Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 280 Connecting the Electric Wire

We can't let Wang Yong keep shirking his responsibilities like this!

Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng's eyes suddenly turned stern, and he said:

“I can help you with some small favors in the early stages, but once Dapeng Sugar Factory is on track, you can stop bothering me with these things.”

"I'll help you if you agree to my conditions; otherwise, there's no point in discussing it."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Wang Yong's eyes practically overflowed with joy.

He didn't actually have high expectations for Wang Chengpeng. After all, no one is perfect, and Wang Chengpeng couldn't possibly be proficient in everything. He was just trying anything as a last resort.

Unexpectedly, Wang Chengpeng actually had a way to help him with this extremely unreasonable request, and immediately exclaimed in surprise:
"Yes, I promise you."

"Master, do I look like that kind of person?"

"Dapeng Sugar Factory has been open for so long, and apart from extremely important matters, when have I ever bothered you, the supreme factory director?"

This factory director is not going to get through.
Wang Chengpeng was somewhat speechless, but ultimately decided to continue helping Wang Yong out of consideration for the equipment cost of Yidiandian.

After all, his parents also worked in the factory, so the factory's closure wouldn't benefit him much.

Moreover, Wang Yong still owes me three management positions, and I'm waiting for the factory to develop further before I can fulfill those obligations.

It's like an investment; to ensure he doesn't lose everything, Wang Chengpeng has no choice but to keep betting.

Thinking this, he asked, "Do you have any paper and pen here?"

Paper and pen?

When Wang Chengpeng asked him that, Wang Yong was a little stunned and said, "Paper and pen? I do have some in my office."

"Master, I'll get it for you right away if you need it."

A moment later, Wang Yong came over with two pens and three notebooks and placed them in front of Wang Chengpeng.

Sighing, Wang Chengpeng felt that his apprentice seemed a bit slow to grasp things, and continued to remind him:

"I need bigger paper, the bigger the better."

"If it's too small, you might not be able to understand the drawings I make."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Wang Yong felt as if he were surrounded by happiness. He quickly searched around the office and soon found a relatively large piece of paper.

This was something he had originally saved for practicing calligraphy, but he had been too busy to use it until now, and he never expected it to come in handy at this time.

Under Wang Yong's watchful gaze, Wang Chengpeng did not hesitate at all, picked up a pencil and began to sketch on the paper.

Wang Chengpeng wrote extremely quickly, as if he wasn't designing, but simply sketching out something already etched in his mind.

With each stroke, the basic outline of a machine was quickly drawn.

After detailed part drawing and filling, the machine can be assembled according to the drawings, which can greatly improve the factory's efficiency.

Seeing the basic shape of the final product, Wang Yong was even more shocked than before.

Last time, Wang Chengpeng gave him the drawings directly, and he only looked at the last part of the drawing process, which was the parameters that Wang Chengpeng added.

Therefore, in his understanding, this drawing was probably the result of Wang Chengpeng's preparations and efforts over several months.

I just happened to be there and took away the fruits of the other party's hard work over several months.

And what does he see now?
Without a second thought, Wang Chengpeng began sketching out the design of the new machine right in front of him.

His effortless demeanor made it hard to believe he was setting up a sophisticated instrument; it looked more like a casual doodle.

The creative process lasted a full half hour before Wang Chengpeng finally put down his pen for the last time.

Wang Chengpeng sighed, a hint of weariness flashing in his eyes:
"Fortunately, this machine is simple, otherwise I'm afraid it would take a while to figure it out."

"This is all I'm capable of. If you think this machine isn't suitable, then you'll have to find someone else."

Suitable, very suitable!

Wang Yong almost jumped up excitedly and said:

"Master, it has to be you."

“I’ve seen the machine you designed; it’s much better than those machines that sell for several thousand dollars over there.”

"The cost is so low, yet they sell it for such a high price. Those people are really ripping people off!"

Listening to Wang Yong's complaints, Wang Chengpeng's face showed a hint of helplessness:
“Wang Yong, there’s something wrong with your thinking.”

"Behind every machine that comes into existence lies the sweat and toil of countless people."

"Don't be fooled by the simplicity of some machines; they may have gone through thousands of failures before they were invented."

"Moreover, knowledge is priceless."

“Every perfect machine is a collection of countless pieces of knowledge. Without that much knowledge and the ability to integrate it, you might not be able to build it.”

"Do you think those people who buy machines are fools? If they didn't know that the cost of buying them directly is lower than the cost of developing them, why would they willingly spend the money to buy them?"

"If these machines didn't have a matching price, they wouldn't still be selling today; they would have been obsolete long ago."

After being thoroughly lectured by Wang Chengpeng, Wang Yong lowered his head and admitted his mistake.

"Master, I'm sorry, my thinking was too narrow."

"It's only because the master craftsman is so skilled that he was able to design these machines."

"If it were anyone else, they would probably have no choice but to accept the exorbitant price."

"Master, don't worry, your hard work will not be in vain."

"Once the sugar mill starts making money, I will settle accounts with you for all of these equipment at their fair price."

Although Wang Yong was bowing his head and admitting his mistake, he really wanted to complain.

If Wang Chengpeng hadn't made him feel that designing a machine was simple, he wouldn't have had such an absurd illusion.

Thinking this through, Wang Yong continued:
"I will hurry up and order parts from the factory, and arrange for the village blacksmith to produce some special parts that need to be made according to the drawings."

"Master, don't worry, once the sugar factory produces the packaged sugar, I will get you a bag of the highest quality to try as soon as possible."

Wang Chengpeng let out a big yawn, his eyes revealing undisguised exhaustion.

"You can handle these small things yourself; there's no need for me to make decisions for you."

"Let me taste the first batch of white sugar you're preparing to sell. It would be good for me to see what kind of fruit my sugar factory, which I've poured so much effort into, can produce."

As soon as Wang Chengpeng said those words, Wang Yong's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a heavy weight pressing down on his shoulders.

How could he possibly disappoint his master's expectations?
In an instant, a surge of intense heat welled up from the bottom of my heart.

Wang Yong thought to himself, "My master is supporting me so wholeheartedly. If I can't manage this sugar factory well, how can I face anyone in the future?"

It would be better to find a block of tofu, smash your head against it, pack your bags, and resign voluntarily, so as to save the master and everyone else from worrying.

Thinking this, Wang Yong clenched his fist and made a promise:
"Master, don't worry, I definitely won't let you down."

"By the way, regarding the power lines, I've already laid them along the road, and even made a small detour around your house."

"I probably can't do something like moving the power lines to your house. After all, there are so many people in the village watching, and you don't want to expose your contribution, which will inevitably cause gossip."

"In a while, the factory will also install telephone lines. If your family also needs to get one installed, we can do it together on the way."

Wire? Telephone?
Wang Chengpeng nodded in satisfaction and praised, "Wang Yong, you've finally done something worthwhile."

"Could you contact the power company for me and ask them to run an electric wire to my house and install an electricity meter?"

"Don't worry, I'll pay for it myself. My family isn't so poor that we have to take advantage of the village."

"Ideally, the line could be brought over by tomorrow morning, so I can have electricity for once." Putting aside the equipment that is about to be monetized, the three thousand yuan in repair fees that Wang Chengpeng just received is more than enough to install a power line.

Once the power lines were in place, lights, fans, and even a black-and-white television could be installed, and Wang Chengpeng's family was among the first to enjoy a prosperous life.

Especially electric lights, these seemingly insignificant appliances are actually quite important and are key to protecting your eyes.

Many people in this era worked late into the night by oil lamp, going blind at a young age.

The reason for asking Wang Yong to help make the contact was naturally to improve efficiency.

Individual applications for matchmaking and village applications for matchmaking are two completely different things.

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's instructions, Wang Yong quickly nodded in agreement, saying:

“It’s rare for my master to give me instructions, so as his apprentice, I must carry them out 100%.”

"The factory's wiring isn't finished yet, and some workers are coming tomorrow. I'll have them go and fix your wiring and meter first."

After hesitating for a moment, Wang Yong made another request:
"Master, I have one last small request for your help."

"It's a small request, really just a small request."

"Didn't you teach me last time to build our own brand and leave a lasting impression on people?"

"I was thinking, I have to design an excellent logo that will catch people's eye."

"It's just that I'm not very good at drawing, and other people might not understand what I mean. I was thinking, why don't you help me design a logo?"

"With your skill level, Master, you could probably accomplish something that would be impossible for us in less than three minutes."

Wang Chengpeng: ...? ? ?
Has things gotten so outrageous that he has to design a trademark himself?
However, Wang Yong was right. For Wang Chengpeng, this kind of busyness was not even considered busy. He immediately added a few more strokes to the drawing, and in less than half a minute, a trademark design was completed.

The main body of the trademark is a roc spreading its wings and soaring high, symbolizing power, freedom and vision.

The wings of the roc are spread out, with smooth and dynamic lines, showing a strong enterprising spirit.

The feathers are exquisitely detailed and layered, conveying a sense of delicacy and quality.

Its beak is slightly open, as if calling for the future; its sharp eyes reveal determination and confidence.

The roc's head is slightly raised, its posture proud, symbolizing the company's continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation.

The overall design is simple and elegant, embodying the traditional Chinese concept of "a bright future," implying that the company has a promising future and unlimited potential.

Although it is just a simple sketch, this roc is extremely lifelike, as if it might leap off the paper at any moment and soar into the sky.

"Good! Great!"

Looking at the small trademark in front of him, Wang Yong couldn't help but exclaim in admiration:
"Master, don't worry, I will definitely make your Dapeng Sugar Factory a success."

Wang Chengpeng: ...? ? ?
He suddenly felt very tired. After drinking the tea on the table in one gulp, he said goodbye to Wang Yong and left first.

It was already pitch black by then. On the way back, a few shadowy figures flashed by occasionally, accompanied by a few cries that sounded eerie.

Fortunately, Wang Chengpeng was skilled and daring, and without the slightest fear, he rode his bicycle home under the cover of night.

From a great distance, Wang Chengpeng spotted a faint light, shining like a shooting star in the darkness.

Judging by the distance, Wang Chengpeng realized that the faint light was coming from his own home.

I suppose it was because my parents were worried that I wouldn't be able to see the road clearly at night, so they specially left an oil lamp on for me.

Moved, Wang Chengpeng rode his bike even faster.

As the lights gradually became clearer, he could see his own yard and two figures hidden behind the lights.

Pushing open the door and walking in, Wang Chengpeng indeed saw two familiar figures sitting in the courtyard, talking about something.

His eyes welled up with tears, and Wang Chengpeng immediately called out, "Dad, Mom, why aren't you asleep yet?"

Shaking the fan in her hand, Liu Chunhua smiled and said, "It's too hot, that's why I can't sleep."

"Son, you're finally back."

"There's a chilled watermelon in the well and hot water on the stove. Go take a bath, and you can eat the watermelon afterward."

"It's okay if the equipment isn't fixed. After all, it's not an easy job. Don't be discouraged."

"Tomorrow is Sunday, the sugar factory is closed. Go there again during the day, and maybe the equipment will be fixed."

"If it really can't be fixed, just return the money to Director Wang. We didn't touch a single penny; we've kept it all safe for him."

"Don't worry, I've already given your sister the 50 cents you gave her. You don't need to feel guilty."

Although it's the height of summer and the weather is hot, it's not hot enough to keep my parents up at night.

Wang Chengpeng knew his parents were deliberately waiting for him, but he didn't expose them. Instead, he went along with what they were saying and continued talking:

"Yes, it's so hot today. If only we had an electric fan."

“When I repaired small appliances for city dwellers before, I had some leftover parts, which should be enough to put together a few electric fans.”

"Once we get electricity, this electric fan will really come in handy!"

“Especially since my younger sister is young, she often wakes up from the heat, so she really needs an electric fan.”

After hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Wang Tieshan did not refute them, but instead said with some puzzlement:

"Son, are you out of your mind from the heat?"

"What's the use of having an electric fan? We don't have electricity at home."

"If you ask me, you should have sold them together with the others back then; you could have made more money that way."

Wang Chengpeng pointed his finger into the air, at the tall power lines, and said:
"Dad, we don't have electricity right now, but we'll have it soon, won't we?"

"Look, there are power lines right outside our door. We can easily run a power line back home without spending much money, and then the electric fan will be able to run!"

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's suggestion, Liu Chunhua directly refused:
"Why bother with electrical wires? We've managed all these years without electricity, haven't we?"

"It's alright if Meiyan gets hot. I'll just fan her more. We country kids aren't that delicate."

Wang Tieshan grunted and fanned himself even more vigorously with his palm-leaf fan, saying:

“My wife is right. There’s no need to run an electric wire. Why waste money on that?”

Having anticipated his family's reaction, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said, "That's not a waste of money, it's money that must be spent."

"Putting everything else aside, I've been reading a lot lately and my eyes are starting to feel blurry. I'm afraid I'm going to damage my eyes."

"If we could run an electric wire back and get some light bulbs, it would be much more convenient for our family to read and work."

"Tomorrow is Sunday, isn't it? If we tidy up the wiring, we can have electricity tonight. Wouldn't that be perfect?"

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng say that his eyes were uncomfortable, Liu Chunhua immediately became anxious and quickly changed her tune:

"This power line absolutely must be installed!"

"But two lights in your and Meiyan's room are enough; there's really no need for anything else."

Wang Tieshan nodded in agreement. They were used to hardship and always felt that they could just endure it and leave the good things to their children.

Sensing his parents' resistance, Wang Chengpeng thought to himself, "It's time to use my trump card." He immediately smiled and said:
"Mom, I fixed that equipment tonight, so we don't need to go tomorrow."

"That's three thousand yuan, enough for our family to use for electricity for decades."

"And that's not how it works. With electricity, we can also modify our radio to be plugged in."

"Not only will we not need to buy batteries then, but we can also use them freely, which will actually save us a lot of money."

"What if we need to buy some appliances later, and they can't be used without electricity? Wouldn't that be a waste?"

(End of this chapter)