Production went smoothly in the afternoon; minor issues were resolved by maintenance workers without the need for technicians.

Upon hearing the news, Factory Directors Gao and Wu arrived and were astonished by the high yield and speed of the new machine. This undoubtedly brought Factory Director Yang back into the limelight, dispelling the previous gloom.

However, the two factory managers were not in a hurry. Once this renovation was completed, it would be their factory's turn.

The next morning, the production report from the previous afternoon was delivered to Vice Minister Bai's desk.

After reading the report, Vice Minister Bai was astonished for a long time before he came to his senses. He then immediately called Secretary Hu and gave him instructions.

"Secretary Hu, please make arrangements to have the ministry send another batch of technicians to support the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, and also transfer a batch of technicians and maintenance workers from the First and Second Steel Rolling Mills to provide support."

"Okay, sir, I'll arrange it right away. Do you have any other arrangements?"

After thinking for a moment, Vice Minister Bai gave the order again.

"Make it clear to these people that they are not going to provide support, but to seek credit. They must bring back the technical skills. I have a feeling that Sun Zhengguo will not stay long. After this renovation is completed, the Ministry of Machinery will definitely need people."

"Okay, boss, I'll arrange it right away."

After speaking, Secretary Hu first notified the Second Technical Section, instructing them to arrange personnel to immediately report to the steel rolling mill.

Then Secretary Hu called the First and Second Steel Rolling Mills to convey Vice Minister Bai's orders.

The First and Second Steel Rolling Mills were overjoyed when they received the order. They couldn't let such a good opportunity slip by, and immediately arranged for their best personnel to go to the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill to learn the technology.

With the addition of these external helpers, Sun Zhengguo was able to arrange work more easily and decisively divided the personnel into three shifts.

Chen Lianshan led the first class, Zhao Guoping led the second class, and he personally took charge of the third class, so that each class had enough people.

With the addition of these personnel, the renovation work proceeded in full swing. Before they knew it, more than a month had passed, and the weather was gradually getting warmer.

Seeing his wife, heavily pregnant, preparing to go to work in the morning, Sun Zhengguo said with some heartache.

"Honey, why don't you just stay home and not go to work? I'm worried about you doing that."

“Zhengguo, it’s alright. It’s only been about seven months, there’s still some time. I’m not being that dramatic. Besides, with my job, you wouldn’t trust me, I’m always so idle.”

"Xiao Wei! Be careful. If you feel unwell, stop immediately, okay?"

Lin Wencui also offered words of advice from the side.

It's true that people in this era aren't as pretentious, but her family isn't short of money, so why make herself suffer?

"I understand, Mom. If I feel unwell, I won't push myself and I'll definitely stop working."

Ning Xiaowei humbly accepted the advice before pushing the car onto the vehicle and walking out of the yard.

After Ning Xiaowei left, the mother and son locked the door and got into a car together, heading towards the steel rolling mill.

Upon arriving at the steel rolling mill, Sun Zhengguo changed into his work clothes and went to the workshop. He first inspected the area and was very satisfied with the results, as all three shifts were working in an orderly manner.

That's right. Sun Zhengguo has now taken a leave of absence from his job. Among the people who came to help, a level 10 technician from the First Steel Rolling Mill successfully took over his position as foreman with his superb skills.

The renovation work is now nearing completion. The second workshop has been renovated, and the renovation of the third workshop only requires some work to be done.

Seeing that everyone was working diligently, Sun Zhengguo did not disturb them, but went to the factory manager's office instead.

When Director Yang saw Sun Zhengguo's visit, he immediately put down his work and personally brewed a cup of tea for him.

"Deputy Section Chief Sun, please have some tea."

"Thank you, Director Yang."

Sun Zhengguo accepted the teacup, thanked him, and then sat down.

"Deputy Section Chief Sun, is the renovation almost complete?"

Sun Zhengguo nodded and then said, "If it's done quickly, it'll be finished today, or at the latest tomorrow. I'd like to ask what the Ministry of Metallurgy's plans are next."

Director Yang smiled. How could he know what the Ministry of Metallurgy was planning?

However, Sun Zhengguo's meaning could not be hidden from this old fox, so he gave a vague answer.

"The leaders from the Ministry of Metallurgy are coming to inspect the country the day after tomorrow. Why don't you ask them yourself?"

Sun Zhengguo meant to return to the Ministry of Machinery, but this result was as good as saying nothing at all, so we can only wait a couple of days and see.

"Alright, Director Yang, I'll ask again in a couple of days."

After saying that, Sun Zhengguo prepared to leave.

"etc."

Under Sun Zhengguo's puzzled gaze, Factory Director Yang opened a drawer, took out an envelope, and handed it to him.

"Deputy Section Chief Sun, you've worked hard these past few days, repairing so many machines for our factory. Here's a small token of appreciation for your hard work; please don't refuse."

"this……?"

"Oh! Don't worry, I've already instructed Section Chief Zhang that all the technicians involved will receive a share."

Only after hearing Director Yang's explanation did Sun Zhengguo feel at ease enough to accept the fee for his hard work.

"Then I thank Director Yang on behalf of my brothers."

"Of course, of course."

After exchanging pleasantries, Sun Zhengguo left the office.

Two days later, on the morning of the same day, sunlight streamed through the clouds, illuminating the entire Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill.

At this time, the renovation work has been completed, and the workers are busy operating the new equipment, creating a bustling scene.

Because important superiors were coming to inspect the factory today, Sun Zhengguo and his entourage remained at the factory.

To prepare for the inspection, the workers wore brand-new work clothes and looked very energetic.

They worked diligently and attentively in their respective positions, demonstrating a positive work attitude and professional competence.

The meticulously modified hot rolling mill is now operating efficiently, emitting a deep rumble.

Blocks of bright red steel roll on the conveyor belt, and after being processed by the hot rolling mill, they are transformed into smooth and flat finished products. These finished products are continuously sent into the cooling device, creating a spectacular scene.

At nine o'clock in the morning, red flags fluttered outside the gate, and a large banner hung in the center of the factory gate, which read "Warmly welcome the leaders from higher levels to inspect and guide our work" in a prominent and solemn manner.

All the leaders of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, including Sun Zhengguo, stood at the entrance, eagerly waiting.

A short while later, several black cars slowly drove up from a distance.

The car arrived at the factory gate and slowly came to a stop. Then, the leaders inside began to get out of the car one after another.

Among these leaders, apart from Vice Minister Bai, Sun Zhengguo did not recognize any of the others.

However, none of this concerned him. He was just a deputy section chief. If he hadn't been in charge of the reform work, he wouldn't have been qualified to stand here.

Upon seeing the Minister's arrival, Director Yang, who was at the front, quickly stepped forward with a beaming smile to welcome him. Then came the Vice Minister, Director, Division Chief, and other leaders, who all expressed their welcome one by one.

After the welcoming ceremony, Minister Wang glanced around the crowd and then fixed his gaze on Sun Zhengguo.

When Sun Zhengguo saw the leader looking at him, before he could react, Minister Wang spoke up.

"This young comrade must be Sun Zhengguo, right? Come forward."

Sun Zhengguo was baffled. He didn't recognize this big shot! Why was he being called?

But he had no time to think about it anymore, so he quickly took a few steps forward.

Although Director Yang had some doubts, he still helped to explain.

"Deputy Section Chief Sun, this is Minister Wang from the Ministry of Metallurgy."

After listening to Director Yang's introduction, Sun Zhengguo quickly stretched out his hands and said.

"Hello, Minister Wang, welcome to your inspection."

After the two shook hands, Minister Wang said with a smile.

"Young comrade, you are good and promising. Stand here and help me welcome our distinguished guests."

This sentence completely baffled Sun Zhengguo. Welcoming distinguished guests?

Who would be the distinguished guest whom the minister would greet?