Chapter 859 Buying a Car "Professor, I dare not take all the credit for this. It's thanks to the local villagers who led the way, and even more so to the hard work of the subsequent professional exploration comrades." He said modestly, then asked, "So, what are the plans and statements for this next?"
“This is one of the things I wanted to talk to you about today.” Professor Qian leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming serious. “For mines owned by the state, mining and operation are handled by specialized state-owned units. But the discoverer’s contribution is forgotten, and the relevant commendations and rewards are all processed. More importantly,” he tapped his finger on the briefing, “the development of this emerging mineral will inevitably drive changes in supporting industries, technological advancements, and regional economic structures. Since you’ve decided to combine your research with regional economics, isn’t this a living, highly representative case?”
Lu Qingyang immediately understood Professor Qian's meaning: "You mean, I can study this case from the perspectives of regional economic planning, industrial chain development, sustainable development of resource-based areas, and even environmental protection and community coexistence?"
“That’s right!” Professor Qian nodded approvingly. “Moreover, besides your research, you also run a business and are sensitive to the market. You need to see further ahead than others regarding the application prospects of lithium, especially in areas like batteries and new materials. Think about it, if in the future your business can create some kind of positive interaction with the high-tech, high-value-added industries downstream of this national strategic resource… Of course, this requires timing, policy, and huge investment, but at least now you have a window to observe and think from the forefront.”
Lu Qingyang said solemnly, "I understand, Professor. This is indeed an unprecedented direction for learning and practice."
"Alright, you can do it one step at a time." Professor Qian leaned back in his chair with satisfaction, regaining his gentle elder-like demeanor.
"First, sort out what you're currently handling and secure your postgraduate degree. As for the mining matter, I'll keep you updated on the progress. Besides this good news, I mainly wanted to hear your specific plans for the next step..."
Lu Qingyang officially completed the enrollment procedures for postgraduate studies while working and returned to campus.
My classmates are the same as before, and life hasn't changed much. Professor Qian gives me a lot of autonomy. As long as I pass the exams, write my papers well, and occasionally make a few inventions, I should have no problem coming to school.
Therefore, some people who know me only know me, but have never actually seen me.
Meanwhile, 놛 is still traveling around.
Lu Qingyang's business expanded rapidly, requiring him to travel frequently throughout Beijing and sometimes to factories in the suburbs.
They always rely on motorcycles and sidecars, which are hot in summer and cold in winter, and even more miserable in wind and rain. They are also convenient for carrying goods.
When rumors of a policy easing spread, Lu Qingyang was trapped under the eaves of a suburban factory by a sudden downpour.
As she wiped the rain off her face, the thought of buying a car in her mind became more concrete.
They eventually found a section chief at a foreign trade company, surnamed Hu, and met at a quiet teahouse in Xidan.
Section Chief Hu sipped his tea: "Original Japanese product, Crown brand, but sold through normal channels, it's considered... a debt settlement item."
He made a hand gesture, "Foreign exchange certificates, this amount."
The number was small, but Lu Qingyang didn't even flinch.
"formalities?"
“The vehicle was registered under the name of our subordinate collective labor service company and applied for as a production vehicle. We then greased the palms of the control office. The vehicle payment and the… bribery fee were paid in two installments.”
Section Chief Hu spoke fluently, clearly indicating he was very familiar with the process.
Lu Qingyang nodded, not asking for further details.
I know that each link in the chain needs lubrication, but I will ask the other party how to do it.
A few days later, N followed one of Section Chief Hu's men to a warehouse with a high wall in the eastern suburbs.
The yard was empty except for a black sedan covered in a thick layer of dust.
Lifting the dust cover reveals the sleek lines of the Toyota Crown, its imposing presence undiminished even in the dust.
“This one has low mileage and is original equipment.”
The guide wiped the car window with his sleeve. "Pay the balance, and you can drive away. Hu Ke will have you get the license plate and vehicle registration done and sent to you."
Lu Qingyang walked around the car, opened the door to look at the interior, and then opened the hood to listen to the sound.
Although I am quite knowledgeable about automotive mechanics, my basic judgment is still lacking.
The machine is quiet and the interior is clean.
"Okay." 놛 didn't say anything more.
When paying, part of the money consisted of brand-new, consecutively numbered foreign exchange certificates, and the other part was cash, all contained in an inconspicuous black leather bag.
The other party quickly inventoried the documents and then handed over a key and several temporary documents with red stamps and somewhat blurry handwriting.
"Mr. Lu, that's great." The man grinned. "You can drive the car away now. The official paperwork will be delivered to your residence within a week."
Lu Qingyang turned the key, and the engine started steadily, even quieter than he had heard in the movie.
As the car slowly drove out of the warehouse compound, the old man guarding the gate poked his head out of the window, squinted at the car and the people inside, then shrank back in, as if he hadn't seen anything.
Liu Dong drove directly to Xinweiju Restaurant. He was talking to his girlfriend at the door when he turned around and saw the black Crown silently glide in. He was so startled that he almost dropped the notebook in his hand.
"Qingyang? This...you got it?" Liu Dong circled the car, wanting to touch it but not daring to.
"Yes, this will make things easier in the future." Lu Qingyang got out of the car.
"Wow, that's really impressive! This little car is so cool!"
"If you like it, you can take it and play with it for a few days."
Liu Dong quickly waved his hand: "I can drive, and I don't need to."
The next day, Lu Qingyang drove to school. As soon as he parked, several physics students surrounded him, their eyes wide with surprise.
"Senior Brother Lu, this...this is your car?"
"Borrowed." Lu Qingyang's expression changed.
"Borrowed? Where could you borrow this car?"
"It's from a friend's company." 놛 walked towards the laboratory building, carrying her bag.
Although driving is convenient, I do not want to flaunt it, which would inevitably arouse unnecessary speculation.
After school, Lu Qingyang immediately asked Zhao Rui to go for a drive.
Zhao Rui, clutching his books, climbed into the passenger seat. The moment he closed the door, he froze, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.
The car smoothly drove out of the school gate. Zhao Rui dared not relax even slightly, his fingers carefully touching the leather seat. He looked out the window at the street scene rushing past at the same speed as a bicycle or bus, and finally couldn't help but exclaim, "Qingyang, this is really... really impressive! It's so stable to sit in, not a sound at all."
Lu Qingyang gripped the steering wheel, glancing at the road ahead. Hearing this, he chuckled, "What's so impressive about it? It's just a metal shell with four wheels. If you're looking for convenience, you know how often I travel. Without a car, things really get in the way. I even dare to drive this thing into my dad's military compound now. The old folks there have sharp eyes; they'll definitely think something when they see a car like this."
Zhao Rui pushed up his glasses, understanding: "It's too eye-catching, but... it's really comfortable, a hundred times better than squeezing onto a bus. Our lab's Professor Wang, who has been a senior professional for several years, rides a Forever brand bicycle."
“Everyone has their own way of living.” Lu Qingyang turned a corner and drove towards a more open section of road in the suburbs. “Once you’re settled in the future, your company will probably provide you with a car.”
"That would take forever." Zhao Rui shook his head, but there wasn't much envy in his eyes, more curiosity.
"How does it feel to drive? Is it the same as the Jeep I used when I was learning to drive?"
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