Chapter 140: More Money Needed

The progress at the factory had already come a long way.

According to the design,

The initial phase would involve building four factory buildings.

The first three would handle the three stages of lithium battery production, while the last one would be for storage and inspection.

“How’s the equipment coming along?”

Jiang Ning stood at the door of the first-stage production building, looking at the dimly lit interior, and asked aloud.

“It’s still being transported. It should arrive around the 7th.”

“Is the quality okay?”

“The machines from ‘Yuan Sheng’ in Shanzhou are known for their great quality in the industry.”

Shanzhou’s ‘Yuan Sheng’ Group—the name was one Jiang Ning had seen on TV in her past life.

It was a large company, worth billions.

Anything they produced had guaranteed quality.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

“What about the permits and paperwork?”

“We’ve expedited the process, using Manager Tian’s name,” Wang Jianguo added at the right moment.

At this point,

A middle-aged man wearing a safety helmet suddenly approached.

“Manager Lin, about our work meals…”

“Didn’t I already send them over?” Lin Ke frowned, looking at the middle-aged man.

“They were delivered, but there aren’t enough…”

“Not enough? There are 26 of you, and I sent 30 meals.”

“Still not enough?”

At this point, Lin Ke’s displeasure was evident.

However, he probably realized that the investor boss was still here, so he took a deep breath and said:

“Just this once.”

“Go ask Sister Liu for more.”

The middle-aged man, receiving the okay, immediately flashed a sycophantic smile and said a few flattering words to Lin Ke before leaving.

At this moment, Jiang Ning, who had been observing from the side, started to understand what was going on.

“Not enough lunchboxes?”

“That’s how it is,” Lin Ke said, looking somewhat frustrated.

“Some people like to take a meal for later.”

“They say they’re worried about getting hungry in the afternoon.”

“Actually, I later found out they’re taking them home to feed the pigs.”

Fine.

Though each meal doesn’t cost much,

The whole situation made it feel as though a fly had flown into the food.

But it was just a few meals, not worth getting too worked up over.

As long as no one was stealing things from the factory to sell, it was okay.

For that reason, Jiang Ning had made sure to check in with Lin Ke about this matter.

After all, the factory was still empty at the moment.

Once the machines, equipment, and materials arrived, security and safety would become the top priority.

Soon after, Jiang Ning and Wang Jianguo followed Lin Ke on a tour of the entire factory,

Getting their first basic understanding of the new venture.

First, the area.

The site wasn’t big—only about three or four acres.

But it had all the necessary facilities.

A canteen, basketball court, parking lot, dormitories, and so on.

Jiang Ning even considered whether to set up a dedicated recreational area in the future.

But that was something for later.

For now, the priority was to get the factory up and running.

One hour later,

On the way back.

Jiang Ning, sitting in the passenger seat, rubbed her aching legs.

“What do you think of Lin Ke?”

Wang Jianguo seemed a bit surprised by the question.

“Boss, I thought you were going to ask me about the factory.”

“What’s there to say about the factory? It’s all going according to plan.”

Jiang Ning switched from rubbing to patting her legs, making a crisp sound with her hands.

After hearing this, Wang Jianguo was silent for a moment.

“He’s energetic, full of drive, strong in execution, adaptable—he’s a typical career-focused personality.”

“And his shortcomings?”

“He’s impulsive, lacks organization, and isn’t very good at dealing with tedious details.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning couldn’t help but glance at the person driving.

“Not bad.”

“Turns out you’re quite the expert at reading people.”

“Heh heh heh… It’s because the boss taught me well.”

Hearing Wang Jianguo’s fawning words, Jiang Ning rolled her eyes.

“Since you’re so good at reading people,”

“Then from now on, you should put more effort into managing the factory.”

“Huh?” Wang Jianguo seemed a bit reluctant:

“Boss, didn’t you say I was just your secretary? The factory is so messy and chaotic, I’m just a girl…”

“Speak plainly.”

“…Need more money.”

——————

The May Day holiday passed quickly.

Ran around a few fried chicken joints.

Hung out at mom’s shop.

Occasionally bullied the neighbor’s elementary school kid.

Before she knew it, the three days were over.

Since May 4th was a Friday, and there was no annoying rearranged schedule,

She’d have Saturday and Sunday off after one day of school on the 4th.

This made Jiang Ning’s mood very good.

She left for school early in the morning, and even the breeze against her face felt refreshing.

But this good mood didn’t last long.

Just as she reached the school gate, she saw a senior from the second year, wearing the school uniform with a skirt, chatting and laughing with classmates as they walked into the school.

No, wait…

Wasn’t the temperature only 15°C today?!

She’s wearing a skirt?!

And exposing those big white legs?!

Sis!

Aren’t you afraid of the cold?!

Aren’t you afraid of getting stiff legs in the future?!

Although the plaid skirt, paired with the English-style shirt vest, looked good,

But…

But…

Jiang Ning’s face nearly twisted from confusion.

“Hey, Jiang Ning, what are you daydreaming about?”

“It’s nothing…”

Jiang Ning sighed, then turned back and nodded at Xia Zhi as a greeting.

“I heard you’re going to attend Tao Tao’s coming-of-age ceremony?”

“Not decided yet.”

“Ok, let’s stay together then.”

“With you?”

Jiang Ning suddenly stopped, turned around, and gave Xia Zhi a once-over from head to toe.

“Something feels off about your intentions.”

“No!”

Jiang Ning liked teasing others, but it didn’t mean she liked being teased herself.

Even if the person was a girl.

“You don’t believe me? Don’t you think Xu Suihe will come early to catch you?”

“She won’t…”

Okay.

As soon as Jiang Ning thought of Xu Suihe’s personality, she felt a bit uneasy.

From what she knew of this girl,

It seemed like she might really show up early to catch her.

How about we head out and play a bit beforehand?

Or maybe go hide in the countryside?

Damn.

It felt like she was trying to escape.

When Jiang Ning returned to the classroom, her brow was still furrowed.

So much so that as soon as she sat down, Luo Shanshan leaned in curiously and asked:

“What’s wrong?”

“Did a relative come again?”

“No.”

“Shouldn’t be, the dates are about right…”

???

Wait.

Why does this girl know more about her period than she does herself?

This is the truth.

Jiang Ning still couldn’t accurately track her cycle.

She only realized it when her stomach started hurting and she belatedly thought about getting some pads.

Like now.

It had been delayed for several days already.

If it weren’t for Luo Shanshan’s reminder, she probably would’ve forgotten about it.

At that moment,

Leader Yang Mei suddenly entered the class.

She knocked on the table.

“Quiet, quiet!”

“I have something to announce.”

Once all the students’ attention was focused on Leader Yang Mei, she continued:

“There’s just over a month left until the first year ends.”

“Once we start the second year, you will have to choose sciences or humanities.”

Here we go again with this issue.

For a moment, the students in the class fell silent.

After all, they had been together for a year and had developed some familiarity and bonds.

Even the ones who were least familiar with each other had gotten used to seeing the same faces over the year.

“So, you can go home these next couple of days and discuss it with your parents.”

“The choice between science and humanities for next semester.”

“Next Monday, we’ll have a parent meeting for the first-year class.”

“And we’ll finalize this matter.”

And now, it had come to this.

After Leader Yang Mei left,

The atmosphere in the class clearly shifted.

Even someone like Sun Qian, who was always so lively, had become somewhat quiet.

As for Luo Shanshan,

Jiang Ning patted her on the back and comforted her:

“Alright.”

“Don’t be sad.”

“It’s just a class division.”

“It’s not like we’re being separated into different schools.”

“We’ll still be able to enjoy going to the bathroom together.”

In fact,

Being older soul did have its advantages.

At least when facing something like this, the impending separation, Jiang Ning could manage her emotions well.

After all, after over thirty years of mundane life in her past life,

If nothing else,

Her experience with separation was far beyond these young kids’ understanding.

She had even witnessed a classmate being pushed into a cremation furnace.

The indescribable feeling of that moment

Made her instantly realize

That many worries, when faced with life and death, really weren’t worth much.

Of course,

Excluding skirts.

That was her obsession.

Jiang Ning had been comforting Luo Shanshan,

But then Leader Yang Mei suddenly turned around and came back.

She threw a sentence at the class:

“Remember to wear your new school uniforms for the parent meeting next Monday.”

Just that one sentence,

Made Jiang Ning almost explode on the spot.