Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 2944 Natural Gas Pipeline Materials
In the office, Yang Xiaotao arranged things properly, and his behavior can be described as swift and efficient.

Of course, there are some things Yang Xiaotao can resolve forcefully, but there are others…

It's not something that can be solved by simply applying pressure.

For example, the material issues of natural gas pipelines.

"I know ordinary steel won't do, but we can't use titanium alloy either! How much would that cost?!"

Yang Xiaotao muttered to himself in his seat, his face full of worry.

If we really had to use this titanium alloy, let alone his disagreement, even Old Chen would have to clutch his chest and refuse.

Liu Lixue, who was standing to the side, laughed again and held up two fingers, indicating that it was a tie.

Lou Xiao'e looked helpless at this moment.

They had already organized all the materials given to Yang Xiaotao, so they naturally knew what Yang Xiaotao was looking at.

There are three major events in the Ninth Department during this period.

One is about CNC machine tools.

The CNC machine tool produced this time is truly remarkable. Not only have domestic machine tool manufacturers sent people to learn from its experience, but even the alliance sent people over after hearing about it.

After observing the demonstration, he even had the accompanying engineer demonstrate the equipment. While on site, it was impossible to discern his true intentions, but his expression of interest in purchasing it before leaving revealed his true thoughts.

Previously, the Morningstar, Venus, and Mercury series of machine tools only attracted the attention of the Alliance when Mercury was developed, but it was just attention and did not reach the level of purchasing.

Even when other countries seek to purchase Mercury machine tools, it is primarily for the sake of their domestic infrastructure.

But now, the Alliance has actually asked to buy Galaxy One, which means that Galaxy One has met the Alliance's requirements.

At the very least, it's no worse than the existing machine tools.

This is progress.

Huge progress.

Of course, such a good machine tool cannot be sold to outsiders.

The alliance's request was destined to be fruitless.

The second thing is about oil.

Because of this incident, Department 9 had to increase aircraft production, and other factories also became busy.

Furthermore, with the soaring price of oil, the Ninth Division could also make a fortune.

However, since Lee Seung-ri had been involved in the entire process, they didn't know much about it.

But from his casual remarks, it seems that he earned more money this time than he did on a game console.

It is said that after that, Mr. Chen called Yang Xiaotao many times to inquire about the progress of the West-East Gas Pipeline project.

The reasons behind this are clear to everyone in the nine departments.

The last thing is the West-East Gas Pipeline project.

As you can tell from the name, this is definitely a big project.

The two also investigated the situation of the West-East Gas Pipeline project, and finally put the term "major project" in quotation marks.

Because in their memory, apart from manufacturing the White Horse fighter jet, the Ninth Division had never had such a large project.

No, it can't even compare to the manufacture of the White Horse fighter jet. It can be said to be the largest project of the nine departments to date.

We could even use the word 'country' as a prefix.

With such a large project, the two felt a strong sense of mission.

So I put myself in Yang Xiaotao's shoes, wanting to see if he would make the same decisions as me when faced with certain problems.

Initially, the two had different opinions on the composition of the team.

Lou Xiao'e judged from Yang Xiaotao's past behavior that Yang Xiaotao never forced anyone, and even thought that if no one was willing, he would promote someone from within the Ninth Department.

Because in her eyes, any project involving Yang Xiaotao, even if it's just a group of farmers, can be successful.

Liu Lixue believes that Yang Xiaotao would choose to use professionals rather than just find someone to do it.

Liu Lixue believes that this matter involves an area that Yang Bu has never been involved in.

Just as Liu Lixue had predicted, Yang Xiaotao finally showed his assertive side.

Regarding materials, Liu Lixue felt that using titanium alloy was impractical, but Lou Xiao'e thought that as long as it was usable, it would be fine.

As a result, Yang Xiaotao's attitude proved that the other party did not intend to use titanium alloy.

As for what to use, I don't know.

In any case, judging from the current situation, Liu Lixue should be the winner.

"Xiaoxue, Xiaoxue?"

Hearing Yang Xiaotao's voice, Liu Lixue quickly snapped out of her daze and looked at Yang Xiaotao.

"Minister Yang."

Liu Lixue stood up from her chair and looked at Yang Xiaotao somewhat embarrassed.

"I'm telling you two to be careful. Even if you're exchanging glances, you should consider the place. Besides, you should finish your work first."

Yang Xiaotao made a joke, and Liu Lixue immediately raised her head, "Director Yang, you must be talking nonsense."

"We are completely innocent. If you say that, we won't be able to get married. You'll have to take responsibility."

Yang Xiaotao rolled his eyes. You two said you couldn't have children so you wouldn't get married, but you never even thought about getting married.

"Take responsibility? How are you going to take responsibility?"

Liu Lixue's eyes darted around, then she said with a smile, "How about this, let Dudu call me godmother?"

"Since everyone calls Xiao'e their godmother during the Dragon Boat Festival, it's okay for me to recognize Dudu as my godson, right?"

"You can do whatever you want, but don't even think about messing with my son."

Yang Xiaotao refused outright. These two guys are really cunning. They don't want to have children themselves, but they want to adopt a son to take care of them in their old age. Dream on.

"You can't decide this. Let me talk to Qiuye. Anyway, you two can still have children. You can always have two more."

Liu Lixue said it without a care in the world.

"Alright, alright, stop arguing with me. Whether you two get married or not is none of my business. Hurry up and make me a cup of tea."

Yang Xiaotao tapped the cup on the table, and Liu Lixue pouted, "I thought something was wrong, you should have said so earlier."

After saying that, she stepped forward, picked up a cup, and prepared to make tea for Yang Xiaotao. Then she heard Yang Xiaotao continue, "Make a lot. Teacher Han will be here soon; he likes this."

Liu Lixue nodded, then turned around and asked, "Which one?"

Yang Xiaotao thought for a moment and then said, "Tieguanyin, I guess." Liu Lixue nodded, then took the thermos and went out to fetch water.

Lou Xiao'e then picked up the phone and called the research institute. After a while, Teacher Xie, Elder Ye, and Lao Dao walked into the office together.

"Wow, this taste, wow, it's extraordinary, truly extraordinary."

The old Taoist priest walked into the room, sat down, picked up a teacup, smelled it, and sighed. Then he looked at Liu Lixue beside him and said, "Secretary Liu, you're showing favoritism."

“Every time we come here, we order Gao Sui (a type of tea), but when Lao Xie comes, he’s ready to serve Tie Guan Yin (another type of tea). We’re from the same courtyard, but the difference is huge.”

Liu Lixue knew Lao Dao's personality, so she said directly, "Please don't criticize me, this is Director Yang's special request. I'm just a tea maker."

As she spoke, Liu Lixue picked up the tea set and poured another cup for Teacher Xie, who politely declined.

Having received information about personnel matters from Elder Ye regarding the Ninth Department, especially those related to Yang Xiaotao, Teacher Xie was naturally familiar with the situation of the young secretary, Liu.

If Yang Xiaotao hadn't already gotten married and had children, he would have really thought the two of them were a couple.

Of course, the other secretary, Lou, is also quite good; she's a nice person too.

As for Yang Bu's lover, although he had never met her, she must be stronger than the other two to be able to become Yang Xiaotao's partner.

However, everyone in the Ninth Department knew that it was best not to offend either of Yang's two secretaries.

When did I give you any high-calorie drinks?

Yang Xiaotao suddenly asked a question, and the old Taoist crossed his arms as if he had just drunk some high-proof liquor, which made Old Ye and Teacher Xie laugh.

That's just the old Taoist's personality—frank and straightforward.

"Teacher Xie, the main reason I came today is to inquire about natural gas pipeline materials."

Yang Xiaotao explained the situation, and the three of them looked at each other and guessed that this was the case.

After a moment's thought, Teacher Xie finally spoke up, "Director Yang, we've also been researching and discussing the issue of natural gas pipeline materials that we mentioned last time."

"I also looked up some materials privately and made relevant preparations."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, signaling the other person to continue. Teacher Xie picked up his teacup, took a sip, and continued, "The selection of these materials needs to meet four requirements."

Yang Xiaotao nodded to Liu Lixue, who quickly picked up a pen and paper to take notes.

Upon seeing this, Teacher Xie slowed down his speech and said, "Considering that the gas needs to be transported under extremely high pressure in the steel pipe, this type of pipe first needs to be high in strength, and then it needs to be able to withstand high pressure!"

"Secondly, these steel pipes need to be buried underground in special environments, so they need to be corrosion resistant, whether in humid environments or acidic or alkaline conditions."

"Finally, the demand for metal in this type of pipe is very large, so the cost needs to be taken into account."

After Teacher Xie finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao nodded and then looked at the old Taoist priest, "Does your research institute have any suitable metal materials?"

During this period, An Zhongsheng had to go to the newly established alloy factory to provide guidance, so the affairs of the Ninth Research Institute were handed over to Lao Dao.

When Yang Xiaotao asked, the old Taoist simply shrugged and said, "If I had it, I would have told Lao Xie long ago. Why would I be beating around the bush like this?"

"But, well, titanium alloy can be used, it's just that it's too expensive."

The old Taoist priest chuckled as he spoke, and Yang Xiaotao now knew who had suggested using titanium alloy.

However, the old man's smile was still on his face, but he could no longer smile after hearing Yang Xiaotao's voice. Yang Xiaotao said, "In that case, the Alloy Research Institute will go ahead and research new alloy steel materials in accordance with the four requirements that Teacher Xie mentioned."

The old Taoist opened his mouth, about to speak, but Yang Xiaotao was faster, not giving him a chance to speak at all.

"We need to have samples ready by the end of next month. We can't afford to be unable to produce them by then; that would be incredibly embarrassing!"

The old Taoist priest wished he could cover his mouth when he heard this. Over the years, he had long known about Yang Xiaotao's 'cunning' and had also witnessed the kid's abilities.

Therefore, he was quite certain that the reason they were asked to study certain materials was purely to give him a warning.

However, the old Taoist priest was not afraid at all, because if it couldn't be done in the end, the nine parts would be the most affected.

Who knows, Yang Xiaotao might end up helping out in the end.

Seeing the old man's confident demeanor, Yang Xiaotao naturally guessed his plan.

Yang Xiaotao had no other choice in this situation!

"Teacher Xie, I have already sent the tasks to the people on the list, and I believe they will arrive soon."

Xie Jiarong nodded silently, "It would be best if they could come, it would be the best."

Lou Xiao'e behind her looked helpless. Did they dare not come?

"And there's the planned compressor, which is the core component of the entire project."

"I once designed a compressor, mainly for producing liquid oxygen. I'll have someone take you to see it in a bit."

"If possible, use this type of compressor!"

Teacher Xie nodded again, and Yang Xiaotao continued, "Finally, there's the issue of the route. I will work with the leader to ascertain the situation in Turkmenistan as soon as possible."

"And you need to come up with a final conclusion, and you need to identify the natural gas field to be used."

"We need to determine the starting point, the destination, the branching network, and so on."

Yang Xiaotao gave a brief explanation of the situation and tasks, and determined the next steps. Teacher Xie also shared his plans. After the communication, Yang Xiaotao inquired about Teacher Ye's computer research and development work.

"We have ample research funding this time, so we need our colleagues to complete the improvement work as soon as possible."

"We need to provide strong support to Lu Tao, since writing programs is not easy."

Yang Xiaotao had high expectations for Lu Tao and Ran Hongbing's work, but he didn't place all his hopes on them.

The reason for increasing investment is to enable the other party to conduct better research.

As for Yang Xiaotao, if time permits, I will use the program debugging tool to provide assistance to the best of my ability.

Mr. Ye said he understood, and then talked about the photocopier, to which Yang Xiaotao also expressed his support.

Now that the Ninth Division has overcome its funding problems, it needs to invest more in research.

After listening to Yang Xiaotao's explanation, the three of them got up and left.

Shortly after the three left, the phone on the table rang. Yang Xiaotao returned to the room after seeing the three off, and Lou Xiao'e said, "Director Yang, it's a call from Shanghai."

"Who?"

"Zhang Wu!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao quickly walked to the phone, picked it up, and greeted him with a smile, "Uncle, it's me, Xiaotao. What's up?"

On the phone, Zhang Wu chuckled and said, "I need your help with something small."

"Oh dear, I thought it was something serious. Don't worry, I'll definitely help."

After Yang Xiaotao hung up the phone, he shook his head and laughed.

"The call finally came through."