After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, Vice Minister Bai decided to put it aside for the time being, but he was still somewhat unwilling.
"Zhengguo, to be honest, I've treated you pretty well before, haven't I? Can you give me a definite answer on when you'll be free to help us develop the next rolling mill?"
Sun Zhengguo felt helpless as he listened to Vice Minister Bai trying to appeal to his emotions.
Vice Minister Bai treated me fairly well back then. If it weren't for Section Chief Huang's jealousy, I might still be working in the Ministry of Metallurgy now.
Oh well, they're all contributing to the country, so let's just give him something to remember them by!
"Vice Minister Bai, how about this: let's wait two years until we've fully mastered the existing technology, and then I'll help you develop the next rolling mill. What do you think?"
"Really?" Vice Minister Bai stood up happily and then extended his hand. "Then it's a deal."
“It’s a deal.” Sun Zhengguo also stood up.
In an instant, their large hands clasped tightly together.
...
On the way back, Sun Zhengguo kept thinking that the research and development of the steel rolling mill was probably coming to an end.
Fortunately, the current six-roller mills are sufficient and should last for at least ten years.
According to his deduction, Vice Minister Bai should be the high-ranking leader in the original drama. It's really hard to say whether he will still be able to work in the Ministry of Metallurgy next year.
Upon returning to the research institute, Sun Zhengguo did not immediately go back to his office, but instead went to the construction site of the branch factory.
Seeing that the construction site was leveled and the positioning and layout work had been completed, and the workers were digging the foundation, Sun Zhengguo couldn't help but sigh!
"That was fast!"
When Zhou Weimin saw Sun Zhengguo arrive, he also walked over from the temporary workers' shed.
"Director, the workers are making great progress. I have just spoken with their supervisor, and they guarantee that the equipment will be ready for use within three months."
"Um!"
Sun Zhengguo smiled and nodded. As expected of the infrastructure maniac, he had already gotten involved at this point.
"Weimin, you just need to supervise, make sure the quality and quantity are guaranteed."
In addition, during this period, you will also be responsible for recruitment. We can't wait until the factory is completed before our workers have arrived.
“I understand, Director. I have already contacted Director Qian of the Subdistrict Office. He is very supportive of our work and is willing to help us recruit half of the workers.”
Zhou Weimin replied with a cheerful smile.
Actually, it was Director Qian who took the initiative to contact him. You know, he's become a hot commodity now.
Because according to past practice, half of the recruits were internal and half were external, you can imagine how much power he wielded.
Who doesn't have a couple of poor relatives? Zhou Weimin, being a country boy, was no exception.
"Just make sure you know your limits."
Sun Zhengguo was well aware of Zhou Weimin's thoughts. After casually uttering a sentence, he returned to the research institute.
Then he plunged back into the laboratory to continue his journey of paying off his debts.
...
The following day was the weekend.
Sun Zhengguo planned to take Ning Xiaowei to the hospital for a check-up, since having a child shouldn't be taken lightly, and a check-up would put his mind at ease.
At the same time, Sun Zhengnan was also taking Zhou Weihua for a check-up, and the two of them happened to be going the same way.
After having breakfast, we told our grandparents, and the four of us got into the car and headed to the hospital.
Upon arriving at the hospital, I followed the registration and queue procedures. Because there were many people needing examinations, I could only wait patiently…
Just then, Sun Zhengnan suddenly nudged Sun Zhengguo.
"Brother, look, isn't that Li Xiuxiu? What's she doing here?"
Upon hearing this, Sun Zhengguo turned around and looked behind him, and there stood Li Xiuxiu.
The next second, Sha Zhu came out from around the corner, holding the registration slip in his hand, his face beaming with joy, like a devoted admirer ready to help his wife up.
But Li Xiuxiu didn't seem to appreciate it. She shook off his hands, muttered something, and walked over on her own.
Why is Sha Zhu here, and why is he so happy? It all started when we were eating breakfast this morning.
This morning, Li Xiuxiu didn't know what was wrong with her. She had only eaten a few bites when she started vomiting non-stop.
The couple had no experience and thought it was because he caught a cold while doing his homework at night.
Later, He Daqing realized that his daughter-in-law might be pregnant.
So they hurriedly urged them to find Dr. Hu next door to take a look.
But things just didn't go as planned; Dr. Hu was out on house calls that morning and wasn't home.
Left with no other choice, He Daqing urged them to go to the hospital for a check-up.
That's why what just happened occurred.
As for why Li Xiuxiu didn't want Sha Zhu's help, it was because she was afraid of losing face if she wasn't pregnant.
"Hey! What are you all doing here?"
At this moment, Li Xiuxiu also saw Sun Zhengguo and the others, and quickly took a few steps forward.
Startled, Sha Zhu hurriedly chased after them, shouting, "Slow down, slow down, my dear lady, be careful not to bump my son!"
Distracted by Sha Zhu, Li Xiuxiu felt embarrassed and turned to glare at him.
"Can you stop talking nonsense? It's not even close to being settled yet, and there are acquaintances standing here! What if...? Ugh! That would be so embarrassing!"
After Li Xiuxiu reminded him, Shazhu realized that Sun Zhengguo and the others were looking at him and laughing!
This immediately embarrassed him.
"Hehehe! Zhengguo, Zhengnan, what a coincidence, you are also...?"
"Brother Zhu, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. We're just like you, accompanying our wives to their checkups."
Sun Zhengguo's answer temporarily eased Shazhu's embarrassment. Since he was at the back of the line, the group started chatting.
Meanwhile, Li Xiuxiu chatted quietly with Ning Xiaowei and Zhou Weihua on the side.
"Great job, Sister-in-law Xiuxiu! That's fast! Congratulations! You'll be a mother soon."
Upon hearing Ning Xiaowei's words, Li Xiuxiu's face flushed slightly, and she quickly pulled her aside, signaling her to stop talking.
"Xiaowei, keep your voice down. I haven't checked yet! It's just a suspected pregnancy."
Zhou Weihua was a little incredulous. "How could that be, sister-in-law? Dr. Hu lives next door. Why didn't you ask him to take your pulse first? He's very accurate."
"Have you checked everything?" Li Xiuxiu pressed.
Ning Xiaowei and Zhou Weihua exchanged a glance and nodded with smiles.
"Oh! I really envy you guys. I felt unwell this morning and wanted to get checked out, but Dr. Hu wasn't home, so I came directly to the hospital. I hope I can get treatment there!"
Li Xiuxiu clasped her hands together and prayed silently.
After all, in this era, feelings can be cultivated slowly, but carrying on the family line is the real important thing.
The value a woman like her can achieve is to continuously produce offspring for her husband's family.
Otherwise, no matter how beautiful or capable you are, you will still be looked down upon if you have no children.
Those people in the compound are living proof.
Seeing Li Xiuxiu like this, Ning Xiaowei could only offer quiet words of comfort.
"Sister-in-law Xiuxiu, I believe your wish will come true."
“I believe you too,” Zhou Weihua added.
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