In the blink of an eye, July had arrived. Each day, the bright sun hung high in the sky, and the scorching heat was relentless. The temperature in this industrial area was so intense that even the concrete ground seemed to emit steam. Inside the factory, the heat was unbearable. The stuffy factory buildings and the heat generated by the machines made it feel like a giant steamer, causing the workers to be drenched in sweat.

Apart from the management personnel in the office building who could enjoy the cool central air conditioning, the other workshops were equipped with only a few ceiling fans and standing fans. The only respite was the cooling green bean soup served at 3 P.M.

The small security room at the entrance of the factory fared no better. It lacked even ceiling fans or standing fans. Old Wang and Old Quan had to make do with the sunflowers they had brought themselves. When it got too hot, they would fan themselves with the sunflowers. It was bearable inside, but when noon came, and the employees were leaving work, a security guard had to come out and stand guard. That was the most grueling time. The midday sun was scorching, and there was no need for umbrellas while standing guard. Even chasing after the rear ends of cars required a few quick steps, leaving no room to catch one's breath.

Today, it was Lin Tianran's turn to stand guard. As soon as it struck twelve o'clock, he went out to his post punctually.

The news had already issued a high-temperature warning. Lin Tianran had barely lasted ten minutes before feeling dizzy and light-headed. His collar was soaked with sweat, clinging to his neck. Still, he gritted his teeth and persisted, inspecting each passing vehicle meticulously, afraid of any mistakes in his work.

Li Yicheng had been occupied with the pile of issues raised in the recent meeting and, since he spent all day in air-conditioned rooms, hadn't paid much attention to the high-temperature weather. He merely casually instructed Manager Fang from the HR department to ensure the staff had cooling drinks prepared and that the hot weather allowances were implemented properly.

So when he heard Manager Fang report that Lin Tianran had collapsed from heatstroke while on duty, he was surprised and regretful. He wished he could give himself a resounding slap.

"Where is he? Where is he now?" Li Yicheng asked anxiously, trembling so much that the pen he was holding to sign documents fell to the floor. Unfortunately, the expensive pen was rendered useless as the tip hit the ground first, and the spilled ink stained the brown carpet.

"He's awake now, in the resting room." Manager Fang quickly picked up the pen, preventing the spreading of black ink.

"I'll go take a look." Li Yicheng's face turned pale, and he snapped the document shut.

Inside the resting room.

Lin Tianran had already regained consciousness. There was an IV line inserted into the back of his hand, and his face was pale as paper, which was quite alarming.

Li Yicheng pushed the door open, followed by Manager Fang.

"Xiao Tian, Xiao Tian!" Li Yicheng saw the person lying on the bed, half-asleep, and his heart ached terribly.

"Yeah?" Lin Tianran heard the voices and slowly opened his eyes.

He didn't expect to see his manager and the boss standing before him, which almost scared him half to death.

"Mr. Li, Manager Fang?" Lin Tianran timidly called out. He had thought that the first person to come find him would be either Old Wang or Old Quan. He hadn't expected it to be these two leaders, which left him feeling both flattered and bewildered.

"How are you feeling? Are you better now?" Li Yicheng finally remembered that Manager Fang from the HR department was present, so he tried to tone down his emotions. Otherwise, he might have gotten agitated.

"I still feel a bit dizzy," Lin Tianran honestly replied.

If the office building and the dormitory's medical room weren't so far apart, Li Yicheng, who had walked here, wouldn't have realized just how high the temperature was.

The medical room had a large ceiling fan, but it was turning very slowly, creating barely any cool breeze.

"I'll be fine after a little rest," Lin Tianran said when he saw that the two of them had been standing here for quite some time, not showing any signs of leaving. He was feeling a bit awkward.

Just when the atmosphere was becoming somewhat awkward, the factory doctor pushed open the door to check on the situation. Seeing two big men standing in front of the patient's bed, one of whom was Manager Fang from the HR department (whom he recognized), he was unsure who the other person was, although he could tell from his appearance that he held a high position.

"Doctor, how is he?" Although Li Yicheng had already asked Lin Tianran earlier, now that the doctor was here, he confirmed it again.

"He's just suffering from heatstroke. I gave him some saline, and he should be fine after resting this afternoon," the factory doctor replied. He then went over to Lin Tianran's bed to adjust the IV flow rate to make him more comfortable.

"I'll arrange for Old Quan to cover his shift this afternoon," Manager Fang tactfully took out his phone to make the arrangements.

"Do we need someone to watch over him?" Li Yicheng asked again.

"No need, no need," Lin Tianran quickly shook his head, not waiting for the doctor's answer.

Li Yicheng didn't insist on it, and only after the doctor nodded in agreement did he relent.

The factory doctor gave a few more words of advice about light eating and the importance of rest and then left the room.

Li Yicheng had expected to follow the doctor out, but to Lin Tianran's surprise, he remained rooted in place. Lin Tianran didn't know what to do, so he timidly said, "I'm fine now. You, um, you can go back."

Finally, Li Yicheng nodded and gently admonished, "Next time you're not feeling well, say it out loud. Don't force yourself, alright?"

Lin Tianran had never heard such words before. With that concerned and caring tone, he momentarily forgot to respond and mechanically nodded.

"Then I'll go." Li Yicheng raised his hand, wanting to ruffle Lin Tianran's hair but stopped himself mid-air, afraid of startling him.

"Manager Fang, please arrange for Lin Tianran's shift to be changed to a day off tomorrow. Let him rest for an extra day," Li Yicheng called Manager Fang from his office phone after returning to his office.

"Remember, it's a day off, not sick leave. Yes, it's the paid kind," Li Yicheng emphasized. His little Tian was too stubborn. If not, he would definitely show up to work again tomorrow.

"Alright, I understand," Manager Fang replied on the other end of the line.

"Oh, and please find him a position with air conditioning as soon as possible. Don't let him work as a security guard. Find something easier for him," Li Yicheng thought about solving the problem at its source; otherwise, this summer would drag on for a long time. Moreover, working as a security guard often required night shifts, which was not healthy for the body. A nine-to-five job with regular hours would be much healthier.

"Like..." Manager Fang looked somewhat puzzled, "To the office building?" The only place with air conditioning in the entire Huamao Tiancheng was here.

"Yes, see if there's a simple position suitable for him, like a clerk or assistant," Li Yicheng gestured. "Don't put too much pressure on him."

"Alright, I'll arrange it as soon as possible," Manager Fang had already gotten used to this. He just had to execute it.

After hanging up the phone, Li Yicheng finally felt relieved.

He couldn't, and wouldn't, let his Tiantian suffer anymore.

It was another Monday's routine meeting. The various department managers who had gone back after the last meeting where Li Yicheng raised those issues had made adjustments and modifications and were now reporting their progress at the meeting. A basket full of problems had been largely resolved through discussions, but a few issues still needed further refinement and would be discussed later. They couldn't be rushed.

"The sales data in the Marketing Department is still showing a declining trend. The analysis report you submitted lacks thoroughness in identifying the reasons. It's lengthy but full of empty words, with no substantial content. Please go back and rework it," Li Yicheng ordered.

Assistant Manager Wang, who was attending the meeting on behalf of the department manager, responded with a "yes" and discreetly wiped his sweat.

Well, he was just filling in for someone, and President Yao had been away for almost half a year. When would he return from his business trip? These repeated routine meetings were almost becoming unbearable for him.

"Cough, cough, does anyone else wish to speak?" Li Yicheng cleared his throat as if to remind them.

"Mr. Li, I have a proposal," Manager Fang raised his eyebrows and spoke.

"Please go ahead," Li Yicheng made a gesture inviting him to speak, and his sleeve shimmered gracefully in the light.

"Recently, many workshop employees have complained that the canteen's food quality has deviated from the standard. The 5 yuan meal options are too bland, consisting mostly of vegetables with hardly any meat. Frontline employees are not getting enough to eat, and when they're hungry, it affects their mood, which in turn impacts their productivity, posing significant harm to the company's interests."

Manager Fang reported earnestly, and the various leaders in the room listened attentively. "So, Mr. Li, I suggest that the company allocate an additional 40% of the budget to the canteen supplier each month, with the condition that they raise the food standards. The 5 yuan regular meals must include both vegetables and meat, ensuring that every employee eats well and stays satisfied, thus working more energetically for the company's profit."

As this proposal was voiced, the department managers present began to clamor, becoming more and more restless. Allocating an additional 40% to the canteen budget was no small amount; it was around 80,000 to 90,000 RMB. Over the course of a year, the company's costs would increase by a million RMB just to improve employee satisfaction. Some considered this extravagant.

"This proposal is excellent," Li Yicheng didn't wait for others to raise objections, he immediately voiced his approval, emphatically striking the table. "Manager Fang is absolutely right. The labor force and production are closely related. The employees are the foundation of whether a factory can develop in the long term. So, in terms of food and accommodation, we must provide a good environment for our employees. This is the only way we can remain competitive in the job market and retain competent staff. Manager Fang, please implement this plan as soon as possible. Allocate the 40% of the budget as needed. Also, send someone to repair and renovate the employee dormitories, addressing all the necessary repairs without cutting corners."

If these words had been spoken by the old Mr. Li, who was known to be frugal, everyone would have considered it a fantasy. But now, with Li Yicheng at the helm and the Huamao Group being the Li family's empire, all the leaders expressed their approval. The leadership team no longer had any objections; they could only show support to avoid voicing a dissenting opinion, as it could lead to unwanted consequences.

"If there are no objections, then this matter is settled. Manager Fang, please go back and make the necessary arrangements promptly so that the employees can benefit as soon as possible," Li Yicheng said with a curved smile, like a cunning fox who had successfully carried out a scheme.

"Alright," Manager Fang responded, showing perfect cooperation with their CEO.

After the meeting, Li Yicheng called Manager Fang, "Manager Fang, please wait a moment!"

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