The two talked for more than two hours before there was any movement from the side.
Factory Director Zhou and Sun Zhengguo walked out of the office and saw Wang Lefeng standing outside stretching his body, probably because he had been sitting for too long.
"Technician Wang, the higher-ups are here."
Upon hearing Director Zhou's voice, Wang Lefeng didn't even turn his head, but continued speaking while twisting his waist.
"I'm not going to see them. Didn't I tell them I was crazy? What are these people doing here if they're just bored and have nothing better to do?"
Seeing Wang Lefeng's strong personality, Factory Director Zhou looked at Sun Zhengguo awkwardly, as if to say, "I didn't lie to you, did I? He just didn't want to leave."
"Comrade Wang Lefeng! Are you really going to deceive the organization like this? You dare to lie to my face."
Upon hearing this unfamiliar voice, Wang Lefeng stopped what he was doing, turned around to look at Sun Zhengguo, and then said dismissively.
"Who are you? Can you represent the organization? I don't know you at all. What, doesn't Huang Guangquan hate me? Why does he want me to go back?"
Upon hearing Wang Lefeng's words, Sun Zhengguo already knew what was going on. He guessed that Wang Lefeng was being ostracized by Huang Guangquan again. He himself didn't know anything, which was why such a talented person was being overlooked.
Sun Zhengguo didn't waste any words. He recounted the recent events and explained his purpose in coming: to take Wang Lefeng away.
“Deputy Section Chief Sun, I know nothing about rolling mills. Why are you taking me back? I’d rather stay here; at least I’m getting the respect I deserve here.”
"No, no! I think you've misunderstood. I'm taking you back not to help me modify the rolling mill, but so that you can make a greater contribution to the country's steel industry. Do you really want your talents to be buried here?"
Sun Zhengguo's purpose was simple: what were they trying to achieve by modifying the rolling mill?
It's all about improving steel quality and increasing efficiency. Since we can improve things at the source, why not do it?
It is essential to understand the importance of steel to a country, whether for people's livelihood or military needs. It would be an injustice if such talent were buried for any reason.
"But I'm seen as crazy by them. Nobody believes me, and I don't want to live such a pathetic life."
Wang Lefeng roared hysterically, as if venting years of grievances.
He didn't want to live a day longer, being treated like a madman. Only at the Hongqi Steel Plant could he receive the respect he deserved.
"I trust you!"
These four simple words resonated deeply, startling Wang Lefeng. He then looked into Sun Zhengguo's clear eyes, where he seemed to see endless hope and trust.
He secretly pondered that perhaps this young and promising section chief could truly help him realize his long-held dream.
However, the real problems weighed heavily on Wang Lefeng's mind like a mountain.
“I can go back with you, but what about the workers in the factory? They have elderly parents and young children to support. If I leave and the steel they produce cannot meet the standards, then the factory will inevitably face bankruptcy. What will become of them then?”
Faced with the difficult question posed by Wang Lefeng, Sun Zhengguo was speechless for a moment and did not know how to answer.
After a moment of contemplation, he answered honestly.
"I will report this matter truthfully to the leaders of the department and do my best to secure a proper resettlement plan for these workers. There is nothing else I can do."
Sun Zhengguo's tone was sincere and earnest, without the slightest hint of hypocrisy.
This surprised both Director Zhou and Wang Lefeng. After all, those so-called leaders in the past always made all sorts of promises, but in the end, they were all empty promises.
In contrast, Sun Zhengguo's attitude appeared exceptionally sincere, making him seem very genuine.
After much deliberation, Wang Lefeng reluctantly nodded in agreement.
That evening, in order to get Sun Zhengguo to help out more, Director Zhou specially treated him to a meal, buying a free-range chicken from a fellow villager at a high price, along with some mixed grain and wild vegetable cakes. This was the best he could do.
Sun Zhengguo was a little embarrassed, and after much persuasion, he finally managed to stuff five jin of grain coupons into his hand.
The accommodations that night were certainly not ideal; sharing a bed with Wang Lefeng meant Sun Zhengguo didn't get a good night's sleep.
The next morning, Director Zhou arranged for an oxcart to take the two men to town. Before they left, a group of workers came to see them off, which moved Wang Lefeng to tears.
“Go back! Zhou Changchang, don’t worry, I will do my best to help you report this situation to the higher-ups.”
"Thank you, Deputy Section Chief Sun!"
After saying goodbye to Zhouchang Factory and leaving Hongqi Steel Plant, the two took an oxcart to Changyang Town. The villagers greeted them after they had completed their mission and then returned to their hometown.
After his fellow villager left, Sun Zhengguo chatted with Wang Lefeng about everyday things until the bus arrived. The two then boarded the bus back to the city and headed towards Beijing.
The journey back to the city went very smoothly. The bus did not break down along the way, and we arrived at the station before noon.
"Old Wang, get off the bus, we've arrived in Beijing."
Seeing Wang Lefeng still fast asleep, Sun Zhengguo reminded him.
Because Wang Lefeng was older than Sun Dajiang, Sun Zhengguo called him Old Wang along the way.
Wang Lefeng, who had been woken up, rubbed his eyes, stretched, picked up his bags, and got off the bus with the crowd.
After the two got out of the car, they saw that Wang Lefeng looked blank and didn't know where to go, so Sun Zhengguo casually asked him.
"Old Wang, you don't even own a house in Beijing, do you?"
“Deputy Section Chief Sun, to be honest, I really don’t own a house. My wife and children all live in the countryside. I’m waiting for my work unit to allocate a house, and I’ve been waiting for ten years.”
Sun Zhengguo was completely speechless. It seemed that even executing Huang Guangquan would not have been a miscarriage of justice.
"Then come with me! Let's go to my house for a meal first, and then I'll take you to the Ministry of Metallurgy."
After hearing Sun Zhengguo's words, Wang Lefeng didn't mince words. "Since you tricked me into coming back, you have to take full responsibility."
The two walked for more than ten minutes and arrived at the courtyard house.
Several middle-aged women at the entrance of the courtyard noticed that the person following Sun Zhengguo looked slightly better than a beggar, and asked him curiously.
"Jung-guk, who is this? Do you know him?"
“Auntie, this man works at the same company as me. He was just transferred back from the countryside today. I’m bringing him back for a meal.”
After saying that, Sun Zhengguo ignored the disapproving looks from the older women and took Wang Lefeng home.
"Have a glass of water first, I'll go cook."
After entering the house, Sun Zhengguo first settled Wang Lefeng in before going into the kitchen.
Before long, Sun Zhengguo prepared a meat dish, a vegetable dish, and a bowl of soup, and also brought out seven or eight white steamed buns.
Wang Lefeng's eyes lit up when he saw the simple lunch.
As a result, Sun Zhengguo only ate two steamed buns, while Wang Lefeng devoured the rest.
After finishing his meal, Wang Lefeng realized something was wrong and quickly took out the only food coupons he had and handed them to Sun Zhengguo.
"I'm sorry, Deputy Section Chief Sun, these steamed buns were so delicious that I couldn't resist and ate them all. I don't have anything else on me, so please take these two jin of grain coupons!"
"Put your food coupons away! I promised to treat you to a meal, why are you being so polite? If you don't have enough white flour buns, I'll go and steam some more for you, you'll definitely have enough to eat."
"That's enough, hehe! Thank you, Deputy Section Chief Sun."
It seemed that Wang Lefeng was truly full, so Sun Zhengguo didn't insist. After clearing away the dishes, the two of them drank another cup of tea.
It wasn't until almost time for work that Sun Zhengguo took out his bicycle, locked the door, and rode towards the Ministry of Metallurgy with Wang Lefeng.
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