The train driver in the courtyard

Li Aiguo learned of Ben Zongyilang's challenge while visiting Liu Zhigang's home.

The Red Star Motorcycle Team traveled over 2,000 li (approximately 1,000 kilometers) and arrived at the Yangcheng Locomotive Depot, where, according to the race schedule, they were given two days to rest.

During this break, the team members took the opportunity to maintain their motorcycles, recover from their injuries, and rest. Li Aiguo, meanwhile, carried gifts and headed to Liu Zhigang's house.

"Is Teacher Guozhang still in good health?" Liu Zhigang was overjoyed to see Li Aiguo and had his wife take the gift.

"The teacher is full of energy now, just like a young man, but he's too busy. He has a ton of things to do at the subway station, he's always on the go," Li Aiguo said with a smile as he entered the room.

After exchanging a few words, Liu Zhigang offered him a cigarette and said cheerfully, "Brother, I got promoted this time all thanks to you."

Yangcheng Freight Station is the largest freight station in Southwest China. The position of station manager is highly coveted, and many people are eyeing the job after the old station manager retires.

There are deputy stationmasters who excel in their work and have extensive networks, as well as the head of the Yangcheng Railway Bureau.

Although Liu Zhigang is quite capable, he has only been here a short time and his foundation is too weak. Nobody considered him a hot candidate, and even he himself didn't have high hopes for him.

No one considered him a top contender, not even Liu Zhigang himself had much hope.

Ultimately, the Yangcheng Railway Bureau announced that Liu Zhigang would serve as the freight station manager.

There's a rumor circulating within the bureau that when the Yangcheng Bureau leaders were reporting to the ministry, someone mentioned to them, "Liu Zhigang, he's a pretty good guy."

With just one sentence, the leader changed his mind, and many people did not believe the rumor.

Liu Zhigang vaguely guessed the man's identity; it must be this young man.

A few years ago, this younger brother was worried about transporting a few boxes of bananas, and he helped him out of consideration for their shared business.

Liu Zhigang was surprised to find that his younger brother had become so capable in just a few years. He was amazed by how quickly things had changed.

"Brother, have your sister-in-law cook. You absolutely have to eat here for lunch," Liu Zhigang said enthusiastically.

“I love eating meat the most,” Li Aiguo said without any hesitation.

"Haha, plenty!" Liu Zhigang told his wife to get busy, and when he came back, he seemed to remember something and put a newspaper in front of Li Aiguo.

"Patriotism, this is a newspaper from the port city, it's related to your motorcycle team."

There is frequent interaction between Guangzhou and the port city, so it is easy to get things like newspapers.

After reading the report, Li Aiguo smiled and shook his head. Red Star Motorcycles had just appeared and hadn't even entered mass production yet, and it was already being targeted. Bentian was being too sensitive.

Actually, just thinking about it made Li Aiguo feel relieved.

Those capitalists keep a close eye on the entire market, and they will ruthlessly suppress anyone who challenges their position.

Liu Zhigang was worried for Li Aiguo, as this matter was too sensitive. If he participated in the competition and lost, it would be a big problem.

“Brother, let me tell you, Ben Soichiro from Benda has said he wants to have a go at you guys,” Liu Zhigang reminded him.

"Hey, let's just deal with whatever comes our way." Li Aiguo didn't take it seriously.

Liu Zhigang, however, had a doubt: "Those people are cunning; don't take them too seriously."

"Come on, have some tea, Brother Zhigang." Li Aiguo smiled but didn't reply.

Liu Zhigang also realized that this was not something he could get involved in, so he didn't say anything more.

The food was served in no time: braised pork, stewed pig's trotters, and braised fish—three main dishes, plus two vegetable dishes; quite a feast.

After a few drinks, Liu Zhigang casually remarked, "Xiao Xie has performed very well and is now working as a freight specialist."

Xiao Xie was the dispatcher who transported goods on the Guangzhou trade route back then.

The trade route was affiliated with the Dashi Commune Management Committee, and the procedures were all in order; there hadn't been any problems over the years. His promotion made transporting goods even more convenient.

"Thanks, Zhigang."

"No need to thank me. You have all the paperwork done and haven't made any trouble. Xiao Xie has done a really good job these past few years and deserves a promotion."

Liu Zhigang was puzzled. The money earned from this trade route was nothing compared to the things Li Aiguo had come up with, so why was it still being kept?
Li Aiguo had his own plans for preserving the trade routes.

Firstly, the trade route would connect Guangzhou to Beijing, helping more than a dozen villages near Shiqiao Commune sell their fruits and local specialties.

Secondly, it can help build a talent pool.

When the time is right, we can set up a global trade group, and the comrades in charge of the trade lines can be put to good use.

Without trustworthy talent, any attempt to accomplish anything is just empty talk.

After eating and drinking his fill, Li Aiguo decided to visit his brothers on the trade route and took his leave early.

The Guangzhou trade route is still under Liu Deli's management.

He became the deputy director of the management committee of Dashi Commune, got married, and recently had a big, healthy baby boy.

Li Aiguo heard about it from Wang Daikui and specially brought the toys made by the locomotive depot.

It's not worth much money, but it's a rare item, and it conveys a sentiment.

"Brother Aiguo, you're too kind. If it weren't for you, I, a useless man, would never have been able to get married in this lifetime." Inside the office of the collective scrap shop in Shiqiao Commune, Liu Deli was so moved by the gift that he almost burst into tears.

"Look at what you're saying. You've put in a lot of effort over the years, you deserve it." Li Aiguo glanced around and saw that the office was more than five times larger than before, with more than twenty temporary workers helping out, and dozens of tons of goods were shipped to Beijing every day.

Upon hearing that Li Aiguo had arrived, Captain Chen and Chen Erbao, the militia captain of Dashi Commune, also rushed over.

Chen Erbao already has three children. Li Aiguo looked at them and couldn't help but wonder if he was having too few children. He'd have to work harder when he got back to Beijing.

"Cheers, patriotic brothers!"

"Done!"

A group of brothers raised their wine cups, and Li Aiguo followed suit and drank as well.

The bond forged through hardship together is stronger than anything else.

Li Aiguo drank half a bottle of wine before Liu Deli took him back to the Yangcheng Locomotive Depot in a tricycle.

The news spread quickly, and by the next morning, all the team members knew about Honda's challenge.

Li Aiguo brushed his teeth at the tap in the guesthouse, surrounded by a large group of people.

Everyone thinks Honda is too cunning.

"Patriotic brothers, what should we do?" Zhou Kebi calmed down the riders. Honda's tactic was a dirty trick.

If you accept the offer and lose, you'll become a laughingstock of the world.

If you don't accept the offer, they'll dare to shout that Red Star motorcycles are junk.

It's obvious they're taking full advantage.

However, Honda overlooked one thing: Li Aiguo is a man who succeeded through his own hard work.

Li Aiguo, brushing his teeth, said casually, "If TT Bentian thinks we're only fit to run on bumpy roads, he's seriously underestimating us."

"Are you going to accept the challenge?" Zhou Ke tensed up immediately.

"Zhou Ke, it seems we need to get some guys that can run even faster."

Li Aiguo spat out the toothpaste foam, swished his face to wash it, picked up the enamel basin, and turned to leave.

Looking at his retreating figure, Zhou Ke felt reassured.

"Get some that run even faster!"

"Let those little devils see what a real railway worker is all about!"

When the riders heard that Li Aiguo had accepted the challenge, and thought about competing against the Honda team, their eyes turned red with excitement.

Especially Master Zhou.

Before liberation, his parents and siblings were all killed by the Japanese. Now he clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh and blood gushed out.

As a man who succeeded entirely through his own efforts, Li Aiguo has never been afraid of any challenge.

"Start the system!"

Li Aiguo returned to his room at the guesthouse, lit a cigarette, took a puff, and, amidst the rising smoke, opened the system.

The control system searched for motorcycle technology.

V-type four-cylinder water-cooled engine manufacturing technology

Titanium Alloy Exhaust System Manufacturing Technology

Engine Control System

Quick gear shifting

Total points required for purchase: 800
Four-cylinder motorcycles are the future of motorcycles, and they're bound to be developed eventually, so we might as well take this opportunity to develop the technology as well.

Although these technologies cannot be mass-produced at present, Li Aiguo believes that after modification and small-batch manufacturing, it is still possible to manage them.

Li Aiguo glanced at his score: 3761
"Bought it!"

As Li Aiguo pressed the button, almost instantly, he felt dizzy, as if he had been struck by an electric current, and many unfamiliar memories surfaced in his mind.

With the help of the system, these memories quickly became simple and easy to understand.

Li Aiguo then grasped a profound truth.

One time you spend money, one time you feel great.

Spend your whole life spending money on in-game purchases, and enjoy life to the fullest.

After deciding to build a four-cylinder road racing motorcycle, Li Aiguo did not immediately respond to the challenge from the Honda team.

This kind of thing involves high-level personnel, and as a member of the organization, one needs the organization's approval.

Li Aiguo wrote an application and sent it back to the Ministry of Railways in Beijing through the Guangzhou Railway's transportation system.

When Director Teng received the application, he laughed: "Developing a four-cylinder motorcycle on his own, accepting the challenge from Soichiro Honda, this kid really has some nerve."

"Boss, what do we do now? Should we just reject them?" the assistant asked.

"Refuse? Why refuse?!"

“But this is obviously impossible. What if the competition is lost?” The assistant was worried for Li Aiguo just thinking about it.

Li Aiguo is now a role model for the railway sector, and the most important thing about being a role model is that he cannot fall.

"Didn't you study the editorial from the other day? Go for it! If we only seek stability and dare not meet challenges or take risks, when will we ever develop?"

"Understood, I will contact the foreign affairs department immediately."

After the assistant disappeared through the door, Boss Teng stood up, looked at the flagpole outside the window, and whispered, "I believe that kid can do it."

On the flagpole, the bright red flag fluttered in the strong wind.

"If we're going to fight, then let's fight. See you next June at the Isle of Man TT!" Three days later, a newspaper in the port city published a news article on its front page that only had a headline and no content, which immediately caused a sensation.

"The Red Star Motorcycle Team actually agreed?"

"How can a twin-cylinder motorcycle compete with a four-cylinder motorcycle?!"

"Do they also want to make four-cylinder motorcycles?"

“It takes at least a few years for a motorcycle to go from design to completion, and there’s no time to spare.”

This news article was translated into dozens of languages ​​in just a few days.

Motorcycle enthusiasts around the world were stunned by the Red Star Motorcycle Team's decision.

Soichiro Honda almost laughed himself to death after seeing the report.

"That's hilarious! This is what it means to overestimate one's abilities."

"Yes, we've only just learned how to build twin-cylinder motorcycles, and now we're going to build four-cylinder motorcycles. Everyone says that Dongdaitei likes to brag. I didn't believe it at first, but now I believe it to some extent."

Soichiro Honda had only issued the challenge invitation as instructed by the company's higher-ups, and had no expectation that the Red Star Motorcycle Team would accept the challenge.

Upon hearing the news, Soichiro Honda jumped off his motorcycle, handed it to his assistant, and took out a yellowed photograph from the pocket of his motorcycle suit.

Looking at the photo, a cruel smile crept onto Honda Soichiro's lips: "Grandpa, I will make them taste what they did more than a decade ago again!"

****
On November 11th, after a long journey of more than half a month, the Red Star Motorcycle Team finally returned to Beijing.

The finish line of the race is the same as the starting point, located at the main gate of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.

Motorcycle teams have now become a symbol of the "daring" spirit.

He became known to the people of Kyoto because of his match against Soichiro Honda.

Compared to when they set off, there were many more people at the scene, and red flags were flying everywhere.

"coming!"

Yan Jiecheng had the sharpest eyes. He saw a motorcycle speeding towards them from a distance and immediately shouted loudly.

Everyone looked over, wanting to see clearly who had won first place.

However, the other person was wearing a motorcycle helmet, which completely covered their face, making it impossible to see their appearance.

The motorcycle had traveled thousands of kilometers and was covered in a thick layer of mud. Several pieces of paint had been scraped off, revealing the metal underneath.

But the engine's sound when it starts is still steady, solid, and unambiguous.

The rider can still perform a graceful cornering posture when turning.

"This is a motorcycle that we developed ourselves, it's amazing!"

"come on! Come on!"

Passion was ignited at that moment.

The motorcycles were going so fast they were like the wind, and in the blink of an eye, they crossed the finish line amidst cheers.

As soon as the bike came to a stop, the rider took off his helmet, revealing an honest, unassuming smile.

"Master Zhou, the first place goes to Master Zhou from the line workshop!" the director of the line workshop shouted.

In the crowd, Zhou Yi and her younger siblings were standing on tiptoe, eagerly awaiting their father's return. They hadn't even dared to imagine that their father could have won first place. After realizing what had happened, they all rushed over to him, shouting, "Dad!"

Zhou Dajiang propped up his motorcycle, picked up each of the children one by one, and his smile never faded. He still feels like he's dreaming.

I'm just an ordinary lineman, how did I become a champion?
Li Aiguo waited until Zhou Dajiang crossed the finish line before driving his SUV to the finish line.

He jumped out of the car and extended his hand to Zhou Dajiang: "Comrade Zhou Dajiang, congratulations!"

"Captain, I definitely wouldn't have been able to finish the race without you." Zhou Dajiang put down the children and shook their hands tightly.

While they were chatting, the second-place finisher crossed the finish line. It was Chen Cun, a worker from the original maintenance workshop. This young man had just turned eighteen and came from a poor family for three generations. He had just taken over his father's job in the maintenance workshop this year and was later transferred to the workshop for training as a motorcycle assembler.

“Before liberation, these big motorcycles were only for capitalists, how could we possibly have a chance? I’m just a worker’s son, not only did I get to ride one, but I also came in second place!”

Chen Cun wasn't upset about not winning first place; instead, he raised his hands high and smiled so broadly that his eyes disappeared from his grin.

The third place came from the transport team. He was an experienced driver named Tan De, who was 25 years old.

As the motorcycles returned one after another, the atmosphere at the scene gradually became more enthusiastic. When Leader Teng arrived with a group of leaders, the atmosphere reached its peak.

Li Aiguo was also surprised that Leader Teng would come in person, and he quickly greeted him with a smile.

"Good, good, Comrade Aiguo, I didn't expect you to be such a genius at organizing races. This competition has really made Red Star Motorcycle famous."

Leader Teng grasped Li Aiguo's hand tightly and said with a smile, "Old Zhao from the Ministry of Machine Building even called to congratulate us."

Upon hearing this, Section Chief Xing leaned forward excitedly and said, "So, the motorcycle production rights belong to our Qianmen Locomotive Depot?"

Leader Teng deliberately put on a stern face: "Even if you don't want to pick it up now, it's too late. Everyone's waiting for your four-cylinder motorcycles!"

Section Chief Xing then remembered the race with Soichiro Honda, and feigned difficulty, saying, "Comrade Aiguo is indeed very capable, but without the materials, even if he's a motorcycle genius, he can't build a four-cylinder motorcycle."

"Don't worry, the department will help prepare any materials needed."

Leader Teng understood Section Chief Xing's ulterior motives perfectly well. He then looked at Li Aiguo and said, "Aiguo, this time we must teach those guys a lesson."

"Please rest assured, leader, worker Li Aiguo will definitely complete the task." Li Aiguo nodded emphatically.

At this point, all thirty riders from the motorcycle team returned.

During the journey of the thirty motorcycles over thousands of kilometers, some suffered tire blowouts and others had their handlebars bent, but none of them became unable to run due to major malfunctions.

The reporters who were watching all took notes.

At this moment, the name of Hongxing Motorcycle was given the label of sturdy and durable.

According to the original plan, Section Chief Xing was supposed to present the awards to the top three winners, but now Leader Teng is personally presenting them.

"Comrade Zhou Dajiang, congratulations on winning first place. I hope that you will continue to carry forward the spirit of daring to break new ground and make greater contributions in your future work."

Master Zhou received two bolts of corduroy fabric, thirty catties of refined white flour, and three old hens. He was so excited that he could hardly speak.

The second and third place winners also received prizes, while the remaining riders received a group prize—a hen.

After the awards ceremony, Leader Teng stated on the spot: "This competition was a great success. The higher-ups have decided to make it a regular event, and we will hold a motorcycle training race every year."

Li Aiguo welcomed this with open arms.

With formal competitions, domestic motorcycle factories will also try their best to improve their technology in order to achieve better results.

Considering this was the first motorcycle training race in China, Li Aiguo suggested taking a group photo of all the participants, which was unanimously agreed upon.

Leader Teng rode enthusiastically on Li Aiguo's motorcycle, number 01.

Li Aiguo stood beside him, with Section Chief Xing and other section leaders on either side, and riders and railway soldiers behind them.

click
The reporter pressed the shutter.

This photograph, which was later treasured by the Railway Museum, has been released.

After the awards ceremony, Teng, accompanied by a group of leaders and Li Aiguo, went into the section to inspect the workshop.

The riders returned to their respective jobs, and those who were in the newspapers just a moment ago are now railway workers again.

After celebrating the victory with his colleagues in the workshop, Master Zhou knocked on the door of the workshop director's office to ask for leave.

The workshop director understood his thoughts and said with a smile, "Go on, Lao Liu and the others have already helped you with your work."

"Thanks."

After leaving the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, Master Zhou took the two bolts of cloth to the most famous tailor shop in Beijing and had them made into clothes.

Strangely, when the old tailor saw that he was wearing a motorcycle team uniform, he not only sewed the clothes for him himself, but also did not charge him for his work.

"Thank you, master craftsman." Master Zhou quietly slipped the labor fee into the pile of scrap fabric and carried the clothes home.

By this time, the children had returned.

Seeing Master Zhou carrying the new clothes, everyone excitedly gathered around, staring longingly at the new garments.

Master Zhou called Zhou Yi, who was cooking, over and handed her the clothes: "Zhou Yi, these are your clothes."

On Monday, as she stroked the soft fabric and looked at the gauze on Master Zhou's wrist, tears streamed down her face.

"Why are you crying, kid? Dad thinks riding motorcycles is quite fun, and Driver Li even wants me to stay in the motorcycle team. We'll be fighting those Japanese devils again next year!"

Seeing his daughter crying, Mr. Zhou seemed at a loss.

"Really?" Zhou Yi wiped away her tears, feeling incredulous.

Her father was just an honest, unassuming worker who had lived a quiet life. It was already a great achievement for him to win first place; how could he possibly participate in such a large-scale competition?

"This is what Driver Li told me personally. If you don't believe me, go ask him. Uh, no, Driver Li should be with the leaders in the department right now," Master Zhou said, patting his chest.

Hearing this on Monday, he began to believe it, and his tears turned to laughter as he hugged the new clothes and went back into the house.

Lying in bed, stroking his first new clothes, Zhou Yi smiled.

Master Zhou only guessed half of it correctly.

At this time, Li Aiguo was indeed accompanying Leader Teng, but instead of visiting the studio, they went into the greenhouse.

"Boss, please try this." Li Aiguo picked a few cucumbers, washed them, and handed them over.

While enjoying the sweet and delicious cucumbers, Leader Teng nodded in admiration: "I knew you had built a greenhouse, but I never imagined it would contain so many good things."

When Leader Teng saw a patch of seedlings planted among the fruits and vegetables, he found it strange. Approaching closer, he frowned: "Corn? Patriotism, huh? You're growing this in a greenhouse?"

"What, you don't like this corn?" Professor Wu had just finished writing his notes when he returned and heard his superior's words, and he was immediately displeased.

He pointed to the corn seedlings and said, "The value of this corn is equivalent to that of your entire locomotive depot."

Upon hearing this, Leader Teng was somewhat puzzled: "Comrade, is this not ordinary corn?"

"You guessed right. This is a high-yield corn variety bred by Aiguo, called Aiguo No. 1." Professor Wu briefly introduced the corn.

Li Aiguo took the opportunity to explain his plan to plant corn in the railway field of the locomotive depot next year.

Leader Teng, who also came from a farming family, immediately realized the importance of Patriot No. 1 and nodded, saying, "It's not just your Qianmen Locomotive Depot. Expand the planting area and let the railway fields within the Beijing Railway Bureau also plant it. With more samples, we can maximize the testing of Patriot No. 1's yield."

Li Aiguo had originally planned to do the same, and was thinking about how to apply to the bureau. Now that Leader Teng had spoken, he naturally agreed with a smile.

Leader Teng then took a tour of the greenhouse before arriving at Li Aiguo's office.

As soon as the door closed, Leader Teng said, "Tomorrow, Sadam from Xiao Yi's family wants to visit your studio."

(End of this chapter)