Courtyard House: Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) Traded for an Aircraft Carrier, the Whole Count

The air inside the private room seemed to be reshaped in that instant.

If the previous atmosphere was one of strict hierarchy and oppression, then now, with the top leader unbuttoning his blouse, an atmosphere of "one of us" began to quietly flow.

Jiang Chen wasn't being pretentious; he knew very well that in this era, excessive modesty was hypocrisy. He generously pulled out a chair and sat down half a body length to the leader, his back ramrod straight, his hands naturally placed on his knees, showing both respect for the leader and the competence unique to soldiers.

"Xiao Jiang," the big boss was in a very good mood. He picked up another piece of candied sweet potato, looking at the long, thin strands of sugar that stretched out, his eyes full of inquiry. "I believe in your skill, but this sweet potato... I still think it's outrageous. What kind of magic did you use in the field to make this thing grow like this?"

At this moment, both Factory Director Yang and Deputy Factory Director Li pricked up their ears. This was also something they couldn't figure out.

Jiang Chen smiled slightly. He knew that this was not just casual conversation, but an interview about "talent".

"Sir, there's no magic involved; it's science." Jiang Chen's voice was calm and magnetic. He didn't throw out those obscure and difficult-to-understand data directly, but instead told a story in a gentle, storytelling tone, "When I was in the army, I liked to read all sorts of books. Especially those about Michurin's theory from the Soviet Union, and the latest hybridization breeding theories in our country."

He paused, then pulled a small notebook from his pocket—it was a "laboratory notebook" he had hastily fabricated the night before, filled with all sorts of data and charts.

"Although the soil on the rocky slope is barren, I discovered that it contains a special trace element, similar to the associated layer of rare earth minerals. While this element is not conducive to the growth of ordinary crops, it is the best catalyst for mutagenic tuber crops."

Jiang Chen casually spouted agricultural terms from later generations, such as "polyploid hybridization," "soil micronutrient improvement," and "maximizing photosynthetic efficiency." These half-true, half-false theories sounded like incredibly advanced knowledge in an era when agricultural technology was still in its infancy.

The high-ranking leader nodded frequently as he listened. Although he didn't quite understand the technical jargon, it didn't stop him from feeling impressed and awestruck. Especially when he saw Jiang Chen's densely filled notebook, his admiration was even more intense.

"A true doer! This is a real doer!" The senior leader exclaimed, slapping the table. He turned to Factory Director Yang, "Jianguo, your factory has a real talent hidden in it! This isn't just some security officer; he's clearly a rare scientific research talent! Young people like this, who can handle guns, pens, and do research in the fields, are too few and far between!"

The groundwork has been laid; the next step is the most crucial political decision-making.

The high-ranking leader put down his chopsticks, his expression suddenly becoming somewhat solemn. He sighed, "Xiao Jiang, your ability is a blessing for the country. The situation outside... is very difficult. Our big brother has withdrawn his experts and is pressuring us to repay our debts; our own resources are weak, and the people are still tightening their belts. Food is the lifeline, the key to whether we can stand tall."

The senior leader spoke these words with great emotion, and was also testing Jiang Chen's ideological awareness.

Jiang Chen's smile faded, his gaze hardening with unwavering resolve. He looked at the high-ranking leader and slowly said:

"Sir, I used to be a soldier, so I don't understand any grand principles. But I know that if you have food in your hands, you won't panic; if you have a gun in your hands, you can sleep soundly."

He straightened his chest slightly, his voice firm and resolute: "As a member of the security department, my gun protects the factory and the nation's property; as a Party member, my skills protect the people's livelihood and their stomachs. In this position, wherever the leader points, I will fight! Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, as long as it benefits the country, I, Jiang Chen, will never flinch!"

These words, like metal and stone falling to the ground, carried immense weight.

In particular, the phrase "Wherever the leader points, I'll go" struck a chord with the senior leader, a veteran revolutionary from the military. What he admired most was this pure, tough style and absolute loyalty that only soldiers possess.

"Good! Well said!"

The high-ranking leader suddenly stood up, even knocking over the chair behind him in his excitement. Far from being angry, he grabbed Jiang Chen's hand and squeezed it firmly. That calloused hand, though rough, conveyed a burning warmth.

"You've got the gun and the rice bowl in your hands!" The big boss looked at Jiang Chen, his eyes no longer concealing his affection. "Kid, you're a good seed, a good seed that's both politically sound and professionally competent! I feel it's a bit of a waste to put you in the security department."

The dinner party ended, and the senior leader was about to leave.

Factory Director Yang and Deputy Factory Director Li, along with a group of senior executives, escorted them downstairs. The black Hongqi sedan was already running, and the driver was waiting with the door open.

Just as the top leader was about to get into the car, he suddenly stopped, as if he had remembered something.

He turned around, his gaze passing over Director Yang and Deputy Director Li standing at the front, and landing directly on Jiang Chen standing in the back row.

"Xiao Jiang, come here." The big boss beckoned.

Jiang Chen strode forward.

Under the watchful eyes of dozens of senior leaders in the factory, the top leader reached out again in front of everyone and patted Jiang Chen's shoulder heavily, lingering for a full three seconds.

This is a move with a strong political signal.

"Xiao Jiang, do a good job." The senior leader's voice wasn't loud, but it was clearly audible in the quiet crowd. "If you encounter any difficulties at work that you can't solve, or if you have any new ideas, don't keep them to yourself. You can write directly to the department and send it to me. The country is in dire need of talent right now, and it needs young people like you who dare to think and act."

After saying that, the senior leader turned and got into the car.

"Bang."

The car door closed, and the Hongqi car slowly drove away.

But those who remained in place seemed to be frozen in place.

What was that just now?

"Write directly to the department," "Send it to me"... This is not just appreciation, it's a powerful shield! This is bringing Jiang Chen directly under my wing!

From this moment on, everyone at the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill, even Director Yang, would have to think twice before laying a finger on Jiang Chen, considering whether they could withstand the wrath of the high-ranking minister.

Deputy Factory Director Li stood there, watching the departing Hongqi car, his eyes darting around rapidly. He was an extreme opportunist, with a keen sense of political trends, even more so than a dog's nose.

Almost the instant the taillights disappeared, the previously aloof leadership demeanor on Deputy Factory Director Li's face crumbled, replaced by a warm, almost creepy smile.

He turned around and put his arm around Jiang Chen's shoulder, the gesture as intimate as that of long-lost brothers.

"Brother!" Deputy Factory Director Li laughed heartily, his voice laced with obsequiousness. "Look at the mess this has made! I was so busy with the reception that I almost forgot about the important business. That... the appointment letter for the head of the security section—I actually had my secretary draft it a long time ago; it's right there on my desk! Come on, let's go to my office and get it now! Tonight, I'm treating; we absolutely have to have a couple of drinks!"

Factory Director Yang, standing next to Jiang Chen, pushed up his glasses. Although not as blatant as Deputy Factory Director Li, he gave Jiang Chen a meaningful smile of approval.

Jiang Chen felt the weight of Deputy Factory Director Li's arm, sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly composed as he dealt with the situation.

This is the taste of power.