Rebirth in 1960, My Industrial Age

Chapter 434 Through Supplementary Meeting
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have made considerable scientific research progress in the past year. In the tiered high-tech R&D program, the biopharmaceutical group has made significant breakthroughs in the clinical stage, and we are also undertaking the nuclear power plant construction project."

At the annual meeting, Dean Wu summarized the research progress of the past year with a smile on his face.

Two of these achievements represent significant breakthroughs, including the completion of the nuclear power plant construction, which began operation in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year.

The biopharmaceutical project team of the Ladder High Technology Program is also making rapid progress.

After two more phases of testing, they can put it into mass production on the market, and they won't have to import it from foreigners anymore.

This is definitely good news. Putting aside how much economic value it can generate, just the fact that it can cure so many diseases after achieving self-sufficiency is a huge good thing.

After hearing Dean Wu's report, everyone in the conference room couldn't help but look at Zhou Fengnian standing next to Dean Wu.

Their eyes were filled with surprise and admiration.

Although there are some rumors about Vice President Zhou having a strong personality, his abilities are truly outstanding.

Of the major breakthroughs summarized over the past year, 20% are related to Zhou Fengnian.

For most people, achieving even one result would be considered good; after all, scientific research is not a simple matter, and it can take more than a decade to successfully produce a research result.

Seeing the achievements Zhou Fengnian has made in recent years, they can't help but marvel at them.

"Everyone, next year we will continue to deepen the important role of the institute in scientific research and development, ensure the rational allocation of scientific research resources, and promote the incubation of scientific and technological achievements."

Dean Wu continued, saying that this was all planned in advance, and that the focus of scientific and technological development in the near future would be on research institutes.

Many research institutes have accepted Russian researchers, some of whom came in a hurry and did not bring any specific research results or data.

But their presence is the biggest benefit.

After Dean Wu finished speaking, it was Zhou Fengnian's turn to speak, and then the others spoke. However, except for Zhou Fengnian, the others spoke relatively quickly.

There's not much to summarize internally; their main task is to promote the incubation of scientific and technological achievements.

The meeting lasted quite a long time, and we even took a short break at noon to go to the cafeteria for lunch.

Their cafeteria is quite good; the chefs are skilled and there's a wide variety of food.

Even during the most difficult times, scientists were given priority. Now that resources are plentiful, the variety of food available is naturally much greater.

After getting his food, Zhou Fengnian had just sat down at the table with his lunchbox when Dean Wu sat down a short while later.

After Dean Wu sat down, he glanced up at the side, and Qian Zhi immediately understood what was going on. He then picked up his lunchbox and sat down at another table.

The two leaders were having dinner together, clearly they had something to discuss. It would be better for a junior secretary like him to stay away.

After swallowing, Zhou Fengnian asked with a smile, "What's wrong, Dean? Do you always want to talk to me during meals?"

"I didn't have time before, and I can't exactly say it during a meeting, so let's chat during the lunch break."

After Dean Wu finished speaking, he noticed several meat dishes in Zhou Fengnian's lunchbox and said with some surprise, "Comrade Fengnian, you have a really good appetite! I can't eat that much meat anymore; it makes me indigestion."

Zhou Fengnian said, "You're not consuming enough energy. After you finish your work each day, go for some exercise, even just a walk. That way you'll be able to eat more."

"There's no time for walks anymore, but life is getting better and better. In the hardest times, we didn't even have enough meat for four ounces a month, but now we can eat a pound in one meal without any problem."

Dean Wu suddenly thought with emotion, "Our supplies are plentiful, but there must still be many farmers living in poverty, lacking food and clothing."

"Yes, we have too many people. It's impossible for everyone to get rich overnight after the reform and opening up. Farmers will definitely be the last group to get rich, since you can't get rich by farming."

Zhou Fengnian also ate a little slower, even though he always asked his family and relatives, such as Zhou Xianyang and Zhou Xianzhe, to treat their employees well.

But no matter how much preferential treatment they give, it won't benefit the farmers; instead, it will help a group of workers become wealthy.

Zhou Fengnian has been developing in the industrial field. All his achievements are in the industrial field, which have some help to agriculture, but have not solved the fundamental problem.

It's incredibly difficult for farmers to get rich; if farming could lead to wealth, there would definitely be serious problems.

"The Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also provided a considerable amount of funding. What results have they achieved?"

"There are definitely results, but it's impossible to solve the problems of the whole country all at once. This can't be solved in a few years. You won't see much progress in less than ten years."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Fengnian slowed down his eating pace and pondered for a while.

He's currently overwhelmed with too many things to do and can't possibly spare the energy for crop research.

At most, I would remind Zhou's father to help farmers sign more planting agreements after the old Zhou's chili sauce factory has developed.

Or he could start his own agricultural products company and expand his business, since his old Zhou's chili sauce factory will definitely need a lot of cash crops in the future.

In the future, the chili sauce factory will definitely not only produce chili sauce; it can also produce similar products such as pickled vegetables and mixed vegetables.

Zhou's father himself came from a farming background. Although he is now wealthy, he still has the deepest feelings for farmers. When he started the chili sauce factory, he had the intention of helping farmers.

By helping the Zhou family's chili sauce factory farm, Zhou's father would definitely help the farmers earn some money, and they might even become rich in a few years.

Mr. Zhou is over seventy years old this year. His physical condition has improved, and he can work for another twenty years without any problem.

However, this is all that Zhou Fengnian and his family can do; individual strength is ultimately limited.

Even if we grow bigger and stronger, helping farmers in half a province would be the limit.

"By the way, do we really need to bring up the issue of adding positions for discussion? I've already written a proposal. If you don't think it's acceptable, you can still back out now."

Dean Wu asked in a low voice, which was what he really wanted to say, since adding a vice dean was equivalent to taking away Zhou Fengnian's power.

Even though he was one level lower than Zhou Fengnian, he could still take on a lot of work because of his position as vice dean.

“My dear Dean, you absolutely must tell me this. If you don’t tell me today, I definitely will.”

After Zhou Fengnian finished speaking, he quickly ate a few bites. After swallowing the last bite of rice, he continued, "I don't actually want to be a workaholic, but sometimes I have no choice. If someone could help me share some of the burden, I would be overjoyed."

You still don't know what I was like back in the Fourth Ministry of Machine Building. To be honest, I was a bit irresponsible back then. I passed on everything I could, and didn't take any responsibility myself.

More than a decade ago, Zhou Fengnian had been thinking about retiring when he reached retirement age, then taking his wife on a domestic tour, and then being rehired to mentor students and guide scientific research.

But as the burdens on his shoulders grew heavier and heavier, and many of them were not easy to put down, Zhou Fengnian estimated that even when he reached retirement age, he would not be truly retired. "Quickly choose someone to help me share the workload. It doesn't make sense that I, as the vice president, am so busy with so many things that I'm almost as busy as you."

Upon hearing this, Dean Wu secretly clicked his tongue and thought to himself: Although you, Zhou Fengnian, are only the vice dean, your rank is the same as his!

However, Dean Wu also knew that Zhou Fengnian really didn't want to shoulder so much responsibility, so they would discuss it internally later.

The decision to appoint a vice president is not something they can make, but at least they should let the leadership know their difficulties and reach a consensus internally before reporting upwards.

When the meeting resumed in the afternoon, the reports that had not been completed in the morning were continued.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences may seem like a research institution, but it has just as many administrative departments, including various bureaus and departments, totaling eight or nine.

One of them, reporting on the plans for the next year, takes quite a while; all of them together would take a very long time.

Zhou Fengnian had no choice but to listen. There were some things he needed to understand and write down, otherwise he would be completely confused when asked to report back next year, which would be a dereliction of duty.

The planning report for next year will only be completed after a series of events, including reports on talent development and international cooperation.

"Next, I need to talk about something. I discussed it with Vice Dean Zhou, and we believe that he is currently handling too much work and needs some adjustments."

Upon hearing Dean Wu's words, everyone suddenly perked up.

What's going on? Is the dean going to adjust the vice dean's job? When did their falling out begin?
This is tricky. If the two of them start fighting, should they take sides? Let's choose Dean Wu. After all, he's been with the Academy of Sciences for a long time and is a senior member.

Vice Dean Zhou has a strong personality and outstanding abilities. Most importantly, his rank is no lower than Dean Wu's, which makes it difficult for them to choose!

The directors and institute chiefs quickly imagined the Academy of Sciences splitting into two factions and then sabotaging each other.

"So I discussed it with Vice President Zhou and hoped to add another vice president to our Academy of Sciences to assist Vice President Zhou and me in handling daily affairs."

Ok?
The people below were stunned, their faces showing nothing but surprise and shock.

Director Li from the General Office spoke up, asking, "Dean, what do you mean by adding a vice dean?"

"It means exactly what it says. Vice President Zhou has too many things to be responsible for. I helped Vice President Zhou with a lot of things before, but I was still too busy."
So, after discussing it with Vice Dean Zhou, we decided to submit an application to the leadership to try and add another vice dean, preferably someone from within our ranks, since they would be there to assist Vice Dean Zhou and me in handling affairs.

Dean Wu said, then remembered something else and added, "By the way, this was a suggestion made by Vice Dean Zhou."

Logically, there should be internal discussion to reach a consensus, but if he and Zhou Fengnian both agree, the subordinates will not object.

Those who do scientific research don't care, since it doesn't concern them anyway; but who in administration would refuse such a good thing, unless they're crazy?

"Ah, isn't this a power struggle?" The others were stunned for a moment before quickly realizing what was going on, and then those in charge of administration immediately had their eyes light up.

We need to appoint a vice dean!
If they are selected, wouldn't they get promoted?
"Dean Wu, I have no objection."

"Adding a vice president to assist Vice President Wu and Vice President Zhou in handling affairs is also a good thing. It can improve the work efficiency within the Academy of Sciences, which is even better."

"I support the recommendations of the dean and vice dean."

Some higher-ranking directors and bureau chiefs from various departments also agreed, saying, "Why not take this opportunity? Let's give it a shot; maybe it will fall into our laps in the end."

Seeing that everyone agreed, Dean Wu nodded and said, "Alright, since you all agree, let's summarize the meeting minutes, and I'll submit them tomorrow. Vice Dean Zhou, you'll come with me."

"Ah."

Zhou Fengnian nodded in agreement. He knew he needed to be involved in such an important matter and couldn't refuse.

After the meeting, Zhou Fengnian returned to his office and called Qian Zhi over, instructing him, "If anyone contacts me, make it clear to them that they shouldn't bother me with anything other than work-related matters."

Qian Zhi quickly replied, "I understand, sir."

If we promote from within, there are eight or nine suitable candidates. If we include the external branch schools, we need to add three more.

If so many people came to him one by one to talk about all sorts of trivial matters, Zhou Fengnian would be driven crazy with annoyance.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, it was a busy time to wrap things up, and Zhou Fengnian didn't have time to argue with them about this.

Moreover, he didn't start it up himself, so he can't expect it to be of any help to him in the future.

Not long after it was time to leave work, Zhou Fengnian called his driver to take him home.

After he stopped having research assignments, he stopped working overtime and tried his best to finish all non-research tasks before leaving get off work.

However, it was still a bit late when Zhou Fengnian got home. When he returned, Zhou Yan had already gone home and was calling Master Yang to prepare dinner.

Upon arriving in the backyard, Zhou Fengnian saw Bai Yujie and Zhou Yan chatting, each leading a child. He greeted them, "Sister Bai, you're here! Haven't Xianyang and Qing'an returned yet?"

When her son was mentioned, Zhou Yan rolled her eyes and said, "Your son went to buy roast duck, he probably won't be back for a while."

As Zhou Fengnian put the clothes down, he said, "Then what kind of food will Master Yang cook?"

"That's not true. You can't just eat roast duck for dinner. Not everyone likes it."

"Ah, life is better now. We used to say that the best days would be when we could eat our fill of roast duck."

After putting his things away, Zhou Fengnian came out and asked, "When are Mom and Dad coming over? Did they say anything about going back to the village for the New Year?"

After Zhou's father set up the Old Zhou's Chili Sauce Factory, he also renovated the Old Zhou's Residence in Hongjia Village. Now it consists of three two-story buildings with more than a dozen rooms.

There is enough room for everyone.

This was told to him by his second brother, Zhou Jia'an, who said that Zhou's parents had returned to live in the village and might be planning to do the same during the Spring Festival.

Going back is not impossible, but paying New Year's visits would be troublesome. All of Zhou Xianzhe's generation's wives and relatives live in Beijing, so going back to Hongjia Village would be too much trouble.

"He didn't say. Dad said he'd call you, but didn't he?"

"I didn't call. I'll ask him after we finish eating."

As Zhou Fengnian spoke, he took his grandson from Zhou Yan's arms. His grandson was indeed quite clever.

Now that he's a little over two years old, I can already have a complete conversation with him, and his logical thinking is quite strong.

His system of academic cliques has been inherited!
(End of this chapter)