The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 1010 - 979: Welfare Housing, Good Leadership

Chapter 1010: Chapter 979: Welfare Housing, Good Leadership

Oh my, that’s a big bonus!

Zhou Yuanchao smiled, while eating some pastries, he said, "Boss, that bonus has been given out to everyone, and they would just spend it anyway. Why not accumulate the money and do something big for everyone?"

"What kind of big thing?" Huo Yingjie asked. "If anyone has good suggestions, please speak up. It’s what you deserve. As long as it’s reasonable, I can fight for it for everyone."

Some people wanted the cash, others wanted goods, and there were even those who might suspect the leadership of embezzling the money...

"Boss, I’ve visited our research institute employees’ homes in private. Some live in tube-shaped apartments, some in large communal courtyards, and those with better conditions live in staff dormitories of their previous units. But working at a new place while living at the old one can be awkward. So, I was thinking, maybe we could pool the money to build dormitory buildings for everyone. If we have enough, build big houses, nice ones, so that after busy work, everyone can rest well. This can also make families appreciate the importance of the job, feel honored, and continue to support their other halves working at the institute," Zhou Yuanchao explained, noting that while everyone was passionate about their work, the living conditions were not good.

Even if they received the bonus, it would be spent. It’s better to pool the funds for a major project, like building houses.

Huo Yingjie thought for a moment and nodded, "That’s a good suggestion. I will discuss it with our leaders. If someone wants a house, they won’t receive the money; if someone wants the money, they won’t get the house. I, Huo Yingjie, am upright and honest in my work; I won’t embezzle a penny, nor allow anyone else to. This effort belongs to everyone, and I’ll distribute it all."

Zhou Yuanchao said cheerfully, "As long as we follow the Boss, any other issues can be solved with him."

"Thank you, Boss!" the crowd responded in unison.

"Alright then, go back and discuss it well today. Tomorrow morning, we will make an anonymous vote to decide whether to build welfare housing for the staff," Huo Yingjie said. He too wished to grant his employees benefits while contributing to the country.

That way, everyone could focus more on their work.

"Yes, Boss," Zhou Yuanchao echoed, and the others followed suit, especially since most of them had poor living conditions at home and were very much hoping to move into the welfare houses soon.

In the evening, Huo Yingjie discussed the welfare housing with He Tiantian.

"That’s good. There’s a slope three kilometers away from your research institute, with flat land below it. You could take that over and build the welfare housing there. Is there enough money?" He Tiantian asked, ready to donate funds if necessary.

Huo Yingjie chuckled, "I’ll solve the money issue myself. After speaking with Yuanchao today, I thought about that place. With just a little redevelopment, we could make a beautiful neighborhood. We wouldn’t need to do much to the hill; just add some steps and railings. If we plant peach trees on the mountain, it would look beautiful, and when the peaches ripen, we could even eat them."

"All your money is with me, how will you resolve that?" He Tiantian asked, aware that building houses required a lot of money.

"For the homestead land, we’ll ask the authorities, and wait for approval. As for the money, we don’t spend all our research funds, plus we’ve developed so many cutting-edge materials and saved a lot. Those materials are even surpassing international advanced levels. If we could disclose them, I, Yuanchao, and others from our institute could definitely win a Nobel Prize. But for the sake of national defense, we don’t care about fame and profit, yet the state can’t leave us without any compensation," Huo Yingjie said confidently. He wouldn’t return the unused funds.

He Tiantian was taken aback, surprised that it could be done this way.

"Aren’t you afraid that if you don’t use all the funds, the authorities will reduce next year’s budget?" He Tiantian asked, considering this approach not sustainable.

"We might face that situation, but I have countermeasures. If funds are cut, we’ll just extend the project timeline. If that causes delays, it’s not our fault because the budget was insufficient," Huo Yingjie shrugged. "However, I believe the authorities won’t cut our funding considering our research is world-class. The equipment in my laboratory might not be the top in the world, but I can assure you that all the new materials we’ve developed are."

"Actually, you can make some concessions concerning the budget. Now with the market economy, you can justifiably ask for more rewards upon successful completion of a project," He Tiantian suggested, believing Huo Yingjie’s previous stance was somewhat biased.

Though he was talented and advocated for his employees’ welfare rather than his own, the situation wasn’t as simple as Huo Yingjie portrayed it.

The former accusation suggested Huo Yingjie could be projecting an image of laziness, leaving room for criticism; the latter depicted him as a leader actively engaging in research and striving for employees’ benefits.

While both approaches aimed for the same goal, the process could have different impacts.

After reflecting, Huo Yingjie nodded, "Yes, we might not gain fame, but we need to reap the benefits and ensure our families live well—it both motivates us and is justly deserved."

"Exactly, that’s the principle. This way, no one can fault you. On the contrary, they’ll see you as caring for your subordinates, working tirelessly for the public interest," He Tiantian smiled. "Besides, with the nation’s care, you’ll naturally dedicate more energy to research, creating a positive cycle."

"Alright, that’s what we’ll do. I’ll speak to the leadership later using this approach," Huo Yingjie smiled. "Tiantian, you’re amazing, to think of all these aspects. If I hadn’t consulted with you, I might have left an impression of arrogance on them."

"We’re husband and wife, after all. If I see you doing something wrong, of course, I’ll discuss it with you," He Tiantian smiled. "Now go and have a good drink with Grandpa Qi, Secretary Qi, and Second Brother Qi tonight. I’ll have some more dishes prepared."

"Sure, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of the relatives at home," Huo Yingjie promised. These were his elders, whom he wouldn’t neglect.

As they were speaking, Huo Zheqian, Huo Yingjun, Old Madam Huo, Song Chunli, and Zhao Huanhuan with their two children also arrived.

Old Man Qi was excited to see his former leader.

"You young fellow, finally willing to come out from the depths of the mountains," Old Master Huo walked up to Old Man Qi, patted his shoulder with a simple gesture and expression that showed the profound bond between them.

Old Man Qi’s eyes welled with tears as he remembered the remarkable years they had spent working together.

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