60s: I have a store

Chapter 611 Small Dryer

Li Chongguang and Zhou Yimin huddled around the table, refining their idea for a small dryer.

Li Chongguang's pen flew across the paper, sketching one draft after another, while Zhou Yimin added details: "It has to be designed to be foldable, so that it can be stored away when not in use and doesn't take up much space."

"The heating material must be made of durable material, otherwise it will break after a few uses and affect the reputation."

"It would be best to add a timer function so that it automatically shuts off when the drying time is up, which would be safe and worry-free."

The two became more and more excited as they talked, and because they were so excited, fine beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads, but they didn't feel it at all.

Looking at the design plan gradually taking shape on the paper, Li Chongguang couldn't help but clap his hands and say, "Go with this idea, it's guaranteed to succeed! Just imagine, when the overseas market opens up, our small dryer might become a hit product just like the air fryer!"

Zhou Yimin nodded with a smile, his eyes full of anticipation: "As long as we can solve the energy consumption and size issues and improve the cost-effectiveness, it will definitely sell like hotcakes."

After the initial excitement, Li Chongguang calmed down and looked at the plan, saying, "However, this can't be done by the two of us alone. We need the factory's support, the materials need to keep up, and we also need to coordinate with the production department. Otherwise, even the best ideas won't come to fruition."

Zhou Yimin wholeheartedly agreed: "You're right, we need to report this to the leaders and try to get their support."

Li Chongguang immediately picked up the phone on the table, his fingers quickly spinning on the dial pad, and dialed the number for Director Hu's office.

The phone was answered after only a couple of rings, and Factory Director Hu's calm voice came through: "Hello, who is this?"

"Director Hu, this is Li Chongguang. Are you in the science factory?" Li Chongguang's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement.

"Yimin and I have come up with something new. Do you have some free time now? Why don't you come over?"

As soon as Director Hu heard the name "Zhou Yimin," he knew what was going on.

Zhou Yimin has a sharp eye and a quick mind. However, the projects he participates in rarely become huge hits. The solar water heater and air fryer from last time are the best examples.

He immediately said, "Wait for me to come over!"

The phone rang with a click as soon as he finished speaking.

As soon as Director Hu hung up the phone, he stood up, piled the documents in his hand on the table, and told his secretary, "I'm going to the research lab. We'll talk about this when I get back."

After saying that, he strode out.

He was also very curious. What good things could Zhou Yimin and Li Chongguang come up with together? He quickened his pace and hurried toward the research lab.

In the research lab, Li Chongguang put down the phone and smiled at Zhou Yimin, "Director Hu will be here soon. Once he arrives, we'll tell him our idea, and we're sure to get his support."

Zhou Yimin looked at the plan on the table, nodded, and hoped that the project could be pushed forward as soon as possible.

The two tidied up the blueprints on the table and waited for Director Hu to arrive.

Not long after, a series of hurried footsteps came from the corridor, getting closer and closer.

Immediately afterwards, the door to the research lab was pushed open, and Director Hu strode in.

His gaze swept across the research lab before heading toward Li Chongguang's office.

"Director Hu!" The busy researchers stopped what they were doing and stood up to greet him.

Factory Director Hu waved his hand, signaling everyone to continue working, and then pushed open the door to Li Chongguang's office.

"Director Hu, you've finally arrived!" Li Chongguang and Zhou Yimin quickly stood up to greet him.

Factory Director Hu walked to the desk, his gaze falling on the blueprints spread out on it, and asked bluntly, "So, what good stuff have you two come up with this time?"

Li Chongguang picked up the most detailed sketch and handed it to Director Hu, excitedly introducing, "Director Hu, look, this is the small dryer we've been thinking of. As you know, many places in China have humid climates now, especially during the plum rain season. Clothes take several days to dry after washing and are prone to mold and odor."

“This small dryer is different. It’s small and doesn’t take up much space. You can put it in any corner of the house. We also plan to make it foldable so it’s very convenient to put away when not in use.”

Pointing to the details on the blueprints, he continued, "The heating elements used here are specially made, durable and energy-saving, and they dry clothes quickly. A wet garment can be dried in an hour or two. We also want to add a timer function. Once the time is set, it will automatically turn off the power, making it safe and worry-free."

Zhou Yimin added from the side, "Director Hu, we've also considered the overseas market. Many countries have a more humid climate than here, and they have strong purchasing power, so they have a great demand for these kinds of small appliances."

"If we could promote this small dryer abroad, it would not only solve the problem of limited domestic market demand, but also earn foreign exchange for the country. It would be a win-win situation."

Director Hu held the sketch, listening and nodding, his fingers lightly tapping on the drawing, his brows gradually relaxing.

He pondered for a moment and said, "It sounds promising. The idea is indeed good and quite practical."

Li Chongguang and Zhou Yimin exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Factory Director Hu then changed the subject: "However, even the best ideas need to be put into practice. So, you guys should make a sample first. Only when we have something tangible can I show it to the higher-ups so they can intuitively understand its uses and advantages."

He paused, then continued, "Once the samples are made and it's confirmed that there's a market for this product, we'll consider large-scale production."

Li Chongguang quickly replied, "No problem, Director Hu, we will definitely make the sample as soon as possible!"

Zhou Yimin nodded in agreement: "Director Hu's consideration is thorough. Taking it step by step is indeed more prudent."

Factory Director Hu smiled with satisfaction: "Alright, then I'll leave this matter to you two to take the lead. If you need any support—manpower, materials, funding—just let me know, and the factory will do its best to coordinate. I'm looking forward to seeing your samples."

After saying that, Director Hu picked up the sketch on the table, looked at it a couple more times, carefully folded it and put it in his shirt pocket. He told the two of them to "hurry up" and then turned and left the office.

The footsteps in the corridor gradually faded away, leaving only Zhou Yimin and Li Chongguang in the office.

As Zhou Yimin watched Director Hu's departing figure, he suddenly had second thoughts.

He quietly moved his feet, trying to slip away while Li Chongguang was organizing the blueprints.

During the previous two rounds of research and development of solar water heaters and air fryers, I worked countless sleepless nights.

The days of researching, revising plans, and experimenting were still vivid in his mind; he really didn't want to jump into this "fire pit" again. But he had just moved to the door, his hand not even touching the doorknob, when he heard Li Chongguang's voice behind him: "Yimin, where are you going!"

Zhou Yimin's heart skipped a beat, realizing something was wrong. He slowly turned around, forcing an unnatural smile onto his face.

Li Chongguang had already put down the blueprints in his hand and was looking at him with a half-smile, his eyes full of "I saw through you a long time ago".

"I just got up and moved around a bit because I'd been sitting for too long." Zhou Yimin scratched his head, trying to hide his thoughts, his gaze unconsciously drifting to the window, avoiding eye contact with Li Chongguang.

Li Chongguang stepped forward, reached out and pressed his shoulder, urging him back into the chair. His tone was a mix of helplessness and pleading: "Don't even think about running away. I know you too well. This can't be done without you."

He picked up the blueprints on the table and pointed to the details: "Look at the design of this heating system and the energy-saving solution. These are all ideas you just mentioned. I wouldn't be confident without you watching over me."

Zhou Yimin sighed and stopped pretending.

He picked up a sketch, ran his finger over the dense markings on it, and said with a touch of emotion, "Section Chief Li, you know how difficult it is to develop a new product. Every time, it took so many hardships to make it."

Li Chongguang patted his arm, his eyes shining with determination: "I know it's difficult, but it's precisely because it's difficult that we need to shoulder it together!"

"Don't worry, I'll take on more of the workload this time, so you won't be the only one exhausted. Besides, once the sample is made and it helps everyone, the sense of accomplishment is something that can't be bought with anything else."

Looking at the expectation in his eyes, Zhou Yimin's initial reluctance gradually faded.

He picked up a pen, circled a spot on the drawing that needed modification, and smiled helplessly: "Fine, I give up. But it's agreed that overtime is fine, but everyone needs enough rest time."

Li Chongguang immediately beamed and nodded hurriedly: "No problem! As long as you're willing to come, any conditions are negotiable!"

The two exchanged a smile, the previous little incident vanished, and they lowered their heads again to continue refining the design of the dryer.

Not long after, Li Chongguang looked up at the busy crowd outside the office and said to Zhou Yimin, "Yimin, this matter can't be accomplished by the two of us alone. We need to involve everyone and pool our wisdom to get things done."

Zhou Yimin wholeheartedly agreed: "You're right, there's strength in numbers. Let's quickly share this news with everyone."

Li Chongguang stood up, straightened his somewhat disheveled white coat, and strode out of the office.

When Li Chongguang came out, everyone in the research lab stopped what they were doing and looked at him curiously.

During this period, everyone was somewhat frustrated because there were no new inventions. Seeing the smile on Li Chongguang's face, they all felt a little hopeful.

Li Chongguang cleared his throat and raised his voice, saying, "Comrades, I have some good news to share. Section Chief Zhou and I have just come up with a new research and development project: a small dryer. Director Hu is very supportive and wants us to make a sample first."

As soon as he finished speaking, the research lab erupted in cheers.

To everyone's surprise, they were busy again so soon. During this time, they were also busy developing new products, but in the end, none of them were presentable, so it was basically a waste of time.

"Great! Finally, we have new work to do!" a young researcher exclaimed excitedly, almost dropping his tools.

“A small dryer? That sounds promising!” Another researcher pushed up his glasses, his eyes gleaming.

Everyone started talking at once, and the entire research lab was filled with energy.

"Yes, finally we have another product that we can show for ourselves. I've been so frustrated lately," a senior researcher remarked. He had been feeling quite down because there hadn't been any new progress.

Just then, a whispered discussion arose in the crowd: "Have you noticed that every time Section Chief Zhou comes over, there are always new products? Last time, it was the solar water heater and the air fryer that were like that."

Hearing this, the person next to him nodded and said with deep agreement, "What you say is so true. Section Chief Zhou is so quick-witted; he always comes up with good ideas. Maybe we should invite Section Chief Zhou over more often next time; he might come up with even more new ideas."

“That makes sense, that makes sense. Section Chief Zhou is very experienced. With him around, we can avoid a lot of detours in our research and development.”

The others echoed this sentiment, their gazes towards Zhou Yimin's office filled with admiration.

Li Chongguang saw all of this and became even more determined to cooperate well with Zhou Yimin.

He clapped his hands and said, “Alright, comrades, now is not the time to be happy. We need to get moving. Section Chief Zhou has already helped us clarify the general ideas. Now it’s up to us. Everyone, put down what you’re doing and come over to discuss the specific plan.”

Everyone responded enthusiastically, crowding around Li Chongguang as they walked towards his office, ready to contribute their efforts to this new research and development project.

Hearing the commotion outside his office, Zhou Yimin smiled with satisfaction. He knew that a new research and development battle was about to begin.

The long table in the research lab was quickly cleared out, blueprints were spread out, and everyone stood around the table, the atmosphere so lively it was almost explosive.

Then everyone began to express their opinions.

Zhou Yimin leaned against the table, listening to everyone's chatter, and occasionally chimed in, "Isn't the turbine fan too noisy? Things used in the house should be quieter."

"The cost can't be too high, otherwise we won't be able to lower the export price." Xiao Zhao, who was in charge of market research, frowned.

"The price of the last air fryer went up because it used imported bearings, so this time we need to use domestic parts as much as possible."

After these words, everyone fell silent for a moment—everyone knew that domestically produced parts were cost-effective, but their stability was indeed questionable.

"How about we come up with a compromise?" Zhou Yimin pointed to the core component on the blueprint.

"The key heating elements and motors are imported, while non-core components such as the casing and brackets are made domestically. This allows us to control costs while ensuring quality."

This proposal was quickly approved by everyone, as many things now need to be imported, but foreign exchange reserves are not much.

Therefore, if all the parts were imported, there definitely wouldn't be enough budget.

Li Chongguang said, "I'll go see Director Hu about the parts later and ask him to help us coordinate."

The team in the research lab was full of energy and couldn't wait to produce the sample today.

This is definitely impossible.

(End of this chapter)