Back to the 80s Machinery Factory

Chapter 506 A Small Hub Station for the Transit of All Gods and Buddhas

"I've gone to Eastern Thailand."

Sheng Haisen seemed to be extremely hungry.

He held the bowl and shoveled a large mouthful of rice into his mouth.

"Taidong?! Why did you go so far?!" Chen Luyang asked curiously.

"It feels like a dream," Sheng Haisen said, his eyes filled with a hint of dazedness mixed with barely suppressed pride.

“I found out a while ago that there was a lot of kraft paper packaging bags piling up in Pingchang. So I led my brothers there, spent some money to buy them all, thinking that I could sell them at the recycling station and earn some hard-earned money.”

"As a result, before I even sent them to the recycling center, I heard that there was a firecracker factory in Taidong that also needed kraft paper bags. And they were offering a higher price than the recycling center!"

"So I led my brothers, carrying brown paper bags, and marched to East Thailand, and guess what happened!"

Sheng Haisen was so excited that he spat out grains of rice: "The scrap yard charges 3 cents a pound, but the firecracker factory is asking for 26 cents right off the bat!"

"I made a net profit of over ten thousand yuan from this round trip!"

Oh my god...!
As soon as he finished speaking, there was complete silence around the machine tool, and even the aroma of wine seemed to linger in the air.

Chen Luyang's eyes widened, Jiao Long's mouth slowly opened into an "O" shape, and Li He subconsciously swallowed.

"Brother Sheng, you've suddenly become a millionaire!" Jiao Long excitedly grabbed the wine bottle and filled Sheng Haisen's glass.

“Yes!” Li He’s eyes were full of admiration. “We usually hear about people with ten thousand yuan on the radio and think it’s something that’s eight lifetimes away from us. I never thought that today I would be sitting across from them drinking!”

"I really never imagined that one day I would be drinking at the same table with a millionaire." Sun Hongjun's voice was a little dazed.

For them, whose monthly salary is only a few dozen yuan, this 10,000 yuan is a huge shock!

It was so big that they couldn't believe it.

Chen Luyang was also incredibly excited, grabbing Sheng Haisen's arm and saying excitedly:
"Brother Sheng, if you save this 10,000 yuan and add another 20,000 yuan, you can buy a car from our factory!"

Upon hearing this, Sheng Haisen, who had been beaming with joy, froze with a stiff smile.

"Little Chen, how come I didn't realize you were so dark-skinned?"

"So all the money I painstakingly collected and sold was not only not spent by me, but was all given away to your machine factory for nothing?"

Chen Luyang grinned sheepishly, "It's not a free gift! You're getting a car too!"

Zuo Zhuo immediately chimed in, "Of course! Our factory's cars are jointly produced by China, Japan, and Italy. When you drive one of our cars to do business, you'll definitely earn more."

"Alright, alright, don't even think about my little bit of money." Sheng Haisen felt like he had stumbled into a den of thieves.

One by one, they were all urging him to buy a car.

He took a sip of his drink and softened his tone: "They say I made over ten thousand, but I still have about ten brothers. I can't just pocket all the money while my brothers starve."

Although that's what Sheng Haisen said.

However, if the money of more than 10,000 yuan is divided equally among about ten people, each person can still get a few hundred or a thousand yuan.

After a year of hard work, this money is enough to make me happy to go home for the Chinese New Year.

"I'm actually here to deliver something to you."

Sheng Haisen looked at Chen Luyang and smiled:

“I’ve been traveling around these past few days and have managed to get you some bundles of hemp rope, some cotton yarn, some machine cleaning cloths, and some barrels of industrial grease and machine oil... I also have some old wooden boards and scrap steel, which I think you’ll definitely find useful.”

"It's so useful! It's so useful!!" Chen Luyang exclaimed excitedly.

"This is what we need most right now."

These are the things that the repair shop is most in need of, especially since he is currently thinking about expanding the warehouse and stocking up on materials.

These things that Sheng Haisen brought are truly a godsend!

"Brother Sheng, even close brothers need to keep clear accounts. These things of yours are worth whatever price they are..."

Before he could finish speaking, Sheng Haisen raised his hand to block him, glaring at him: "These things were originally a gift from me! If you mention money again, I'll turn around and leave, and don't even think about letting me come back!"

Chen Luyang was stunned, her mouth half-open, and she swallowed the rest of her sentence.

Director Lu, who was standing nearby, quickly chimed in, smiling and trying to smooth things over: "Director Chen, Old Sen is giving us a New Year's gift, not doing business with us. How can he be so concerned about the money?"

As he spoke, Director Lu turned his head and looked at Sheng Haisen with a sincere expression:
"Old Sen, these are all good things you've gone to great lengths to get. We are deeply grateful for your kindness."

"I raise a glass to you!"

Chen Luyang also raised his glass, his tone solemn: "Yes, Brother Sheng, speaking of which, you are a great benefactor to our repair shop."

"From the factory buildings and machine tools to the materials, you basically helped us get everything."

"Without you, our repair shop wouldn't be where it is today."

Sun Hongjun nodded emphatically: "Yes, Brother Sheng! If it weren't for the pot and stove you left here, we would all be starving."

Zhang Guoqiang, Tan Songren, Liu Kangwen, Zuo Zhuo, and several others also raised their glasses, chattering amongst themselves:

"I'm not saying anything more! Respect Old Sen!"

Surrounded by this group of people, Sheng Haisen smiled, raised his glass, and clinked it with everyone.

After downing the liquor in one gulp, the room instantly became warm and steamy, and even the frost on the windows seemed to melt away.

Sheng Haisen put down his cup: "When are you all going home?"

Chen Luyang picked up a peanut and threw it into his mouth, then chuckled indistinctly, "I reckon it'll be in the next couple of days. We'll leave once we buy the tickets."

The atmosphere at the dinner table lightened considerably when the topic of going home came up.

Everyone has been working hard outside for more than half a year. Who doesn't miss home?

Director Lu is alright.

Back in the provincial capital, his wife would start cursing him every time he finished drinking.

First, scold him, then scold the brothers who drank with him.

He would curse every time he drank, making Director Lu nervous before each drinking session.

Now that he's in Pian'er City, at least no one is cursing him anymore.

Although our lives are not as good as before in terms of food, clothing, housing, and transportation, we are free!
Now, after drinking with his buddies, he'll go outside to pee, then turn around and go back inside to sleep.

She slept so soundly!

But Zhang Guoqiang missed his wife and son day and night.

His son, Zhang Panpan, in particular, is taking the college entrance examination this year.

Back in my hometown, everyone had very practical ideas about their children's future:

It would be best if I could get into a good school.
Even if you fail the exam, you can still use connections to get a job in a factory, learn a skill, and secure a stable job.

From now on, the factory will provide for all your needs, ensuring you have a stable life.

But ever since he followed Chen Luyang out and came to Pian'er City, working in a place even more bustling and with more news than the provincial capital,

My perspective broadened as if a door had been suddenly pushed open.

In the past six months, he has seen more cars, machines, and foreigners than he has in the entire previous half of his life.

Zhang Guoqiang genuinely hopes that Zhang Panpan can get into a good university and learn some real skills.

Like Chen Luyang, go out and broaden your horizons instead of spending your whole life guarding the factory gate.

The more he thought about it, the stronger his longing became.

It's been half a year since I last saw my son.

He really meant it.

Not just him, but everyone at the dinner table was homesick!
Chen Luyang asked Sheng Haisen with a smile, "Brother, when are you going home?"

Sheng Haisen's expression darkened.

"I'm not going back. I'll stay here and spend the New Year with my brother." "I can't leave him here alone."

These words made the atmosphere at the dinner table a little heavier.

Director Lu advised, "Old Sen, the New Year must be celebrated. You should go home and see your parents."

"How can I face going home?" Sheng Haisen picked up his wine glass, his eyes filled with bitterness.

"I originally planned to bring my brothers to Pian'er City to make money and let everyone live a better life."

"Unexpectedly, I didn't make any money, and I lost my brother too."

Director Lu sighed, "Old Sen, you're wrong about that. When you're out doing business, nothing is ever smooth sailing."

“You were just unlucky to run into a malicious informant. But you can’t keep this to yourself and never come home. Your parents are hoping you can stand safely in front of them.”

Zhang Guoqiang nodded: "Yes, Lao Sen, the most important thing about the New Year is family reunion. Although your brother is here, your parents are also at home waiting for you to come back. You should let them know you are safe and sound."

Chen Luyang remained silent throughout.

He knew about the brothers' affair.

If his guess is correct, Sheng Haisen will definitely not go back unless his brother is released from prison.

Otherwise, if someone with malicious intent reports it, it could really be a disaster.

"Alright, let's not talk about these unhappy things anymore." Sheng Haisen patted Chen Luyang's shoulder, his eyes softening as if he were looking at his younger brother.

"Yes!! It's almost Chinese New Year, let's not talk about those unhappy things!" Chen Luyang raised his glass.

"Let's have a good time together today, that's better than anything else!"

The atmosphere seemed to lighten considerably after his words.

Jiao Long clamored for more dishes, Zuo Zhuo reached for peanuts, and Sun Hongjun simply picked up a wine bottle and filled everyone's glasses.

The room was warm and cozy, the stove was burning brightly, and the aroma of wine mingled with the fragrance of food.

The commotion lasted until almost midnight before the group finally managed to slowly clear away the dishes.

Sheng Haisen was already familiar with the place. He wiped his face, followed Chen Luyang and the others upstairs, found an empty bed, kicked off his shoes, and collapsed to sleep.

At night, the coal fire in the stove burned bright red, and the corridor was quiet, with only the sound of breathing coming from inside the rooms.

The next morning, before dawn, Sun Hongjun got up in the dark.

You know what,
This clean kitchen really makes a difference.

He couldn't bear to cook anymore.

After admiring the kitchen for a few seconds at the doorway, Sun Hongjun rolled up his sleeves and started cooking.

After everyone finished eating, Sun Hongjun was about to go to the kitchen to clean up when he heard a call from outside the door:
"Red Army, come out and help!"

"coming!"

Sun Hongjun put down his shovel and ran out the door.

The bundles of hemp rope, cotton yarn, machine cleaning cloths, as well as several barrels of industrial grease, machine oil, and scrap steel that Sheng Haisen delivered yesterday are being moved into the warehouse by everyone working together.

I'm busy right now.
In the distance, a light blue 212 car slowly drove into the yard.

"Who's still coming to fix cars at this hour?"

Zhang Guoqiang glanced at the car in surprise.

"Judging from the license plate number and paint color, this is a pretty big government office."

"I reckon it must be at least a car from the prefectural committee," he said, half sighing and half certain.

Chen Luyang, who was listening nearby, asked in puzzlement, "Could it be someone from the prefectural committee?"

Zhang Guoqiang affirmed, "Why not? Look at the double-pillar anti-collision bars on the front bumper of this vehicle, and the special side lights. Ordinary units don't get this kind of configuration. Besides, the tires are military-grade tires that were just issued last month. You can't buy them on the market."

Despite her social skills, no one can compare to Chen Luyang.

But these experienced mechanics see more cars than people all day long.

What company owns which vehicle, what model it is, what kind of oil it uses, which parts are prone to failure, and how often it needs to be repaired...?

They all memorized it in their heads.

You definitely can't be mistaken.

Watching the repair shop workers meticulously examine the car, from the license plate and parts to the tire treads, I noticed something else. Meanwhile, nearby...
Sheng Haisen couldn't help but widen his eyes.

Good guy...

This tiny repair shop has almost become a small hub for all sorts of gods and Buddhas.

Those government offices that ordinary people wouldn't even dare to dream of or have any contact with, they're so familiar with here they're practically glued to their skin.

Thinking of this,
Sheng Haisen couldn't help but take a deep look at Chen Luyang.

This kid may seem like just a student affairs director, but his connections are much wider than he imagined.

"Brothers, you guys go ahead with your work, I'm leaving now."

After greeting them, he got on his tricycle, and with a wobbling motion, he passed the car at the entrance of the courtyard.

The tricycle gradually drove away, and the car came to a steady stop in front of the repair shop.

The car door opened, and out stepped none other than Wang Qingzhou, Dong Jiangchao, and Director Niu!

"The factory manager?!"

Jiao Long's loud voice was like a gong, making Chen Luyang's ears ring.

Immediately, everyone working in the yard looked up, forgetting what they were doing, and swarmed over.

Someone even wiped their hands on their trouser leg.
"Factory manager, what brings you here?"

"Director Dong is here too!"

"Director Niu, please come in and have a seat!"

Director Niu smiled and replied, "The factory director remembers everyone. After the meeting, he contacted the conference affairs team and asked them to send us back by car."

He added, "Director Wang has also instructed the conference organizing committee to arrange your train tickets. We'll all travel home together then."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately became excited.

Looking at the group of familiar faces, Wang Qingzhou said with a smile, "Last time I came, I didn't see a single person. Today I've finally seen some real people."

"What are you all busy with in the yard so early in the morning?"

Chen Luyang quickly stepped forward: "Factory Manager, didn't I report to you before that this repair shop used to be a sunflower seed factory?"

"The owner of the sunflower seed factory delivered some materials to us, and we've all come out to unload them."

Wang Qingzhou was taken aback for a moment and asked, "The one who picks up trash?"

Chen Luyang nodded: "Yes, that's the brother."

Saying,

Chen Luyang even opened the warehouse, saying, "Look, everything is piled up inside."

Wang Qingzhou glanced inside, smiled, and patted Chen Luyang on the shoulder: "You're pretty good, you have quite a few friends."

Along the way, Wang Qingzhou heard the driver praise the repair shop quite a bit, and now he found Chen Luyang incredibly pleasing to the eye.

Even her smile became much gentler.

On the other side,
The driver got out of the car, opened the trunk, and was about to bend down to take out the luggage of three people.

Sun Hongjun, Jiao Long, and Li He, with their sharp eyes, didn't even need Chen Luyang to tell them what to do. They each picked up a piece and efficiently carried the factory director and leaders' luggage down.

Seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces,
Wang Qingzhou smiled and said, "The meeting is over, and we plan to come back and stay for a couple of days. I wonder if Director Chen would agree?"

(End of this chapter)