“When we look back into the past, we should be grateful for our current achievements. We had work hard to get to where we are today! We can look forward to a better future. Now, let’s put your hands together to invite Manager Feng on to the stage!”


  Li Mingde had said an encouraging speech and all the staffs clapped and cheered.

  Feng Yu raised both his hands in the air to quiet the crowd: “Thank you for your applause. We had achieved a lot in the past year. Since the day the Machinery Company was formed from the Machinery Factory, it was the best year. Of course, this would continue for many years to come. I do not want to waste time talking nonsenses.

  Simply put it, last year I had made money from my investments. This sum of money was due to everybody’s hard work. That’s why I will apply from the City Government to purchase the plot of land north of our factory this coming ear. We will use that plot of land to build a new apartment building for our employees!”


  Wah… wah… wah……


  The applauses were louder than before. All the workers were excited. This matter directly affected them. How can they not be excited? Especially those younger workers. They had wanted new houses. They were still living with their parents in a 30 square meters small house. If there were to get married, it would be too crowded.

  “Now, there are two options. First, we will build the new building like the current old hostels, and it will be shared among all the employees. The company will own the building. All of you can only live in these buildings. Once you leave the company or you are fired from the company, the company will take back your lodging. The other option is that we will collect the construction cost of the apartment building from you, but this apartment will be under your name. You can sell it in the future. Even if you had left the company, the apartment would still belong to you! Which option do all of you prefer?”


  “The 2nd option! We want our own houses!” Someone shouted.

  “That’s right. The second option! We want to own our own apartment!”


  Welfare housing programs had started from the 1980s. Employees would just need to pay part of the construction fees, and the organization would pay the rest. The ownership of the apartment will belong to the employee. The benefit of this program was that the employees can buy and sell those apartments. These apartments were bigger than those ordinary apartments assigned to those workers. There were even 3 bedrooms apartments, which was suitable for a family of 3 generations.

  “Ok. I know everybody’s wishes. We shall be using the second option. For the welfare apartments, there are also 2 options, which is 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms apartments. 2 bedrooms apartment will be smaller and suitable for a family of 3. 3 bedrooms apartment will be slightly bigger and is suitable for a family of 3 generations. But at the same time, 3 bedrooms apartments will be more expensive.”


  “2 bedrooms apartment!”


  “Build 3 bedrooms apartment!”


  The workers were shouting at the top of their lungs. But their opinions were divided.

  “Since there is demand for both type of apartments, then we will build both. When the building is ready, all of you can apply to purchase these apartments. Those that fit the criteria will have the right to purchase the apartment. The criteria will be announced later, and everyone can apply through your supervisor. Your applications will then be passed on to our Labour Union. There is still a problem. Do all of you want those old type of buildings or do you all prefer those high-rise buildings like those in the City? There will be elevators in the building. Both types of buildings cost about the same.”


  Those workers were elated. They can still choose to stay in a high-rise building? We were only ordinary workers, and we can stay in this type of apartments?

  “High-rise buildings! The higher, the better!”


  “Low-level buildings are better. What if the elevators’ cable snapped and the lift dropped down from above?”


  “Other people’s elevators also do not have accidents. Why do you think that your elevators will have an accident? Don’t you take elevators at work?”


  It seems that the workers have different opinions on this too. But Feng Yu had a way to solve this.

  “Okay. I know about everybody’s wishes. Later we will tabulate everyone’s opinions, and we will take it into considerations. We will try to let every employee stay in a comfortable apartment. Next, I want to share a piece of good news with all of you. Our hospital will be converted to a shareholding hospital. We will be purchasing the best and most advanced medical equipment, and we will be hiring professors and specialists. The City Government had already given us the approvals!”


  The workers start to cheer and clap excitedly again. This was something that benefits them and how could they not be excited? They do not care whether if the hospital was converted or not. They would still be paying the same rates when they seek treatments at the hospital. But now, the quality of the doctors in the hospital will be better, and there were better facilities. This was something to cheer.

  “Lastly, I need to mention this. Last year, although we had built new factories and our finances were tight, but we will still be giving all of you a one-month bonus, just like the previous year!”


  The crowd cheered louder than before. Some of the workers were shouting ‘long live Manager Feng’ and ‘long live Manager Li’. Li Mingde was overjoyed.

  “Do everybody know why our meeting is held at the Cultural Palace this year? It is not that our company cannot fit all of you. There is an important reason. We have invited the Provincial Dance Troupe to perform for all of you. Manager Li, help me carry this table down. We should not hold everybody back from with the performances.” Feng Yu smiled.

  “No problems. I am also looking forward to the performance.”


  The workers laughed, and the performance started.

  ……


  That night, the workers returned home and discussed with their family on what was announced earlier the day. They got to decide which options to take.

  The next day, the workers saw the notifications issued from the head office. All of them were excited.

  “Eh, have you read the notifications? If you return the old hostels, you can get money. My family will definitely choose the 3 bedrooms apartments. My parents are going to retire, and I will be getting married. They can stay at home and help me look after my children.”


  “What a pity. I can only purchase 2 bedrooms apartment. Why didn’t my parents work for the Machinery Factory in the past?”


  “At least you are better than some of us. Only those that worked in the Machinery Company for over 3 years can apply for these apartments. Some of us had only worked for less than 1 year. I wonder when they reached the criteria, will there still be apartments left.”


  ……


  “Look at this condition. Those that return the old hostel rooms can apply to stay at the singles hostel. Can we apply for this?”


  “Are you stupid? Those new apartments will be ready in Autumn this year. You still want to stay in the singles hostels? Go and apply for a 3 bedrooms apartment.”


  “But I am not married yet. I do not qualify for the 3 bedrooms apartment.”


  “You and Lingling can get married now. Both of you are working here for more than 3 years. Both of you are qualified. Also, if both of you apply together can get more subsidies. The both of you only need to spend a little, and you can afford to buy the new apartment.

  This apartment building is a high-rise building with elevators. Only the City center have such buildings. Those Provincial Government officials also do not have such good apartments!”


  “That’s right. If your parents return the old apartment to the company, you can also apply for the bigger 3 bedrooms apartment. This condition will benefit Uncle Li’s family. His son is working in the City Government. He and his wife will fulfill this condition of those families whose children would not take over their positions. They can pay a bit more to purchase a 2 bedrooms apartment. With an elevator, it would be easier for them to move around.”


  The conditions were very detailed, but none of the workers felt that it was unreasonable. The higher-ups had also promised them that they will construct the welfare apartments every year. All the workers will have the chance to apply for the flats. There was no need to rush. Although the old hostels can also be purchased, no one was interested. The new buildings will have elevators and will be more spacious. Who would be interested in those old hostels?

  All of the Machinery Company’s employees were glad. There were no other units in the whole city and even the whole Province that offers such good benefits!

  Li Mingde sighed. Manager Feng has his ways to let those workers pick the options he wanted them to pick…….