Inside the research institute's canteen, He Daqing was busy at the stove, with two apprentices helping him out, occasionally glancing over to see if they could learn anything.
Because of the large number of people who came today, Sun Zhengguo specifically asked him to come and help.
Of course, he received all the due benefits he was entitled to, and they were even no less than what he received when he took on private jobs.
Therefore, He Daqing was very satisfied and worked very hard, using all his skills to ensure that he did not tarnish Sun Zhengguo's reputation.
"Master He, the leaders have already entered the private room, you'd better hurry up!" Aunt Zhang from the kitchen came over again to urge him, a little worried.
"Don't worry, Squad Leader Zhang, the cold dishes have been served, and the two hot dishes are ready and can be served now. The rest will be completed within half an hour. I guarantee I will finish the task."
He Daqing spoke while cooking, without even looking up.
His movements remained as skillful as ever, without the slightest sign of panic, as if everything was under control.
Seeing that it was indeed as he said, Sister Zhang stopped urging him.
After all, the two had known each other for two years and had always helped and benefited each other; He Daqing had never made any mistakes.
...
Inside the private dining room, the leaders toasted each other, savoring authentic Shandong cuisine and chatting animatedly.
After three rounds of drinks, Deputy Director Yu witnessed Sun Zhengguo's incredible drinking capacity and couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.
"Director Sun is truly magnanimous, probably comparable to General Lai. I really admire him."
"Not at all, Mr. Lai is a true hidden talent. I am far from being good enough for Deputy Director Yu's praise."
Minister Li and the others just chuckled secretly after hearing Sun Zhengguo's words.
After all, they all knew Sun Zhengguo's drinking capacity; if they had to describe it, it would be unfathomable.
Who would dare drink with him? That would be pure masochism!
But Deputy Director Yu was unaware of this and thought that Sun Zhengguo only had these three tricks up his sleeve, so the two drank a few more cups.
Gradually, Deputy Director Yu, having probably had a few more drinks, started talking more.
"Director Sun, to be honest, I was against your institute's proposal to build a branch factory. At the time, I was thinking, why would a research institute need to build a factory? It would make it look like a hodgepodge."
But after meeting you today and talking with you, I realized I was completely wrong. Director Sun, you're not only strong in research and development, but you're also excellent in other fields as well, even in drinking...
Listening to Deputy Director Yu's frank words after drinking, Sun Zhengguo could probably tell that this person was simple-minded and straightforward.
The initial disagreement with this project was probably due to preconceived notions that research institutions should behave like research institutions.
His open and honest conversation intensified the atmosphere at the dinner table, which lasted until the end of the meal.
After the event ended, the leaders prepared to leave. Sun Zhengguo thoughtfully prepared several packets of tea for each of them, put them in their cars, and escorted them all the way to the door.
"Minister Li, please take care."
"Go back! No need to see me off."
After seeing Minister Li off, Sun Zhengguo went to Deputy Director Yu's car.
"Deputy Director Yu, please take care. You are welcome to come and inspect our work whenever you have time."
"Director Sun, you're too kind. From today onwards, I consider you my little brother. If you ever have any trouble in the future, just give me a call."
Look, in the time it takes to have a banquet, you've built a new network of relationships. Can you say it's not worth it?
Watching the cars gradually disappear into the distance, Sun Zhengguo returned to his office with a smile.
Zhang Yucheng immediately brought over a cup of strong tea and then left the office.
Taking advantage of this quiet time, Sun Zhengguo could finally rest for a while.
But to his utter surprise, the phone rang again, so he picked it up without thinking.
As soon as he answered the phone, he knew the debt collectors had arrived.
"Comrade Zhengguo, I've been waiting for you for two days. Where is the report you promised? The rolling mill production is still waiting for detailed data. You can't just abandon your post."
Alright! Hearing Vice Minister Bai's voice on the phone, Sun Zhengguo knew he was in for another job, so he could only patiently explain.
“Vice Minister Bai, I have no choice. The branch factory broke ground this morning, and Minister Li and Deputy Director Yu from the General Office just left. I really couldn’t get away.”
"Comrade Zhengguo, I know about your situation, which is why I called you this afternoon. How about it, can you come over?"
"Alright then! Since Vice Minister Bai is waiting for it, I'll go there in a bit."
...
After hanging up the phone, Sun Zhengguo habitually rubbed his face with both hands, took a couple of sips of strong tea, took out the report he had already written from the drawer, and then went downstairs.
"Zheng Nan, go to the Ministry of Metallurgy."
"Okay, brother."
The two then got into the car and drove towards the gate…
Upon arriving at the Ministry of Metallurgy, Sun Zhengguo proceeded without hindrance, going directly to the third floor and entering Vice Minister Bai's office without even needing Secretary Hu to announce his arrival.
"Vice Minister Bai, you're really in a hurry. You called me over right on time."
"The capable should do more work! Comrade Zhengguo, please have a seat."
Vice Minister Bai exchanged pleasantries, and then Secretary Hu, having received the message, quickly came over to pour tea.
"Thank you, Secretary Hu."
"Director Sun, you're too kind."
After sitting down, Sun Zhengguo took out a stack of reports from his briefcase and placed them on his desk.
“Vice Minister Bai, the entire report is here. I have written down all the data clearly. With this report, along with the blueprints, I believe you will have no problem manufacturing the rolling mill yourself.”
"Hmm! Thank you, Comrade Zhengguo. If I may ask, I heard from Comrade Guoping that you once mentioned that there are eight-roll, ten-roll, and multi-roll rolling mills later on. Is that true?"
"These are all true. I did say that, theoretically, any number of rollers is possible. What's wrong, Vice Minister Bai? Is there a problem?"
Sun Zhengguo knew exactly what the other party meant, but he just wouldn't take the bait; he was just pretending!
"Hahaha! Comrade Zhengguo, look, we've been friends for a long time, and Minister Li and I are old comrades-in-arms. How about you help us develop another ten-roll steel rolling mill?"
Sun Zhengguo, who was drinking tea, almost spat it out when he heard what Vice Minister Bai said.
He didn't expect that Vice Minister Bai would be so bold as to bypass the eight-roll rolling mill and directly request a ten-roll rolling mill.
This is a classic case of trying to run before you can walk.
This is the most taboo thing on the path of scientific research.
Even if we gave them the blueprints, they couldn't build it with our current technology.
“Um, Vice Minister Bai, perhaps what I said just now wasn’t clear enough. I was talking about theory. What do you mean by theory? It requires a lot of experimental data to support it! It can’t just appear out of thin air.”
"Yes, yes, I was too hasty. How about the eight-roll rolling mill? Comrade Zhengguo, that should be fine, right?"
Hehehe!
Sun Zhengguo burst into laughter. It turned out that Vice Minister Bai had been bargaining earlier, and his real target was the eight-roll steel rolling mill.
"I'm telling you, boss, don't waste your time. I won't be developing any more rolling mills for now, because the existing technology is enough for us to explore for a few more years. You have to understand the principle of not trying to do too much at once."
"I see?"
Vice Minister Bai looked disappointed, feeling a mix of emotions.
Ultimately, the key issue is that Sun Zhengguo isn't one of our own.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have to worry, and he could be available whenever needed.
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