The train driver in the courtyard

Just when Li Aiguo was busy and having fun.

An exciting meeting is going on in the large conference room of the Ministry of Railways.

A red banner with the words “Railway Speed-up Group Phase Summary Meeting” hung on the wall of the conference room.

Leader Teng glanced at the local leaders and said, "The railway network has been in operation for half a year. Now all localities should report on the situation."

The leader of the Beijing Bureau stood up first and reported: "Since the railway network began to operate, with the high attention of the Ministry,

"Get to the point." Leader Teng waved his hand to interrupt him.

The Beijing Bureau then reported: "The overall speed of our Beijing Bureau's passenger trains has increased by 37%, the speed of freight trains has increased by 50%, and the accident rate has decreased by 20%."

Leader Teng nodded and looked at another leader: "Yangcheng Bureau, what about you?"

Yangcheng Bureau: "Our passenger trains have increased their speed by 51 percent, freight trains have increased their speed by 20 percent, and the accident rate has decreased by 15 percent."

The atmosphere in the conference room suddenly became heated.

"Our Zhengzhou Bureau passenger trains have increased their speed."

"And our Harbin Railway Bureau"

As the numbers came out one after another, the atmosphere of the meeting gradually reached a climax.

After all the leaders finished their reports, Leader Teng turned to look at Secretary Chen of the team: "Xiao Chen, how is our overall speed-up situation at the moment?"

Amidst the gazes, Secretary Chen stood up and read the information, "Currently, the average speed of trains in our country is over 56 kilometers per hour, which is one kilometer higher than the goal set by Comrade Li Aiguo."

Wow.

As soon as he finished speaking, there was warm applause from the audience.

"The average speed of trains in the United States is 43.45 kilometers per hour"

"The average speed of trains in the UK is 41.32 km/h"

"So, we have achieved our mission goal of driving the eagle towards magnesium!"

The joy of completing the task filled the entire conference room at this moment.

When the applause died down, Leader Teng stood up, holding the microphone, the front of his Zhongshan suit straightened: "Comrades, I declare that our railway department has taken the lead in completing the task assigned by our superiors."

Wow.

Applause started again.

No one noticed that the old leader who had always opposed the plan to speed up trains now had a gloomy face that was almost blue.

The fingers hanging at his sides were curled slightly, and the knuckles turned white from the effort.

But it doesn't matter even if you notice it.

Now that we have completed our mission to catch up with the UK, the US and others, no one can find fault with us.

The old leader returned to the office and said to the secretary, "Xiao Liu, I have been feeling unwell recently. My old illness may have recurred. Please make arrangements and I need to be hospitalized immediately." The young secretary nodded slightly in response.

When Leader Teng learned that his old leader was in the hospital, he remained calm and only asked the hospital to do its best.

After returning to the office, Leader Teng straightened his collar and personally called Haizi to report the good news.

"Please rest assured that our achievements are solid and can stand up to scrutiny from anyone."

"Old Teng, the whole country is waiting to see your firing! We must let the people know that we, the working class, can fight with guns and make trains fly!"

"This matter must be publicized, vigorously publicized! Especially for the meritorious personnel and figures, we must vigorously publicize it."

When Leader Teng heard the instructions on the phone, he was stunned at first, then he understood Haizi's intention.

The power of role models is infinite. Under the current circumstances, the success of the railway department is a booster for the confidence of all sectors, and the publicity of meritorious personnel can further inspire the enthusiasm for struggle.

Realizing the significance of this, Leader Teng immediately convened a work meeting and required departments at all levels to report their achievements in a high-profile manner and reward meritorious personnel.

A deputy leader suggested: "Should we hold a commendation meeting?"

Another deputy leader raised his hand and said: "The one who made the greatest contribution this time is Comrade Li Aiguo. We should publicize him throughout the railway and the country and establish him as a role model for workers."

Leader Teng made the final decision: "That's it. Immediately notify all major domestic newspapers and announce this news."

At Haizili's suggestion, the propaganda department of the Ministry of Railways was quickly mobilized and a massive propaganda campaign was launched.

The next day, the headline of Renren Daily appeared on the front page of an article titled "Railway construction creates a world miracle: the train speed-up work has been successfully completed, and the train speed has fully achieved the goal of catching up with the eagle and exceeding the magnesium level."

The article describes in detail the process of the train speed-up, with emphasis on how Li Aiguo formulated the speed-up plan and how the Ministry of Railways made careful arrangements.

Finally, at the end of the article, all sectors of society, factories, and communes are called upon to learn from the spirit of the Ministry of Railways and Li Aiguo.

Renren Daily is the big brother, and the other little brothers soon follow.

Workers' Daily: "The working class is proud! Li Aiguo led his team to break through the technical blockade and create a monument on the rails with the speed-up project"

China Youth Daily: "Youth Commandos shine on the front line; Li Aiguo guides technical backbones to overcome imperialist barriers and inject youthful power into the speed-up project"

China Women's News: "Hundreds of iron ladies shine on the railway! Learn from Li Aiguo's spirit of speeding up, women comrades hold up half the sky"

For a time, the news that the Ministry of Railways had completed the task of chasing the eagle to super magnesium ahead of schedule spread throughout China, and the name Li Aiguo also appeared on the lips of countless people.

In the Zhengyangmen Sub-district Office.

Chen Xueru had just finished teaching a literacy class when she was invited to the office by Director Zhang of the Street Office.

"Comrade Xueru, the work of the subdistrict office has not been very busy recently. If you need to take a leave to rest, just ask."

Chen Xueru was a little confused when she heard this: "Director, did I make a mistake?"

"Comrade Xueru, don't be nervous." Director Zhang pushed the teacup covered with blue cloth, "I'm not criticizing you, I'm praising you!

Your patriotic comrade has brought honor to our working class. The subdistrict office has discussed with you and asked you to put off the recent literacy class for the time being. "

He pointed to the black headline on the newspaper and said, "Someone has to take care of the family so that he can have a hot meal when he comes back."

Looking at the newspapers, Chen Xueru finally understood.

When she came out of the director's office, several colleagues stood up and congratulated her with a smile.

"Xue Ru, your husband is really amazing this time. So many newspapers are promoting him."

"Yes, I guess he will become a national model soldier in the future."

"When Xueru first came to our neighborhood office, I said this girl was a blessed person."

Hearing these words, Chen Xueru's face remained calm, but the corners of her mouth slightly raised.

Marry a man to get clothes and food. Which woman doesn't want her husband to be capable?

But she was a little hesitant about whether to wear a cheongsam or yoga clothes to reward the "rough man" tonight...

"Two cents for a newspaper, Yan Jiedi, you need to generate electricity for five hours."

Inside the courtyard, Yan Jiedi pedaled the electric wheel of the mill, making a clanging sound, while eagerly reaching out to take the "Children's Newspaper" from the third uncle's hand.

This newspaper contains many interesting stories and is Yan Jiedi's favorite.

"Hey, Dad, Uncle Aiguo is on the newspaper." Yan Jiedi shouted in surprise.

"This is a children's newspaper and your patriotic uncle is an adult, how is that possible?" The third uncle took the newspaper, glanced at it, and immediately froze in place.

There was a big headline on the front page of the Children's Daily: "Learn from the Model of the Ministry of Railways! Uncle Li Aiguo teaches: Be a small screw in the revolution, and the train runs fast with the help of the organization and leadership."

"Wow, the momentum is so big this time." Xu Damao came over from the side, looking a little surprised.

As a projectionist in the publicity department of the steel rolling mill, Xu Damao could be considered half a publicity staff member, and naturally knew what a publicity campaign of this scale meant.

"Model soldier. The higher-ups are going to establish Li Aiguo as a model soldier."

Seeing Yi Zhonghai and Jia Dongxu passing by, Xu Damao's eyes turned and he shouted to Yi Zhonghai: "Uncle, what do you think of Comrade Li Aiguo's contribution?"

Yi Zhonghai knew that meeting Xu Damao was going to be bad news, so he quickened his pace, but he still couldn't avoid him.

"Hehe, we should learn from Comrade Li Aiguo's spirit of not fearing hardship or fatigue. We should learn from him to put the organization in his heart."

Yi Zhonghai stammered a few words, then turned around and left angrily.

Now that Li Aiguo has made achievements, he still has to praise himself. It's so frustrating.

"Master, don't be angry. I will become a model soldier in the future, and then we will be in the newspaper together." Jia Dongxu said, patting his chest.

Yi Zhonghai stopped and looked at him twice: "Dongxu, Master knows that you are a filial child, but you really can't do this."

Jia Dongxu: "."

The publicity work within the department has been very effective, and preparations for a celebration meeting have also been put on the agenda.

But Leader Teng was at a loss as to how to reward them.

"Are we still going to give out certificates and red flowers like before?"

"The patriotic comrade has everything he needs," said a leader. "I just got the news from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot. They even gave him a jeep."

"We should pay attention to such talents. If they are snatched away by others, we will be in big trouble." Another leader reminded.

Now Li Aiguo is no longer just a technician or a worker.

The leaders of the First Ministry of Machine Building and several other ministries asked Leader Teng about Li Aiguo's situation several times.

It is also a problem to have subordinates who are too outstanding.

Leader Teng pondered for a moment and clapped his hands: "This year is the year for the selection of national model workers. Let's submit Comrade Li Aiguo as the only candidate from the Ministry of Railways."

When the leaders and directors heard this idea, their eyes lit up.

"This is a good idea."

“National Model Workers are selected every five years.”

“All those who have received this title have made significant contributions to the cause of socialist construction.”

"Comrade Li Aiguo has made contributions and has high ideological awareness. If he is selected, he will bring honor to our railway community."

Leader Teng continued, "We can't give up on the material rewards either. I heard that Li Aiguo is building a laboratory. Send someone from the department to find out what he needs. We can help him prepare it."

Those leaders and directors had no objections, after all, the laboratory was also making contributions to the railway.

"National Model Worker?" Li Aiguo was busy working in the new laboratory with the workers in the maintenance workshop. He was shocked when he heard the news.

This title is the highest title a worker can get these days, and its value is far higher than the title of National Advanced Worker.

Xing Duanchang was so excited that his face turned red. "Aiguo, the competition for the National Model Worker title is very fierce. The ministry has sent someone to help you write materials. You must concentrate on winning the title of National Model Worker during this period."

Seeing that Li Aiguo looked a little hesitant, Section Chief Xing emphasized: "This is not just your honor, but the honor of our entire Qianmen Locomotive Depot and even the Beijing Bureau."

This is true. If a unit produces a national model worker, the employees can walk around with confidence.

"Don't worry, Section Chief, I will fully cooperate with the work of the department." Li Aiguo stood up immediately.

Director Xing nodded with relief: "But don't worry about the laboratory renovation being delayed. The department has said that all the equipment in your laboratory will be covered by the department."

"Really?" Li Aiguo suddenly became excited.

What is most in short supply these days is advanced equipment.

You can’t buy it even if you have money, but now with the ministry’s intervention, things will be easier.

Afterwards, Li Aiguo didn't hesitate and picked up a pen to write a series of equipment on the paper.

"The 2-meter vertical lathe from Wuxi Kaiyuan Machinery Factory, the simple hydraulic test bench from 318 Factory, and the pipe bending machine from Jingcheng Machinery Factory"

There are more than twenty kinds of equipment and instruments in total, each of which is extremely scarce in the country.

As the materials were handed over, Leader Teng scratched his head in distress: "This kid is really rude. If he doesn't bring me the National Model Worker title this time, I'll kick his ass." Along with the orders from the ministry, these most advanced equipment in the country at that time were delivered to the laboratory one after another.

The assembly and operation of these devices require learning, so Director Zhang and the workers in the maintenance workshop got busy.

Under the guidance of the big writer in the ministry, Li Aiguo wrote the application materials for the National Model Worker title.

Li Aiguo lives a pretty good life, writing information every day, occasionally chatting with wild car experts about car modification, and going home to play with Miss Chen in his spare time.

Domestic propaganda work is also in full swing. All departments and factories take the railway as an example and learn from Li Aiguo's spirit.

The international situation is quite different.

As the news of the successful first train speed-up on the East China Railway spread, it caused considerable controversy in the field of international railway transportation.

"Dongda learned the railway technology from the Russians. With their broken steam engines, can they surpass Xiaomei and Xiaoying in speed?"

"Boasting, this is absolutely bragging."

The news quickly spread from the railway transportation field to the entire household.

The first person to jump out was the class monitor Xiaomei.

Ever since the war ended, Mei has become the strongest member of the family, ahead of Yaoyao in many areas.

Only a small number of them lost to the Russians.

In recent years, with the full implementation of industrialization, the U.S. Railway is in a state of large-scale infrastructure, the mileage of railways has increased rapidly, and it considers itself to be the big brother in the railway industry.

Now, the Russians' little brother jumped up and gave him a big slap in the ass. How could he tolerate this?

Xiaomei's Xiaomeitie (FRA) immediately jumped out, accusing Dongdatie of bragging, and even reported the matter to the Tiemeng.

The Tiemeng actually has a very good impression of Dongda Tie.

A while ago, members such as Xiaofa Railway and Xiaoying Railway bought a large number of railway automatic signal equipment from Dongda Railway.

However, the American Railways has always been domineering, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Railway is not a member of the group, so the Railway Alliance can only send a letter to the Railway Group, asking the Railway Group to stop the Tokyo Metropolitan Railway from bragging.

The Iron Group is considered the mother-in-law of the Tokyo University of Technology Iron Group. No matter what the truth of the matter is, the first thing they do is to protect their own people.

I am preparing to publish a righteous article to refute the unreliable claims of the Iron Alliance.
At this time, Lao Maotie in the Iron Group jumped out and, contrary to his usual behavior, agreed with the Iron Alliance's opinion, claiming that allowing Dongda Iron to brag would be a huge disaster for the entire Iron Alliance.

Seeing that Lao Maotie had acted like a traitor, the rest of the brothers looked at him with contempt.

You are the one who always shouts the loudest, and you are also the first to give in.

In fact, after Emperor Yumi became the commander-in-chief, Lao Mao Tie's character became much weaker.

Back then, the Cigar Tobacco family allowed the Corn Emperor to send firecrackers to their home, risking being slapped by Xiaomei.

That was a good opportunity to take control of the little Amtrak, but at the critical moment, the Corn Emperor gave in and the firecracker retreated.

But Lao Maotie is the big brother after all, and as soon as he showed up, he got the approval of many younger brothers.

The Iron Group was divided into two camps because of this incident. One faction firmly stood on the side of Todai Iron Group, while the other faction demanded a thorough investigation into Todai Iron Group's bragging behavior.

The two factions were at loggerheads.

At this time, several old employees within the Iron Group began to stand up and mediate.

"We suggest forming an investigation team to go to the East Rail to find out the situation."

"The name 'investigation team' is too ugly. Let's call it the observation team."

Lao Maotie naturally agreed readily.

Dong Da Tie was not happy: "Even the observation team is not allowed. If you want to investigate, just investigate. Do you think this is your home?!"

When several old employees of the iron group saw this, they realized that they couldn't afford to offend Dongda Tie and Lao Mao Tie, so this matter would be difficult to handle.

What to do?
Let’s make a bet agreement.

Whoever advocates an investigation will be held responsible.

If the problem cannot be found, Dongda Railway will need to pay a large amount of reputation loss compensation.

This expense can be replaced by equipment and materials.

When they heard that they had to pay money, the brothers who were clamoring nearby immediately stopped.

Lao Maotie is very stubborn.

Are you kidding? Even if they replaced the engine with an internal combustion engine, they couldn't reach this speed. Dongda Railway is obviously cheating.

"Check! I'll give you ten steam engines."

"Ten steam engines? Who are you looking down on?" Dongda Tie raised his head proudly.

There is no way. Dongda Railway now has its own patriotic steam engine and really looks down on those old antiques of the Russians.

Lao Maotie would have been heartbroken if he had placed another bet, but at this moment an unexpected party jumped out.

Xiao Ritsu raised his hand and said, "I am willing to help Brother Mao bet on ten DF50 diesel locomotives."

Because the house of the small Japanese railway was too small and there were not many railways in total, the small Japanese railway could only sit at the children's table during the railway dinner parties on weekdays.

It suddenly popped up now and attracted the attention of many people.

Everyone looked behind Xiao Ritie and said, "Hey, Xiao Meitie is standing there with a stick in his hand." They immediately understood what was going on.

Xiao Ritsu is speaking up for Xiao Meitsu!
Although the mileage of the Nippon Railway is short, the DF50 diesel locomotive is a good thing.

It uses an electric drive, including a diesel engine for power generation and six traction motors, each with an output of 6kW.

This hybrid electric device is considered advanced internationally.

We have been envious for a long time.

Dongda Tie pretended to be reluctant and agreed.

When other ironmen heard about this, they all came to join in the fun.

Kitty Hawk Railway, French National Railway, German National Railway, Hungarian National Railway and Czech National Railway are all preparing to send experts to participate in this inspection.

Many railway personnel in the bunker asked Dongda Railway to reimburse their travel expenses and accommodation fees, but were rejected by Dongda Railway.

He also announced to the public that there was a food shortage at home and that people had to pay for their own travel expenses and would not be provided with meals.

A large visiting delegation was formed.

The delegation is headed by the neutral OSJD Chairman-in-Office Comrade Hanlik and consists of 15 members.

Soon, major international newspapers leaked the news.

For a moment, everyone's eyes turned to the east.

The news was also reported in China at the first opportunity.

"Have you heard? The Joint Observation Group is coming. I heard it's going to be a big deal this time."

"What kind of observation team is this? It's obvious that they don't trust us. These guys just like to look at people with old eyes."

In the courtyard.

When Jia Dongxu saw the news in the newspaper, he immediately jumped up and down.

"I told you so. Our steel mill hasn't even reached its goal yet, but the railway is already rushing to sell magnesium. Li Aiguo must be cheating."

"Bang!" As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Jiecheng punched him on the forehead.

"Jia Dongxu, you bastard, what are you talking about?"

"I'm scolding Li Aiguo, what does it have to do with you?"

"Now outsiders look down on us and doubt us. What does this have to do with me?" Yan Jiecheng was so angry that he rolled up his sleeves.

Xu Damao, Zhang Gangzhu and several young people in the compound were all a little angry and gathered around.

When Jia Dongxu saw that something was wrong, he ran away.

"Master, save me."

When Yi Zhonghai saw this scene, his face turned dark and he slammed the door shut.

"You've caused trouble, don't involve me anymore."

Li Aiguo has become a role model now. If you scold him, you are just discrediting the higher-ups.

Seeing the door closed, Jia Dongxu wanted to cry but had no tears: "Master, you...you don't love me anymore."

Jia Dongxu was so angry that he made up his mind not to take care of Yi Zhonghai in his old age.

****
When Li Aiguo learned the news, he had just completed writing materials for the National Model Worker.

"Aiguo, what do you think about this matter?" Duanchang Xing immediately invited Li Aiguo to his office.

"What can we do? Someone gave us something good, so of course we smiled and watched."

Li Aiguo took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and handed one to Xing Duanchang: "However, there is a famous saying that we should despise the enemy strategically and take the enemy seriously tactically. We still have to take it seriously to prevent these guys from jumping off the wall when the time comes."

"Especially with the little Japanese iron in here, those guys are omnipresent."

Li Aiguo recalled Meng Hongbin and Hu Suyao whom he met during his trip to Nanjing.

The abilities of these two second-generations are first-rate. If they had not been led astray by the fanatic Ji Huai, they would have been difficult to detect.

"Your concern is justified."

Xing Duanchang had also been to the battlefield and knew that those people were all barbaric. "I will pass your opinion on to the department."

Afterwards, Li Aiguo drove his jeep to the weather station and reported the matter to the farmer.

"In fact, we have received instructions from our superiors to strictly guard against these people." The farmer looked at his student and asked, "You are the developer of the entire railway network. The job of preventing leaks is left to you. I will let Lao Mao cooperate with your work."

"Teacher, don't worry." Li Aiguo thought for a moment and asked, "Have you come up with the result of the case in Jinling?"

"Laomao is specifically in charge of this matter. Let him tell you. I have to go to a meeting now."

The farmer stood up, shook the phone, told Old Cat about the confidentiality, then got in the car and left.

When Li Aiguo arrived at Lao Mao's office, the old man was looking at him with a wry smile.

"I feel like I'm almost a member of your team."

"Comrade Lao Mao, let's help each other and make progress together." Li Aiguo sat down opposite Lao Mao.

"You are concerned about the eucalyptus in Jinling, right?"

Lao Mao understood what Li Aiguo meant, turned around, took out a file and handed it over.

"The guys involved in the Jinling An case have been sentenced after being re-examined and confirmed to have no omissions."

Li Aiguo took it and looked at it. Several minions whose hands were not stained with blood had entered the fence, and they would be in their eighties or nineties when they came out.

A few people need to eat peanuts.

Meng Hongbin and Hu Suyao were also among those eating peanuts.

Ji Huai’s problem has not been clarified yet and is still under investigation.

"Can I meet Meng Hongbin?"

"Okay." The old cat agreed readily.

(End of this chapter)