Chapter 23: Presenting the Diagram

Early the next morning, Zhang Yifu, already dressed and ready, held a high-quality printed page that still smelled of ink, showing rare hesitation.

He faced a small choice, one that would have minimal impact on the future. But he also knew that a person’s reputation and standing within a circle were built up through these small choices, one after another.

Should he really bypass Qiu Ling and go directly to the Factory Director?

Whether in a state-owned enterprise or a private company, bypassing the chain of command was the top taboo. Even more so for a junior clerk to go directly to the big Factory Director. Everyone understood that bypassing the chain was like cutting out one’s direct superior, taking credit that belonged to them. It was a surefire way to offend one’s boss completely, and getting sidelined or punished was unavoidable. However, Zhang Yifu clearly wasn’t worried about this. First, getting sidelined was already a done deal for him. Second, he didn’t care at all about offending Qiu Ling.

Beyond that surface issue, bypassing the chain had another drawback: it affected one’s own reputation. After all, it was forcefully taking credit, a very underhanded thing to do. Even if the task succeeded, the top Leader would likely remember this unscrupulous guy and be wary of him in the future. Secondly, other unrelated people who learned about it would also feel hostility, seeing you as someone who stirs trouble and seeks the spotlight. They might not show it immediately, but in the grand scheme, ambitious people get ganged up on. The bird that sticks its head out gets shot, and that would happen sooner or later.

So… should Zhang Yifu then just obediently follow the proper procedure for this matter?

The so-called proper procedure was, of course, to submit the design diagram to his direct superior, Qiu Ling. After Qiu Ling reviewed it, he would decide whether to proceed or not. This way, if Qiu Ling didn’t proceed, Zhang Yifu’s effort would be wasted. If Qiu Ling did proceed, the credit would become his. If his direct superior were a good Leader, Zhang Yifu could certainly make the contribution, and a good Leader would remember Zhang Yifu’s contribution and share some credit. But Qiu Ling definitely didn’t seem like that type of person.

Saints like “Zhang the Saint” only appeared occasionally. He wasn’t selfless enough to do the work for Qiu Ling to take the glory.

It was a choice between two lesser evils: slowly build interpersonal foundations.

Or charge ahead on his own, using achievements to overwhelm everyone.

Zhang Yifu faced this kind of contradiction over the very first thing he did at the factory.

Just after nine o’clock, Niu Xiaozhuang impatiently pushed open the Archives Room door. Seeing Zhang Yifu still lost in thought, he grabbed him and urged, “My dad’s already here, reading the daily report in his office. Hurry up, the regular meeting will start soon.”

“Hmm…” Zhang Yifu silently stood up, clutching the diagram. He was still weighing the pros and cons.

“What are you thinking about? Come on.”

Looking at Niu Xiaozhuang’s eager eyes, Zhang Yifu suddenly had a brainwave.

How could he forget? He had the crown prince right beside him!

A method appeared: one that could claim credit while staying low-key and not angering the crowd.

“Brother Niu, it’s up to you.” Zhang Yifu stuffed the design diagram into Niu Xiaozhuang’s hands without hesitation. “You know the whole story and the drafting process. You handle this matter. Just act as if I wasn’t involved.”

“Ah???” Niu Xiaozhuang was shocked. “Are you crazy? Working all night for nothing?”

“We worked together all night. You get half the credit for this diagram coming out.” Zhang Yifu fully displayed his saintly demeanor. “The Factory Director will definitely be happier seeing you handle this than seeing me.”

“Absolutely not! What kind of person do you think I am?” Niu Xiaozhuang’s face immediately hardened. “Yifu, I don’t need that little bit of credit. If you pull this, I’ll tear this diagram up right now!”

“No, no!” Zhang Yifu inwardly cursed Niu Xiaozhuang’s stubborn honesty while explaining the reasoning. “If I take the lead on something like this on the very first day, I’ll definitely attract a lot of jealousy. Whether it’s people from the Technical Department or the Production Department, seeing me snatch other people’s business, they’ll feel threatened. Even your dad might think I’m too flashy and high-profile. As for Qiu Ling, he definitely won’t just sit back and watch. For starters, he’d surely take away my computer right away. But if you present this diagram, it’s completely different. You’re the Factory Director’s Son. No one dares mess with you. You’re also working in the Workshop. Finding a problem with the oil pipeline and wanting to improve it is perfectly reasonable.”

After hearing Zhang Yifu’s analysis, Niu Xiaozhuang thought for a moment, finally understanding the reason. He felt half admiration and half shame. Such a simple principle—why hadn’t he thought of it? Dragging Zhang Yifu along now might actually harm him.

“But… but this diagram came from the computer. Saying I made it is too fake.”

Zhang Yifu grinned. “Heh, when you needed to produce the diagram, you consulted me. I just assisted you from the side in making this diagram. The Factory Director’s Son asks for help, of course I can’t refuse. Even if Qiu Ling wants to blame me for meddling, he can’t say anything, right?”

“Yeah!” It was like a revelation for Niu Xiaozhuang. He slapped his head hard. “That way, it’s like I took the lead, then came to you for the design! We both get credit. And you were forced into it. No one can blame you for bypassing the chain.”

“Promising material.” Zhang Yifu deeply believed Niu Xiaozhuang’s simplicity wasn’t due to lack of brains. It was just his environment. He lacked the experience of being shaped by crafty middle-aged men. Put him in a 21st-century official setting for a couple of years, and he probably wouldn’t be weak either.

“This is a good plan.” Niu Xiaozhuang was an honest person. He immediately said, “I’ll explain the whole thing clearly to my dad. Don’t let his rough appearance fool you; he has a sharp eye. We absolutely must not hide it from him. As for how to arrange things if this really gets done and how to announce it publicly, he’ll decide.”

“Deal. You go ahead boldly.”

“Wait for my news!” Niu Xiaozhuang stopped refusing. Clutching the diagram, he hurried off to his father’s office.

Qiu Ling, who had just arrived with his briefcase, happened to see this scene. He couldn’t help but frown, muttering to himself. That kid Zhang Yifu really wasn’t an easy one to handle. He’d already pulled in the crown prince as a protective shield so quickly…

“Two young brats can’t accomplish much anyway.” He snorted lightly and pushed the door open to enter the room.

One floor down, the innermost Factory Director’s office was welcoming the newborn sun. Just like every previous day, Niu Dameng sat leisurely in his chair. He sipped his freshly brewed light tea while scanning the previous day’s power generation report, making sure he understood the production situation.

Knock knock knock!

A rapid knocking sound. No need to ask; only the kid dared bang on his old man’s door like that.

“Come in.” Niu Dameng sighed helplessly. His son was good in every way, just too impatient. Still needed more tempering.

Niu Xiaozhuang smiled as he entered, closed the door firmly, sat down in the chair opposite the desk, bummed a cigarette from his dad, and then tossed the diagram onto his father’s desk.