The train driver in the courtyard

Beijing Metro Line 1, from Pingguoyuan Station to Universal Resort Station, is 52.7 kilometers long.

The currently renovated route only connects the Apple Orchard to the Octagon Amusement Park.

This amazed the foreign experts who were invited to visit.

"My God, this must be at least tens of meters deep!"

"I just estimated the depth based on the number of steps; it's at least fifty meters!"

"Wow, this is even deeper than the Moscow Metro!"

"It's not just the depth; look at the top, it's all made of thick concrete. I doubt even a mushroom bomb could penetrate it."

The strongest reaction came from Bernard of the French family.

They had once ambitiously planned to build a NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) resistant subway, but due to technical difficulties and high costs, they had to give up in the end.

Unexpectedly, the east side quietly accomplished this, and did it so well!

This is simply a miracle.

"Everyone, the platform is just ahead." Li Aiguo walked ahead and, seeing the experts stop in their tracks in awe, turned back and reminded them with a smile.

The experts then seemed to wake up from their daze and exchanged glances.

They could see the disbelief in each other's eyes and quickly followed behind Li Aiguo.

As they approached the platform, the experts once again stopped in their tracks.

Because what stood in front of them was a strange door, made of what looked like some kind of new type of plastic.

Most importantly, it doesn't even have a door!

"Comrade Patriot, what is this strange door for?" Louis couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, pointing to the door.

Li Aiguo didn't rush to explain; he simply asked Zhou Ke to turn on a power switch next to him.

Li Aiguo then made a gesture of invitation, indicating that Louis should go through the door.

Louis felt a bit confused, but still took two steps forward with some skepticism, following Li Aiguo's advice.

Just as I walked to the door without a door, the buzzer next to me suddenly started beeping loudly.

Louis was startled: "What...what's going on?"

Li Aiguo smiled and pointed to Louis's pocket.

"If I'm not mistaken, you should be carrying a metal object, such as a key or a lighter."

Louis instinctively reached into his pocket and pulled out a brass key and a sterling silver lighter.

"You mean, this door can detect metal?!" Louis's eyes widened.

"I remember now! You guys designed a security gate that's now being used in major airports around the world!"

Louis finally realized what was happening and couldn't help but clap his hands excitedly.

"Now you're using these security gates on the subway."

In this way, dangerous individuals carrying weapons and guns will be identified before entering the station!
"Geniuses! Your design is absolutely genius!"

After listening, the experts from the Iron Alliance all nodded in unison, expressing their deep agreement.

"As a mode of transportation with high population density, safety is indeed very important for the subway."

“I think we can suggest to our superiors that we introduce this kind of security gate when we get back.”

"Everyone, don't just stand there," Li Aiguo said again when he saw the experts stop.

Those experts could only manage a wry smile.

There's just no way around it, the subway on the east side has given people just too many shocks.
It was like a country rat entering the city, seeing sights it had never seen before.

However, after taking a couple of steps, they stopped again.

Because the ticket gate in front of them was not the traditional tripod turnstile they were familiar with!

It was a streamlined gate with a transparent special plastic baffle in the middle.

There was something that looked like a telephone next to it.

“Comrade Patriot, this is…” Louis felt like he had a million questions right now.

"This is an electromagnetic magnetic ticket three-roller ticket gate." As soon as Li Aiguo spoke, the experts' eyes lit up.

In those days, subway tickets were generally sold using paper monthly passes and metal tokens. The most advanced ticket checking equipment was the mechanical three-roller rotary turnstile.

The New York and Paris subways use this type of subway.

The system of one person per gate, designed to prevent fare evasion, was the most advanced ticket checking equipment at the time.

The disadvantages are also obvious.

Monthly passes and tokens are too easy to counterfeit.

The problems of fare evasion, missed inspections, and staff fraud are extremely serious.

Every year, the economic losses caused to subway systems around the world due to these fare evasion problems are countless, giving administrators a major headache.

Electromagnetic ticket three-roller gates are completely different.

It uses magnetic tickets coated with an ultra-fine iron oxide magnetic coating, which can record the number of times it is used.

When a passenger inserts their magnetic ticket into the gate and the verification is successful, the built-in demagnetizing coil will be energized instantly, directly erasing the authorized reference magnetic signal on the ticket.

The ticket became completely invalid instantly, making it impossible to pass through the ticket check again!

Realizing the enormous commercial value of this technology, Bernard's breathing quickened, and he couldn't help but look at Li Aiguo.

"Patriotism, could you sell us this amazing electromagnetic magnetic ticket three-roller ticket checking machine?"

Bernard regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. They were currently negotiating the introduction of electric trains and discussing the price.

By acting so hastily now, you're undoubtedly revealing your hand to the other party, making it difficult to get a good price.

But upon closer reflection, Bernard could only manage a wry smile.

Now that there are no other companies making real electric trains, they have absolutely no room for negotiation.

In addition, with all the advanced equipment in the subway, it would be impossible not to bleed money.

"Ahem, Mr. Bernard, we can discuss trade matters later; there's no need to rush."

Li Aiguo laughed heartily, breaking the awkward silence, and led the expert team to continue deeper into the subway.

The further they went, the brighter their eyes became.

This is unlike the dimly lit subways of the past.

The subway stations in Beijing are covered with light bulbs, making the area around the subway platforms extremely bright.

The old-fashioned enamel bus stop signs have been replaced by illuminated plastic signs with route markings, making them visible day and night.

These hardware facilities were enough to keep them barely calm.

What they saw next, the subway tracks, completely shattered their psychological defenses.

"This flatness... it should be at the millimeter level, right?" This time it was Hans from Xiao Rui's family who spoke up.

Li Aiguo did not respond directly, but instead turned his gaze to Commander Zhang, who was accompanying him.

Commander Zhang nodded and replied, "Comrade, you have a very accurate eye."

We used a standardized construction plan, combined with brand-new automated machinery.

The flatness error of the entire subway line is controlled within 2 millimeters.

Hans's expression changed drastically at "2 millimeters".

It should be noted that construction techniques were crude back then, and an error of one centimeter was generally considered excellent.

"What is your name, sir?"

"Please address me as Commander Zhang."

"Commander Zhang, may I take a look at your subway construction site?"

Commander Zhang did not agree immediately, but turned to look at Li Aiguo.

Li Aiguo had predetermined which areas inside the subway were classified and which could be displayed to the public.

Li Aiguo nodded without hesitation: "Old Zhang, lead the way."

The construction area completely avoids confidential areas, so there is no need to worry about leaks at all.

When Li Aiguo and his group arrived at the construction area in a railcar, the railway soldiers of the Third Regiment were working enthusiastically.

Under dim lighting.

Red flags fluttered in the wind, various construction machines sped by, and huge drill bits roared.

This image, brimming with power and industrial aesthetics, is visually striking.

"This is too advanced. Unbelievable." Hans stared in disbelief for a long time before finally managing to squeeze out a sentence.

He looked at Commander Zhang: "Comrade Commander, no, how is your construction progress?"

“Subway construction is quite difficult, and blasting is often required when encountering hard rock formations.”

It took us a full forty days to complete the two-kilometer tunnel in front of us.

This progress is far too slow.

But there's no other way; we have to ensure the quality of the project.

There seemed to be a hint of dissatisfaction in Commander Zhang's tone.

Upon hearing this, Hans nearly fainted.

Forty days in a row? Good heavens, is this regimental commander joking?
Even for a regular tunnel with half the difficulty, their construction team would take at least six months to complete!
A bold idea began to grow wildly in Hans's mind.

Perhaps we should hand over that thorny task back home to our comrades in the east!
They have good skills and short construction periods.
The construction of that railway was too difficult, and their own construction teams simply couldn't complete it.

While there are some excellent construction teams in other parts of the world, and they are indeed interested in undertaking the project.

However, after seeing the construction level and mechanization of the railway troops in the east today, he changed his mind.

Hans found that he could no longer respect those construction teams.

With that thought in mind, Hans said, "Comrade Patriot, I have a favor to ask. Does your railway construction team accept overseas construction work?"

Li Aiguo was also stumped by this question.

He recalled Hans's unusual behavior over the past few days and instantly realized that this foreigner had been planning this all along.

However, this was exactly what they wanted.

This is good, as the railway corps in China is now quite large.

A few years later, a large number of people faced the problem of resettlement after being discharged from the military and returning to their hometowns.

If we could go abroad to undertake railway construction and infrastructure projects, we could create a future infrastructure powerhouse ahead of time.

All benefits and no harm!
“We can talk about that too,” Li Aiguo said with a smile.

"What? You mean Hans invited our railway construction team to go abroad to work?"

Inside the Ministry of Railways office, even Director Teng was stunned by the news.

It's important to understand that in those days, the differences between the east and the west were still quite significant.

"That's how it is." Li Aiguo pulled up a chair and sat down, first giving a detailed report on the visit he had given to the foreign experts that day.

Then he said, "According to Hans's private revelation, his family is currently planning to build a mountain railway from Spiez to Fruttigen in the state of Bern."

This railway line belongs to the northern section of the Lechce Railway and is a major future artery for north-south freight transport through the Alps, providing direct access to pasta markets; its strategic significance is immense.

"Most importantly, the total approved budget is as high as 1.86 million Swiss francs, of which the subcontracting budget for railway construction alone reaches 1.02 million Swiss francs!"

At this point, one of the leaders asked, "1.02 million Swiss francs? How much does that convert to?"

“US$1.2342 million!” Li Aiguo slowly uttered a number.

The office fell silent immediately.

It's important to know that, in the original timeline, the foreign exchange earned from our exports at this point in time was only $19 billion.

Now, they can earn $1.2 million in foreign exchange all at once.

This is like a gold mine falling from the sky.

Li Aiguo continued, "Moreover, this line was originally designed as an internal combustion engine line."

Now, Xiao Rui's family has decided to replace all their diesel locomotives with electric trains.

This means that the power supply network along the route also needs to be re-laid.
The project budget will be increased significantly on top of this!

This is supposed to be an improvement?!

One of the leaders couldn't help but say, "This is a job they can totally do. Take it, take it right away!"

"Cough cough cough," Leader Teng glared at the other leader and coughed, interrupting his excitement.

The leader immediately understood that such a large engineering team, especially one composed of railway soldiers, was going to Xiao Rui's home, which involved not only foreign exchange but also the overall situation.

Even if it were Leader Teng, he absolutely wouldn't have the authority to make that decision.

"In that case, I will immediately write a report and submit it to my superiors."

This matter has already involved the higher-ups. Li Aiguo did not participate, nor did he intend to. Seeing that it was almost time to get off work, he rode his motorcycle to the weather station.

In the past two days, Old Cat has interrogated Black Swamp repeatedly and even deployed the drug team.

"What was the result?" "Kuronuma wasn't lying; the Bereaved Families Association did indeed intend to take action against Asanuma Inejiro."

Old Cat's expression turned serious: "We've already contacted Tokyo, hopefully we can make it in time."

"Don't worry, there won't be any problems." It wasn't that Li Aiguo was confident, but rather that he had great trust in his comrades in Tokyo.

That's how you operate a secret front.
You must completely trust your comrades and believe that they can turn the tide in desperate situations.

Li Aiguo met Zhou Ning again in the detention room at the meteorological station.

Zhou Ning has now started helping the archives, recounting everything she knows about the Orphanage.

Li Aiguo glanced at it and left.

After his figure disappeared through the doorway.

Zhou Ning stopped writing, looked up at the empty doorway, and stared blankly for a long time.

Meanwhile, in a study in the capital city.

The higher-level leaders received a report from Leader Teng.

"Send railway soldiers to Xiao Rui's home to repair the railway."

The higher-ups didn't care about the huge project budget; instead, they focused on the words "Railway Corps Going to Sea."

"Old Teng, what are Comrade Aiguo's thoughts on this matter?"

Leader Teng's heart skipped a beat.

He never expected that his superiors would directly ask for Li Aiguo's opinion.

This shows that the higher-ups valued Li Aiguo far more than he had imagined.

"Commander, Comrade Li Aiguo is inclined to take on Xiao Rui's project."

He believes that, in addition to the substantial economic rewards, this is primarily a window to showcase our strength to the outside world and expand our influence.

While speaking, Leader Teng glanced at his superiors.

Once its influence expands, this kind of thing can have far-reaching consequences.

The first to be affected was Xiaomei's family, and then Lao Maozi. We are currently in a dormant phase.

The superior tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondered for a full five minutes, and then suddenly smiled.

"Since the host has invited us to be guests, let's be good guests this time."

Upon hearing this, Leader Teng became instantly excited.

"Yes! I understand! I'll go arrange the negotiation team right away!"

After Leader Teng left, the superior leader walked to the window.

Outside the window, the setting sun was like blood, and a huge red flag was fluttering in the evening breeze.

However, in the eyes of the superiors, this flag today seems to be broader and more dazzling than ever before.

The railway project in Xiao Rui's family has been a recent focus of attention within the extended family.

It turns out to be quite simple. First, the construction is difficult, and being able to undertake the project is enough to prove one's capabilities.

Secondly, the project budget is substantial, the largest in recent years.

Those large multinational railway construction companies had long been eager to make their mark in this landmark bidding process, forming alliances and consolidating their resources.

However, just when everyone thought that this piece of fatty meat would definitely rot in the pot.

Ultimately, it will end up in the pockets of these big capitalists.

Suddenly, a news article appeared on the front page of Xiao Rui's family's newspaper.

"Shocking! The Swiss railway department plans to hand over the construction of the north-south freight artery in the Alps to a railway construction team in the east."

This message immediately attracted a lot of attention.

"Don't joke around, why would Xiao Rui's family choose the east side?"

"Yes! We are the representatives of advanced civilization! How can we let those construction teams build railways in our backyard?!"

"This news is definitely fake news from an unscrupulous tabloid trying to grab attention! It's absolutely impossible!"

Initially, the large railway construction companies didn't pay much attention, thinking it was just a negotiation tactic used by Xiao Rui to lower the price.

However, when reporters sought confirmation from the railway department in Xiao Rui's home, they received an unexpected answer.

"Yes, given the construction efficiency and technical level demonstrated by the Eastern Railway Corps, we do intend to award the project to them, and we are currently in the final stages of negotiations."

Wow!
The family was immediately thrown into an uproar.

"My God, they actually handed it over to the East! Has the world gone mad?"

"Is Xiao Rui's family trying to build a good relationship with the east?"

"Tsk tsk, it seems the situation within this big family is about to undergo a dramatic change. Someone's about to get restless."

Those large railway construction companies that were originally confident of victory are now truly desperate.

How can we just watch this delicious meat fly away when it's practically in our mouths?

Railway construction is a highly specialized and monopolistic industry in the West.

Many of those sitting on the board of directors of those construction companies are former high-ranking officials and former members of parliament who have retired from politics.

They leveraged their personal connections to secure projects and now receive substantial dividends annually.

As the saying goes, "An army is raised for a thousand days, but used for only one."

Seeing their interests being harmed.

Those bloated board members all used their connections.

They began to put pressure on the leaders of the Iron Alliance and the Ministry of Railways in Xiao Ruijia's home country.

"What are you doing? Are you kidding me! This is a key project of our own, how can we hand it over to people from the east? You are colluding with the enemy!"

"Yes! There must be some dirty deals involved!"
Has someone been bribed? We need to request a joint investigation!

Faced with accusations from those furious board members.

The leader of the Iron Alliance was not afraid at all and directly pointed his finger at them and gave them a good scolding.

"You bloodsucking idiots! Open your dog eyes and see clearly!"

This line is not a diesel locomotive line, but an electric locomotive line!

It uses the latest electric train standard developed in the East!
I'll ask you one question: are your construction teams capable of building according to their standards?!

Those directors who had been shouting the loudest moments before fell silent upon hearing this.

The Iron Alliance leader sneered and continued to curse: "You bunch of useless trash, after so many years of development, you monopolize a large number of lucrative government contracts every year."

The results of it?
Did they come up with any new technologies? No!
On the contrary, the people in the east were the first to develop the most advanced technology!
They're the ones setting the technical standards now! And you still have the nerve to complain here?!

The board members were so badly scolded that their faces turned red, and they dared not utter a word.

Because they know perfectly well that the dirty dealings they engage in behind the scenes, involving the transfer of benefits, can never be brought to the forefront.

If they really anger the Iron Alliance and request a thorough investigation, these people will definitely be the first to go to jail.

Several railway construction companies quickly ceased their operations.

However, while the turmoil in the business world has subsided, the matter has escalated within the larger political sphere.

When the socialist allies in Eastern Europe heard about this, they naturally felt elated and wholeheartedly supported it.

"Did you see that? Our brothers from the east have marched into the heart of Western Europe in a righteous manner!"

What does this represent?
This represents the superiority of our system and a comprehensive leap forward in our railway technology!

Xiao Mei's family was somewhat upset. Although Xiao Rui's family had always claimed to be neutral, everyone knew that they belonged to the west.

Now Xiao Rui's family is openly colluding with the East. What's going on here?

Are you trying to slap me, the leader, in the face?
The head of Xiao Mei's family immediately convened a meeting and demanded an explanation from Xiao Rui's family.

Before Xiao Rui's family could even speak, General Dai from the French arrived in Peanut Village by private jet and slammed his fist on the conference table.

"Boss, that's enough for you!"
Xiao Rui had no choice.

After all, that railway line was difficult to construct and required the use of new technologies.

Western railway construction teams simply couldn't handle it.

You are the eldest brother.

They even interfere with such minor engineering matters.

Don't you think your eating manners are too unseemly and beneath your dignity?

President Dai's words were sharp, and with just one sentence, he left President Xiao Mei speechless and red-faced.

President Dai's subtext was quite clear.

If you're so capable, why don't you send someone to help Xiao Rui's family build a new electric train line that meets their high standards?

Can't do it?
Then shut up.

Especially now that President Dai is no longer loyal to the US, President Dai doesn't dare to push him any further.

Meanwhile, the situation on the monkey's side is becoming increasingly tense.

At this critical moment, he was unwilling to completely break ties with his Western European allies, and even less willing to offend the East.

"Ahem, I'm just worried that Xiao Rui's family might be tricked by those cunning Easterners and suffer losses, as the eldest brother is concerned."
Since you yourselves feel there's no problem, then I won't interfere any further.

The head of Xiaomei's family found an awkward way out and had no choice but to back down.

When the other families in Western Europe saw that Xiao Mei's family had made concessions, they exchanged glances and understood each other's meaning.

Within this large family, it probably won't be long before a new big brother rises up.

The Russians remained silent as always.

It's not that the president didn't want to teach his little brother a lesson, but rather that the Russians were going all out to wrestle with the United States.

The most frustrated are the bereaved families.

Inside that grand mansion, the old man codenamed Hachiman Okami smashed his sake cup in anger.

"Useless. That guy Kurozuma is a piece of trash. He ruined this tour, and instead he got arrested."

"Now that's good, the railway soldiers from the east are heading to Xiao Rui's house!"

A man in a black suit knelt on the ground and whispered, "Sir, Kurozuma has also made contributions."

We've already had experts examine the blueprints he brought back, and they are indeed blueprints for a new type of electric train.

"Once we successfully replicate it, the East will have nothing to do with it anymore."

As soon as he finished speaking, another elderly man in a kimono said worriedly, "Sir, this matter has gone too smoothly, and I feel uneasy."

Could this be a series of schemes devised by those people in the east?

Were they deliberately trying to deceive us with a flawed set of fake blueprints?

"No! This is absolutely impossible!"

The man in the black suit immediately raised his head and retorted urgently, "I have already personally interrogated those representatives who escorted the film back."

Kuronuma was suddenly arrested at the airport just before he was about to board his flight.

If it weren't for his training and quick reflexes, which allowed him to slip the film containing the blueprints to Yamamoto at the last second, we would never have been able to get the blueprints!

How could that weather station to the east possibly have guessed that Kuronuma would hand over the blueprints to someone else?!

After a moment of contemplation, Hachiman nodded: "Inukai, your analysis makes perfect sense."

No matter how clever the people in the east are, they can't possibly have a perfect plan.

The top-secret project of replicating a new type of electric train, Kenkai, is now entirely in your hands.

No matter the cost in terms of money and manpower, we must complete the imitation as soon as possible! We must use their technology to defeat them!

"Yes!" The man in the black suit nodded emphatically.

Once the replica is completed, his status within the Legacy Society will be even higher.

After the man in the black suit left, Hachiman looked at the old man in the kimono and asked, "How far has the decapitation plan progressed?"

"The layout is complete, and we can move out at any time," the elderly man in the kimono reported respectfully.

Hachiman Ookami stood up: "Excellent! We can begin immediately!"

Remember, Inejiro Asanuma's identity is very special; he is a stumbling block to the empire's resurgence!

We must not leave any clues that could lead back to our bereaved families!

"Hai!"

On the shrine.

The candles offered flickered.

The age spots on Hachiman Okami's face made him look like a demon crawling out of hell.

It's extremely terrifying.

(End of this chapter)