Chapter 1317 Naming
A potential major incident was resolved by Lin Hao before it could even escalate.

After resolving the conflict between the construction site and the local villagers, Lin Hao began to mark the lines along the previously driven foundation piles.

This line is actually easy to understand; think of it as an elevation line, but the difference is that this elevation line has a drop of one eight-thousandth.

Drawing this line is like nailing the line in place, preventing farmers from making haphazard work during construction.

While Lin Hao was busy at the construction site, Lin Jie came to the provincial capital for a meeting, where the topic of drought relief was still being discussed.

Unlike other places, where there is a water shortage, there is water in the river. As long as you go to the river to fetch water, you can replant and fight the drought.

But Linxian is different. The Zhanghe River is too far from Linxian's farmland, only passing by the northern part of Linxian, which leads to a severe water shortage.

Inside the conference room in the provincial capital, Lin Jie stood at the provincial agricultural work conference and praised the provincial leaders for solving the practical drought problem through the "Diverting Zhang River Water into Linxia" project.

Lin Jie even opened up the blueprints and laid out the engineering drawings for the diversion of the Zhang River into the forest, explaining the details to the provincial leaders.

The story recounts the remarkable feat of how the people of Linxian County were determined to cut through the Taihang Mountains and divert the Zhang River into Linxian.

He talked about the three million yuan that the county committee had scraped together, and about the selflessness of the people who brought their own food and tools.

It talked about the surveying work done by technicians who traversed mountains and valleys, and also about how 20,000 advance laborers set up camp in the Taihang Mountains.

"...Leaders and comrades, this severe drought has taught us that relying on the heavens is futile, and relying on the earth is unsustainable; we can only rely on our own two hands!"

Lin Jie said passionately, "Diverting the Zhang River into Linxian is the only way for us Linxian people to survive! We earnestly request the Provincial Party Committee to give us guidance and support!"

His report, devoid of flowery language, but filled with weighty determination and detailed data, deeply moved the leaders present.

After the meeting, Lin Jie specifically sought out Secretary Fang of the Provincial Party Committee. He did not emphasize the difficulties too much, because the whole country was facing difficulties at the moment.

Lin Jie extended a sincere invitation, saying, "Secretary Fang, our project has already started, and a large number of people are already on the Taihang Mountains."

"On behalf of the Linxian County Party Committee and its 600,000 people, I earnestly request that you take time out of your busy schedule to personally inspect the construction site, provide us with guidance, and encourage the migrant workers who are working hard on the front lines!"

Looking at his old subordinate, whose skin was dark but whose eyes burned with fire, Secretary Fang felt the overwhelming, indomitable spirit emanating from him, and he nodded solemnly.

Three days later, Secretary Fang's convoy drove along the bumpy dirt road into the Hongqi Canal construction site deep in the Taihang Mountains.

The scene before him moved even the seasoned Secretary Fang.

On the cliff, migrant workers with ropes around their waists, like eagles soaring in the sky, use long poles to remove dangerous rocks.

Deep within the tunnel, the clanging and hammering of chisels echoed incessantly, while along the winding canal, crowds thronged, their shouts resounding through the air. It was a magnificent spectacle of earth-shattering feats.

Accompanied by county leaders Lin Jie and Li Mingyang, they walked slowly along the canal line, which was beginning to take shape.

When he arrived at a section of the construction site where elevation measurements were being taken, he saw Lin Hao surrounded by a group of farmers wearing armbands that read "Construction Technician".

Lin Hao was squatting on the ground, drawing simple diagrams on the soil with a twig, and said:
"...Therefore, the slope between these two foundation piles is 0.15 per thousand, which means that for every kilometer of progress, the bottom of the canal drops by 15 centimeters."

When you use the 'water duck' to measure, you must make sure to calculate the foresight and backsight readings accurately. It's better to be a little slower than to make a mistake!

A young farmer-technician scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and asked, "Mr. Lin, what if the readings don't match?"

"If it doesn't match, keep testing until it's right, otherwise the canal will be built crookedly!" Lin Hao's tone was serious, but without the slightest impatience.

He took a "duck" level made of a wooden bucket and floats and demonstrated it himself.

Just then, Lin Hao noticed Secretary Fang and his entourage approaching, and he immediately stood up.

Lin Jie immediately began to introduce:
"Secretary Fang, this is Lin Hao, our project's technician. He spent three years measuring the entire canal route..."

After saying that, he turned to Lin Hao and said, "Little Lin, this is Secretary Fang from our province..."

After Lin Jie finished his introduction, Secretary Fang smiled and extended his hand, saying:

"Comrade Lin Hao, what are you doing?" Secretary Fang asked kindly.

"Reporting to Secretary Fang!" Lin Hao quickly shook hands, then replied succinctly:
"Before we started construction, we checked with the technicians from the Water Resources Bureau. We had already driven the positioning foundation piles and provided guidance to the construction technicians."

"Xiao Lin, tell me in detail!" Lin Hao's answer was concise, but it didn't meet Secretary Fang's expectations. He wanted to know more specific details.

Upon hearing this, Lin Hao blurted out:
"Our entire project is divided into four phases. The first phase is 19 kilometers long, starting from Houbiduan and extending to the border between Pingshun County and Linxian County, at the river mouth."

"Currently, technicians from the Water Resources Bureau are guiding these farmer construction workers, whom we have trained, on how to use a simple level, called a 'water duck,' based on the foundation piles to control the elevation and slope of the canal bottom."

"Then they return to their respective work sections and lead the migrant workers to carry out construction strictly according to the standards."

After listening, Secretary Fang's eyes showed even greater appreciation. He stepped forward, picked up the "duck" and examined it, remarking with admiration:

"Incredible! They made do with what they had, using simple, makeshift methods, yet they grasped the essence of science. This is the spirit of seeking truth from facts that our Party advocates!"

Secretary Fang knew that while the makeshift methods were feasible, they would inevitably have drawbacks, so he looked at Lin Hao with concern and asked:
"What are the specific results? What difficulties remain? How did you manage to solve the construction problems with 20,000 people working together?"

Lin Hao didn't directly complain, but instead gave a pragmatic report:

"Thank you for your concern, Secretary! The biggest difficulty is the severe shortage of professional measuring instruments, especially levels."

While this makeshift, "duck-like" method temporarily solves the problem, it is less precise and efficient.

He changed the subject, his tone now full of confidence:

"However, we are actively responding!"

On the one hand, we have already sent people to raise funds from various sources, but we are facing some financial difficulties, as you know, we only have three million.

"On the other hand, I contacted my classmate in Beijing and asked him to help borrow a batch of equipment from other water conservancy departments."

"It should arrive in a few days. Although it still cannot meet the current project requirements, it has solved most of the problems."

"As for the project progress, we have divided the entire canal into sections and assigned each water conservancy bureau technician to a section, along with several farmer construction technicians."

"They are required to thoroughly understand all the foundation pile data in this section, turning it into a 'living map' and a 'standard ruler'."

"By using this point-to-area approach, we can ensure that even with limited equipment, the quality and precision of the construction can be guaranteed!"

"Good! Well said!" Secretary Fang was deeply moved. He patted Lin Hao on the shoulder and said to Lin Jie and the others beside him:
"Did you all hear that? This is what a scientific approach to problem-solving looks like!"

"Not only did you come up with the simple, makeshift solution, but you also sought support from other channels. Moreover, with such a meticulous plan and solid work ethic, my confidence in your ability to build this canal has greatly increased!"

Secretary Fang's high praise greatly encouraged Lin Hao and his technicians.

Lin Hao then continued with the project, providing a more detailed explanation.

Lin Hao's performance, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the project's difficulties, schedule, and solutions, left a deep impression on Secretary Fang. He was left with an excellent impression of this technician who possessed both technical skills and management expertise.

Standing on the bank of a newly excavated canal, gazing at the nascent "artificial river" stretching through the mountains, Secretary Fang was filled with emotion.

He turned to Lin Jie and said, "Amazing! Comrade Lin Jie, you are making history!"

At this moment, Lin Hao gave Lin Jie a wink, and the latter instantly understood. He then stepped forward half a step, and with a sincere smile, said to the Party Secretary:

"Secretary Fang, shouldn't our project, the Diversion of Zhang River into Linxia, ​​have a catchy name? We can't just keep calling it by this name forever."

His suggestion immediately resonated with several key members around him.

Old Sun, Li Mingyang, and others all laughed and echoed:
"Yes, having a name is good! Having a name gives you more energy to work and makes you feel more motivated when you talk about it!"

Secretary Fang withdrew his gaze from the magnificent construction site and nodded approvingly:

"Indeed, a good name is both a reminder and an inspiration."

Seeing that the leader had given his approval, Lin Jie immediately seized the opportunity and extended an invitation in a sincere tone:

"Secretary Fang, what name do you think would be suitable?"

His eyes were full of anticipation. He was not only seeking a name, but also seeking the most solid recognition for this project that had been the result of the hard work of everyone in Linxian County.

Secretary Fang's gaze slowly swept over the red flags fluttering in the wind all over the mountains. Against the backdrop of the vast Taihang Mountains, those flags were like burning flames, guiding the way and gathering strength.

His heart swelled with pride, and he blurted out, "Look at all these red flags covering the mountains and fields! Otherwise, we'd call this canal the Red Flag Canal!"

"Red Flag Canal?" Lin Jie repeated it once, then immediately agreed loudly:
"Great! Red Flag Canal! This name is wonderful!"

The name itself isn't important; what matters is who named this canal.

The meaning behind this was something he might not have realized immediately if Lin Hao hadn't pointed it out to him.

As Secretary Fang explained the meaning of the name, Lin Jie immediately said:

"The Red Flag Canal signifies that we must hold high the great banner and, under the leadership of the Party, build Linxian into the most beautiful mountainous area in China!"

"The Red Flag Canal is wonderful!"

"That's a great name! It sounds exciting!"

"Everyone will definitely love it!"

"Then it's settled!"

"Let's call it the Red Flag Canal!"

All the cadres and migrant workers present were stunned at first, then burst into enthusiastic cheers, with cheers and applause resounding everywhere.

"Red Flag Canal!"

Long live the Red Flag Canal!

The name instantly ignited everyone's passion, echoing through the mountains.

After the cheers subsided, Secretary Fang's gaze fell on Lin Hao, who remained calm and composed throughout.

During the inspection, he was particularly impressed by the professionalism and overall perspective demonstrated by the young technician.

In front of everyone, Secretary Fang solemnly said:

"Such a magnificent project must have a leader who can oversee the overall situation and is proficient in technology."

“I propose that your county committee should give Xiao Lin a formal appointment, otherwise his presiding over the construction of the Red Flag Canal will not be legitimate!”

"Alright, when we get back we'll convene a county committee meeting to solicit everyone's opinions and appoint Comrade Lin Hao as the chief engineer for the Hongqi Canal construction project!"

"Comrade Lin Hao is fully responsible for all technical solutions, construction standards, and schedule planning for the entire project, and has the highest decision-making authority!"

Secretary Fang looked at Lin Hao, his eyes filled with trust and expectation, and gave him instructions:

"Comrade Lin Hao, this heavy responsibility is entrusted to you! We hope you will not let down the Party's trust and the expectations of the 600,000 people of Linxian County."

"We must carry out scientific construction, ensuring both quality and quantity, and firmly plant this 'red flag' on the Taihang Mountains!"

At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Lin Hao.

Lin Hao took a deep breath, stepped forward, and made a clear and firm promise:
"Please rest assured, Secretary Fang! Please rest assured, Secretary Lin and the County Party Committee! Please rest assured, all comrades!"

"I, Lin Hao, will do everything in my power and use all my knowledge to fight alongside all my colleagues who are building the canal! I, Lin Hao, will never go home until the Red Flag Canal is flowing!"

Secretary Fang nodded, not lingering amidst the cheers of the crowd.

On the way, he gestured to Lin Jie, and then the two slowly moved towards the outer edge of the construction site, distancing themselves from the bustling crowd.

"Lin Jie!" Secretary Fang stopped and looked at him intently, saying:
"There are several reasons why I agreed to come and inspect this project and to name it."

Lin Jie's heart skipped a beat, and he straightened up slightly, knowing that his leader was about to reveal something. He replied earnestly, "Senior leader, please speak."

"Firstly, the previous conflict between the construction site and the villagers has reached the provincial level!"

"I was initially a little worried that you wouldn't handle relations with the public well and things might get messy. But~!"

He changed the subject, a barely perceptible hint of approval appearing on his face, and said in a calm tone:

"I didn't expect Comrade Lin Hao to handle this so properly on the spot. He was reasonable, well-founded, and compassionate. Very good. This proves that your team, especially the comrades on the front line, are capable."

"Thank you for your recognition, Secretary. This is what we should do," Lin Jie quickly replied, feeling quite pleased.

"But—!" Secretary Fang paused here, then his tone became serious again, and he stared intently at Lin Jie as he said:

"As the person in charge, you absolutely cannot let your guard down because of this! With such a large project, any small problem could turn into a big trouble."

"Yes, I understand." Lin Jie nodded solemnly.

"Secondly!" Secretary Fang looked at the migrant workers sweating profusely in the distance and said with concern:

“The scale of the Hongqi Canal project is too large. Although the province and region support it in principle, they cannot provide you with actual financial or material support.”

"Can Linxian County really shoulder this burden on its own?"


Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like