The train driver in the courtyard

This was the first time the ministry leaders had heard this news.

"Did the patriotic comrade also build one?"

"That prototype was built by Comrade Aiguo using equipment and materials from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot." Song Yuanzheng's meaning was clear: that machine belonged to the railway sector and had nothing to do with them.

"Is this Comrade Li Aiguo, who developed the 2,000-ton hydraulic press? No wonder the hydraulic system is designed so ingeniously. I suggest we borrow that hydraulic press," Professor Yu said.

When the leaders and technical staff of Factory 251 heard this, their faces turned ugly.

The Qianmen Locomotive Depot and Factory 251 do not belong to the same ministry.

This is considered cross-departmental equipment borrowing, and it would be too embarrassing if word got out. Without the involvement of ministry leaders, who can make the decision?

The ministry leaders were furious.

They've already produced a prototype and provided you with a template, but you insisted on trying to be clever and messing around with it. Now look what's happened!

Song Yuanzheng's expression calmed down at this moment. The people from the ceramics factory had indeed gone too far, banding together to interfere in the factory's affairs.

Taking this opportunity to teach them a lesson would be more beneficial to the development of Factory 251.

"I'll call the Ministry of Railways myself!" The ministry leader finally spoke after a long pause.

In any case, the orders from the 12th and 15th railway companies must be delivered on time.

When the leaders of the Ministry of Railways received the call, they were somewhat confused.

What? Li Aiguo from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot has come up with new equipment again?

However, he readily agreed, since it was all for the sake of production.

Li Aiguo is currently working on the next step in his safety helmet project.

Now that we have fan helmets, construction helmets, and motorcycle helmets, we can say that we have formed a complete product line.

Having put so much effort into creating such a great product, it's only natural to take it overseas to earn some foreign exchange.

Of course, forget about getting a patent.

Foreign countries already possess the technology to produce fiberglass, and once safety helmets begin to be sold, they will definitely follow suit.

Furthermore, without core technologies, it is easy for capitalists to target you. If you don't give them the technology, they won't hesitate to seize it.

After much thought, Li Aiguo decided that they should follow the brand strategy of future generations.

With the same materials and similar designs, why can others sell at a higher price? It's all thanks to the power of the brand.

"Perhaps we should entrust this matter to Lou Xiao'e to add some cultural elements to the helmets."

"Brother Aiguo, the section chief wants you to take the hydraulic press to Factory 251." Yan Jiecheng came running up, panting.

"What's wrong?" Li Aiguo asked casually.

"It seems there's some trouble at Factory 251. Most of the helmets produced by that machine are substandard. The ministry leaders are furious, and the newly appointed professor-turned-factory-director is extremely anxious. If you ask me, highly educated people like that are really not suitable to be factory directors."

It must be said that Yan Jiecheng's skills have improved again; after receiving the notification, he managed to investigate the situation thoroughly.

After listening, Li Aiguo immediately understood what was going on.

"Take our machines down!"

Disassembling and assembling the machine is also a troublesome task. Originally, the machine was secured to the cement platform with screws, but now it has to be completely removed.

It will need to be loaded onto the truck later, and sleepers need to be laid underneath.

Seeing Yan Jiecheng standing aside watching the commotion, Li Aiguo asked:
"Yan Jiecheng, do you still have a job?"

"That's all. The leaders in the section went to a meeting today, so they're all very free. Brother Aiguo, let me help out too." Yan Jiecheng was just about to join in the fun when he heard this, so he immediately rolled up his sleeves and grabbed a wrench.

The rescue team dispatched a truck, and a dozen people used ropes to tie up the hydraulic press and used the truck crane to lift it onto the truck.

Considering that help would be needed for unloading later, Li Aiguo hired several technicians, along with Yan Jiecheng, to help out.

The untrained car expert was supposed to help his apprentice inspect parts at the steel rolling mill, so he didn't go.

By the time Li Aiguo arrived at Factory 251 with the hydraulic press, it was nearly evening.

The 251 Factory was brightly lit, and leaders from the ministry, factory leaders, and colleagues from the technical department were all present.

"Director Song." Li Aiguo jumped off the truck and greeted Song Yuanzheng first.

Seeing this, Song Yuanzheng felt a warmth in his heart. Compared to Section Chief Gong of the Technical Department, who didn't treat him like a leader, Li Aiguo was much better.

"Comrade Aiguo, I'm really sorry to trouble you this time. Section Chief Gong's modified hydraulic press has run into some problems, and he wants to use your prototype for comparison." Song Yuanzheng didn't hold back this time and explained the situation directly.

The ministry leader added, "If there were indeed problems during the renovation, we will definitely deal with the people involved."

These words may not sound like an apology, but they actually represent a stance.

Li Aiguo nodded: "That's easy. I'm also a technical consultant for Factory 251, so it's only right that I help."

Before the crane was installed inside Factory 251, Li Aiguo directed Yan Jiecheng and several others to add counterweights to the side and arranged for several technicians from Factory 251 to stand on the side of the truck to prevent it from tipping over.

Seeing that there weren't enough people, Li Aiguo turned to look at Section Chief Gong.

"Me?" Section Chief Gong was stunned.

“Old Gong, this is all for the sake of the job. The workers and technicians can do it, so why can’t you, the section chief, do it?” Song Yuanzheng was no longer friendly to him.

Section Chief Gong glanced at the ministry leaders and saw that they also looked annoyed. He didn't dare to act arrogantly anymore and could only run over to act as a counterweight.

With the counterweight in place, the truck-mounted crane slowly lifted the three-ton hydraulic press. Li Aiguo found a cement surface and directed the hydraulic press to descend.

The professor was quite surprised to see this.

Loading and unloading heavy equipment is a troublesome task, especially for such precision machinery. Using manual handling can easily lead to problems.

Now they've even equipped it with a truck-mounted crane.

This thing may seem simple in structure, but it plays a significant role.

"Comrade Aiguo, I'm Lao Yu, an old man who does mechanical design. Does this truck-mounted crane belong to your Qianmen Locomotive Depot?" Professor Yu couldn't help but step forward and greet Li Aiguo.

Yan Jiecheng said, while slouching, "The truck-mounted crane was also developed by Brother Aiguo."

"I really didn't expect that." Professor Yu looked Li Aiguo up and down again: "You actually have research on cranes."

"It's just a hobby. Professor Yu, you wouldn't happen to be the expert who developed the concrete hydraulic press, would you?" When Li Aiguo was developing the 2,000-ton hydraulic press, he also looked up a lot of information in order to localize the technology and had heard of Professor Yu's name.

"I'm just one member of the research team."

"I've read your book 'Fundamentals of Hydraulic Systems' many times; it's so well written."

"Ahem. You flatter me, you flatter me."

For an expert like Professor Yu, nothing excites him more than having his own work praised.

The way he looked at Li Aiguo again was different; before it was just respect, but now it was more intimate.

While they were talking, the hydraulic press had already been unloaded.

Li Aiguo picked up a spirit level and measured it. He then called Yan Jiecheng to bring his toolbox, picked up an electric drill, drilled a hole in the bottom, and attached a screw.

Seeing Li Aiguo's swift actions, Professor Yu nodded in admiration: "This is a true expert."

"Indeed, although I don't understand it, their steps are very well connected, and they are particularly adept at it." The ministry leader nodded in agreement.

After the hydraulic press was installed, it was checked again, and Yan Jiecheng plugged in the power.

"Leader, factory manager, we are ready." Li Aiguo grabbed a towel from around his neck and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"What are you all still standing there for? Don't you know how to do the supporting work? Is the hot melt machine turned on?" Song Yuanzheng was even angrier when he saw the technicians standing far away watching the commotion.

Now that the comrades from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot have come to help, they don't learn anything; they just stand by and watch the show.

He had already given them several meaningful glances, but they didn't react at all, so he had to speak up directly.

The technicians then realized what was happening and quickly went into the workshop to turn on the machines and prepare the fiberglass materials for production.

The process of producing raw materials went smoothly.

Li Aiguo warmed up the hydraulic press, while the fiberglass was dried and cut into sheets shaped like unfolded helmets.

"Let's begin." Seeing that the ministry leaders had no intention of issuing orders, Factory Director Song Yuanzheng had no choice but to speak up.

So both sides started at once. Li Aiguo personally operated the hydraulic press and directed Yan Jiecheng to help clean the mold.

The cleanliness of the mold is crucial to the amount of impurities inside the helmet, and must be carefully considered.

This job requires meticulous attention. Yan Jie was almost lying down and blowing away the ash with his mouth when Li Aiguo called him to stop.

The progress at the technical department of Factory 251 is a bit slow.

The sheet material itself is very thin, and each time twenty layers need to be stacked. It's a job that keeps the two technicians busy.

"Hurry up!"

"Exactly." The factory leaders were also dissatisfied.

"What can we do? This thing is a mess." The two technicians were getting impatient and annoyed. They quickly gathered the fiberglass sheets together and stuffed them into the mold.

"let's start!"

Upon seeing this, Li Aiguo shook his head and almost burst into a tirade.

"It would be strange if the helmets made from your stuff, which are a few centimeters off at the top and bottom, didn't have problems."

"This thing is like this, if you're so good, then you do it." The two technicians were already furious, and when they heard Li Aiguo's words, they couldn't hold back any longer.

"What are you doing!" Factory Director Song Yuanzheng was about to lose his temper.

Li Aiguo waved to him and called out to the old technician in the lab, "Professor Zhang, could you please bring two rulers over?"

Professor Zhang had no idea what Li Aiguo was up to, so he went back to his office and got two rulers.

Li Aiguo, holding a ruler in each hand, tapped the fiberglass a few times in the front, back, left, and right, instantly tidying up the previously messy fiberglass.

That wasn't all. Li Aiguo used a ruler to measure the difference between the top and bottom, and only after confirming that the difference was within a reasonable range did he hand the ruler back.

Upon seeing this, the technicians immediately blushed.

"Those who work in technology need not only knowledge, but also practical skills." Factory Director Song Yuanzheng glanced at them indifferently: "Learn more from Comrade Aiguo in the future."

"Yes Yes Yes"

Li Aiguo ignored what was happening here and started the hydraulic press according to the procedure. With a low rumble, the hydraulic hammer of the hydraulic press slowly descended.

It wasn't fast, but it was very stable.

The hydraulic hammer slowly fell onto the mold, and with a soft sound, the helmet inside the mold gradually took shape.

The whole process took a few seconds or minutes.

Thirty helmets were made in a row, which took about seven or eight minutes.

The finished helmets were placed on a shelf to cool down by Yan Jiecheng. Seeing that the weather was hot and everyone hadn't eaten yet, Factory Director Song Yuanzheng had several large watermelons brought over.

They ate watermelon here, and the helmet over there cooled down.

The ministry leader personally stepped forward, picked up the two helmets, and slammed them together.

"Snapped!"

The helmet didn't budge!

"This is a real helmet."

"Yeah, what was that thing that Director Gong just built?"

"He messed up someone else's machine without thinking, and ended up making a complete mess of it."

Amidst the murmurs, Section Chief Gong wished he could disappear into a crack in the ground, but he knew that this was his last chance.

"Sir, I'd like to try it out," Section Chief Gong said, pointing to the helmets.

As soon as he opened his mouth, the leaders in the department looked grim. It was clear that Section Chief Gong did not trust him and wanted to conduct the experiment himself.

"Fine, go ahead and try it yourself!" the department head said irritably. Section Chief Gong, no longer caring about offending his superior, grabbed the helmet and smacked it twice.

He used all his strength.

All eyes were on the two helmets.

The helmet remains unchanged!

"hiss"

"Section Chief Gong must have used all his strength just now."

"Look, this is the real helmet hydraulic press."

"Sigh, comparing people is just asking for trouble, comparing goods is just asking for trouble."

The voices of the veteran technicians in the labs grew much louder.

Section Chief Gong was not expecting this outcome and was somewhat unwilling to accept it.

They picked up the two helmets and slammed them together.

Snapped!
The result was the same.

He threw away the helmet and picked up two more.
Everyone stared silently at Section Chief Gong, who had fallen into a state of madness, without uttering a sound.

"Impossible, my improvements are fine, how could this be?" Section Chief Gong tested more than a dozen helmets in a row, and there were no problems.

"Enough!" The ministry leader finally couldn't hold back any longer and called a halt to the meaningless test.

He didn't look at Section Chief Gong again, but turned to Li Aiguo and said, "Comrade Aiguo, you should know about the situation at Factory 251. We urgently need to start production now."

Due to certain special reasons, we hope that you can lend this prototype to Factory 251.

"Of course, we will pay the fee to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot."

"You're too kind, sir." Li Aiguo had already prepared to borrow it, so naturally he wouldn't refuse.

"You haven't eaten yet, have you? Director Song, quickly arrange for the canteen to prepare special meals, and make sure to add plenty of fatty meat." The ministry leader breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

Upon hearing this, Yan Jiecheng knew that coming with Li Aiguo today was a wise choice.

Li Aiguo took his people out to dinner, and the ministry leaders also invited the leaders and technicians of Factory 251 to the workshop for an on-site meeting.

On the ceiling, white light bulbs flickered, casting shifting light and shadow on everyone's faces.

The ministry leader, with his hands behind his back and a cold face, said: "A major problem has arisen during the preparation of Factory 251. I must first apologize for my rash actions and lack of research, which led to this mistake."

Furthermore, I made serious mistakes in personnel allocation at Factory 251. The ceramics factory's technicians' lack of understanding of hydraulic presses was also a significant factor contributing to the failure of the improvement efforts.

Fortunately, Comrade Li Aiguo provided a working hydraulic press in time, preventing serious consequences.

It's an old rule for leaders to make a self-criticism first; it's just a statement to set the tone, and everyone below understands.

When Factory Director Song Yuanzheng heard the leader use the term "major problem" to describe the situation, he took a deep breath and stood up: "I am the main person responsible for this problem. I was unaware that the technical department had made unauthorized modifications to Comrade Li Aiguo's hydraulic press."

I apologized to the leadership, deeply examined the root causes of my lax attitude, and accepted the guidance from my fellow workers.

After he finished speaking, he saw that Section Chief Gong was standing silently to the side, showing no intention of making a self-criticism.

"Section Chief Gong, what about you? Your technical department has arbitrarily changed the design. What's the basis for that?" Factory Director Song Yuanzheng asked in a serious tone.

"Factory manager, we just wanted to improve efficiency, it wasn't intentional. You can't put the blame on us." Section Chief Gong knew he was in big trouble this time, and the only thing he could do was insist that he was doing it for the sake of the job.

"Snapped!"

The building materials department leader could no longer contain himself and slammed his fist on the table.

"Nonsense! This isn't how you do large-scale production. You're acting without organization or discipline."

"If this machine is put into operation immediately, and the helmets produced are sent to the railway troops, don't you know what the consequences will be?"

"Sir, I don't think Section Chief Gong is suitable to work at Factory 251. I hope the department can consider other candidates." Upon seeing this, Factory Director Song Yuanzheng stated his thoughts directly.

"Leader... I..." Section Chief Gong was anxious and still wanted to explain.

The leader from the building materials department interrupted him, saying in a deep voice, "Given the serious mistake that Section Chief Gong has made, I, on behalf of the department, hereby remove Gong Wu from his post as head of the technical section and temporarily transfer him back to the ceramics factory. A new head of the technical section will be appointed."

The building materials department leader paused for a moment, then looked at Factory Director Song Yuanzheng: "Let your laboratory make the selection. As for the technicians in the technical department, whether they stay or leave, Lao Song, it's your decision."

Upon hearing this, Section Chief Gong's head was buzzing, but he had no choice but to declare, "I obey the organization's decision."

He almost crushed his teeth.

If it weren't for Li Aiguo's prototype, the ministry wouldn't have fired him even if they had to hold their noses.

The technicians' expressions changed slightly.

These technicians from the ceramics factory had hoped to band together within Factory 251 and make rapid progress in the future, which is why they wholeheartedly supported Section Chief Gong. They never expected it to turn out like this.

"I will select a suitable candidate as soon as possible." Factory Director Song Yuanzheng was not particularly happy.

Although this incident involving the hydraulic press dealt a blow to the arrogance of those people at the ceramics factory.

However, there is also enormous pressure in selecting suitable candidates and starting mass production as soon as possible.

After the meeting, the leaders of the building materials department left, and Factory Director Song Yuanzheng went into the canteen.

By this time, Li Aiguo and his companions had eaten and drunk their fill and were planning to return to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.

Seeing the factory director Song Yuanzheng's expression, Li Aiguo knew that the matter had been resolved.

"Old Song, how's it going?"

“Gong Wu has been dismissed, and those technicians may also be sent back. We’re about to start production, and if we’re short-handed,” Song Yuanzheng pulled Li Aiguo aside, offered him a cigarette, and explained the situation.

Li Aiguo laughed: "Factory director, have you ever heard the saying, 'Better one good pear than a cartload of rotten ones'? If we really keep these people in the factory, I'm afraid it will cause trouble."

“That’s what I was thinking too, but we’re short-handed right now.” Song Yuanzheng looked at Li Aiguo and suddenly said, “Comrade Aiguo, why don’t you take on the role of head of the technical section?”

"Factory manager, I still have some work to do. Actually, the remaining tasks are quite simple. We just need to manufacture the helmet hydraulic press according to the blueprints. I think it would be quite suitable for Professor Wang to be the head of the technical department."

Li Aiguo had no intention of working at Factory 251. The work in the technical department was not difficult, but it was particularly tedious.

Li Aiguo is doing so well now at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, driving big trains, reading books, and casually making little gadgets—living a carefree life.

Yan Jiecheng was getting anxious. He winked at Li Aiguo, his meaning clear: he wanted Li Aiguo to transfer him to the technical department of Factory 251.

Li Aiguo did not nominate him; the technical department needed someone with real skills.

Never underestimate the technicians of this era.

Even though Section Chief Gong made a mistake because of his ulterior motives, his ability to independently modify the equipment demonstrates his competence.

Upon hearing this, Song Yuanzheng had a sudden thought: if the technicians at the ceramics factory were to retire, the senior researchers in the laboratory could take their place.

These are all old partners that have been around for many years, so they're definitely easy to use.

It's not that Song Yuanzheng wasn't quick-witted, but rather that he had no ulterior motives and didn't intend to place his own people in positions of power.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have handed over such a crucial department as the technical department when they were setting it up.

"What about the technicians? Our lab used to have only four or five people."

"We can recruit a group of college students. Young people have positive ideas, are energetic, and quick-witted, which is perfect for the current Factory 251."

The technical department of Factory 251 mainly focuses on research. In order to promote and develop fiberglass materials in the future, it will need a group of technicians with first-class research capabilities.

Nothing is more suitable than a college student.

"Comrade Aiguo, your suggestion is excellent." Factory Director Song Yuanzheng shook Li Aiguo's hand and said, "I will call a meeting right away."

Song Yuanzheng left in a hurry. Li Aiguo said goodbye to Professor Yu, and the others rubbed their stomachs and swayed as they prepared to get on the truck.

Several workers from Factory 251 arrived carrying two large sacks of watermelons.

"Patriotic comrades, please take these watermelons back with you."

Li Aiguo didn't stand on ceremony and had Yan Jiecheng and several technicians carry the sacks onto the truck.

It was already past midnight when they got back to the courtyard house. Li Aiguo carried the watermelon into the house, washed up, and went to sleep.

Factory 251 acted swiftly.

The next day, when Li Aiguo went to manufacture train window frames, he received the news.

Gong Wu, the former head of the technical department, was dismissed, and more than a dozen technicians were sent back to the ceramics factory.

Professor Wang took over as head of the technical department. After communicating with Professor Yu, Factory 251 entrusted Qinghua University to recruit several technicians.

Under Professor Wang's leadership, the new technical team manufactured several more helmet hydraulic presses according to the blueprints, and the annual output of Factory 251 increased rapidly.

In just one month, the railway soldiers of the 12th and 15th Railway Divisions were all equipped with safety helmets, and some soldiers in harsh environments even received fan-shaped helmets.

Seeing that the locomotive depot had achieved good results using safety helmets, the Ministry of Railways also placed a large order with Factory 251.

Workers in other factories in the capital, upon hearing about this lightweight yet sturdy helmet, also made suggestions to their factories.

Factory 251 received a large number of orders within just a few months.

Having seen the benefits of fiberglass, we continue to invest heavily in its development.

Factory 251 has entered a virtuous cycle by selling safety helmets on one hand and conducting scientific research on the other.

Currently, safety helmets are still in short supply, and Li Aiguo has no plans to sell them overseas. He has simply had Lou Xiao'e register a new brand name overseas.

Factory 251 originally planned to name the safety helmet the Type 301 Helmet, but Li Aiguo suggested changing it to the Red Star Safety Helmet, or Red Star Hat for short.

“The name ‘Red Star Cap’ is quite fitting.” Factory Director Song Yuanzheng pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, “It’s catchy and easier for customers to accept than the Type 301 helmet.”

Recently, Factory Director Song Yuanzheng has been exchanging ideas with Professor Yu and has learned a lot. He is becoming more and more like a real factory director.

"Let's follow Comrade Li Aiguo's suggestion and call it the Red Star Hat." Factory Director Song Yuanzheng submitted a report to the ministry, and the safety helmet got a new name.

Those young people from before now prefer red star hats.

Most importantly, wearing this thing on your head while fighting can significantly increase your defense value and it's also specifically designed to protect against bricks.

Ever since Ma Xiaosi, wearing his uncle's red star hat, braved the crowds seven times and withstood more than a dozen bricks, the red star hat became famous and sparked a buying frenzy.

However, the Red Star hats are mainly supplied to factories and are not sold to the public. On the black market, there have even been cases of exchanging a Red Star hat for five kilograms of pork.

Li Aiguo really hadn't expected this.

In the evening, Li Aiguo returned to the courtyard house from Factory 251. As soon as he entered the door, he saw Liu Haizhong wearing a red star hat.

"Second Uncle, you've got a new hat?" Li Aiguo greeted him with a smile.

"Yes, the factory leaders saw how hard we workers who were responsible for producing parts were working, so they specially issued the first batch of Red Star helmets to us." Liu Haizhong touched his helmet, feeling particularly proud.

He was especially excited by the bright five-pointed star on the hat.

Although he is now a deputy team leader and not a leader, he enjoys the trust of Deputy Factory Director Li and his status in the workshop is rising day by day. Perhaps he will be promoted to deputy workshop director by the end of the year.

"Aiguo, I asked your second aunt to stew an old hen tonight. Come over for a drink."

"Okay." Li Aiguo was about to inquire about the production progress of the motorcycle parts, so he readily agreed.

As the residents gradually returned from get off work, they saw Liu Haizhong standing there fiddling with his hat and curiously gathered around.

"Hey, Uncle, got a new hat?"

"Yes, this kind of Red Star safety helmet is said to be made of fiberglass, which is stronger than steel and also very light."

"I've heard that too. Our factory is also preparing to replace the caps with red star ones, but the supply can't meet the demand, so we'll have to wait a while."

"Well done, Uncle, you're an advanced worker in the factory now, aren't you?"

"Hey, hey, hey, I don't really mean it. We just do our jobs honestly and don't have any fancy tricks up our sleeves."

Yi Zhonghai entered at this moment. Upon seeing Liu Haizhong's new hat, his expression immediately darkened, and he quietly slipped away from Liu Haizhong.

Looking at the smug-looking Liu Haizhong, Jia Dongxu's lips curled into a sinister smile.

(End of this chapter)