts and held legally accountable. At the same time, the logistics office and procurement department were ordered to conduct thorough self-examinations and submit reform plans within a set deadline.

The atmosphere in the procurement department’s office was heavy and oppressive. The downfall of Qian Youfu brought no relief; instead, it cast a tense gloom, as if a storm were brewing. Director Zhao wore an unusually stern expression, having spent several consecutive days in meetings with the logistics office and factory administration.

That afternoon, Director Zhao returned to the procurement office and called a meeting of all staff, followed closely by Deputy Factory Director Li, who oversaw logistics, and the director of the factory administration. The tension in the room thickened instantly.

Deputy Director Li cleared his throat, his tone solemn and authoritative. “Comrades! The incident involving Qian Youfu and Liu Dazun is a grave lesson! It has exposed severe management flaws and a lack of oversight within our procurement processes. The plant party committee has decided we must learn from this painful experience, thoroughly reform the procurement mechanism, and ensure such incidents never recur!”

He scanned the room, his gaze briefly resting on He Yuzhu. “After careful consideration, the committee has resolved to abolish the single-division structure of the procurement department. Instead, three specialized procurement teams will be established, implementing decentralized management and mutual supervision.”

At this pronouncement, a collective, suppressed intake of breath echoed through the office. Decentralization! This was a major shake-up.

“The first team: Equipment and Industrial Consumables Procurement. Responsible for all machinery, spare parts, lubricants, cutting tools, and other industrial materials, both planned and unplanned purchases. The team leader will be Comrade Chen Guodong, a key member of the original procurement department!”

Old Chen blinked in surprise, then straightened his back with resolve. “Yes! I will ensure the tasks are completed!”

“The second team: General Supplies Procurement. Responsible for labor protection items, office supplies, construction materials, tools, and other non-core but high-volume materials. The team leader will be Comrade Zhang Weimin!”

Zhang Weimin responded promptly.

“The third team: Food Ingredients and Logistics Support Procurement,” Deputy Director Li’s gaze fixed on He Yuzhu. “Responsible for all canteen food ingredients, fuel, and certain logistics living supplies, both planned and unplanned purchases. The team leader will be Comrade He Yuzhu!”

He Yuzhu’s heart steadied. The Food Ingredients and Logistics Support Procurement Team was where he could best apply his strengths. He rose calmly. “Yes, Director!”

Deputy Director Li continued, “Administratively, the three procurement teams will still fall under the unified coordination and management of the procurement department, with Director Zhao Guoqiang remaining in charge. However, each team will have independent authority over budget review, supplier selection, and execution!”

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“Additionally, another deputy director will be assigned to the procurement department to assist Director Zhao with cross-team coordination, institutional oversight, and approval of major procurement projects. This deputy will be drawn from other key departments within the plant and will take office soon.”

Decentralization! Independent operations! An incoming deputy director! This combination of measures completely shattered the existing power structure within procurement.

Director Zhao then announced detailed regulations: team leaders would select and reorganize personnel from the current pool within the department, establish separate accounts and supplier archives, and implement rigorous procedures for budget submission, price comparisons, warehouse acceptance, and tripartite confirmation. Major purchases must be handled by two people.

“Comrades!” Director Zhao’s voice rang out clearly, “Decentralization does not mean division! It is meant to make our procurement more professional, efficient, and incorruptible, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire plant. Each team must collaborate sincerely and supervise one another. Whether the procurement department can rise from the ashes depends on all of you! Meeting adjourned!”

The meeting ended, but the office atmosphere remained heavy, now tinged with a new undercurrent of eager anticipation.

Old Chen and Zhang Weimin immediately began contemplating their team compositions and directions. He Yuzhu took out his notebook and swiftly planned the structure and priorities of the food ingredients team.

Before leaving, Deputy Director Li gave He Yuzhu a meaningful look. “Little He, food procurement concerns the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the plant. It’s a heavy responsibility. Work hard and don’t let the organization down.” Though ostensibly encouragement, He Yuzhu sensed an underlying warning and scrutiny.

He Yuzhu responded calmly, “Please rest assured, Director. I will do my utmost to manage everyone’s meals well.”

Back at his desk, He Yuzhu immediately took action. He first recruited Ma Hua and Liu Lan to join his team as core members. He then selected two other diligent young clerks familiar with food procurement. Thus, a capable food ingredients procurement team was formed.

“Ma Hua, you know the canteens’ needs well. Organize a list of commonly used food ingredients, their consumption cycles, and general quality requirements right away.”

“Liu Lan, you coordinate with the warehouse and establish a dedicated food ingredients account. All entries and exits must be signed off by three parties, with daily account reconciliation!”

“Xiao Wang, Xiao Li, you two come with me. Over the next few days, focus on visiting planned suppliers like the grain depot, side food stores, and meat processing plant. Strengthen our relationships with regular suppliers and keep an eye on market fluctuations in the Pigeon Market!”

Clear instructions, precise goals. The food ingredients team began operating efficiently.

A few days later, the newly appointed deputy director of procurement arrived, transferred from plant headquarters. His name was Sun Jianguo, around forty years old, with a square face, wearing a faded old military uniform. His eyes were sharp, and his manner efficient.

Previously, he had served as deputy director of the plant’s security section, known for his principled stance and tough style.

Upon arrival, Sun Jianguo did not rush into action but spent several days meeting with the three team leaders and staff individually, thoroughly reviewing the new procurement system, team structures, and account drafts.

He praised He Yuzhu’s food procurement team for its clear thinking and well-defined division of labor but sharply pointed out, “Food procurement, especially the unplanned portion, sees large price fluctuations. Quality control is crucial and also the most vulnerable point. Accounts must be meticulous, acceptance strict, and sources as traceable as possible.”

“Deputy Director Sun is absolutely right. This will be our focus moving forward,” He Yuzhu humbly acknowledged. Sun Jianguo appeared to be a man who truly got things done—not like the corrupt Qian Youfu.

Under He Yuzhu’s leadership, the food procurement team quickly found its rhythm. The planned supply channels were quickly organized and smooth, and connections with the grain depot and side food stores were put on track.

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Yet He Yuzhu understood that to genuinely improve meals, reduce costs, and handle unexpected needs, developing and stabilizing unplanned supply channels was key—especially during this period of continued scarcity.

He leveraged his previously cultivated contacts in the Pigeon Market and the occasional fragmented information from the check-in system to consciously build a more flexible and discreet supplementary food network.

Trade locations were set in safer outskirts agreements, with transactions mostly at dawn or dusk to minimize risks.

One day, just after returning with Ma Hua from the meat processing plant, He Yuzhu received an urgent call from the new head of Canteen No. 3.

“Team Leader He! Trouble! The two hundred jin of eggs scheduled to arrive tomorrow have been delayed three days due to a ‘broken’ delivery truck at the supplier’s end! What do we do? Without eggs, tomorrow’s breakfast custard and lunch scrambled eggs are at risk!”

Egg supply delay! This was no minor issue! Eggs were a crucial protein source for the canteens, and a sudden shortage would affect thousands of workers’ meals.

He Yuzhu frowned. The supplier’s truck conveniently broke down at this critical moment.

“Don’t worry—I’ll find a solution,” he said firmly, then hung up.

[Notification: Suitable location detected. Red Star Rolling Mill Procurement Department, do you wish to check in?]

“Check in!”

[Check-in successful! Obtained: South Suburb Red Flag Commune Poultry Farm has a large surplus of fresh eggs available for urgent sale today (limited info). Information distributed.]

Information flooded in: The South Suburb Red Flag Commune Poultry Farm, due to a temporary refrigeration failure, has nearly five hundred jin of fresh eggs that must be sold today. Price negotiable. Contact: Farm Manager Zhao Youtian…

He Yuzhu’s eyes lit up. A lucky break indeed! He immediately grabbed the phone and called the number listed for the Red Flag Commune Poultry Farm.

“Hello, this is the Red Flag Commune Poultry Farm,” an anxious voice answered.

“Hello, are you Manager Zhao? I’m He Yuzhu from the Red Star Rolling Mill Procurement Department’s food ingredients team. I heard your farm has fresh eggs to sell today? Our canteens urgently need two hundred jin. If the price is right, we can pay cash immediately and I’ll bring a vehicle to pick them up right away!”

Manager Zhao was both surprised and delighted. “From Red Star Mill? That’s great! Leader He, you’re well-informed! The eggs are absolutely fresh, but they must be taken today! Price… we’ll offer you 20% off the usual unplanned wholesale price. How does that sound?”

“Agreed! It’s a deal! Tell me the address—I’ll be there within an hour and a half!” He Yuzhu replied promptly. Eighty percent of the usual price, slightly lower than the supplier’s.

He Yuzhu immediately contacted the logistics transport team, once again citing the “urgent worker meal support” priority, and quickly arranged a covered truck. Taking Ma Hua and cash with him, he sped off toward the southern suburbs.