Restarting life in Siheyuan

"Counselor Fang, please forward this blueprint to the Mechanical Department. This is the shield machine that Senior Wang and Senior Jiang helped me to imitate and design. I hope it can bring some help to my family."

Knowing that China had been studying this project since the founding of the People's Republic of China but that the progress was not smooth, Wang Xiangdong and Jiang Zhiming took the initiative to express their proposal to hand over the design drawings to China for research first, so that China could continue to improve it.

The three of them handed in the results of their nearly nine months of hard work day and night. There were thousands of drawings of various kinds, which showed the huge workload. They also completed many experimental verifications in school and factory. This was their result. Wang Xiangdong and Jiang Zhiming were also excited and their faces flushed when they saw this moment.

On behalf of the three people, Wang Xiangdong carefully introduced the main uses of the equipment. As expected, Counselor Fang was very interested in it. He put it away solemnly and shook hands with the three people excitedly.

"Thank you for caring about the motherland. This research is very important and can greatly accelerate our pace of construction. On behalf of the country and the people, I thank you. It is because of talents like you who care about the motherland that the country can move towards victory step by step faster."

“You’re being too harsh. This is what we should do. Let the experts and seniors from the Mechanical Department analyze the drawing again. This design draws on other people’s products. Although it is our own idea, we feel it is not perfect.” Wang Xiangdong was still very humble.

Zhu Xuefeng added, "That's right, what Senior Wang said is exactly what we mean. We have been researching in this field for too short a time, and many of the ideas are just the three of us. We haven't had the opportunity to collect too many suggestions, and some parts may not be perfect enough. Let the experts spend more time to improve it, or provide them with some useful references."

Counselor Fang looked at these simple young men eagerly, especially Zhu Xuefeng. His superiors had reminded him to pay more attention to this person, but he did not expect that in less than a year since he arrived, he and two other international students had come up with such a complicated thing.

Patting Zhu Xuefeng on the shoulder, he said, "The leaders have repeatedly asked us to pay more attention to you and to mention any difficulties you have. However, you have come several times and never mentioned any difficulties. This is not good."

"Leader Fang, it's really not a big deal. I just need to study. What can be difficult? Besides, I have Senior Wang and Senior Jiang to help me at school."

"But no, Zhu Xuefeng is very independent. We really can't help him. But he took care of our overtime meals for a long time. Hahaha." Jiang Zhiming laughed as he spoke, and his laugh directly exposed Zhu Xuefeng's lies.

Being betrayed by his senior schoolmate, Zhu Xuefeng was a little embarrassed in front of Counselor Fang. "Don't worry, if there are any difficulties, I will definitely ask the organization. It's getting late and we have to catch the train, so I'll go back first."

"Okay, Jiang is getting impatient. You want to escape? Fine, I won't keep you. On behalf of the country, I thank you again and will definitely send you back to China as soon as possible."

In fact, Wang Xiangdong and Jiang Zhiming would graduate in more than two months, so they should be able to take the drawings back by themselves. However, considering that they had to prepare frantically for graduation during this period and had no energy to work on them meticulously, the earlier the drawings were delivered to their homes, the earlier their families could start perfecting them, and the earlier the drawings could be put to use, so they took the initiative to request that the drawings be sent home first.

Zhu Xuefeng saw this selfless spirit and believed that these two people were worthy of continuing to have close friendships with.

As usual, the three of them left behind several letters to their families before saying goodbye. In fact, they could also send letters from school, but it would take too long, so Jiang Zhiming had taught him that the fastest way was to entrust the embassy to bring them back.

So we are in a hurry to design this, mainly because Beijing may launch a subway project this year, and the three of us want to contribute.

Zhu Xuefeng knew that the early construction of the Beijing subway was done by open-air excavation, which was then backfilled after completion, greatly affecting the city's transportation and industrial production. Besides, the autonomous region now also needed to open up mountains and build railways.

The design drawings of the shield machine soon arrived in Beijing and were quickly transferred to the relevant departments. The relevant departments attached great importance to it, organized a special seminar, and carefully analyzed the drawings. The drawings were very detailed and gave detailed requirements from processing dimensions, precision errors, and material selection.

"What a great thing! These international students are amazing. They will be just the right size for the subway project." The experts couldn't put the design down, but another researcher next to them was not optimistic.

"Old Wang, the thing is good, but it is not certain whether it can be used in the subway project."

The expert turned his head in confusion. "Why? This way, we don't have to work outdoors, it's more efficient, and it has less impact on the people. What a great thing. Where did you hear this news?"

The researcher sighed, "I heard that this was mentioned in the subway project yesterday. Many people were in favor of it, but Team Leader Guo was against it. You know, if he opposed it, this project would probably fail."

The old expert got anxious. "Such a good thing saves time and effort. Why doesn't he allow us to use it? He is just a consultant and is not responsible for the subway project. Why?"

"They only have one reason. Who knows how many cultural relics there are underground? If they use machinery to dig holes recklessly, wouldn't all the cultural relics be crushed to pieces?"

"He has the nerve to say that. Let's not talk about anything else. He destroyed so many treasures in Changling alone. This road is not the imperial tomb. Where did the cultural relics come from? It's a joke!"

...

After handing over the design drawings of the shield machine, Zhu Xuefeng had no more urgent matters to do and devoted himself to his studies. This peace was not broken until Wu Qianqian's unexpected visit.

"You mean, the freshwater plant project that was originally agreed upon fell through because of domestic issues?"

"Yes, husband, it's useless to blame me. We had already reached an agreement with China on the freshwater project. We had already paid 1.5 million US dollars to purchase the technology. Before the old lord left office, the Hong Kong government had already approved our application to build a factory and allocated land. But something happened in China, and our company was stopped from working on this project."

It turned out that it was a senior leader who came up with a new idea after accidentally seeing a report on Dongsheng Company's cooperation with a domestic company to build a freshwater treatment plant in Hong Kong.

Then they bypassed Dongsheng Company and secretly negotiated with the new Governor of Hong Kong. The two sides hit it off and the country helped Hong Kong build a fresh water treatment plant free of charge. Naturally, the project of Dongsheng Company was stopped.

"Free?"

"Well, I went to the mainland to ask, but the other party had no choice. It was said that they wanted to show the mainland's attitude towards stabilizing Hong Kong. The new Governor of Hong Kong was naturally happy to accept this olive branch."

A few wealthy people and upper classes in Hong Kong are now affected by the rumors at the end of last year. Many people are worried that China will take back Hong Kong. China has chosen to provide free help at this time, and it is a livelihood project that Hong Kong people care about very much. It has to be said that it is a good way to stabilize people's hearts.

"It's interesting. There should be other news."

"Husband, actually, we inquired around, and we found out that this matter was decided by a leader named Zhu. Including the last incident with Shencheng Motorcycle, it is said that this leader had some complaints about our company." This was because they did not want Dongsheng Company to continue to expand its influence. Zhu Xuefeng understood that this leader Zhu was actually his relative, but unfortunately, he seemed to have some opinions about Dongsheng Company.

I heard that when Li Huaide and the Ministry of Commerce wanted to take over the sales of small scooters at the steel rolling mill, it was him who pushed for it behind the scenes. But I never figured out why they had a problem with Dongsheng Company for no reason.

"Forget it, don't worry about it. Let it go. Even without this project, our company's influence in Hong Kong will not be small. In a few years, our influence will only be greater."

Now Dongsheng Company is planning with the Huo family and the Bao family to build an undersea tunnel and bridge in Hong Kong, connecting Hong Kong Island with Kowloon, Tsuen Wan, etc. If these two projects are successful, the three families' voice in Hong Kong will surely increase greatly.

Zhu Xuefeng's subsequent plans also include reclaiming land and building islands and constructing his own airport. This project is conservatively estimated to cost two to three hundred million Hong Kong dollars, and the conditions are not yet in place. The Hong Kong government has always had great policy support for private land reclamation and island building, and this policy should not change even if a new governor is appointed.

After our own airline has massively expanded its fleet, the current airport apron can hardly meet the needs. The old airport has a special location and is not likely to be expanded. In addition, there are great risks in the landing of large aircraft. As the number of aircraft continues to grow, the problem of this airport will have to be solved sooner or later.

All of this is due to the unexpected departure of the old Governor of Hong Kong, and the fact that the tunnel boring machine project has begun to take shape. It was decided during the last time I passed through Hong Kong. Now the tunnel is under exploration and demonstration. Once the tunnel boring machine project matures and the first one is produced, it may be time to submit it to the Hong Kong government for discussion.

"But, husband, the technology we paid for can only be left idle."

Yes, one million and a half dollars is not a small amount. Money is needed everywhere now. Looking for a refund in China? This is naturally impossible, Zhu Xuefeng thought about it.

"How about this, you ask Chen Dong to go to Nauru and try again. If they still refuse to sell the island, buy the two smaller Guano Islands nearby first."

There are two small islands more than 100 kilometers away from Nauru. The situation there is similar to that of Nauru, covered with bird droppings, but they are much smaller and uninhabited. They are now also British.

"Husband, are you going to continue making bombs?"

Zhu Xuefeng shook his head. "We'll figure out how to use it later. The bird droppings must be removed. Let's build a freshwater plant first."

Wu Qianqian looked at the man strangely. Building a freshwater plant on an uninhabited island? Wouldn't this investment be wasted?

"This place will be of great use in the future, so let's build it up first. There's no one here now, but that doesn't mean there won't be people there in the future. Also, let them build a simple residence for a few hundred people first."

"Husband, do you want Chen Dong to recruit more people to dig guano over there?"

Chen Dong's current guano company has easily earned more than two million US dollars a year by supplying guano to Fuso and the autonomous region, and is now continuing to expand its scale.

Zhu Xuefeng shook his head. "If he wants to expand, he should expand in Nauru. It will be easier to manage centrally. Let's build this place first."

Wu Qianqian looked confused, but it was difficult to explain this impromptu plan.

"We can continue to negotiate with Nauru and ask them to pay. We will build a freshwater treatment plant for them. If they still don't sell the island, we can make some money from the freshwater first."

Wu Qianqian left. Just as the two people here were discussing the construction of a freshwater treatment plant on Bird Island, in a small courtyard at the foot of the West Mountain in Beijing, Li Huaide was also discussing the freshwater treatment plant with an old man.

The old man looked very happy, looking at his son-in-law in front of him. "Huide, you came up with a good idea this time. It seems that your stay in Hong Kong for more than a year has not been in vain. You have learned a lot about the situation in Hong Kong. Our negotiations this time are going very smoothly."

"I just took the initiative to learn about the sufferings and wishes of the Hong Kong people as you requested. It is remarkable that you made this decision. It not only shows our responsibility as a major country, but also highlights the motherland's care and love for our fellow Hong Kong people."

"Hahahaha, you see it very clearly. This place is very important to the domestic economic development. Some personnel changes in the south last year were misinterpreted, which led to some problems. Your suggestions this time are very timely and good. You have suffered a lot in the past two years and have made great progress. You have also been recognized by the organization. You must keep up the good work and don't be complacent."

Li Huaide knew that it referred to the fact that he had been struggling in Hong Kong for more than a year and returned in disgrace, but was praised by the Ministry of Metallurgy for his role in flood relief.

"No, I will definitely remember your teachings and achieve greater results."

"Your factory is developing well now. If you want to go further, what do you think?"

The old man was not someone who could be moved by a simple statement, so he started asking questions directly.

Li Huaide was overjoyed, thinking this was an opportunity, and he immediately put forward his own ideas, which he combined with the ideas currently being discussed above and should be very timely.

"As for the future development of our factory, I have also thought a lot about it. Now that the rolling mill has put aside the national tasks, among the several branches, the vehicle factory is currently developing the best. I think it is necessary to turn it into a professional vehicle production plant and take the path of a trust. This way, we can absorb more professional factories and reallocate resources reasonably. I believe that in this way, the vehicle factory can achieve greater results."

The old man was thinking, the country is indeed conducting an experiment on trusts now, and judging from the data feedback from various channels, it is indeed a management and operation mode that is more suitable for large-scale socialized production and specialized division of labor and cooperation.

It has promoted the utilization of equipment and the improvement of production technology level. Although the trial period is not long, it has achieved good economic results. Everyone has reached a consensus on this and is planning to promote it further.

"Your suggestion makes sense. Your steel mill's motorcycles, tractors, three-wheeled agricultural vehicles, including the newly launched cars and high-powered diesel trucks are indeed mature and have received good feedback in the industry. They have reached a considerable scale, but have you ever thought about why your factory should take the lead?"

Li Huaide became more confident. "There are 169 automobile companies in China, including several departments such as the Machinery Department. There are also 122 tractor and internal combustion engine factories in China, but none of them can achieve the current results of the steel rolling mill. Not to mention that the diesel trucks of the steel rolling mill are unique in Western Xinjiang and are the only ones that can easily reach the plateau, the foreign exchange earned is now more than million US dollars a year, which shows that from product new technology research to product quality and production management, we are at the forefront of the industry. I think it is my duty to take the lead."

(End of this chapter)