Chapter 15: Promotional Idea Selected
Having learned from the sheer boredom of her first day, Sheng Wanyan came prepared the next morning. She pulled a skein of gray wool from her space and tucked it into her canvas work bag.
Knitting a sweater during office hours would keep her hands busy; otherwise, sitting around daydreaming all day would drive her crazy. Besides, with six people in her family, knitting two sets of winter clothes for everyone was a massive undertaking. If she started now, they would all have warm new clothes to wear by the Lunar New Year.
Sheng Wanyan arrived at the Propaganda Department just as her colleagues were trickling in. As soon as everyone was seated, Director Li called for a brief morning meeting to outline the factory’s upcoming publicity targets.
“The factory has taken on a heavy workload this month, and the workers have been pushing themselves to the limit,” Director Li announced. “To show their appreciation, management is rolling out a new welfare benefit. I need you all to brainstorm the best way to publicize this. We want the workers to feel valued by the factory so they’ll be motivated to work even harder!”
His words left the room in thoughtful silence. Wu Jiaxiu thought for a moment before asking, “Director, what exactly are the benefits?”
“Each worker will receive five apples and one pound of sugar.”
In this era, fruit was a rare and expensive luxury. Getting fresh fruit was nearly impossible; by the time it was picked and transported, it was often bruised and the skins wrinkled. The best harvests were immediately shipped to the capital, leaving only the leftovers to be distributed to other cities. Even so, ordinary citizens treated these flawed fruits like absolute treasures. In a time when just having enough to eat was a blessing, no one cared if an apple was perfectly fresh.
“Draft your ideas today, and each of you must hand a proposal to me before you clock out,” Director Li ordered.
Since the Director had spoken, the team had no choice but to nod in agreement. But inwardly, they were groaning. How were they supposed to make five apples sound like a life-changing reward without sounding condescending? Wasn’t this making things difficult for them?
Once Director Li left the room, the office erupted in collective sighs.
“We better think of something fast, or our days here are going to get a lot harder,” Niu Fangli muttered, anxious to just finish her shift and go home to cook.
Everyone got to work, staring at their blank paper. Sheng Wanyan also rested her chin in her hand, pondering the best way to subtly manipulate—encourage—the workers.
Before the end of the day, all five drafts were stacked neatly on Director Li’s desk. When he returned and reviewed them one by one, his eyes lit up the moment he read Sheng Wanyan’s proposal.
It was a brilliant angle! The motivational words she had written were fresh, original, and deeply inspiring—exactly what was needed to boost the workers’ morale.
Director Li immediately decided to run with it. The following morning, as soon as Sheng Wanyan stepped into the office, he called her over.
“Comrade Sheng Wanyan, I reviewed the promotional draft you submitted yesterday,” he said, beaming. “I’m putting you in charge of this campaign.”
Hearing this, Sheng Wanyan’s heart sank. She had intentionally tried to write something relatively ordinary. She just wanted to keep her head down, coast, and enjoy an easy paycheck. In any workplace, a newcomer stealing the limelight from senior colleagues was a surefire way to paint a target on one’s back. She hadn’t expected Director Li to actually break convention and select a rookie’s work.
“Director Li, wouldn’t that be against protocol?” she asked cautiously.
“Protocol or not, we use whoever has the best idea!” Director Li replied firmly. “Comrade Sheng Wanyan, we must all do our utmost to contribute to the motherland!”
Sheng Wanyan’s ears were already forming calluses from hearing that phrase. For this generation, “contributing to the motherland” was the ultimate, unquestionable goal. But Sheng Wanyan just wanted to live a peaceful life and quietly amass a fortune on the side.
“Young people should have this level of political awareness. Don’t you agree?” Director Li pressed, emphasizing his last few words with a pointed look.
“You’re absolutely right, Director. It is my utmost honor to make my own contribution to the motherland,” Sheng Wanyan replied, nodding with utter solemnity.
Satisfied, Director Li smiled.
When Sheng Wanyan returned to the main office, all eyes were on her. Director Li followed closely behind and clapped his hands.
“Attention, everyone. We will be using Comrade Sheng Wanyan’s concept for this welfare campaign,” he announced. “Although she is young, her ideas are novel and sharp. I need all of you to cooperate fully and ensure this campaign is executed perfectly. Let’s show upper management the true capabilities of our Propaganda Department!”
That last sentence instantly put the veteran employees at ease. If their department was officially recognized by the higher-ups, wouldn’t that mean better benefits and bonuses for all of them? In the face of collective profit, petty jealousy vanished into thin air.
“Don’t worry, Director! We’ll definitely give it our all,” they chorused.
Director Li nodded in satisfaction, gave a few more instructions, and formally handed the project over to Sheng Wanyan.
The team was easy to get along with. They gathered around, jokingly praising her for having the quick, sharp mind of the youth.
“I may be young and think a bit faster, but I completely lack real-world experience,” Sheng Wanyan deflected smoothly with a humble smile. “I’ll still be relying entirely on you seniors to guide me.”
She was incredibly careful with her words and actions, and her modesty instantly won her colleagues over.
Buoyed by Sheng Wanyan’s tactful flattery, the team worked with unprecedented efficiency. By the end of the afternoon, the new promotional boards were fully painted and finalized.
When the factory leadership reviewed the campaign, they were deeply impressed. The factory director immediately ordered an all-hands assembly in the main courtyard to deliver the good news.
Thousands of workers gathered in the open space, watching as Director Li stepped up to the microphone, fully prepared to deliver the ultimate motivational speech.
“Dear comrades!” Director Li’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers. “As we usher in this new year, our factory has taken on vital new production quotas! Because our superiors value the hard work and dedication of the cotton mill workers, they have specifically approved a new round of welfare benefits to reward your sweat and toil!”
A ripple of excited whispers spread through the massive crowd.
“What kind of benefits?” “Is management really being this generous?” “This is fantastic news!”
Director Li raised a hand, and the crowd quieted down. “Fellow workers, the motherland sees your hardship! To show their profound appreciation, a special shipment of fresh fruit and refined sugar has been transported all the way from the capital! Every single one of you will receive a share!”
At the mention of “fruit,” the crowd erupted into thrilled cheers. Seeing that the emotional atmosphere had peaked, Director Li pulled out the speech Sheng Wanyan had written and read it with soaring passion.
“Dear workers! True wealth is forged by your own calloused hands. Your tireless labor today, and your fierce dedication to your posts, creates prosperity for our society and brings happiness to the people! Today, you are rewarded with the sweet fruits of your own labor. I firmly believe that in the future, as we continue to strive, you will receive even greater and better rewards!”
His voice echoed across the courtyard, ringing with conviction. “Moving forward, we must keep safety firmly in our minds, roll up our sleeves, and perfect our craft! Those who sow with sweat and tears shall reap a joyous harvest! Without the tears of struggle, there can be no tears of ultimate success! Persistence is victory! Whether your role is big or small, give your all to the collective and to the people!”
Thunderous applause shattered the air.
“Well said!” “We have to redouble our efforts! We’ll contribute everything we have to the factory and our families!” “He’s absolutely right!”
The crowd was visibly moved, their faces flushed with pride and renewed determination. The rousing words had struck a deep chord. Today the reward was fruit, but who knew what the future held? Their grueling daily labor was being officially recognized by the state and their superiors. How could they not feel an overwhelming sense of pride?
Standing on the sidelines, even Sheng Wanyan found herself slightly stirred by the sheer emotional gravity of Director Li’s delivery.
She had to admit, Director Li’s execution of her “brainwashing” propaganda campaign was an absolute, resounding success.
