Chapter Sixty-Six Cooperation
Lin Baozhu put down her teacup, the bottom of the porcelain mug making a crisp sound on the table, instantly drawing the attention of both of them. A smile played on her lips as she threw out a groundbreaking idea: "While repairing this machine tool today, a bold idea suddenly popped into my head. Since I can fix it myself… why not handcraft a new, more advanced, and easier-to-operate domestically made machine tool? Then those Germans and Japanese devils will be begging us for money!"
The factory manager's hand-rubbing motion abruptly stopped mid-air! Then, his eyes suddenly flashed with an almost tangible light! Today, he had witnessed Lin Baozhu's miraculous performance firsthand. Although her idea sounded a bit far-fetched, what if...? Even if it failed, it would only consume some steel billets, and the factory could grit its teeth and bear it!
But if she actually succeeds, even if it's not as advanced as the Germans' machines, just roughly the same, it would still be a significant leap forward for their machine factory.
"Comrade Xiao Lin! How confident are you about this matter?" The factory director's voice was very low, and his expression was more solemn than ever before.
Lin Baozhu's eyes darted around slightly, and after a moment's thought, she extended five slender white fingers and said, "Hmm... my initial idea is that I'm about 50% confident."
"Fifty percent?!" The factory manager was so excited he almost jumped out of his chair. "That high?!"
Lin Baozhu broke out in a cold sweat: In truth, she was absolutely certain of victory, more than 100%... but fearing that revealing it would scare people, she modestly lowered her estimate by half. The result still surprised everyone.
Expert Shao, who was standing nearby, could no longer contain himself! He suddenly stood up, his face beaming with immense joy, and said urgently, "Comrade Xiao Lin! Our city's machinery factory just happens to have a key machine tool research project! I myself am a member of this team! As long as you nod your head, I can recommend you to join immediately! The city's machinery factory has a large platform and ample research funding! Most importantly, once the research results are released, you will be the first author on the papers and patents! This honor and technology are all real!"
Upon hearing this, the factory manager immediately objected: "Engineer Shao, you can't say that! We've all witnessed Comrade Lin's abilities! Although our factory can't compare to the size and scale of listed machine manufacturers, we will fully support Comrade Lin in his research and development! During the research and development period, you will be our factory's number one technical advisor! We'll provide manpower, materials, and equipment as needed... We'll find a way to coordinate! As for your salary..."
The factory manager gritted his teeth and said, "Your salary will be calculated according to the highest standard for an eighth-grade fitter! One hundred and twenty-five yuan a month! And another thing! When your new machine tool is completed, it will be named after you—'Baozhu No. 1'! In our factory, you will be the chief designer, with complete technical autonomy!"
The terms he offered were incredibly generous, almost exhausting all the resources of the entire county factory.
Upon hearing "eighth-grade fitter's wages," Expert Shao became even more determined to poach the talent. He shook his head and chuckled, a hint of superiority in his voice: "Factory Director, you can't just put on airs like that. Your factory's main business is making parts for shipyards and doing some repairs and assembly. Where would you find the long-term, stable investment in R&D? Our city factory is different! The project is funded by a national special grant, with ample funding! And..." He dropped a bombshell, "This time, we've got Academician Wang Zhengyuan as the chief consultant for the project! He's a pillar of our country's machine tool industry!"
The moment Academician Wang's name was mentioned, the office fell silent.
The factory manager's impassioned expression froze, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but the other party invoked the legendary "Old Wang," a figure whose highest rank in their factory was only a level six and a half veteran fitter…
The immense sense of loss made his throat feel like it was stuffed with a walnut, and he could only utter a few weak syllables: "Comrade Xiaolin...we...we..."
He slumped back in his chair, the flame in his eyes dimming instantly, leaving only a deep sense of resentment and powerlessness.
Lin Baozhu picked up the teacup again and slowly drank the tea in one gulp. Then, under the expectant gaze of Expert Shao, she slowly said, "I'm sorry, Expert Shao, I can't go to the city for the time being. You have so many capable people there, but our county doesn't have many who can make a difference. Now, the factory director has high hopes for me, and I also want to do something for my hometown."
Shao Hongyi's expectant expression froze instantly. He tried to speak, "Comrade Lin! You really need to think this through! The Municipal Machinery Factory has a large platform, many opportunities, and a bright future. Staying here... you'll have nothing, and technical exchanges will be scarce... all your skills will be wasted!"
Lin Baozhu chuckled and said half-jokingly, "Expert Shao, I only mean staying in our county for now. Once it develops, I'll definitely go to a bigger platform to learn. Don't think I'm a country girl who's in your way then."
Seeing her resolute determination, Shao Hongyi sighed and nodded with regret: "Since you insist on staying in the county, I won't force you. If you encounter any problems in your research, you can call me anytime."
As he spoke, he picked up a pen and quickly wrote down a landline number on a piece of paper.
Lin Baozhu carefully put the phone away: "Definitely."
Seeing this, Shao Hongyi stood up, extended his hand to the factory manager, and said with a smile, "It's getting late, the city is pressing for the oak."
"Please drive carefully."
Watching Expert Shao's figure disappear through the door, Lin Baozhu smiled and turned to the somewhat excited factory director: "Factory director, Expert Shao is gone. We can talk about my 'cooperation' requirements now."
Before the factory manager could answer, she clearly outlined her points: "First, the benefits you just promised—the salary of an eighth-grade fitter, technological autonomy, and the naming rights for 'Baozhu No. 1'—will all remain unchanged. Second, all personnel involved in this research must be personally selected by me. Third, prepare a sufficiently spacious and completely independent workshop for me. During the research period, no one other than those I designate may approach. Fourth, the factory will arrange a separate dormitory for me. In case the research progress requires working overtime overnight, I won't have to travel back and forth."
These requests were clear and reasonable, and not excessive at all. The factory manager was overjoyed and naturally agreed. He readily agreed, "No problem! No problem, Comrade Lin, we'll do as you say! When will Comrade Lin start work?"
"Director Lin is a straightforward person. Give me two days. I need to go home and prepare. I will definitely report to the factory the day after tomorrow at the latest."
"Great! It just so happens that we have time to clean up that factory building! Don't worry! It will be ready!" The factory manager was overjoyed.
After saying goodbye to the factory manager, Lin Baozhu rode her old bicycle alone, braving the afternoon wind, towards Da Geba Village...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com