The train driver in the courtyard

The tunnel construction site is in full swing.

Railway soldiers, dressed in work clothes and wearing safety helmets, are busy shuttling back and forth amid the dust and noise.

Leaders from the Ministry of Railways, Railway Technical Institute and Engineering Bureau gathered together, everyone was filled with excitement and anticipation.

The shield machine roared, the mechanical arm swung vigorously, and the huge cutter head rotated rapidly, cutting the hard rock in front. Each advancement was accompanied by the sound of cracking stones and flying dust.

The railway soldiers stopped their work, gathered around, stared at the direction of the shield machine, and looked forward to the historic moment together - the shield machine passed through the tunnel.

Time passed, and finally, after a violent vibration and a crisp "click", the shield machine stopped roaring.

In an instant, the construction site became so quiet that one could hear their heartbeats.

Immediately afterwards, cheers broke the silence, the workers hugged each other excitedly, and some even cried with joy.

"It's connected! It's connected!" the operator rushed out of the operating room and shouted.

"It's a success already?" Liu Guozhang still didn't quite believe it. Large-scale projects like this are often full of twists and turns. What about the promise of being able to write some words?
Director Chen smiled with satisfaction, strode forward and shook Li Aiguo's hand tightly: "Comrade Aiguo, thank you so much."

The leaders present all breathed a sigh of relief. The completion of the tunnel at the Xiaoxishan construction site will give the "deep burial faction" an absolute upper hand in the subway dispute.

After the cheers, technical experts from the Railway Corps and the Engineering Bureau began to conduct technical inspections on the tunnels that had already been penetrated.

Half a day later, the technical report came out, which showed that Xiaoxishan Tunnel fully met the requirements of subway tunnels, with a technical qualification rate of up to 99.5%.

After receiving the technical report, Director Chen immediately picked up the red phone on his desk and called his superior's office.

"Report: With the cooperation of the shield machine, the Xiaoxishan Tunnel was successfully penetrated and the technology met the standards."

"Well done. In ancient times, Pangu split the chaos with his axe, and today we have shield machines that drill through mountains and ridges. Our 'Iron Dragon' is much more agile than Yugong who moves mountains!" A voice with a Hunan accent came from the phone.

The sound is not loud, but it makes people feel full of passion.

It was the first time that Director Chen heard such high evaluation.

"This time, I would like to especially thank Comrade Li Aiguo. It was he who came up with the blueprints for the shield machine and personally led the team to work day and night, so that we were able to develop the shield machine."

"This kind of patriotism can always produce good things. Red Star Computer has just made a name for itself in the international arena, and now it has developed a shield machine. It is indeed a rare talent."

"The most important thing is that the patriotic comrades have particularly positive ideas."

"Xiao Chen, it seems that you are interested in Aiguo, right?"

After today's success, Director Chen felt relieved: "I would like to transfer him here, but the railway department won't let him go."

"Putting a versatile person like Aiguo, who is both civil and military, to swing a sledgehammer at your construction site? It's a waste of talent!" The superior leader also smiled, which was rare for him.

Director Chen also knew that his superiors would not let him go, so he had to give up this idea and seek advice on the next step of work.

"The Construction Bureau was just urging us to do this. They want to inspect the tunnel together with the Russian experts."

After a moment of silence, the voice of the old superior came from the phone: "Let it rain and let my mother marry. Let them do it!"

These words were like a reassurance to Director Chen.

Since our paths are different, there is no need to force ourselves to walk together.

The old superior also reminded: "The shield machine is a national important weapon. We must do a good job in publicity and keep it confidential."

After hanging up the phone, Director Chen scratched his head and asked, "What should I do if I want both?"

There’s no other way, let’s get help!
Just like that, Li Aiguo was drinking with his comrades in the railway troops to celebrate the completion of the tunnel when he received a notice from Director Chen that he had returned to the construction site.

Director Chen took out a cigarette from his pocket, handed it to Li Aiguo, and briefly recounted the content of the conversation with his superiors.

"Iron Dragon. This name sounds very nice."

Apart from anything else, the old superior's aura is unmatched by ordinary people.

Li Aiguo admired his old superior's foresight very much: "It's impossible to hide the shield machine. So, Director Chen, we can do a good job of camouflage like last time. As long as the oil pipelines and circuits are hidden well, even the most capable people will not be able to see any clues."

"Hey, you know what, this is a good idea." Director Chen clapped his hands suddenly and immediately called comrades from the Engineering Bureau to cover the shield machine with tarpaulin.

Li Aiguo checked again to make sure there was no negligence, then he instructed Captain Zhang of the Meteorological Bureau to strictly prohibit anyone from approaching the shield machine.

"Aiguo, someone just came to see you outside. He said he was an editor from a journal, but we stopped him outside."

After learning the news, Li Aiguo saw that there was no other work, so he quickly came to the Xiaoxishan construction site.

At this time, Liu Yunshan, the editor of "Comic Pictorial", had been squatting by the road for nearly three hours.

"Comrade train driver, you finally came out." Seeing Li Aiguo coming over, Liu Yunshan rubbed his sore calf and stood up to greet him.

"Editor Liu, why are you here today?"

"I have good news to tell you. This issue of 'Comic Book' is a big seller, breaking the domestic comic book sales record." Liu Yunshan first congratulated Li Aiguo, and then announced the news that his manuscript fee had increased to 20 yuan per copy.

"Twenty yuan. Editor Liu, just wait."

Li Aiguo turned around and ran back to the construction site. A moment later, when he came back again, he had twenty manuscripts in his hand.

“Here’s the manuscript for the next issue.”

Looking at the thick stack of manuscripts, Liu Yunshan felt that the editor-in-chief's worries were unnecessary.

The guy in front of me is just a money-grubber. How could he do such a shameless thing as stopping the update?

"Comrade train driver, there are no problems with these manuscripts and they will be published in the next issue of the journal. We may be able to create a miracle this time."

Liu Yunshan took the manuscripts, checked them briefly, and immediately realized that the quality of these manuscripts had all reached first-class level.

"Then it's all your fault."

It was almost time to get off work, but Li Aiguo was still concerned about his wife and children, so he entrusted the publication of the manuscript to Liu Yunshan and rode his bicycle back to the courtyard.

Chief Engineer Zhou Xinke of the Construction Bureau learned at noon that the tunnel had been completed.

He immediately brought people to the Xiaoxishan construction site and wanted to go in for a visit and inspection, but was stopped.

I waited until eight o'clock in the evening before I received a call from Director Chen.

"What? Tomorrow morning our construction bureau's technical team will be able to enter the tunnel for inspection. Hey, Lao Chen, you are right to do so. We still have to seek truth from facts."

Zhou Xinke sounded warm, but after hanging up the phone, his heart was full of doubts.

According to Professor Ostrovsky, even if Li Aiguo developed a tunnel boring machine, there would be no way to complete the tunnel penetration work in such a complex geological environment.

The reason why he proposed today that people from the Construction Bureau should go to inspect the tunnel was to expose the Engineering Bureau's fraud.

but.

Now Director Chen actually agreed.

This time Zhou Xinke has no chance to deal with it.

When he encountered this incomprehensible thing, the first thing he thought of was to contact Professor Ostrovsky.

"Teacher, Mr. Chen from the Engineering Bureau just called. What? You also received a notice from the Engineering Bureau. Did they invite you, too?"

Upon hearing the news, Zhou Xinke's face changed drastically.

He understood more clearly what Director Chen was going to do.

Professor Ostrovsky was very calm: "Xiao Zhou, don't worry, we have never made any mistakes. The Construction Bureau may have organized a team of railway soldiers to join the work of tunnel penetration. You should immediately select a group of technicians. Once we find traces of artificial excavation, we will be able to take the initiative."

"I understand, teacher! I'll arrange it right away." Zhou Xinke felt that Professor Ostrovsky still had the solution.

He was about to hang up the phone, but Professor Ostrovsky reminded him again: "Tomorrow, ask your technicians to bring cameras and focus on the shield machine. If we want to find faults, we have to start with the shield machine. I am doing this for your own good."

"Yes, yes, teacher. I will listen to you."

Zhou Xinke was already panicking at this point, and he didn't even suspect that Professor Ostrovsky had other intentions.

In order to better complete the teacher's task, Zhou Xinke held a meeting overnight despite the fact that it was already evening.

At the meeting, Zhou Xinke expressed Professor Ostrovsky's suspicions and emphasized: "We must resolutely fight against this unhealthy trend of fraud, so I propose to set up a technical team and go to the Xiaoxishan construction site tomorrow."

Zhou Xinke’s proposal was quickly approved and an investigation team consisting of twelve veteran technicians was established.

Zhou Xinke serves as the leader of the investigation team, and Deputy Chief Engineer Wang serves as the deputy leader.

After the meeting, Zhou Xinke invited Deputy Chief Engineer Wang to his office and said something meaningful: "Old Wang, we have been working together for four or five years, right?"

"Chief Engineer Zhou, I have been your deputy since the establishment of our Construction Bureau."

"Once the Beijing subway project starts, my position may be changed. You must seize this opportunity."

When Deputy Chief Engineer Wang heard this statement and thought about the relationship between Zhou Xinke and Professor Ostrovsky, he could not help but understand his intention.

The so-called seizing of opportunities means, of course, to perform well.

"Chief Engineer Zhou, congratulations on your promotion. What do you need me to do?"

Deputy Chief Engineer Wang's straightforward words made Zhou Xinke a little dissatisfied. He waved his hand and said, "Old Wang, look at what you said. What can I personally need you to do? Isn't that a violation of organizational discipline?"

"Yes, yes, Chief Engineer, you see, I'm only concerned with technology, and my ideological awareness hasn't kept up." Deputy Chief Engineer Wang apologized quickly.

Zhou Xinke nodded with satisfaction: "We need to improve our ideological awareness in actual work. This time we are fighting against unhealthy practices, which is a good opportunity. I think the situation of the shield machine needs to be recorded in detail. What do you think?"

How could Deputy Chief Engineer Wang not understand?

"Don't worry, I'll make arrangements right away. The bureau has cameras imported from East Germany. I'll personally take the photos tomorrow."

Zhou Xinke stood up and patted him on the shoulder: "Lao Wang, perform well, I am optimistic about you!"

Now a deputy chief engineer has been specially arranged to carry out the task of taking photos, and there are more than a dozen senior technicians to find faults. In addition, Professor Ostrovsky will also accompany them.

This is equivalent to three layers of insurance.

It's a win.

We will definitely win!
Zhou Xinke felt like he was reaching the peak of his life.

"Old Chen, you saved my life back then, and I should have repaid you. But how could you go against Big Brother? I hope you won't blame me."

Zhou Xinke turned off the light bulb, muttered something, closed the door, and walked into the darkness outside.

****
The next day, Li Aiguo was woken up by Chen Xueru.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Miss Chen standing in front of the bed, holding a brand new Zhongshan suit.

"Brother Aiguo, today is a big day. Here are the new clothes I made for you. Put them on."

Li Aiguo did not take the Zhongshan suit. He stretched out his hand to pull Miss Chen into the bed and said with a smile: "Wife, I am just a worker. Why should I wear a Zhongshan suit?"

"But there are so many leaders here." Before Chen Xueru could say anything, Li Aiguo had already started working. She felt weak and hot all over and could no longer speak.

"Are you ashamed? Daddy is so old, but he still eats nana. Shame on you! Shame on you!"

The atmosphere in the room was about to become ambiguous, but was broken by a voice.

Li Aiguo looked up and saw Xiao Hongsheng sticking his head out of the door. Xiao Hongsheng was weaned a while ago, and Li Aiguo rubbed some chili on Chen Xueru, and the boy held a grudge against him.

"Get up quickly." Chen Xueru pushed Li Aiguo's arm away, stood up, and pulled Xiao Hongsheng out of the door.

"This brat, maybe next time he should design an automatic lock that can close the door automatically."

Li Aiguo got up, studied the wooden door, thought his idea was feasible, and kept it in mind.

Children have very short memories. After breakfast, Xiao Hongsheng had already forgotten what happened in the morning. He pulled Li Aiguo and asked him to ride his bicycle to take him to the nursery.

It was almost eight o'clock in the morning when Li Aiguo sent Xiao Hongsheng to the Xiaoxishan construction site.

As soon as I arrived at the door, I saw several cars driving towards me from a distance.

The car stopped at the gate of the construction site, and Zhou Xinke and Professor Ostrovsky got out of the car with the technicians.

Zhou Xinke spotted Li Aiguo immediately, walked up to him quickly and held out his hand: "Are you the train driver? It is said that you designed the tunnel boring machine? Oh, so many technicians in the Engineering Bureau have been busy for two or three years and still couldn't solve the problem, but you solved it all by yourself, it's incredible!"

As he spoke, he deliberately looked at Director Chen and the technicians beside him.

"I did make the blueprints, but you know that such large equipment can never be made by just one person."

Zhou Xinke didn't expect that Li Aiguo, although young, was very meticulous. He didn't give him any chance at all and could only smile awkwardly.

Zhou Xinke was not surprised, coughed twice, and asked, "Director Chen, we are very short on time. Can we start working now?"

"Wait a moment." Director Chen raised his wrist to check the time.

"Wait? Are there other leaders coming?" Zhou Xinke instinctively felt that something was wrong.

However, when he saw a GAZ jeep driving over, he was momentarily confused.

Because this car is from a TV station.

When he saw the TV reporter with a camera, he became even more confused.

He originally thought that the Engineering Bureau would definitely keep the tunnel boring machine confidential.

Now they are allowing reporters to come and film and interview, what is going on?
"Old Zhou, everyone is here now, please follow me." Director Chen felt secretly happy when he saw Zhou Xinke's look. In the past few years, because Zhou Xinke had the support of Professor Ostrovsky, he had been in a passive position. This time, he finally got the upper hand.

"Teacher" Zhou Xinke looked at Professor Ostrovsky, wanting to ask for help.

"Hey, Chief Engineer Zhou, it's time for us to get to work." Professor Ostrovsky interrupted him and reminded him of his identity.

Zhou Xinke then realized that he had lost his composure. He quickly restrained his expression and went into the construction site.

As soon as he entered the construction site, he resumed his old ways and asked for someone to be sent into the tunnel for inspection immediately.

"The tunnel has just been opened. According to safety regulations, we still need to reinforce it. But since you sent experienced technicians this time and they understand the risks, please do as you please."

After getting permission, Zhou Xinke secretly winked at Deputy Chief Engineer Wang, asking him to keep an eye on the shield machine, and then he led his men into the tunnel.

As Zhou Xinke entered the tunnel, he was a little surprised.

The tunnel is extremely flat, with prefabricated concrete ring segments assembled on the inner wall, and its structural characteristics are very stable.

This is definitely not a tunnel that can be dug by humans!
"No, it's impossible. The teacher can't be wrong. They must have done something." Zhou Xinke twisted his leg and the pain brought him back to his senses from the shock.

Zhou Xinke looked at the technicians and said, "Inspect the tunnel immediately, and focus on the traces of artificial excavation."

The technicians were also aware of the real purpose of this trip. After responding, they immediately took out their tools and started working.

Time passed little by little, and Zhou Xinke and his technicians almost went through the entire tunnel, but found nothing.

"Be serious! Those guys in the Engineering Bureau are very cunning. Don't be fooled by them."

The technicians were already a little tired due to their high concentration, and now they had to endure Zhou Xinke's criticism, so they were filled with anger.

One of the old technicians stood up and walked up to Zhou Xinke. "Chief Engineer Zhou, I don't know what grudge you have with Director Chen. Now the Engineering Bureau has developed a shield machine that can quickly dig tunnels, which is more beneficial to the construction of our subway. Instead of being happy, you are finding faults. Isn't that too much?"

When the technicians saw the old technician taking the lead, they also gathered around.

"Yes, the shield machine is the dream of us engineers. Now the facts are in front of you, but you are unwilling to believe that the Engineering Bureau has developed a shield machine. Instead, you are determined to believe in outsiders. What's going on?"

"Chief Engineer Zhou, I object to your approach. If you think I am unsuitable, you can remove me from my position now."

"And I!"

"Add me!"

In those days, the status of technical personnel was also very high. Some old technicians dared to go against their leaders when they thought they were not wrong.

Especially since Zhou Xinke's butt was too crooked, these technicians were not blind, so they would naturally stand on their own side at this time.

"You, you guys." Zhou Xinke didn't expect that the people he brought would rebel.

He wanted to explain to these technicians, but he felt that they didn't understand Big Brother's painstaking efforts at all.

"Since we can't find any traces of artificial mining, let's withdraw from the tunnel!" Zhou Xinke felt that he should still ask the teacher for advice.

He led his men out of the tunnel and came outside, where he was again stunned by the scene.

Li Aiguo was seen standing in front of the camera answering the reporter's questions.

"This large piece of equipment is called a tunnel boring machine, and it's specifically used to mine tunnels."

"With the shield machine, our Beijing subway will be completed soon."

"We also have the ability to manufacture large-scale construction machinery!"

The camera was filming the tunnel boring machine.

The shield machine was actually covered with a thick layer of tarpaulin, especially the key parts, which were wrapped tightly.

These guys are too cunning. Zhou Xinke scratched his head.

When Deputy Chief Engineer Wang saw Zhou Xinke coming out, he quickly ran over and handed the camera to Zhou Xinke like he was presenting a treasure: "Chief Engineer Zhou, take pictures of them all. I took more than a dozen pictures!"

Zhou Xinke: “.”

Professor Ostrovsky did not expect Li Aiguo to be so cunning.

As an expert who once studied tunnel boring machines, he could see that it was impossible to get the technical details of the tunnel boring machine just from its appearance.

If it were an ordinary shield machine, it would be fine, but the key is that this shield machine can penetrate the Xiaoxishan Tunnel in such a short time. Its technical level is far beyond the shield machines in the Russian country.

If we can get the technology back, it will definitely come in handy.

Professor Ostrovsky turned his eyes to Li Aiguo who was being interviewed by reporters.

"A typical oriental genius, like a freshly-forged Longquan sword," the professor muttered in Russian, "this kind of young man gets carried away easily and is particularly easy to fool. As long as I show up, I will definitely make him hand over the technical details obediently."

After Li Aiguo finished the TV interview, Professor Ostrovsky walked up slowly and said with a smile: "Li, congratulations."

"Professor, you should congratulate all of our engineering staff." Li Aiguo smiled and shook hands with him.

When the TV reporter saw the two men shaking hands, he quickly pointed the camera in their direction.

"." Professor Ostrovsky faced the camera and his smile froze.

He was extremely reluctant, but he had to say loudly: "I didn't expect that you have achieved such great results in just a few years. I congratulate you on your achievements and hope that you can go further on the road of industrialization construction."

After the camera faithfully recorded this precious scene, Professor Ostrovsky requested to talk to Li Aiguo in private.

"Patriotism." Director Chen was a little worried.

"Director Chen, Professor Ostrovsky is our distinguished guest. We must not treat him with disrespect."

Professor Ostrovsky was so angry that he rolled his eyes.

This guy is quite a figure considering he can build a tunnel boring machine, but how can he be so petty?

However, in order to fulfill his old friend's request, Professor Ostrovsky had to suppress his anger. After walking to a secluded place with Li Aiguo, he made his request: "Comrade Aiguo, the shield machine is an immature technology in our country. We are brothers and should share what we have and make progress together. So I hope you can provide a detailed drawing of the shield machine."

"Exchange what you have?" Li Aiguo sneered, "Professor Ostrovsky, when we were finalizing the Beijing Metro project, the ministry and the higher-ups wanted to rent your shield machine at a high price, but you refused. Is this how you exchange what you have?"

"This..." Professor Ostrovsky's face changed.

He originally thought that as the big brother, he had given enough face to his younger brother.

I never expected that Li Aiguo would be so ungrateful.

"Li Aiguo, how can you treat your elder brother like this? Your attitude will bring us trouble." Zhou Xinke had been staring at this side. Seeing that the teacher's face turned red because of Li Aiguo's anger, he rushed up quickly.

"I'm a worker and don't understand any big principles. But I know that if the big brother eats meat, he should give the little brother soup to drink, instead of thinking of taking away the pot." Li Aiguo snorted coldly and said, "The big brother should behave like a big brother!"

"Rebellion, rebellion, Li Aiguo, you are going to rebel!"

Zhou Xinke didn't expect that Li Aiguo would dare to say these things to his face.

He turned his head and looked at Director Chen: "Old Chen, you heard it too. This is the ideological awareness of your men. Li Aiguo has made a serious ideological mistake. Why don't you arrest him quickly?"

Director Chen did not expect Li Aiguo to be so bold, but when facing the furious Zhou Xinke, he just smiled.

"Chief Engineer Zhou, you misunderstood. Comrade Aiguo is not from our Engineering Bureau."

"You" Zhou Xinke looked around.

The leaders, technicians, and railway soldiers who were watching all looked at him with contempt.

"Okay, okay, it seems that you haven't realized the seriousness of the problem. I will go and complain to you now. I don't believe you can rebel against the heaven!"

After Zhou Xinke realized that he would not get any benefit today, he walked up to Professor Ostrovsky and asked, "Teacher, are you okay?"

"My chest hurts, Zhou, take me to the hospital quickly." Professor Ostrovsky realized that Zhou Xinke's approach might be the only way to break the deadlock, so he pretended to be sick.

Zhou Xinke supported Professor Ostrovsky and turned around to get into the car, but was stopped by Li Aiguo.

"Chief Engineer Zhou, you are here to inspect the tunnel today, right? What's the result?"

"You..." Zhou Xinke didn't expect Li Aiguo to kill him, but he had no choice but to say, "The Xiaoxishan Tunnel has met the technical standards and was indeed built entirely by a shield machine."

After that, Zhou Xinke helped Professor Ostrovsky into the car and told the driver to drive quickly to Tuanjiehu Hospital, which is a hospital specializing in receiving foreign experts.

He also got on the car. Before getting on, Zhou Xinke turned his head and looked around: "Just wait for your superiors to punish you!"

The car sped away.

The scene was quiet.

Director Chen looked at Li Aiguo with some concern: "Comrade Aiguo, this incident seems to have gotten out of hand."

Professor Ostrovsky is of a very high rank and is a big shot even among the Russians. Now he is so angry that he is sick. Li Aiguo, as the "culprit", will definitely be held accountable.

Li Aiguo smiled and said, "Don't worry, we must have confidence."

(End of this chapter)