Shen Meng looked at everyone's faces and knew exactly what was happening, as though nothing had happened at all, but Feng Si was different. Seeing the appearance of the others, he quickly moved closer to Shen Meng.

Now she is like a towering tree she's protecting, a solid support to tightly embrace, not giving others any chance to take advantage of.

The brick kiln fired the first batch of red bricks, exciting everyone's hearts. Shen Meng had Xiao Zhang notify everyone, setting the official opening of the brick kiln factory in three days. There would be a banquet where everyone working could enjoy a bowl of meaty stew. Not only that, those working at the brick kiln would get a meal daily, including meat dishes and three-grain noodles bread.

If the brick kiln earnings are good, the meals will be improved further. The cooks chosen are several young daughters-in-law and elderly grandmothers from Lu's Mansion, personally picked by Shen Meng, all of whom are of good character.

This news spread and everyone was overjoyed.

When returning to the county, she took a detour to Lu Family Village, visited a few good sisters, toured the Head Flower Factory, then went home to pack up some of her and her children's belongings, putting simply a few items in a large bag, the rest in storage.

First, she dropped off her things at home, then returned to the County Committee office with Xiao Zhang, took out some names of guests to invite from her briefcase, and had Xiao Zhang go and dispatch the invitations.

"This is a major event for Ning County. This brick kiln could sustain the nearest three villages. This matter cannot be taken lightly. Invite all the leaders we can. If we can't invite them, let's trick them into coming. In any case, the brick kiln's opening must be grand."

"Secretary General, about the banquet and providing meals for the brick kiln workers, how will the money be managed…"

"Xiao Zhang, need this even be said? Of course, the county government will pay for the banquet. Moving forward, workers' costs will come directly from the brick kiln factory and be accounted for separately."

People at Lu's Mansion are now living much better lives and cherish it deeply, not wanting to return to their past struggles, so they are dedicated to doing their best in everything.

"Alright, Secretary General, I understand."

"Xiao Zhang, remember, when doing things, don't be stubborn. If you can use others to your advantage, don't hesitate to save face. When the brick kiln opens, even if others are unwilling to come, our finance department director must be convinced. No matter what method you use, do you understand?"

Xiao Zhang felt a jolt in his heart, as if they were about to play dirty, but ever since working for Secretary Shen, nothing surprised him anymore.

After Xiao Zhang got busy, Shen Meng started to handle the files on her desk.

She only had five years. During this time, the public valued secure jobs immensely. Although Lu Zhenping didn't provide much information when he left, she vaguely guessed the issues in the Provincial City weren't just because of Lu Zhengya; there were others stirring up trouble. Perhaps their previous guess was wrong; entanglements involving Lu Zhenping, parachuted positions causing jealousy, these were just excuses on the surface. The real reasons, who knows?

Shen Meng looked at the files in her hands, feeling her efforts were still insufficient. She and Lu Zhenping had struggled for so long, yet the power and resources they held were too few. She frowned slightly.

Three days later, the brick kiln factory opened. Two tractors parked at the entrance, red silk hung over the door, waiting for Shen Meng and a host of leaders to come for the opening ceremony.

Previously, Shen Meng was just a deputy director at the Head Flower Factory, a bus ticket seller, and some people could act high and mighty, praising Shen Meng as a good comrade and even securing some benefits for her.

But now it was different, a woman pulling strings to open a brick kiln in the countryside and managing such a big operation, this caused a change in people's hearts, like fermenting vinegar, sourly bubbling outward.

No matter how pleasantly they spoke, those folks got red in the face and angry, including the finance department director who realized after arriving that he was to pay, not just for today's expenses but future meals at the brick kiln as well.

This decision had not been discussed in a meeting, no document was signed, and there was no precedent. Apart from Shen Meng, everyone felt this was inappropriate. Workers at the brick kiln already received salaries, additional meals seemed like an unnecessary expense. Money hadn't been made yet, let's not be overly generous.

"Secretary Shen, I advise you to reconsider. The villagers live close by, they can just eat at home. If we provide meals, think about how much that would entail, how much grain would that use for so many workers? Have you considered all these?"

"Mr. Xi, I know you keep a close account. Our Ning County is not the same as last year. The brick kiln and the Head Flower Factory, as well as the subsidiary food factory, aren't the same, this place purely requires physical strength. How many men working can afford to go home and eat well, willing to use up valuable food? We will just cover one meal. You can't expect the horse to run without feeding it grass, right?"

"I didn't mean that; I'm considering the brick kiln as well. Aren't you afraid some might slack off or just come for the food?"

Shen Meng smiled. In such a large factory, it was impossible not to have one or two bad elements. For example, the managers included people arranged by various commune directors.

No pond is without leaky fish; with these troublemakers, it would be easier for her to control later on.

"Mr. Xi, you can rest assured. According to our regulations, once found, they'll be dismissed and banned for life. No one would dare to, and you should stop worrying about it too. I've already decided on this matter. As for where to buy the grain, we can directly purchase from the subsidiary food factory. Oh, and when I visited the Provincial City a few days ago, I saw the police comrades working overtime, drinking strong tea on an empty stomach, I plan to donate some of our subsidiary food factory's products to the police headquarters in the Provincial City long-term."

Xi Jianyi's eyes widened. With so many police stations, large and small in the Provincial City, and Ning County's subsidiary food factory's resources, giving away for free would cost a great deal of quality goods. Shen Meng indeed lived up to her reputation with such a broad scheme.

Unable to contain Shen Meng, he turned to speak to another director, while Shen Meng saw his face turn red with anger.

But she didn't care, the donation to the police was a crucial move, not only could it increase goodwill for Lu Zhenping, it might also bring in business. Such a beneficial act, no persuasion could stop her.