Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 198 Asking for a Favor
"Brother Zhu, it's late, you should go to sleep." Xiaoman came out from the inner room and saw He Yuzhu holding documents in a daze, so she slowed her pace.

As He Yuzhu looked at the documents, he fell into deep thought, evaluating in his mind which of the equipment he had seen in Russia could meet the needs of engine production.

Don't even think about getting the equipment to make tractors; they're probably too busy to handle it themselves.

The equipment at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill is decent, but not complete. Also, it's not easy to get Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill to help with mold making and parts manufacturing. They are directly under the Ministry, while their car factory is just a municipal unit, so the level is much lower.

If you want to get a quota from someone else, you definitely can't do it by just going to them directly.

When He Yuzhu came to his senses, he found Xiaoman sitting opposite him, resting her chin on her hands and staring at him.

"Xiaoman, when did you come out? Is your son asleep?"

"It's been a while, our son is fast asleep. What were you thinking about so intently, Brother Zhu?"

"things related to work."

Is the new job very stressful?

"It's alright. I've only been working for one day. I'm mainly thinking about how to get the job done."

"Oh!"

"Alright, you must be sleepy too. Let's wash up and go to bed."

"Okay, I'll go get you some water," Xiaoman said.

After the couple washed up, they whispered to each other for a while before going to sleep. It wasn't that Xiaoman didn't want to cuddle, it was just a bit hot.

The next morning, amidst his son's dissatisfied wailing, He Yuzhu gave him a hard kiss and went to work.

When it was time for work, he directly asked Li Limin, who was in charge of production, to come to his office.

"Factory manager, what brings you here?"

"Deputy Factory Director Li, could you please show me around the factory today?"

“No problem.” Li Limin didn’t think that much about it. He was eager to learn everything about the new factory manager.

He Yuzhu walked through several core workshops: stamping and sheet metal workshop, welding and assembly workshop, and final assembly workshop; to specialized technical workshops: engine prototype workshop; then to the Jeep test track; and finally to supporting production units: parts casting workshop and painting and spraying section.

Their factory isn't very big, but it has quite a few workshops, just like the saying "small but perfectly formed".

The entire tour took a full day. He Yuzhu wasn't just rushing through; he asked questions as he went. He pulled aside any engineers or senior technicians who could answer his questions and asked them.

He Yuzhu had a general idea of ​​what was going on, and Li Liming's impression of He Yuzhu was refreshed once again. This new factory manager was not completely clueless.

The questions people asked were all about the core aspects of car manufacturing, especially the engine. He also had a lot of doubts in his mind: Did Factory Director He really never manufacture cars?
Where does that experience come from?
But Director He's resume can't lie, especially in this day and age. Who would dare to falsify it? He served in the army, made meritorious contributions, studied abroad, and studied computer science (*physics is hidden). Then he traveled all over the country, purchasing steel, equipment, and grain. He then transferred to logistics. He studied mechanics more than ten years ago, and it was only at a vocational school. The problem is that his resume doesn't mention any practical experience.

By this time, it was well past closing time. Suppressing his questions, Li Limin asked, "Factory Manager, will we continue tomorrow?"

"I'll stop here for now regarding production. Tomorrow I'll go see Lao Cui and check on our factory's supply and sales department."

"Alright, feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions."

"Okay, let's go. I'm keeping you from getting off work."

"No, I usually leave late too. Do you want me to tell the cafeteria to arrange a meal for you before you go back?"

"No need, we didn't even give you any advance notice, so we won't trouble the cafeteria staff."

"See you tomorrow, factory manager."

"See you tomorrow."

The next day, after He Yuzhu went to work, he found Cui Hongjun. There's not much to say about sales; in most cases, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Industry directly places the orders, and the sales staff have virtually no say in the matter.

The procurement is quite diverse, including semi-finished products, raw materials, hardware, electronic components, plastics, and so on. The suppliers are not all from Beijing; many are from other places as well.

When He Yuzhu asked about his relationship with steel mills and rolling mills, Cui Hongjun shook his head, saying that it was very difficult to get in touch with them. He said that he had to run himself ragged just to place an order. They prioritized supplying units at the same level or key units within the ministry, while people like them could only be placed at the back of the queue.

Unless there's one possibility—they could exchange their cars for the vehicles—but that's not an option. Production is low, and all the vehicles are already ordered by other companies.

It took He Yuzhu about a day to get a general understanding of the situation.

The third day was for logistics. He Yuzhu basically just watched without saying a word, firstly to see Liu Shunde's capabilities, and secondly to see how the people below were doing. He knew this situation all too well.

The benefits at the car factory are not as good as those of the big factories, but they are not bad either. The workers' meals and labor protections are slightly better than those of other companies of the same level.

He Yuzhu has been eating at the communal kitchen for the past two days, which is about the same level as when he first went to the Industry and Commerce Bureau, proving that the chefs who cook communal meals still need to improve their skills.

At noon, Liu Shunde suggested having a special meal, and He Yuzhu didn't refuse. If business picks up later, there will be plenty of opportunities to entertain guests; this is a characteristic of the times.

So at noon, the factory directors and secretaries had lunch together. Liu Shunde originally wanted to invite a few section chiefs and workshop directors to join them, but He Yuzhu refused.

It's not that he's aloof or anything; it's not like he's drinking or looking for anyone to accompany him. They're all key leaders, and we can also hold a small work meeting there.

The chef at the small kitchen was making Shandong cuisine, but He Yuzhu tasted it and found it to be far inferior to his father's, not even in the same league. This kind of food was not suitable for entertaining guests.

While eating, Liu Shunde observed He Yuzhu's expression and, being adept at reading people, he could tell that his superior was dissatisfied.

But this is already the most skilled worker in the factory.

So he said, "Factory manager, could you give me some feedback and tell me where improvements are needed?"

"I have no opinions, but I can offer some suggestions."

"You said."

"Given the scale of our factory, we shouldn't be short of cooks, right?"

"Factory manager, you don't know, our factory was established late, and all the good chefs have already been hired by some big factories. In addition, many chefs are in restaurants and are unwilling to come to the factory."

"Oh, is that so? Then never mind." He Yuzhu sensed the perfunctory tone. The reason he didn't want to go to the factory was right after liberation, when ration coupons were implemented and many cooks had to leave the restaurants. If they couldn't find cooks, they probably didn't want to.

He's too lazy to care about any shady dealings now; he'll deal with them later if they really cause trouble.

After He Yuzhu said that, Liu Shunde couldn't ask any more questions.

Next, Secretary Chu Jianghe asked He Yuzhu about his feelings after walking around for the past few days.

He Yuzhu only said two words: "Backward!"

Everyone bowed their heads.

Li Limin said somewhat unconvinced, "Factory director, I know you've been abroad and have a lot of experience, but our factory isn't that bad, is it?"

He Yuzhu thought for a moment and carefully chose his words before saying, "Perhaps in China, I'm not sure, but at least we can't compare to FAW, can we?"

Li Limin fell silent. The difference was like night and day. Theirs was a key national project, what was this?

"I'm not saying this to discourage anyone. If we know we're behind, then we have to catch up."

"Easy for you to say," Li Limin muttered.

"Limin," Chu Jianghe said sternly, fearing a potential conflict between the factory director and deputy director.

"It's alright, Secretary Chu. Deputy Factory Director Li is right. It is difficult, but that's precisely why we need to do it, isn't it?"

Just as the others were about to speak, He Yuzhu pressed his hand down and continued, "Let me finish what I have to say first. I'll tell you what I've seen outside, and then you can give your suggestions."

"Okay." The group said in unison. In fact, they were also very curious about what other people were like, but unfortunately they didn't have the opportunity to see for themselves.

Then He Yuzhu started talking about the Azov Steel Plant, then the Tractor Plant, and then the Little Days Automobile Factory. Of course, he didn't say where Little Days was, so everyone assumed it was the Russian automobile factory.

He Yuzhu mentioned the small car factory because he felt that the two sides were probably about the same at this point, and perhaps the Russians were even more powerful.

After He Yuzhu finished speaking, everyone fell silent.

"What, you're already discouraged? This isn't like someone from our organization," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Factory manager, is the Russian bear really that powerful?"

"I'm talking about things I saw a few years ago; they might be even more impressive now."

These words left everyone feeling powerless.

“I’m not saying this to discourage you all, but to tell you that we can catch up.”

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"Factory manager, do you have any ideas?" Li Limin asked.

"You'll find out the solution later, Lao Cui. I didn't ask yesterday, but do you have any connections with the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill?"

"We have some connections, but not much, since we're all from Beijing." "Who among you here has any influence?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Why did the factory director specifically ask about Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill?" Li Limin asked, puzzled.

"Because we need them to help us make molds and manufacture things."

“We can make our own molds too,” Li Limin said.

“Our equipment is far inferior to theirs. I helped them purchase their rolling mill back then. Although it’s not the best Russia has now, it’s definitely the best in China.”

"Well, factory director, if you have these connections, why are you asking us?" Cui Hongjun said.

"That was all in 1954, and I've never met the people in charge. They might not be the leaders of the steel rolling mill now."

"I see. What should we do then?"

“Since none of you have any connections, I’ll have to ask someone else for a favor,” He Yuzhu said.

"Where are we going to ask for it?" Li Limin asked bluntly.

"Let me sort this out first. We might need to repay this favor in the future, and they might need to use our car."

“As long as we can build good cars, what’s wrong with giving them a few more? We can just work overtime. But right now, even working overtime, we can’t build them. I’m worried,” Li Limin said.

"It will be built, and it won't be long."

"Factory manager, are you that confident?"

"Let me keep you in suspense for now; you'll find out in a while."

"Factory manager, that's not fair of you. You only said half of what you meant," several people complained in unison.

"Haha, meeting adjourned." He Yuzhu got up and walked out.

Back in his office, He Yuzhu thought for a moment, then picked up the phone and called a company.

"Hello, Dean Huang? This is He Yuzhu."

"Xiao He? Haha, this is something new! You've never contacted me first before!"

"I've come here because I need your help!"

"Oh, what could possibly stump you? Tell me, so I can broaden my horizons."

"Stop laughing at me."

"Okay, okay, go ahead and tell me. This is the first time you've asked me for help. If I can do it, I definitely will."

"Do you have any say in our Sijiucheng Steel Plant and Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill?"

"What's wrong? Did they give you a hard time? Wait a minute, you're in logistics, that doesn't apply to you!"

"Well, Dean Huang, I've transferred to another unit."

"Where did you go? You should have told me sooner. If you had, I would have definitely transferred Steel General Manager to you."

"Ahem, well, that's not up to me. I just follow orders."

"Yeah, I'm quite curious about where you've been."

"I am now the factory manager of the Sijiucheng Automobile Manufacturing Plant."

"I've heard of this factory. But wait, I heard you were promoted to deputy bureau chief a long time ago. This unit is only at the division level, right?"

“I have a deputy director position in the city’s Industry Bureau, which is a subordinate unit of the bureau.”

"Oh, I see. That makes sense. So, what do you want with those two factories?"

"Here's the thing, I want to purchase some special cast iron and alloy steel from the steel mill, the kind used to make engines, and then have Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill help us make a mold and produce some parts."

"Special cast iron and alloy steel? You mean the kind used in tractors? Wait, your factory makes cars, right?"

"We manufacture small cars, so our molds certainly won't be made like those for 'tractors'; we make gasoline engines." Both of them were speaking in riddles.

"Oh, that's fine, it's not difficult. Do you have the blueprints?"

"Yes, but it will take a few days. I don't have the ratio of cast iron to alloy steel, so I may need to ask you to modify it later."

"This shouldn't be a big problem. The strength you're using shouldn't be as high as that of a 'tractor'."

"Thank you very much, Dean Huang."

"What are you thanking me for? You've helped us so much more. We can't possibly thank you enough!"

"Then I should also let you know. I'll invite you to dinner another day, a family dinner."

"I've heard that your cooking skills are exceptional, so I'm really looking forward to this meal."

"no problem."

"Okay, wait for the news. I'll go and make the contact for you."

"it is good."

He Yuzhu thought long and hard before finally finding this person. He didn't know anyone in the Ministry of Heavy Industry, so he asked Lao Fang to find him. It's easy to imagine how difficult it was for Lao Fang to even get the documents that Lao Fang had just handed over.

Ultimately, what he wanted was actually made using the technology he brought back, but many people just don't know that.

Over the next few days, there was no news from Dean Huang, but He Yuzhu wasn't in a hurry; it wouldn't happen so quickly.

However, Lao Zhao received a call asking him to go to the bureau. He needed to get to know the staff, since he was a deputy director and it would be inappropriate for him not to know anyone in his own unit. He also needed to pick up some documents.

With Lao Zhao in charge, no one in the Industry Bureau said anything to him, the deputy director who had never visited the bureau since taking office.

The director of the Industry Bureau simply asked him to come back to the bureau more often, but of course, no work assignments were given. He already had important matters to attend to, and he was the kind of person who could report directly to higher-ups.

Are there people here who just want to watch the show? Of course there are. Old Zhao and He Yuzhu don't care, and they don't have time to pay attention. Business is important. Once the results are achieved, who would dare to gossip?

After a brief introductory meeting, He Yuzhu went to Lao Zhao's office.

Old Zhao laboriously pulled a box out from under his desk and said, "Here you go. I had to sign a whole bunch of documents to get this back. You'd better keep it safe."

"I brought it back myself, how could I not cherish it?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"I was just saying, but when I got the list, I was really shocked. Did you go rob someone?"

"more or less."

"That's ruthless, but I like it. The more of this kind, the better."

"Come on, there won't be a next time. I still want to see my son grow up."

"How do you plan to use this?"

"Speaking of which, I have to complain to you, my boss. There's a mix of English and Japanese involved. Could you please provide some translators? I can't possibly translate everything myself, can I?"

"Translation? I don't have that skill, don't make things difficult for me."

"Then what should I do? Should I translate their documents every day?"

"I don't have any, but some people do. Your old workplace has plenty."

"Ministry of Foreign Trade? Do you expect me to go and ask for people myself? I don't have that kind of influence."

"Wait a minute about this. Let me talk to the manager. After all, your factory is a key unit in the city. Asking for some support isn't unreasonable, is it?"

"Then I'm counting on you. I urgently need someone, so please do it quickly."

"I understand. Also, please take these documents back and keep them safe. You need to strengthen the security level of your factory's archives."

"I've thought of that too. I'll take care of it when I get back."

"Okay, sign these and you can take your things." With that, Old Zhao took out a stack of things and put them on the table.

He Yuzhu was extremely frustrated. He hadn't signed this many documents when this stuff left his hands, but now that he had it back, he had to sign so many. But he couldn't take it away without signing, so he had no choice but to sign.

Old Zhao just watched He Yuzhu sign the papers with a happy smile, just like when he went to Old Fang's place.

(End of this chapter)