The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 367 Technological Upgrading, Seeking Assistance from the First Machinery Plant

On March 16, the first self-study examination for higher education was launched in China.

The provincial government approved the restoration and development of higher education correspondence courses, evening colleges, and vocational training schools within the same week.

With policy support, Qian Jin's coastal industrial and agricultural practical technology training school has developed even faster.

Because he had prepared all the necessary equipment and hired several teachers to start classes.

As soon as the provincial policy was implemented, Han Zhaoxin, from Haibin City, personally issued a directive requiring the education department to collaborate with training schools to support professional and technical education and training.

Training schools have begun recruiting experienced electricians, gasworkers, veterinarians, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in preparation for starting classes.

Qian Jinxian set up a construction course, and he planned to send the team members who applied to join the construction team to study there.

It just so happens that all the experts and professors are here right now, they're all teachers!

Make the best use of everything.

The main focus is on avoiding waste.

That same week, the provincial authorities took the original copy of their construction plan, but urgently sent it back the next day.

The proposal included a title page with eight large, bold characters that seemed to penetrate the paper:

"People's livelihood as the foundation, craftsmanship in home building"

The signature comes from a national-level expert in charge of construction projects, and this construction plan has been reviewed and revised by the country's top construction experts!

Qian Jin carefully perused every page of the drawings, every instruction, and every detail, his heart surging with indescribable excitement and pride.

This construction plan brings us one step closer to publication.

The nation's top architectural experts have reviewed and revised it, and even gave it a very high rating!

On Saturday morning, Qian Jin went to the construction site to check on the situation.

Only special units have this time off; for the vast majority of office workers, today is a normal workday.

Therefore, the construction site is scheduled to start work at seven o'clock.

If it's Sunday, the start time will be delayed by an hour and a half, giving the workers time to sleep in on the weekend.

Taishan Road is currently undergoing upgrades and renovations. After a month and a half of work since the Lunar New Year, the renovations for private buildings are almost complete. Meanwhile, upgrades are being carried out on community and street public toilets and canteens along Taishan Road.

When Qian entered the construction site, Wang Xiaoyi, the editor in charge of the first squadron, was discussing the construction procedures with planner Zhao and electrical engineer Sun on the street they were responsible for.
"This squatting stall needs a partition door, non-slip floor tiles, and a 1.2-meter-high tiled wainscoting on the walls..."

"For non-slip floor tiles, use blue bricks. The blue bricks fired in those two brick kilns in Anguo County are quite good. Their soil is good, and the bricks they fire look high-end, making them the most suitable for paving the floor..."

"We need to add accessible toilets here, and install handrails on both sides so that it will be easier for the elderly or disabled to squat down and stand up..."

"We definitely need to improve the ventilation. Can you run an electrical cord over here, Mr. Sun? If so, we can install an exhaust fan. Otherwise, we'll stick to the old method of opening the high windows..."

Upon seeing Qian Jin arrive, Wang Xiaoyi whistled: "Director Qian, is Teacher Wei about to give birth? Why are you still at the construction site?"

Qian Jin laughed and said, "It will probably be next month. It's her giving birth, not mine. As the chief commander of the work group, I definitely have to go to the construction site to check on the progress."

"So, how difficult is the construction here?"

In late March, as the weather began to warm up, the workers changed out of their winter cotton-padded clothes and into spring and autumn work clothes, working up a sweat and their faces flushed.

Wang Xiaoyi nodded: "No problem. Engineer Sun came over today to direct us on improving the lighting. Um, the water-saving flush tank has been installed. Would you like to take a look?"

This water-saving flushing tank was also Qian Jin's idea, which is the foot-operated flushing tank that became very common in later generations.

The water tank is installed at a high position to provide pressure, and you can flush it once you step on it.

Qian Jin looked at the chaotic construction site and said, "Leaving aside these unfinished toilets, are there any public toilets in our neighborhood that have been completed and put into use? I'll go take a look."

Wang Xiaoyi said, "The public toilet in the No. 8 community just opened the day before yesterday. Why don't you go and take a look?"

Deputy Squadron Leader Niu Yuanchao persuaded, "Let's forget about the money. We've already put the public toilets into use and inspected them. There are no problems at all. The residents of the community are very happy. They bring us hot water every day and praise us whenever they see us."

He became somewhat smug as he spoke.

As a member of the labor commando team on Taishan Road, he used to be looked down upon by his neighbors because of his status.

Who would dare to look down on them now?

Finding a partner used to be a major problem for him; he's 28 this year, which is considered an older single man.

All his friends of the same age who have stable jobs are now blessed with both sons and daughters, but he's still single, which worries his parents terribly.

As a result, the Taishan Road Labor Commando Team has gained a good reputation in the past two years, and people have started introducing him to potential partners.

However, the labor commando team had a bad reputation throughout the city, so the people they introduced to him were all undesirable.

Until last December, the Labor Assault Team frequently appeared in newspapers, beginning to genuinely solve problems for the citizens.

Meanwhile, their treatment during the city-wide renovation of old, dilapidated, and dangerous buildings has become widely known throughout the city.

Last month, Niu Yuanchao was promoted to deputy squadron leader of the first squadron of the construction brigade, and he suddenly became popular.

Recently, his former elementary school teacher introduced him to a potential partner, who was also a female teacher at his elementary school.

This is a good offer. The two have almost finished discussing it, and it looks like he'll be able to settle down on his marriage soon.

Niu Yuanchao knew who he had to thank for getting a wife, so he strongly supported Qian Jin and couldn't bear to see him being humiliated in a public toilet.

Even though they've renovated the public toilets, they're still dirty places; they won't turn them into kitchens.

Qian Jin said nonchalantly, "How can you know the situation without seeing it on site?"

"From now on, all of you in leadership positions, remember this: if you need to go to the site, you must go in person. Here are eight words for you: Hearing is believing, seeing is believing!"

"You are still junior leaders now, but you will definitely become senior leaders who lead a team in the future. At that time, you are not allowed to blindly believe the reports of your subordinates. You must go to the scene yourself and see the problems!"

Although these words were meant as a lesson, they stirred the blood of Wang Xiaoyi, Niu Yuanchao, and others.

'He's still a junior leader now, but he'll definitely become a senior leader who leads a team on his own in the future...'

Oh my god.

High spirits!
With leaders and experts in tow, the money entered the No. 8 Old Community.

This public toilet was among the first batch of public buildings to be renovated because it was in the worst condition and was still a dry toilet...

On the way, Wang Xiaoyi explained to Qian Jin that the toilet was made of bricks, and there was a huge cesspool under the squatting pit. If it wasn't cleaned in time, it would stink up the place, and in winter, the excrement and urine would freeze and become even more difficult to clean.

Now, thanks to their renovation, although the toilets weren't completely demolished and rebuilt, they've undergone a major overhaul and are completely brand new.

The toilet walls remained unchanged, but a layer of cement was applied to the outside, while the inside was relaid with floor tiles and ceramic tiles.

Each toilet stall has an individual partition to protect privacy, but unfortunately, materials are currently scarce, so we can't install a door for each toilet; otherwise, it would be even better.

Qian Jin was very satisfied with the non-slip blue bricks paving the ground. He was looking for a slope towards the squatting toilet, but the slope was very small and you couldn't feel it.

But it makes the job easier for cleaners.

Now they just flush it with a hose every day, and the dirty water automatically flows into the pit, making their work very easy.

When Qian went in, there were several teenagers using the toilet. When they saw a group of adults suddenly enter, they were so frightened that they pulled up their pants and ran away.

Wang Xiaoyi chuckled: "Hey, you haven't wiped your butt yet!"

Qian Jin asked, "The septic tank is unusable, what's going on?"

Niu Yuanchao said, "It's Professor Li's three-compartment septic tank. The ground was dug again, built with red bricks, and coated with waterproof mortar. It was also compacted with a mixture of lime, sand, and clay. It's absolutely safe."

"In addition, a 250mm diameter cement pipe was pre-buried below, connecting to the sewage pipe over there, which will eventually lead to the secondary septic tank..."

As he spoke, he pointed southeast.

Qian Jin nodded.

A raised water tank was installed in one corner of the toilet, which regularly flushes the urinals, greatly improving hygiene conditions.

At first glance, he couldn't help but nod in approval:

The inside of the toilet is better than the outside.

The walls were covered with waist-high white tile wainscoting, the floor was paved with non-slip blue bricks, and the handrails of the accessible toilets gleamed with a metallic sheen. Everything was built according to the revised plan.

But the most important thing is the water tank.

Wang Xiaoyi pointed diagonally upwards to the brand-new metal water tank and said, "Mr. Qian, look, this is a new type of water-saving flushing tank that the relevant leaders of the municipal government specially introduced from Qidu City."

Qian Jin sized him up.

The water tank has a simple design, with a foot pedal connecting to the internal valve mechanism; it looks quite nice.

"Want to test the effect?" he gestured to the worker next to him.

The worker nodded and stepped on the pedal forcefully.

With a "whoosh," a stream of water poured down from the bottom of the tank, washing over the squat toilet.

The sound of the flowing water was quite loud.

The toilet stall contained the results of the few children who had been squatting there earlier.

The water flow washed over the tiled pit, leaving it spotless.

He was about to nod when he noticed that there was still some excrement stuck to one of the pits.

At this point, the water flow weakens significantly in the latter half, making it impossible to completely flush the water into the drain, leaving a large portion outside.

"Hmm?" Qian Jin frowned slightly and made the worker step on it again.

The result remained the same: the water flow was strong at the beginning but lacked momentum later, and the flushing effect on the sludge at the bottom of the pool was not ideal.

Niu Yuanchao was dumbfounded: "Hey, this kid must have a lot of dampness in his body. My mom said that people with a lot of dampness have stools like this."

Qian Jin shook his head: "They said the impact force is insufficient, especially against the sediment at the bottom of the pool, where it lacks the ability to impact it."

"This flushing method definitely won't clean properly. Dirt will easily remain, and over time there will still be odors and hygiene problems."

Wang Xiaoyi, Zhao Gong, Sun Gong, and others looked at each other. They had also felt that the impact force seemed a little lacking during their previous tests, but they thought it was already very good.

We can't have too high expectations.

Mr. Sun adjusted his glasses and said, "Mr. Qian, as far as I know, this is the best design we can find that meets the current conditions."

"Water pressure, water tank capacity, and valve structure all limit the impact force. Increasing the water tank size or water pressure would increase the cost and technical difficulty."

Qian Jin didn't speak, but circled the water tank again, gently tapping the cold metal casing with his fingers.

The efficient and powerful flush toilets he had seen in his previous life flashed through his mind.

Okay, then don't bother thinking about it.

I'd better go back to the online store and buy a book, see if I can find a professional book that introduces the development of flush tank technology.

Having seen the problems, there was no need to stay inside any longer. He waved his hand and said, "Let's go, there's still room for improvement in this design."

"We can't just save water; we also have to ensure the flushing effect. Otherwise, we'll be putting the cart before the horse. If it's inconvenient for ordinary people to use, they won't want to use it, or they'll have to flush it themselves after use, then the significance of this renovation will be greatly diminished."

He raised his head, his gaze firm: "Give me some time, let me see if there's a better solution."

Wang Xiaoyi and the others were immediately filled with respect.

Mr. Qian always leads by example, and despite his high position, he never becomes detached from the people.

Qian Jin isn't putting on airs or creating a persona; he keeps his word.

We quickly inspected dozens of construction sites that day, and the biggest problem was with the flush tanks.

In fact, their main challenge in building projects now lies in city-wide planning and looking to the future.

At a micro level, this refers to the construction of kitchens and toilets in people's homes, and the repair and upgrading of public kitchens and toilets.

Hard work pays off.

In a book titled "Control and Design of High-Pressure Water Tanks," he found several articles about new water-saving flushing valves.

He looked through it carefully and found a foot valve that could utilize the lever principle and a special rubber piston design, as well as a ceramic valve core design with a preliminary siphon auxiliary structure.

The combination of these two designs can greatly enhance the flushing pressure of the water tank.

They can generate stronger instantaneous scouring force by optimizing the water flow path and releasing pressure instantly, even with limited water volume and pressure.

Based on Qian Jin's understanding of the current level of industrial technology, both of these designs can be applied.

The article is very detailed, and includes detailed drawings, so the core ideas and key structural features are clearly outlined.

This gave him great joy, and he immediately copied and drew the relevant content.

Back at No. 037 Kunlunshan Road, he went straight to the expert's office and found Chief Engineer Zhang Zhenhua and water supply and drainage expert Engineer Wang, who were studying the blueprints.

"Mr. Zhang, Engineer Wang, take a look at this." Qian Jin spread the documents out on the table, pointing to the key paragraphs and diagrams.

Zhang Zhenhua put on his glasses and smiled, "Mr. Qian, what good stuff have you found this time?"

The more he learned about Qian Jin, the more he admired the young man.

A person who acts fairly and is wholeheartedly devoted to the people has an absolutely limitless future!
Qian Jin recounted his observations of the results of his visit to the front lines that day, and then introduced the contents of his handwritten notes:
"I consulted some friends abroad and asked them to find me the advanced designs of high-pressure water tanks from overseas. They sent me a fax, and I translated and drew it out. What do you think of this design?"

As was his habit, Engineer Wang frowned as he studied the diagram. He ran his finger across the core structure diagram and couldn't help but nod in approval.
"Yes, foreign technology is still advanced. This design uses leverage to amplify the pedal force, and with the specially shaped rubber piston and valve core, it can significantly improve the instantaneous flushing pressure and flushing effect without increasing the water tank capacity and water pressure."

"And this, it's a preliminary siphon-assisted structure that can more effectively remove waste..."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but slap the table: "This design is brilliant! Small changes can have a big impact. My mind is too rigid; how could I not have thought of this?"

"Chief Engineer Zhang, look at the design of that lever and piston, it's brilliant!"

Chief Engineer Zhang, a discerning person, nodded and said, "The core principle is very simple: it efficiently converts the mechanical force of the foot pedal into the impact force of the water flow. It is indeed much stronger than the simple valves we use now!"

"The idea of ​​siphon-assisted flushing is also very good. Although it is only in its initial application, the direction is right. If we hand it over to the relevant factories, the flushing tanks produced in our country will definitely be able to make further technological progress."

Qian Jin said, "I think this is very valuable; it's a design plan that can guide production."

“But Chief Engineer Zhang, Engineer Wang, you and I know our factory’s production capacity. I can’t guarantee that this product can be produced domestically.”

"Therefore, I think the best approach is for us to combine this idea with our own practical situation, such as materials and processing precision, to design a new type of foot-operated flushing tank that is suitable for our national conditions and truly easy to use."

"Now that the two core components, the valve core and the piston, are complete, I think the design process shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

Zhang Zhenhua pondered for a moment and said, "It's not difficult at all. I have students who are now structural experts and electrical engineers. I can have them find a mechanical expert to come and work together to solve the problem. There won't be any problem."

The old man was full of fighting spirit and immediately made a phone call to call for reinforcements.

For the next 24 hours, the expert's office remained brightly lit, filled with incessant discussion:
"The lever ratio could be optimized further. Would it be better to lengthen the lever arm? Hmm, let's try it. Theoretically speaking, the lever arm should be longer." "The shape of the rubber piston is not ideal; I suggest making it conical. This would improve the sealing and pressure release."

"The valve core is made of ceramic material. We have a ceramic factory in our coastal area. Could we cooperate? I'll make a call and ask..."

Amidst the heated and professional discussions, Zhang Zhenhua led his team to quickly develop a design scheme for a new type of high-pressure water tank, based on the ideas and detailed text and diagrams provided by Qian Jin, combined with the existing domestic materials and processing technology.

On Sunday, a design scheme for a new type of high-efficiency foot-operated flushing tank that balances performance and cost was developed.

The plan includes detailed structural diagrams, a parts list, material requirements, key processing techniques, and performance expectations.

According to estimates, the overall impact force of this new water tank is 80% higher than that of the old model flush tank, and the instantaneous impact force is 200% higher!

With the plan in place, the next step is to find someone to manufacture it.

This is simple. He wants to call Han Zhaoxin and ask him to find the relevant factory leaders to talk to.

This is a good thing, and it's not really a bother to Han Zhaoxin, so making this call is perfectly reasonable.

As luck would have it, Yang Dagang came looking for him.

The ammonia synthesis tower imported from BASF by Haibin Fertilizer Plant has been completed.

They essentially rebuilt a synthesis tower and production workshop, so there were construction experts, construction machinery, and engineering vehicles.

Yang Dagang came to him wanting to lend him the expert team and various machines.

Upon learning that Qian Jin's construction team was about to launch an old city renovation project, he wanted to help, so he rushed the construction schedule and used his connections to delay the withdrawal of the experts dispatched by the relevant departments.

This meant he had extra time to use the expert team and construction machinery, which he then handed over to Qian Jin.

This is a huge favor.

Because the fertilizer plant was built by a professional construction team, they had all kinds of construction vehicles, including excavators, bulldozers, cranes, loaders, and other related machinery and equipment.

Qian Jin was very grateful for Yang Dagang's help. He asked Yang Dagang to wait a moment, saying that he needed to make an urgent call to Han Zhaoxin first.

Yang Dagang asked him what he was doing, and Qian Jin reported the situation truthfully.

Upon hearing this, Yang Dagang slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Hey, you don't need to trouble President Han with this. I'll find someone to handle it for you."

"It's just manufacturing flush tanks, right? Our city's No. 1 Machinery Factory will definitely have no problem with that!"

Qian Jin also wanted to contact the First Machinery Factory, but this factory had just been converted from military to civilian use during the reform and opening up period, so ordinary people couldn't get a word in edgewise. Therefore, he wanted Han Zhaoxin to make connections.

As it turned out, Yang Dagang had connections.

He gave Qian Jin the design plan, drove up to the First Machinery Factory in a hurry, and went straight to the factory director's office.

The atmosphere of a military factory still lingers throughout the First Machinery Plant, with soldiers armed to the teeth standing guard outside the gates.

Qian Jin thought they were militiamen, but when their car stopped for inspection, he realized they were real soldiers.

The inspection was very strict, but Yang Dagang must come often, so the soldiers sped up the inspection and quickly let him through.

Inside the gate is a screen wall with a line of large red characters: "Youthful Spirit, Dedication to the Nation".

Later, there were also signs with slogans such as "Prepare for war and famine for the people".

The car stopped at the outer wall of the workshop. Qian Jin got out of the car and unexpectedly kicked a scattered brass bullet casing.

He picked it up and showed it to Yang Dagang, who casually said, "Oh, these are cartridge cases from last year's Type 54 pistol. Production just stopped last year."

Qian Jin said, "No, what I mean is, how come there are bullet casings here?"

Yang Dagang was unsurprised: "The workers were using it as a gasket; it probably fell out."

The outer wall of the workshop still bears the arrows indicating air raid shelters painted in red. Both the workshop and the warehouse use iron doors, some of which have the word "Top Secret" stamped on them.

Old Yang kicked the iron box by the roadside and laughed, "Last year, no, 79 was the year before last, wasn't it? The year before last, there were anti-aircraft gun parts piled up here, now they've all been converted into sewing machine heads."

The loudspeaker on the utility pole played music, first "The Three Main Rules of Discipline and the Eight Points for Attention," then "Young Friends, Let's Meet Again."

The office building is clean and simple.

The factory manager's office was on the first floor. Yang Dagang and Qian Jin rushed in, but no one was inside.

Qian Jin said timidly, "Shouldn't we knock on the door first? I think the military atmosphere in this factory is quite strong."

"Nonsense, why would I need to go through all this trouble with Pan Hu Zi? Brother Qian, don't worry, Pan Hu Zi and I have a life-or-death bond. In 1960, I saved his life on the frontier, and in 1969, when I was fighting the Russians in the north, he saved my life again." Yang Dagang laughed heartily.

There's an enamel mug on the desk with the words "Gift to the most beloved person" written on it.

The jar was old, but it was filled with fresh tea.

Yang Dagang didn't stand on ceremony. He picked up the tea, took a sip, and spat the tea stalks on the ground: "Pah! That Pan Hu Zi is drinking new tea leaves. I'm going to criticize him later. This guy is trying to get special treatment."

The secretary from next door, who had come upon hearing the news, smiled wryly at the door.

I didn't dare to say much throughout the whole process.

Yang Dagang asked, "Xiao Jing, where is your factory manager, Pan?"

The secretary smiled and said, "He's checking on the gear hobbing machine in Workshop Two. Would you two please wait a moment? I'll go report to him right away..."

"What's there to report? Let's go, I'll take my little brother there directly," Yang Dagang said casually.

The secretary immediately led the way.

The workshop was filled with the harsh sound of metal scraping against metal; one had to speak loudly to get a word in edgewise.

Pan Hu Zi's full name is Pan Xing Zhi. He has a naturally loud voice; you can hear him scolding people as soon as you enter the workshop.
"...Efficiency! How many times have I emphasized that efficiency is important? Look at you guys, what the hell are you producing? Huh? You're going to send this piece of crap to the bicycle factory? They'll piss in our faces the moment they get it..."

"If anyone dares to piss in your face, you can bite their piss!" Yang Dagang laughed heartily.

A burly officer turned around.

No wonder his nickname is Pan the Beard; he does indeed have a full beard—not a long mustache, but a thick, bushy beard that makes him look very imposing.

When he saw Yang Dagang, the anger on his face turned into a smile: "I'm lecturing someone, what are you doing, interrupting me?"

"Besides, what if someone sends a female comrade to pee in your face? What would you bite then?"

Qian Jin was stunned.

Are you driving?

Then I'm not sleepy anymore.

Yang Dagang laughed loudly: "Do you think everyone is as shameless as you? Would a woman do such a thing?"

He pushed the money forward two steps: "Your little brother..."

"Oh, this must be Qian Jin?" Pan Huzi recognized Qian Jin at a glance, and solemnly tugged at his military uniform as he came up to shake hands with Qian Jin.

Qian Jin was very polite to him.

He had no dealings with Pan Hu Zi.

Although the First Machinery Plant has been converted to civilian use, it still retains many characteristics of a military factory.

Take the leadership system as an example. Pan Huzi is still an active-duty military officer. He is a division-level cadre!
Now that the PLA's rank system has been abolished, Qian Jin doesn't quite understand the meaning of this organizational structure.

Anyway, the First Machinery Factory was very powerful, and Pan Huzi, as the factory director, must have been very powerful as well.

He shook hands with Qian Jin warmly, praising him highly: "You are a remarkable person, Lao Qian."

The first thing Qian Jin said was that he was getting old.

But he understood that this meant Pan Huzi thought highly of him, placing him on the same level as himself and Yang Dagang:
“I’ve been following everything you’ve done. To be honest, it was that old goat who forced me to follow you. He’s been praising you to the skies.”

"How could he bear to bring you here today? Let me tell you, several times before, I asked him to invite you over for drinks, but he refused..."

"You're a drunkard." Yang Dagang rolled his eyes. "Brother Qian only drinks when he's socializing; he doesn't like to drink at other times. Do you think I don't know that?"

"If I bring him to your drinking party, you'll definitely get Brother Qian completely drunk."

"Bullshit, slander! At most, I'll make him throw up, and that'll be the end of it," Pan Huzi laughed.

Several workers are using a forklift to load and unload the washing machine casing.

Pan Hu Zi saw it and immediately shouted, "You bunch of bastards, handle this thing with care! This isn't a cannon barrel, you have to protect it carefully!"

The leading veteran military engineer muttered, "Back in the day, when we were building cannons for the front lines, we didn't have to be so particular..."

Yang Dagang asked Qian Jin, "Do you have a washing machine at home? Can you ask Pan Huzi to get you one?"

The First Machinery Factory was producing washing machines under a brand Qian Jin had never seen before: Golden Anchor.

The washing machine is bright blue all over, and the plastic shell gives it a rough and cheap feel.

Outside the workshop, in front of the blackboard, young people were making a blackboard newspaper with a colorful chalk drawing of a washing machine advertisement. The promoter was making the four characters "Military-grade Quality" thicker.

Qian Jin really wanted to study the technical aspects of this washing machine, but he figured it was definitely not feasible.

But the First Machinery Plant was still a semi-military factory after all, and he didn't know if it was appropriate to do this. After all, he had just met Pan Huzi, so he suppressed his desire and decided to study it later.

He can help Pan Hu Zi.

The three returned to the office, and Qian Jin explained the purpose of their visit:

"We are upgrading the toilets during the old city renovation project and need a batch of high-performance flush tanks. This is our design plan. We would like to see if your factory or any manufacturers you know, such as Factory Director Pan, can make it?"

"What do you mean 'expensive factory' or 'cheap factory'? What do you mean 'you'? Just call him Brother Pan!" Yang Dagang said casually.

Pan Hu nodded: "Yes, just call me brother."

He took the stack of blueprints, initially somewhat dismissive.

But as he opened the plan and saw the detailed structural diagrams and performance parameters, his brows furrowed and his eyes became more focused.

Although he was not a mechanical engineering expert, he had been in contact with machinery since his demobilization. As a senior manager in a major military factory, he still had a basic understanding of the field.

After looking through it once, he looked at Qian Jin in surprise: "Brother, where did this design come from? It's a good thing. The ceramic valve on it is even more exquisite than some of the valves our factory used to make for the army. It's very high-level."

Qian Jin briefly explained his background, and concluded by saying:

"Experts have verified that it's theoretically sound; all that's left is to produce it and verify it."

Yang Dagang said, "Old Pan, I know your factory has a strong technical foundation, with complete capabilities in turning, milling, planing, and welding. Your experienced craftsmen are also very skilled. Can you do it?"

“Your factory has revenue targets now. I’ve brought you something good; you have to seize the opportunity.”

Qian Jin finally voiced a question that had been weighing on his mind: "The First Machinery Plant can't just produce things arbitrarily, can it? Shouldn't it require strict approval?"

Pan Huzi said, "Yes, the main products require strict approval, but factories that convert military to civilian use are prone to problems. The higher-ups have given us some preferential conditions, including the ability to choose to produce some materials that are currently in short supply on the market."

"I chose the washing machine; this thing will definitely sell in the future."

Qian Jin nodded.

Pan Huzi was able to become the head of the First Machinery Factory, which shows he had some unique qualities; he had a very keen eye for talent.

Electrical appliances were the hottest trend in the 1980s.

But he felt that the First Machinery Factory might not be able to catch it.

Civilian electrical appliances are different from military products; they have very high requirements for practicality and applicability.

Of course, with him now, the First Machinery Plant will definitely be able to develop smoothly and continuously in the future.

Yang Dagang asked him again, "Is your factory any good?"

Pan Hu put down the blueprints and picked up the phone: "Call Old Zhou, the head of the technical department!"

A short while later, a technical supervisor dressed in military green overalls rushed in.

Pan Hu handed him the plan:
"Take a look at this quickly, it's a foot-operated flush tank for water supply and drainage. See if our factory can accept it. I think the technology is very advanced. If we can accept it, the products produced by our factory will definitely be popular in the future."

Section Chief Zhou reacted similarly to him, becoming more and more serious the more he looked.

He examined the drawing much more carefully than Pan Huzi, his fingers tracing rapid lines across the paper as he muttered to himself: "Lever ratio... rubber piston taper... ceramic valve core sealing surface..."

"Impressive, this design concept is truly brilliant. Hmm, this thing can greatly enhance the water hammer effect. Compared to this, the water tanks on the market are far inferior."

He finally raised his head, and while pondering, said, "Reporting to the commander, our factory has no problem producing this water tank, but there are some difficulties."

"The main problem is that the ceramic valve core has high precision requirements, so we need to find a ceramic factory to prepare for production."

"There are also requirements for the wear resistance of rubber pistons..." Qian Jin explained.

Old Zhou smiled and said, "No problem with that, it's no big deal."

Qian Jin asked, "What about the cost issue?"

Pan Huzi said, "We have precision lathes, so we can process the parts ourselves."

“I have acquaintances at the ceramics factory who can customize valve core blanks and then perform fine processing, so it shouldn’t be a big problem.”

"Rubber parts are simple, and we can make them with our own factories. As for the cost, well, it will be higher in the early stages because of mold making and trial production, but the cost will definitely come down after mass production."

Qian Jin felt reassured and asked, "Then..."

Pan Huzi waved his hand and said, "Let's do it! Our factory will take this job. It will not only support the city's key livelihood projects, but also enhance the factory's technical capabilities and enable us to produce competitive new products. It's a win-win situation!"

He paused, looked at Qian Jin, and his attitude became sincere: "Director Qian, I understand the significance of your coming to see me. Anyone with eyes can see that this design plan is worth a fortune."

"We will remember your kindness in producing for us free of charge!"

Everyone present was intelligent, so Qian Jin didn't need to say much.

But Yang Dagang considered himself Qian Jin's elder brother, and as the middleman in this matter, he had to say some things beforehand:

"Director Pan, we have to admit our differences, so I trust you, and Director Qian will definitely trust you too. But there are some things you should explain in advance, right? Director Qian is very busy and under a lot of pressure!"

Pan Hu Zi immediately said, "In that case, I'll make a statement on behalf of the factory."

"First, we will immediately organize a technical task force to prioritize this project and strive to produce qualified samples within a week and achieve mass production capacity within a month!"
"Secondly, all water tanks supplied to the 'Affordable Housing Upgrade' project will be settled at cost price!"

"Third, we will submit a report to our superiors to apply for special subsidies to further reduce costs and fully guarantee your project needs!"

"Great, then it's a deal!" Qian Jin gripped Pan Hu Zi's hand tightly, a weight finally lifted from his heart.

The technology brought him tangible price advantages and priority guarantees, which was exactly what he needed.

This kind of thing should be handled by our own people; otherwise, it would be a waste of this technology.

After all, there is no property rights protection law at present, or even the concept of property rights!

(End of this chapter)