Wang Dashan's explanation made Xu Damao understand. The normal procedure for an interview involves the two organizations contacting each other before the reporter arrives. However, since the two organizations didn't have any business ties, coordinating was troublesome and time-consuming. Their publicity department had encountered reporters arriving directly with letters of introduction before, so it wasn't unusual.

"Hello, Reporter Wang, welcome, welcome. Okay, let me take you inside first so you can speak with Section Chief Gao from our Publicity Department and see if there's anything else you need."

Xu Damao glanced at the letter of introduction, registered the person at the security office, and led them into the factory. Although the interview was related to him, in those days, collectivist thinking prevailed, and procedures had to be followed.

Moreover, for Xu Damao, no matter how big the media interview, the final benefit still needed the approval of the factory leaders.

The two walked and talked. It was clear that Wang Dashan was very curious about the steel rolling mill, and his conversation revolved entirely around things inside. He had previously interviewed people about romance and nature, but now, suddenly seeing so many steel behemoths was quite a shock.

"Section Chief, this is Wang Dashan, a reporter from 'The Cinema of the Masses.' He's here to interview us about the film screenings in rural areas. The security department didn't know who to look for, so they asked me to go and pick him up."

"Reporter Wang, this is Gao Jin, the head of the publicity department at our steel rolling mill. He's a veteran in publicity and knows many of your colleagues well."

Xu Damao saw that Gao Jinmen was open, so he went straight in and explained the whole story.

"Hello, hello, reporter Wang, welcome to our steel rolling mill, please have a seat."

"Da Mao, could you make me a cup of tea for Reporter Wang? The tea leaves are in the cabinet next to me."

It was clear that Gao Jin was familiar with the magazine; upon hearing that a reporter had come to interview him, he immediately stood up, stepped out from his desk to greet them, and even offered up some of his treasured tea, which made Xu Damao a little envious.

"Section Chief Gao, I apologize for bothering you. I came across your innovative film projection team during my trip to the countryside. It has been very well received by the locals, and many other film projection teams are now starting to learn from and imitate it."

I came here because I wanted to learn more about how our films serve our farmers, this place where the films originated.

As Wang Dashan spoke, he handed the letter of introduction back to Gao Jin. Gao Jin carefully checked the letter to make sure it was correct. In those days, the steel rolling mill was a key protected enterprise, so Xu Damao and Gao Jin had been meticulously checking the credentials of strangers, starting from the security department, to guard against hostile forces.

As the two were talking, Xu Damao picked up Gao Jin's tea canister and was about to leave.

"Da Mao, where are you going? I have water and a cup here." Gao Jin immediately sensed something was wrong.

"Section Chief, I just boiled some water. I'll be right there." Xu Damao left for his office before Gao Jin could say anything more.

"This kid..." Gao Jin thought to himself.

When Xu Damao saw the section chief bring out his treasured tea to entertain the guests, he couldn't resist taking advantage of the situation. This tea was supposedly a gift from an old friend, and he treasured it greatly. Xu Damao and his companions had only had one cup before Gao Jin put it away.

Upon arriving at his office, Xu Damao first changed the tea leaves in his and Chen Changqing's teacups, then brewed a cup for Wang Dashan. Finally, he carefully took some tea leaves, wrapped them in newspaper, and placed them in his drawer, only then feeling satisfied.

Tea was a precious commodity in those days, and Xu Damao certainly wouldn't let such an opportunity slip by. Besides, sometimes this kind of interaction with a leader could strengthen a personal relationship.

When Gao Jin handed Wang Dashan a cup of tea, he took the tea canister, shook it, and looked distressed, but said nothing.

Wang Dashan's purpose in coming here was to use the steel mill's film projection team as a starting point to write an article on how films can better serve the masses, especially people in rural areas.

It covers the work done by the steel mill's film projection team over the years, including innovative measures, current achievements, and future plans for the steel mill to further serve the public through film.

Upon hearing these questions, Gao Jin knew he would have to report them up the chain of command, probably requiring at least the deputy secretary to answer, and possibly even the secretary and factory director to set the tone. He could provide data in the past, and the current minister could offer his opinion, but the future direction absolutely needed the factory leadership's approval.

So, Xu Damao stayed here chatting with Wang Dashan while Gao Jin went to report the situation to the leaders. Sure enough, Minister Ma Xiangqian reported to the deputy secretary Fang Shanwei, who was in charge of the matter. Fang Shanwei then went to see Secretary Wu Dingbo. Wu Dingbo and Factory Director Qin Zhijian discussed it and finally decided that Secretary Wu Dingbo would represent the steel rolling mill in the interview.

This is why official meetings are usually required beforehand. That's how things are in our country; many decisions can only be made by leaders, and even if others know the answer, they can't just say it. Therefore, interviews generally require an interview outline beforehand, and the interviewee prepares their answers, which are then read aloud during the interview.

When Xu Damao and Gao Jin brought Wang Dashan to the conference room, several leaders were already inside. After introductions, they took their seats.

"First of all, I would like to apologize to all the leaders because I did not coordinate in advance, which delayed the time that the steel rolling mill gave to the leaders."

Wang Dake spoke first. Having interviewed within the system for so many years, he naturally knew the interview process. However, because news has its own timeliness and topics have varying degrees of discussion, he went directly to the interviewer this time.

"Not at all, it's an honor for our steel rolling mill that Reporter Wang was able to come and interview us. To be honest, we've always dealt with industry media like ours in the steel sector, so it's a bit unusual to hear about a film magazine."

Wu Dingbo, as the highest-ranking leader present and someone who has long been engaged in political work, responded immediately, easing the awkward situation.

"Reporter Wang, here's the arrangement. Just now, the comrades from our publicity department briefed me on the outline of your prepared interview. Here's what I'm thinking: Section Chief Gao Jin and Comrade Xu Damao will answer your questions regarding work measures and data. As for our future work plans, Minister Ma Xiangqian will answer those. I'll just do some supplementary work. Does that sound alright?"

Wu Dingbo truly lived up to his reputation as the top political officer; he arranged the work in just a few words, in an orderly manner, and also seized the power of discourse.

“Okay. I’ll follow the leaders’ arrangements.” Wang Dashan was naturally indifferent.