Rebirth in 1960, My Industrial Age

Chapter 445 The Russians Get into Trouble

A family of seven sat around a large round table in the courtyard for dinner.

Apart from Zhou Yiyi who is away, Zhou Fengnian's family is complete; however, it's unclear whether it's due to their age or because they are too troubled by their daughter's affairs.

After Zhou Yan sat down at the table, she kept nagging about Zhou Linlin, saying that the college entrance examination was approaching and her grades were still poor.

With those grades, let alone passing the college entrance exam, if it weren't for the fact that she frequently visited the school and the principal knew she was the deputy district head, Zhou Linlin would have been expelled long ago.

While Zhou Yan was rambling on, Zhou Fengnian wouldn't say much, but would obediently lower his head and eat, afraid that the flames of war would spread to him.

It's practically a daily occurrence for Zhou Linlin to be scolded by Zhou Yan. Although her older sister Zhou Yiyi also has poor grades, at least she tries to study diligently, and there's nothing that can be done if she can't learn.

However, Zhou Linlin just kept finding ways to avoid studying, which made Zhou Fengnian unsure of what to say. If he said too much, he would be accused of spoiling her.

"Fengnian, say something too. The college entrance exam is next year. What are you going to do about your daughter's grades?"

Seeing that she was the only one speaking for a while, Zhou Yan became annoyed and grabbed Zhou Fengnian, asking, "Should we let her repeat a year?"

Zhou Linlin retorted, "Mom, I'll go to work. There's no need to go to school. Isn't being a worker a good thing?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan couldn't help but poke Zhou Linlin's forehead hard and said angrily, "Even if you were a worker, you'd be a lazy and greedy one. You don't do any work at home, so what kind of worker are you?"

"Ha ha.."

Zhou Xianyang couldn't help but laugh, but after seeing his younger sister's angry eyes, he changed his mind and said, "Mom, how about letting Linlin come to my place? There's no one watching the department store right now, and I feel at ease having family around."

“No, you must go to university, or at least a junior college. Otherwise, you two can’t even understand financial statements, and you’ll just be a hindrance to your brother’s company.”

Zhou Fengnian said, "I don't expect you to achieve anything, but you should at least learn something so you don't get scammed."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Linlin immediately lowered her head dejectedly. If Zhou Fengnian hadn't spoken, there would still have been room for negotiation, but since Zhou Fengnian had spoken, it was basically a done deal.

Zhou Xianyang didn't offer any advice, but instead gave his younger sister a helpless look.

However, Zhou Linlin really doesn't have a talent for studying. His daughter gets a headache as soon as she looks at a book, so she definitely won't get into university.

He could use his connections to get her in, but judging from Zhou Linlin's behavior, even if she gets into university, she'll be like an animal released from its cage, free to do whatever she wants.

It would be better for her to learn some professional knowledge so that she won't be deceived in the future; after all, she is his daughter. Although he can support her for life, Zhou Fengnian doesn't want his daughter to be a parasite.

Just as they were finishing their meal, Zhou Fengnian's personal cell phone suddenly received a call.

However, shortly after the call was connected, his expression gradually became solemn, and he then walked towards the backyard.

As soon as Zhou Fengnian left, Zhou Xianyang couldn't help but say, "Mom, this matter must be serious. They even called Dad's personal cell phone, and he looked so serious."

"Don't get involved in your father's affairs."

"I know, I was just saying."

"You can't even talk about it; you can't tell outsiders."

Zhou Yan solemnly warned, "Xianyang, don't talk about your father outside just to save face, or he might be in danger."

"Mom, I'm not stupid. Don't worry, I'll report anyone who asks about Dad directly to the security bureau."

Zhou Xianyang quickly replied that he had also been instructed by the Security Bureau and had encountered people outside who inquired about Zhou Fengnian, but he reported it immediately upon his return.

Zhou Fengnian was on the phone for a while, and when he came back, the meal was almost finished. However, Zhou Yan still asked, "Fengnian, did you eat enough? If not, there's still some in the kitchen."

"No need, I'm already full. It's not good to eat so much at night."

Zhou Fengnian waved his hand and said, then seeing Zhou Xianyang's curious expression, wanting to ask but not daring to, he couldn't help but chuckle and say...

"It's not exactly a secret, but I still can't tell you. If you want to know, ask your two cousins ​​in a few days."

"Brother Xianzhe and Brother Xianrui? Why did they know before me?"

Zhou Xianyang immediately thought of his two cousins' businesses, which involved trading goods and processing semi-finished products from Russia.

The fact that they knew before him means it must be something like this: something happened on the Russian side?

If Zhou Xianyang still couldn't figure it out after being reminded to this extent by Zhou Fengnian, then he wouldn't be suited for business.

Zhou Fengnian was also somewhat surprised to receive the call; there was indeed some unexpected turmoil on the Russian side.

Not only did large-scale public demonstrations occur, but even some brother countries announced their withdrawal from the Union.

Actually, this has something to do with them.

Since Zhou Fengnian's suggestion, China has intensified its efforts to extract resources from Russia; not only talent, but also advanced military equipment and personnel have been introduced from various sources.

After Amei noticed their commotion, she also joined in.

Previously, there was only one American, and their movements were subtle and difficult to detect; now that China has been added, it's truly a competition between the two sides to grab people.

Their actions directly exacerbated the instability in Russia, leading to the secession of fraternal countries.

Just now, the General Office of China Overseas called Zhou Fengnian to tell him what they had collected, since most of the things were suggested by Zhou Fengnian.

Although Zhou Fengnian is a research cadre, he has participated in many important confidential matters and is considered a key talent to be cultivated. This kind of thing should also be mentioned to him.

Several leaders are already present for the meeting, so Zhou Fengnian doesn't need to go, but it would be fine if he went.

Director Zhang had just asked him if he wanted to go over now and participate in the leaders' meeting; however, after thinking about it, Zhou Fengnian declined.

He couldn't offer much of an opinion on the matter, nor did he need prior inside information, so he declined.

Moreover, it can't be kept secret for long; such an international event will appear in newspapers in various countries within three days.

It's estimated that it will be widely publicized in newspapers in China within two or three days.

After the meal, Zhou Xianyang wanted to chat with Zhou Fengnian, but he was sent back immediately.

However, Zhou Zeqian was kept behind by Zhou Fengnian and could study a bit before going to bed at night.

Moreover, Zhou Zeqian did not dislike studying. Although children are naturally active and 99% of children would not be able to study, Zhou Zeqian was one of the very few.

Otherwise, Zhou Fengnian wouldn't have gone to such lengths to personally teach him.

Geniuses should have their own path. Starting junior high at ten and university at fourteen was the plan Zhou Fengnian devised for his grandson, Zhou Zeqian, so that he could start researching projects when he turned twenty.

The next day.

Zhou Fengnian got up early to wash up, much earlier than his wife today. Zhou Yan only came out of the house after he finished washing up. Seeing that Zhou Fengnian was up so early, Zhou Yan said in surprise, "Fengnian, it's rare to see you up so early. Are you still having breakfast at home?"

"Of course I have to eat. How can I not eat? I just can't sleep."

Zhou Fengnian immediately said, "I'm going to the study to read for a while. Call me when breakfast is ready."

"Okay, but you should rest more. If you keep going like this, I'm afraid you'll end up in the hospital again someday."

Zhou Yan sighed with some concern and said, "I didn't fall asleep until almost 2 a.m. last night, and I woke up at 6 a.m. today."

Comrade Zhou Fengnian, you're almost fifty years old, stop using youth as an excuse.

"Hehe, compared to my colleagues in the same position, I'm still relatively young. And look at my parents, they're seventy years old and still working hard for their great-grandchildren."

Zhou Fengnian suddenly thought of something, then beckoned Zhou Yan over and said, "Next year, we can go together to improve our physical condition."

"Improve physical condition?"

Zhou Yan didn't think of it at first, but after she understood what it meant, she quickly said, "You go first, Feng Nian, you're much more tired than me."

After waving his hand to interrupt Zhou Yan, Zhou Fengnian continued, "The number of spots has increased now. Next year, I will have two spots."

As the inventor of the Cell Evolution Serum, Zhou Fengnian received great favors in this regard, with the most limited number of slots allocated to him.

The leaders knew that Zhou Fengnian was improving his family's health, and they had no objections. After all, he had made such great contributions, so what was wrong with having a little selfishness?

Besides, these were the quotas they approved.

Next year, serum production will triple, so Zhou Fengnian will be allocated one more spot.

Now, both of Zhou's parents are in better health, and the seventy-year-old man has the same energy as someone in their forties or fifties.

If Zhou Fengnian and Zhou Yan were to receive the serum injections, their physical condition should be roughly the same as when they were in their twenties or thirties.

After a few seconds of silence, Zhou Yan said, "Why don't we give my chance to Xianyang first? He's always out there running around."

"Alright, you're the one. I've already submitted the list. He's still young, he'll have plenty of opportunities in the future."

Zhou Fengnian said decisively, "He's not going to be a soldier or do anything. Giving him a spot is a complete waste of his time, especially since he's in his early twenties and in the prime of his life."

"It's settled then. Hurry up and prepare breakfast. Have Gong Lin buy some meat buns and purple rice porridge; I'd like to eat that today."

"Okay, I'll go buy it for you in a bit, Vice Dean Zhou~"

Zhou Yan chuckled and then went to wash up.

After she finished washing up, she went out herself to buy breakfast for Zhou Fengnian. There were no breakfast stalls around, but she knew that the family that used to steam buns had opened a breakfast shop, so she drove there to buy some.

Zhou Fengnian has loved eating the meat buns from this shop near the police station for over a decade, and it hasn't changed since. In fact, the shop has even passed down its bun-making skills, which is truly excellent.

Zhou Fengnian can also make it, but the process is too troublesome, such as proofing and kneading the dough. It's better to just buy it ready-made.

By the time Zhou Fengnian bought breakfast, it was already past seven o'clock. He ate four or five steamed buns before going to work.

Upon arriving at his office, Zhou Fengnian hadn't even sat down when he received another call from Director Zhang of the General Office of China Overseas: "Vice President Zhou, are you busy?"

"We haven't started working on it yet. Today isn't too busy, but this afternoon I'll be going to push forward with the research and development of the robot project."

Zhou Fengnian paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Director Zhang, let's not beat around the bush. Is there something the leader wants to see me about?"

"Yes, the leaders are having an expanded meeting later, and they specifically asked me to tell you to attend."

Director Zhang on the other end of the phone said that he had also heard from his superiors that they valued Zhou Fengnian, and that Zhou Fengnian was one of the first names that came to mind.

If nothing unexpected happens, when Zhou Fengnian is in his fifties, we will definitely have to consider promoting him, and he may be able to participate in a group meeting.

Zhou Fengnian, unaware of what Director Zhang was thinking, said after listening, "Okay, I'll go over now."

After saying that, she hung up the phone and then called Qian Zhi: "Qian Zhi, tell Xiao Ma to come back. I have to go out again."

"Okay, I'll make the call right away."

After informing the driver, Qian Zhi went downstairs with Zhou Fengnian and asked about some arrangements: "Boss, we have a few meetings this morning, should we postpone them to the afternoon?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Fengnian said, "Weren't we supposed to go to the Robotics Research Institute this afternoon? Let's reschedule for tomorrow. You can call them later."

"I estimate you won't have enough time tomorrow. Let me discuss it with you."

Qian Zhi then mentioned a few more things, which he wrote down after Zhou Fengnian replied.

Compared to before, Zhou Fengnian now has a lot more free time, as he rarely had the time to personally participate in projects before.

Now that some tedious approval processes have been handed over to Cai Hongqiao, Zhou Fengnian has a lot more free time.

Besides approving some important scientific research projects, Zhou Fengnian now has more time to promote research.

The clinical trials of interferon in Shanghai have shown promising results, and the next phase will begin by the end of next year, with production expected to commence the year after.

The Nuclear Energy Commission is also collecting and recording the operating logs of the nuclear power plant in Rushi City in preparation for the construction of new nuclear power plants.

The Robotics Research Institute is one of the projects that Zhou Fengnian is in charge of. The latest military robot project is progressing well and may be successfully developed within two years.

In summary, everything is progressing smoothly, except for the situation with the Russians, which has disrupted their development plans.

If the Russians had held the line for a few years, they would have had more time to develop.

But now the Russians don't have time, even earlier than Zhou Fengnian remembered, which really caught them off guard.

Next, they need to prepare for the situation. Although they had many plans before, they now have to prepare all of them. It's a bit like being forced into a corner.

Soon, Zhou Fengnian's car arrived at Zhonghai. The guard at the gate saluted Zhou Fengnian and let him pass.

Not long after he went inside, he found Director Zhang and greeted him, "Director Zhang, is the leader still at the usual place?"

"Vice Dean Zhou, you're the first to arrive. But the meeting is in a different room today. Let me take you there."

After Director Zhang finished speaking, he stood up and led the way for Zhou Fengnian. Then he turned around and asked, "By the way, Vice President Zhou, have you had breakfast? Would you like me to prepare some for you?"

Zhou Fengnian laughed and said, "No need for that, I finished eating before coming over."

(End of this chapter)