The train driver in the courtyard

"Wow, Red Star certification? What's that?"

"I heard from the boss that as long as I pass the certification, my monthly salary will increase by ten dollars."

"Sign up, sign up, sign up now!"

Across the ocean, the capital giants of the Mei family and the Ou family are currently struggling with the same problem.

How to quantify employees' computer skills.

It's important to understand that computers are still a completely new technology these days.

Even these giants themselves only have a superficial understanding, and their human resources departments are completely clueless, often spending a lot of money to hire so-called "experts" with only half-baked skills.

Now, the emergence of Red Star Certification has perfectly solved this thorny problem!

With a stroke of their pens, the big capitalists decided that all employees who could obtain the Red Star certification would receive a raise!

As soon as the news broke, long lines formed outside Hextech Corporation. The sale of exam preparation materials alone made Hextech Corporation a fortune.

Even more remarkably, many places have seized the opportunity to open special Red Star certification training courses, which are extremely popular.

Upon hearing this news, Li Aiguo, who was far away in China, couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

Indeed, in capitalist lands, profit is always the primary driving force.

The Red Star certification program is in full swing overseas, and preparations for the first National Computer Rank Examination in China are also progressing steadily.

All researchers at the Red Star Computer Institute were the first to sign up.

Following closely behind are several sister research institutes in East China and North China, as well as top universities such as Peking University, which have also joined the ranks of applicants.

Everyone was full of anticipation for this unprecedented exam, and they were all eager and excited.

Only Director Chen of the Institute of Scientific Computing felt his scalp tingle; it was truly numb.

He knew perfectly well what the true skill level of the group of people sent to support the Red Star Computer Research Institute was.

If I fail the exam, wouldn't I lose face in front of my peers across the country?

But you can't skip the exam! The Red Star Computer Research Institute has already issued new regulations.

Anyone wishing to work in the research institute must possess a computer proficiency level of 7 or above.

"This is a blatant conspiracy! This is an open conspiracy!" Director Chen slammed his fist on the table, making a loud banging sound.

"Director, what should we do now?" Zhou Tan, an intern researcher, couldn't sit still any longer and rushed into Director Chen's office early in the morning.

"What can we do but take the exam?" Director Chen said weakly, leaning back in his chair.

"Isn't that obviously giving myself away?" Zhou Tan frowned, knowing his own limitations all too well.

Director Chen glanced at him sideways: "Your names have already been submitted. If you dare not take the exam, you must know the consequences, right?"

He was practically about to blurt out the term "deceive the organization."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Tan was so frightened that his heart skipped a beat.

"If you really don't pass, you can always find an excuse like you're not feeling well or you just caught a cold, understand?" Director Chen squinted and gave Zhou Tan a suggestion.

“But if that happens, won’t we completely lose our chance to get into the Red Star Computer Research Institute?” Zhou Tan still looked worried.

"You, at a time like this, you're still thinking about going in? We should be thanking God that we've gotten through this safely and won't get punished!" Director Chen sighed.

Director Chen is now filled with regret. He shouldn't have listened to Mr. Guo in the first place. If he had just honestly sent a group of senior researchers, none of this would have happened.

Now they've shot themselves in the foot.

Zhou Tan's heart skipped a beat, feeling as if he had been completely betrayed by Director Chen.

But since things had come to this, there was no other way but to bite the bullet and register according to the regulations of the Red Star Computer Research Institute.

The exam was held at the Red Star Computer Research Institute and was organized by the education department in conjunction with several other relevant ministries.

The exam papers were escorted by fully armed railway soldiers. The heavily armed team marched along the street, and pedestrians on the road consciously made way for them.

"I hereby declare the first National Computer Rank Examination open to the public!" The education department leader personally delivered the opening remarks.

Three days later, the exam results were officially released.

Of the 350 computer experts at the Red Star Computer Research Institute, including the Russian experts, 260 passed the Level 8 computer exam and were awarded Level 8 certificates.

The rest all passed the Level 7 exam and were awarded Level 7 certificates.

Several computer research institutes in East China and North China also achieved good results, with dozens of Level 8 computer researchers and more than one hundred Level 7 researchers.

There are also dozens of Level 8 researchers at the Institute of Scientific Computing.

However, at this time, the achievements of a group of people were particularly eye-catching.

The group of people from the Institute of Scientific Computer Science who assisted Red Star Computer all had grades below level five. One of them, a researcher named Zhou Tan, even had a grade of only level three, which was not even enough to qualify him for a regular research institute.

"Isn't this too outrageous?"

"Isn't it obvious? The Institute of Scientific Computing clearly sent a bunch of unqualified people to provide support on purpose!"

"That's too much! That's absolutely too much!"

In those days, some factories did try to be clever and would secretly send some mediocre workers when supporting other factories, but at least they would arrange for two or three experienced workers to mentor and train them.

But the Institute of Computer Science is even worse; it's blatantly and unabashedly doing a perfunctory job!

In particular, the Red Star Research Institute is now responsible for compiling domestic industrial control software, which will greatly affect industrial production efficiency and the quality of industrial products.

Professor Xia Zhongsu heard the whispers outside and finally understood Li Aiguo's true intentions, and he was filled with admiration.

The original scientific computer research institute used underhanded tactics, leaving Red Star Computing with no way to complain.

Unexpectedly, Li Aiguo pulled off a blatant scheme.

Not only did the Institute of Scientific Computing's underhanded tactics fail, but now they are also being held accountable.

really.

Upon learning the news, leaders from several ministries, including the First Ministry of Machine Building and the Second Ministry of Machine Building, criticized the Institute of Scientific Computing at a meeting.

Director Chen didn't expect things to escalate so much, so he immediately went to Mr. Guo, hoping that Mr. Guo could intercede on his behalf.

When they arrived at the Academy of Sciences, they learned that Mr. Guo had taken sick leave and was supposedly going to stay for a long time.

"Sir, I really didn't mean to," Director Chen could only plead with Vice President Zhou.

"Old Chen, everyone knows what you're thinking, but we didn't expect you to disregard the bigger picture this time. Go back and wait for your punishment!" Vice Dean Zhou was also furious with Director Chen's actions.

In recent years, China has developed rapidly, and everyone has worked together as a team to achieve great things. However, some people have actually dragged the country down.

"Sigh, this time I really tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice instead." Director Chen was no longer flustered at this point. At worst, he could just retire early.

But when he returned to the Institute of Scientific Computing, he immediately sensed that something was wrong.

The office building, which used to be quite lively, was now eerily quiet.

Following the gaze of the crowd, several men dressed in gray Zhongshan suits were seen escorting Zhou Tan out of the office.

Zhou Tan's face was deathly pale, and his head was bowed low.

"Comrade, comrade! What's going on? What are you trying to do?" Director Chen's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped forward to stop the group.

The man in the gray Zhongshan suit who was leading the group looked at Director Chen and said in a deep voice, "You are Director Chen of the Institute of Scientific Computers? Perfect, please come back with us to assist the organization in the investigation."

"Investigating what?"

“Zhou Tan has confessed that you were the one who arranged for him to get into the Institute of Computing Technology.”

boom!
These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, leaving Director Chen dizzy and his ears ringing instantly.

His legs buckled, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud, his eyes glazed over, muttering to himself, "It's over...it's all over..."

"I never imagined that Director Chen of the Institute of Scientific Computing, despite his cunning, would lose his own life." Professor Xia Zhongsu couldn't help but sigh upon learning of the outcome.

He had spent five years at the Institute of Scientific Computing in his early years, and he knew Director Chen's character, abilities, and methods very well.

Director Chen may not be considered a top professional, but he is exceptionally good at scheming and maneuvering.

Back in his days at the institute, he was able to oversee the work as deputy director thanks to his ability to navigate social situations skillfully.

Professor Gillotti, sitting next to him, said with a smile, "Old Xia, you still underestimate Li Aiguo. Let alone Director Chen, even if there were ten or eight of them tied together, they wouldn't be a match for Li Aiguo."

He had witnessed firsthand Li Aiguo's methods with the Russians; even the head of the NKVD group had been dealt with.

It was within China that Li Aiguo became more restrained.

Otherwise, Director Chen would have been pushed down before he could even jump up.

Of course, these things are confidential, and he couldn't tell anyone.

Mr. Guo, who was in a hospital ward in Beijing, sat on his hospital bed in a daze for a long time after seeing the newspaper.

He sighed deeply and looked at the doctor: "Dr. Zhang, my condition seems to have worsened, and I need to stay in the hospital for a while longer."

The news that Director Chen had been taken away for investigation quickly spread throughout the capital.

The reputation of the Red Star Computer Research Institute and Li Aiguo for their tough stance has spread far and wide.

Li Aiguo didn't care about these things.

Since the small aircraft has been assembled and can be tested today, he needs to get to the front gate maintenance workshop as soon as possible.

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, Li Aiguo pushed his mountain bike and prepared to go out.

Just two steps out of the door, I caught a glimpse of Yi Zhonghai sneaking into the home of my third uncle, Yan Bugui, with his hands behind his back.

This situation is quite rare. Ever since Yi Zhonghai felt that the Third Uncle was on Li Aiguo's side and betrayed him, the relationship between the two families has deteriorated.

"Brother Aiguo, going to work? Can you give me a ride?" Yan Jiecheng emerged from his house, looking rather sullen.

Upon spotting Li Aiguo's motorcycle, his eyes lit up immediately. He quickly leaned his bicycle against the wall and rushed over in a few quick steps.

Nowadays, there are quite a few people with motorcycles in the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, but Yan Jiecheng had made a mistake before and was not a front-line core worker, so he was not qualified enough and had not been assigned a motorcycle for a long time. He had been envious for a long time.

"Get in." Since it was on the way, Li Aiguo didn't argue much and patted the back seat.

Yan Jiecheng quickly jumped onto the motorcycle, and before he could even sit down properly, his hand instinctively reached for Li Aiguo's waist.

"Slap!" Li Aiguo slapped his hand away, his face hardening: "What are you touching, you brat?"

"hey-hey."

Li Aiguo twisted the accelerator, and the car slowly drove away. While keeping an eye on the road conditions, he casually asked, "What's the matter with Yi Zhonghai looking for your father so early in the morning?"

"Don't even mention it. He wants my dad to teach him how to fish." Yan Jiecheng leaned closer and lowered his voice. "You have no idea how miserable Yi Zhonghai has been lately. He's been completely subdued by Jia Zhangshi and has simply taken leave to stay home and have some peace and quiet."

Coincidentally, the deaf old lady fell ill a few days ago and found a folk remedy somewhere. It said that wild fish from the river should be used as the medicinal ingredient, and the fish should be caught by a close relative.

Yi Zhonghai and the deaf old lady were as close as mother and son. Having nothing better to do, he decided to try fishing to cure her ailment.

"Isn't this feudalistic?" Li Aiguo frowned slightly, but then he understood. In those days, such things were not uncommon, and as long as it didn't go too far, no one would take it seriously.

"Okay, got it."

The motorcycle, carrying two people, roared out of the tranquility of the courtyard and sped towards the front gate locomotive depot.

the other side.

Yi Zhonghai had just come out of his third uncle's house.

Seeing Li Aiguo's motorcycle disappear into the distance, he couldn't help but purse his lips and mutter to himself, "It's just a motorcycle, what's so great about it? Once I've made that deaf old lady happy, then..."

He was halfway through his sentence when he caught a glimpse of the Third Uncle coming out as well, so he quickly stopped talking: "Old Yan, you'd better get your fishing rods ready in advance, we're definitely leaving this afternoon."

"I know, I know, but let me make this clear from the start: you'll have to provide the bait. I don't have any extra food to spare for this." The third uncle nodded.

"Don't worry! I've got the bait covered!" Yi Zhonghai patted his chest to assure him, though inwardly he cursed Old Yan for being stingy. But since he needed his help, he had no choice but to put up with it.

He walked slowly back to the backyard with his hands behind his back and gently knocked on the deaf old lady's door.

A violent coughing fit came from inside the room, which lasted for a while before stopping.

The deaf old lady responded weakly, "Come in."

Yi Zhonghai pushed open the door and entered. He saw the old lady lying on the bed, her face sallow and her breathing labored.

"Grandma, are you feeling better?" Yi Zhonghai hurriedly stepped forward, his tone extremely respectful.

The deaf old lady coughed and waved her hand. After a while, she managed to speak: "Old Yi, how's the fishing going?"

"Grandma, please rest assured, I have already spoken with Old Yan. He will go fishing in the river outside the city this afternoon and bring back the first wild fish for you to use as a medicinal ingredient. You can just focus on recovering and wait for good news!" Yi Zhonghai said very respectfully.

"Good, good, good, old Yi, I knew I hadn't misjudged you." The deaf old lady was quite moved.

Yi Zhonghai is indeed disappointing, always losing to Li Aiguo in arm wrestling matches, but his filial piety is commendable.

"Grandma, please rest first. I still need to go back and prepare the bait." Seeing that he had achieved his goal, Yi Zhonghai stood up and left the house.

The deaf old lady lay back down and coughed violently again.

The door was closed.

The room was completely dark.

Meanwhile, Li Aiguo had already arrived at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot on his motorcycle.

Upon entering the studio courtyard, you can see the newly assembled small airplane quietly parked on the open ground.

Several technicians were conducting final checks and adjustments on the aircraft, the sunlight shining on the silver-gray fuselage, reflecting a dazzling luster.

"how is the situation?"

“No problem, we’ve checked it five times already,” Chief Engineer Qi said, standing up.

The wild car expert was excited: "Patriot, should we conduct a test flight immediately?"

"What are you thinking? This isn't like driving a train, where you can just take off whenever you want! If you dare to fly the plane without prior notification, it might get shot down by the anti-aircraft guns, who knows, it might be mistaken for an enemy plane!" Zong Xianfeng climbed down from the cockpit.

Upon hearing the news, Section Chief Xing also arrived and nodded, saying, "Yes, yes, notify Minister Niu of the Armed Forces Department and have him make some contact to see where would be a suitable place to conduct the test flight."

Minister Niu was also somewhat bewildered when he received Li Aiguo's call.

"An airplane? Our Qianmen Locomotive Depot built an airplane?"

After hanging up the phone, Minister Niu, filled with doubts and curiosity, jogged all the way to the studio courtyard.

When he saw the uniquely designed little plane, he froze on the spot.

Although the fuselage is not large, it has landing gear, wings, engines, and a cockpit.

There were even two wooden "missile" models hanging conspicuously under the wings, which looked quite realistic.

"My goodness...it really is an airplane!"

"Old Niu, go and report it. We'll find a secluded place for the test flight," Section Chief Xing said.

Minister Niu was in a bit of a dilemma. You see, in the past, the maintenance depot always reported to the Beijing Armed Forces Department when conducting militia training. This was the first time they had ever tested an aircraft.

He returned to his office, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly slapped his forehead.

"How could I have forgotten about the Railway Corps?"

Minister Niu picked up the phone and contacted Regiment Commander Zhang of the Railway Corps, who frequently visited the section.

Commander Zhang was also dumbfounded: "Our patriotic brothers have built a small airplane?"

"Yes, you need to find a place quickly, they need to test fly." Minister Niu and Regiment Commander Zhang had a good relationship, so he urged them directly.

"Okay, I'll think of a way."

The railway troops had no airports, let alone had ever flown a plane. Commander Zhang had no choice but to continue reporting to his superiors.

"Hand-made toy airplanes? Cough cough. The maintenance depot at Qianmen is getting more and more irrelevant to its duties."

After making a joke, he said, "I'll contact the Beijing air defense and the Beijing garrison and have them send people to assist with the test flight. You come along and see how it goes. If the plane isn't very good, tell Li Aiguo not to build any more."

"understand!"

Around noon, Regiment Commander Zhang drove his large SUV into the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.

"The patriotism has been coordinated from above, and the test flight location will be set in the Chenjiazhuang Commune section of the Yongding River."

There's a relatively straight road there, quite remote, and rarely traveled by. Also, if a small plane has a problem, it can make an emergency landing on the water.

Minister Niu asked with some concern, "Have the nearby communes been notified?"

"The notice has been given, and the commune's militia has been mobilized. Unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from approaching the river section," Commander Zhang replied.

In that short time, the air defense and garrison of Beijing received the news and sent people over.

"Our air defense authorities have notified all radar stations to ensure there will be no friendly fire incidents."

"Our garrison has also issued orders not to use anti-aircraft guns and anti-aircraft machine guns when encountering unfamiliar small aircraft."

That's how it is these days. Everyone works together, and many procedures are simplified where necessary. Otherwise, these procedures alone would take several months to complete.

Li Aiguo brought in a crane and asked the wild car expert and Zong Xianfeng for help to load the small plane onto the truck.

The truck bed had been modified into a large flatbed, with airplane wheels placed on it. The wingspan was several meters long, making it impossible to even get out through the main gate.

At this moment, something surprising happened to Commander Zhang.

Li Aiguo climbed onto the train car, grabbed some tools, and with a few quick movements, managed to fold up the wings.

The small plane was already small in size, and now with its wings folded, it can fully meet the needs of long-distance transportation.

"Good heavens, this thing can even transform!" Commander Zhang was initially stunned, but his expression quickly turned serious.

He was a veteran of countless battles and had made great contributions on the northern front. He knew very well what role a small aircraft that could be loaded into a truck and quickly moved could play in combat.

After the small plane was installed, Li Aiguo had it tied up with ropes, a move that made Commander Zhang gasp repeatedly.

"They really don't treat airplanes like airplanes."

The expert explained, "The fuselage of this aircraft is not made of aerospace aluminum, but rather cold-rolled 6061 aluminum. While it is not as strong or lightweight as aerospace aluminum, it is cheaper and easier to repair if it is damaged."

Commander Zhang remained silent for a full two minutes before finally asking, "Aiguo, how's the plane's speed?"

"Commander, we haven't even experimented yet; we're just figuring it out," Li Aiguo explained.

"Let's go then." Commander Zhang felt that this plane was a bit unreliable.

Li Aiguo drove his truck out of the workshop. At that moment, the railway workers had just finished eating and were carrying their iron-kidney lunch boxes, preparing to go back.

Everyone was stunned to see the small airplane on the truck.

"Holy crap, Li Aiguo has come up with something good again."

"An airplane! It's an airplane!"

The employees gathered around, and other leaders in the section also rushed over after hearing the news.

Yan Jiecheng was just thinking about whether he should talk to Yan Bugui about dividing the family property when he saw the small airplane and was stunned.

"Is Patriot Brother no longer satisfied with running on the ground?"

"Patriotism, if this little plane could fly, wouldn't we be able to ride it to and from get off work?" a few train drivers joked.

“Small planes are definitely not an option, but once the large passenger planes are built, it will be much more convenient for everyone to go to work in the Middle East,” Li Aiguo said with a smile, rolling down the car window and letting out a puff of smoke.

Now, all of Xiao Yi's trains and railways were built here. To make operation easier, Xiao Yi's family simply hired a large number of train drivers from here.

More than 20 experienced drivers from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot were sent out to work. In addition to their wages, they also received subsidies while working outside, which made the drivers very happy.

The train drivers on the "big passenger plane" all thought Li Aiguo was joking and no one took it seriously.

How could you not know?
Zhou Ke had also heard that Li Aiguo was building small airplanes, but he didn't expect him to succeed so quickly.

Upon hearing the news, he rushed over and circled the small plane twice, saying, "I love my country, so I'll join in the fun too."

“Okay,” Li Aiguo readily agreed.

“Brother Aiguo, and me too.” Yan Jiecheng also raised his hand.

Seeing this, the train drivers and maintenance workers standing nearby couldn't contain their excitement and all raised their hands, saying, "I'll go too!"

"Take me with you!"

"This is an aircraft built by our own Qianmen Locomotive Depot. We absolutely have to see it with our own eyes!"

The scene was so lively it was like a festival. Seeing this, Section Chief Xing quickly stepped forward and said, "Comrades, please be quiet! Today is the first test flight. Not only is the space limited, but we also need to pay attention to safety. Too many people will only make things more inconvenient."

This aircraft was independently developed by our section and is the pride of our working class. The people who go there must be able to represent the face of our Qianmen Locomotive Depot!

"Here's what we'll do: select five representatives to go. They can witness this crucial moment and bring back updates on the test flight to everyone!"

These words further fueled the employees' enthusiasm, and calls to sign up rose and fell.

After a moment's deliberation, Section Chief Xing finalized five candidates.

Zhou Ke, Yan Jiecheng, train driver Master Liu, maintenance worker Master Zhang, and even the chubby cook from the canteen were selected.

These five people, including both old and young, frontline drivers and support staff, are undoubtedly representatives of the workers at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, and no one can disagree with them.

That's how it is these days; when there's work, everyone does it; when there's food, everyone eats together.

After selecting representatives, the five men excitedly climbed onto the back of the truck.

The convoy, honking its horns, roared out of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot and sped towards Chenjiazhuang Commune on the Yongding River.

(End of this chapter)