A few days later, in the small canteen of the Second Steel Rolling Mill, Director Wu warmly hosted Professor Wu and his entourage. This sumptuous feast was their farewell dinner.
Everyone sat together, enjoying the delicious food, with laughter and chatter filling the air.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Director Wu stood up, took out several thick red envelopes from his pocket, and handed them out to everyone one by one.
Factory Director Wu knew perfectly well that such legitimate expenses were essential. If he was stingy and didn't pay this time, it would be difficult to find someone to help repair the machine the next time it broke down.
"Technician Sun, the Ministry of Metallurgy has also given you a reward, a commendation, but you can only collect it after you return."
Factory Director Wu quickly explained to Sun Zhengguo, fearing that it might cause a misunderstanding and make the other party think that he had swallowed the reward he deserved.
Sun Zhengguo smiled and nodded, indicating his understanding.
He understood that since he had already joined the Ministry of Metallurgy, he couldn't expect to receive cash rewards every time. In fact, a commendation was a good thing, as it proved that his efforts hadn't been in vain.
Professor Wu and the others accepted the red envelopes, exchanged a few pleasantries with Director Wu, and then bid farewell to the Second Steel Rolling Mill, returning to their laboratory at Tsinghua University.
Back in the lab, everyone put down their blueprints and documents. Sun Zhengguo poured a few cups of tea, and after everyone sat down, he asked a question.
"Mr. Wu, the research on the Second Steel Rolling Mill has been completed. Should we continue the research or compile the data?"
Professor Wu pondered for a moment, then answered.
"Don't bite off more than you can chew. Let's first compile the data from these two surveys, then produce a detailed report, and finally make a decision."
Sun Zhengguo and Chen Lianshan nodded in agreement.
The two factories we surveyed have already accumulated a large amount of blueprints and data. Taking advantage of this opportunity when our thinking is clear is the wisest course of action.
"Professor Wu, with so much data, why don't you send more people? With just a few of us, how long would it take to finish?"
Faced with Senior Brother Chen's complaints, Sun Zhengguo already had a guess, but he couldn't say it.
"Sigh! I can't do anything about it. If there were someone available, I could have Zhengguo graduate early. A few years ago, the country transferred a group of experts away one after another. I don't know what they did. Now there's no one available."
As expected, Professor Wu's words confirmed Sun Zhengguo's suspicions: those people must have all gone to the Northwest. What they were doing there? Everyone knows.
After quickly finishing their tea, the group began working, busily dealing with the dry and uninteresting drawings and documents.
The next morning, the sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze caressed our faces.
At the entrance of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, Director Yang had just arrived at the gate when he immediately called over Captain Ma, who was on duty.
"Captain Ma, if any guests come to our factory for research later, remember to call me immediately."
Factory Director Yang gave a serious warning.
"Don't worry, Director Yang, I guarantee the mission will be completed." Captain Ma quickly saluted in response.
After Director Yang finished giving his instructions, the driver slowly drove the car into the factory gate.
After getting off the car, Director Yang walked steadily into the director's office.
Upon entering the office, the secretary had already prepared a cup of hot tea and placed it on the table.
Factory Director Yang took the teacup, gently blew on it, and then slowly took a sip, the aroma of tea filling the air.
He nodded in satisfaction, sat down at his desk, and began to think about some things.
At the end of last year, due to age, Secretary Zhou stepped down from his position as factory director, but retained his position as secretary.
At the same time, thanks to his relationship with Deputy Minister Bai, Director Yang successfully ascended to the position of factory director.
Just yesterday afternoon, Director Yang received an important phone call.
The voice of his old comrade-in-arms, Director Wu of the Second Steel Rolling Mill, came from the other end of the phone.
Factory Director Wu told him that Professor Wu and his team had completed their research.
They are very likely to come to their third steel rolling mill (also known as Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill) today, so please make preparations to receive them.
Director Yang had already heard about Professor Wu and his group.
The number of broken machines piled up in their factory warehouse is no less than that in the Second Steel Rolling Mill. If they could repair them all, it would be a great achievement.
That's why Director Yang specifically instructed Captain Ma, fearing that offending this group of bodhisattvas would prevent him from even giving them a chance to make offerings.
After thinking for a while, Director Yang felt something was missing, so he called over Secretary Chen and gave him instructions.
"Secretary Chen, please tell Director Zhao of the cafeteria to prepare more dishes. We may have distinguished guests arriving at noon."
"Okay, Director Yang, I'll go right away."
The leader's business is the most important thing. Upon receiving the task, Secretary Chen dared not slack off and quickly headed to the cafeteria to convey the instructions.
Seeing that everything was arranged, Director Yang stopped thinking about it, picked up the documents on the table, and began working.
At 11 a.m., Secretary Chen came to the factory director's office again. Seeing what Director Yang was writing, he could only cough softly.
Upon hearing the cough, Director Yang looked up and stared at Secretary Chen with a puzzled expression.
"Secretary Chen, what can I do for you?"
"Director Yang, Director Zhao from the canteen asked me to inquire when those VIP guests will arrive, so that Chef Liu can be prepared."
Factory Director Yang then realized that it might be getting late. He looked at his watch and saw that it was already past 11 o'clock. He could only say helplessly.
"It's already this late, I'm afraid no one will come this morning. How about we cancel for now and notify you later?"
Secretary Chen was a good secretary; he didn't ask a single question, turned around, and left the office to relay instructions.
And so, another afternoon passed, but Professor Wu and his party still did not appear.
The next morning, Director Yang was still waiting, but to his disappointment, Professor Wu seemed to have forgotten about their Third Steel Rolling Mill, and there was still no word from him.
Factory Director Yang was no longer calm and made a phone call to the Second Steel Rolling Mill.
"Hey! Old Wu, this is Yang Zhenhua. Are you sure Professor Wu and his group have left your factory?"
"Hey! Old Yang, what's our relationship? Would I lie to you? I left the day before yesterday at noon, otherwise I wouldn't have called you."
"I can't help it," said Director Wu on the other end of the phone.
"Why haven't they come to our factory yet? Are they not planning to come?"
"I can't believe it," said Director Yang on the other end of the phone, his face full of worry.
"Hey! You're just worrying unnecessarily. Let me give you a free tidbit: apparently, that technician Sun's parents both work at your Red Star Steel Rolling Mill. You're in a prime position, why don't you take advantage of it!"
"Really? Old Wu, what's that technician Sun's name? I'll have someone look it up right away."
At this moment, Director Yang felt as refreshed as if he had drunk an ice-cold Coke on a sweltering summer day.
"His name seems to be Sun Zhengguo. I heard that his parents are both officials in your factory, so it should be easy to find out."
"Old Wu! Thank you so much! I'll go check it right away."
Even after hanging up the phone, Director Yang was still in a state of high excitement.
"Sun Zhengguo? What a nice name."
"Having a name makes it easier to find," Director Yang thought to himself.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com