The Fiery Era: Becoming an Industrial Giant

Chapter 119 They've Found Our Home [Please Subscribe]

"Alright, you all bear witness that from now on, Comrade Zhou Zhiqiang has absolutely no relation to their family."

From any perspective, your Zhou family should not try to claim any connection with Comrade Zhou Zhiqiang.

Chen's father turned to the village chief and said to him, "Comrade Zhou Zhiqiang's household registration is not here, so I won't say more. Comrade Zhao, please issue a statement in the village to clarify this matter."

Don't tarnish Comrade Zhou Zhiqiang's reputation. Hmph, your family has already made enough money; you've even taken the township's reward for college graduates!

When Chen's father said this, he glared at Zhou Yongliang and Zhou Liumu's family. It was an honor for Sanhe Township and Changping County that a college student had come from the township.

The government will definitely issue some rewards, but these rewards will certainly not reach Comrade Zhou Zhiqiang.

Moreover, there are the things that Zhou Zhiqiang's biological mother brought with her. Now that Chen's father has become the deputy leader of the light industry, he can't save up those things.

It should be noted that Yu Zhongguo had abducted the daughter of a big boss, who was also a college student with patriotic sentiments towards Shaanxi and Yan'an.

As Chen's father announced his decision, he kept a close eye on Yu Zhongguo, fearing that his comrade-in-arms might act impulsively and pull out a gun to shoot the whole family.

"That's how it's going to be. Mayor Lin, could you please stay and help Comrade Zhao with this? Comrade Yu Zhongguo and I will head back now."

While pulling Yu Zhongguo along, Chen's father said to Mayor Lin, "I'm sorry to trouble you with this matter."

They should be sentenced if they deserve it. Even if the crimes were committed before the founding of the People's Republic of China, they weren't exempt from punishment after the founding of the PRC. These people are bad elements!

Mayor Lin quickly replied, "No trouble at all, it's our duty."

Today he witnessed a 'dramatic' event. He had always found it strange that the Zhou family was so harsh on their most outstanding son.

It turns out that they are not biological children.

Pooh!
It's disgusting. They robbed someone's child and their life-saving money, indirectly causing a death.

Upon hearing these words, Zhou Yongliang and Tian Daniu's bodies went limp. Then, Tian Daniu, realizing what had happened, screamed and lunged at Chen's father.

"Boss, boss, didn't you say we'd be lenient if we confessed? Boss, you can't go back on your word! Please let us go! Waaah!"

Tian Danu didn't even get close to Chen's father before the police station chief pinned her down.

Chen's father said with disgust, "I only agreed to be lenient with you, which is why I had Mayor Lin hold the approval meeting. Otherwise, I would have shot you dead!"

Although his younger siblings were injured, they had money and were able to get to town to see a doctor.

As a result, these beasts robbed money and children, leaving their injured siblings aside. They didn't kill anyone directly, but they still indirectly caused someone's death.

They also stole ten gold bars, nearly one hundred silver dollars, and some jewelry, all of which their younger siblings had prepared to bring to support Shaanxi Yan'an.

After announcing the decision, Chen's father immediately dragged Yu Zhongguo away from the Zhou family.

At first, they couldn't pull him out, but in the end, Chen's father asked the guards to help him pull, and they finally managed to get Yu Zhongguo out of the Zhou family's house.

After dragging him to the village entrance, Chen's father comforted him, saying, "Our country's system and laws will punish them. Their family won't have an easy time in the future. Don't worry about this anymore."

You have a wife and children now, and your missing eldest son has been found; are you stupid to fight two criminals now, risking heavy losses on both sides?

"I'm not reconciled! The plum blossoms have been destroyed because of these people!"

Yu Zhongguo started crying as he spoke; it was quite heartbreaking for a grown man to cry like that.

Mr. Chen waved for the guards to step back, and then began to comfort his old comrade-in-arms.

After a while of comforting him, Yu Zhongguo's mood improved slightly.

"That's all, Old Chen, I'm going back to Beijing to find Zhiqiang; Zhiqiang has a son? That's my eldest grandson, I have to go see him."

After recovering, Yu Zhongguo was eager to reunite with Zhou Zhiqiang and couldn't wait to do so.

As Chen's father walked, he said, "We won't get there until tonight by car, so you're bothering Zhou Zhiqiang so late at night."

"You should go home and talk to your wife about this first. I remember she knows about it. After you've calmed things down at home, then go find Zhou Zhiqiang. Besides, he's been busy lately."

Yu Zhongguo also heard some things about Zhou Zhiqiang from Chen's father, and immediately felt very proud, saying, "After all, he's my son, it's normal for him to have this ability."

Chen's father glanced at him but didn't say anything. He only allowed him to ride on his old comrade's neck for the next two days; once he recovered, he would see if he dared to be so arrogant again.

------

"We need to do this experiment twice, advancing it step by step. Only when everything is perfect can we proceed with the ten-meter-long weld. We can't be careless."

At the First Machinery Plant, Zhou Zhiqiang and Dong Zhengyu were keeping an eye on the progress while discussing the test plan.

Fortunately, they didn't have to handle some of the testing equipment and parts; they only needed to oversee the acceptance process, which allowed them some rest time.

They were really busy working non-stop before.

"Zhou, I feel that the experiment you designed has a high success rate. Many of the theories can withstand calculation and scrutiny. Moreover, Zhou, I heard that you also have a level eight technical skill?"

Dong Zhengyu took out a pack of cigarettes and gestured to Zhou Zhiqiang to go outside for a smoke and a break.

Zhou Zhiqiang waved his hand to refuse the cigarette, but still followed him out: "You can smoke it, I don't smoke or drink, and I don't like this."

"It's good not to use it. This stuff is refreshing, but it's a bit expensive. I've switched to budget-friendly brands now."

Zhou Zhiqiang laughed and said, "You, an eighth-level engineer, are playing the economic card? Engineer Dong, are you so afraid of your wife?"

Dong Zhengyu immediately explained, "There are many people in my family, so we need to use it sparingly."

He is the only one in his family of nine who earns a salary. Although the salary of an eighth-level engineer is not low, it is not enough to support such a large family.

Especially with three children all in school, the expenses are quite substantial.

“I’ve learned a lot from you, Engineer Zhou. I’ll take the Level 7 Engineer exam next year, which will ease the financial burden on my family.”

Zhou Zhiqiang nodded and said, "As long as it helps you, that's fine. Actually, I don't know how engineers are evaluated."
You all call me Engineer Zhou, which makes me feel a little unworthy. I was a level 13 technician before, and later I was promoted to head of the technical department for meritorious service. I've never actually taken an engineer's exam.

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhengyu looked surprised, then thought for a moment and said, "That's really rare, but they're all about the same. Your technical skills are much better than mine. I feel that none of the level 5 engineers in our research institute can explain electromechanical issues as clearly as you."

"But Mr. Zhou, is it true that you possess the skills of an eighth-grade worker?"

"That's true. I know a little about lathe and milling. I should be at least at the level of level eight. No workpiece at level eight can stump me."

Zhou Zhiqiang said with a smile, "Being able to read blueprints, understand and repair machines, master all the skills of lathe and fitter work, and finally have a steady hand. Isn't that what makes an eighth-grade worker?"

Many people can do the first three points, but get stuck on the last one: a steady hand. After listening, Dong Zhengyu exclaimed in surprise, "Zhou, you're really amazing! You're ten years younger than me, but your abilities are equivalent to four or five of mine!"

"Engineer Dong, Engineer Dong, you're too kind. I'm just a little more diligent."

Zhou Zhiqiang quickly said that, and then chatted with Dong Zhengyu about other things.

This is when they'll have a bit of an easier time, and the electroslag welding process experiment probably won't be possible before the new year.

With the Lunar New Year just over a month away, it's impossible to complete the equipment and process modifications in such a short time.

It's impossible to make workers work overtime during the Chinese New Year. Zhou Zhiqiang usually doesn't mind working overtime, but he would be a hundred times unwilling to work during the Chinese New Year.

If all goes well, we can conduct the first test after the New Year, and the second test in March or April. If there are no problems, we can try the final segmented welding of the column.

By the end of next year, their team must hand over the mature electroslag welding technology to the main research team, and then carry out the overall research and development and manufacturing of large hydraulic presses.
Just in time for the end of next year, Dafeng Agricultural Machinery Equipment Factory will also complete its foreign exchange earnings target. After Zhou Zhiqiang returns to the factory, he can also take charge of new research and development work.

"Section Chief Zhou."

A clerk from the First Machinery Plant suddenly ran over and, upon reaching Zhou Zhiqiang, hurriedly said, "A comrade named Miao Hong from the ministry called and said she needs to speak with you; it seems to be about your family."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang immediately turned to look at Dong Zhengyu; the latter understood immediately and quickly said, "Zhou, you go ahead, I'll keep an eye on things here."

"Okay, thank you for your help, Engineer Dong."

After Zhou Zhiqiang finished speaking, he followed the clerk from the First Machinery Factory and ran towards the factory office building.

Upon arriving at his office, Zhou Zhiqiang picked up the phone and asked, "Comrade Miao Hong, how is things at home?"

"Team Leader Zhou, don't worry, it's nothing serious. It's just that your wife contacted Dafeng Agricultural Machinery Equipment Factory, and then your factory contacted the Ministry."

It seems there was someone loitering near your house. Your wife encountered him when she returned home at noon, so she called the police.

After listening, Zhou Zhiqiang immediately said, "Okay, I understand. Thank you, Comrade Miao Hong."

After saying that, he hung up the phone, asked the clerk to pass on the message to Dong Zhengyu, and then went to find his bicycle.

After getting on his bicycle, Zhou Zhiqiang headed home.

It took Zhou Zhiqiang about half an hour to get home, and he pedaled his bicycle at almost the speed of a small jeep.

He's not tired, but he can keep pedaling for more than an hour before he gets tired.

As Zhou Zhiqiang opened the door and entered the house, he bumped into Mao Pingping, who was just about to leave.

When Mao Pingping saw Zhou Zhiqiang return, she quickly said, "Brother Zhou, your wife must have called you back. I think we've figured it out now; it was all a misunderstanding."
But you should ask your sister-in-law for details; she asked me to go buy some things.

Zhou Zhiqiang nodded and said, "Okay, thank you for your trouble, sister-in-law."

After finishing his sentence, Zhou Zhiqiang went to the backyard. After entering the main house, he saw his wife, Guo Yuting, talking to another middle-aged man.

"Zhiqiang, you're back."

When Guo Yuting saw Zhou Zhiqiang return, she quickly got up and went to his side to whisper, "He's the one Chen Li's father mentioned last time, the one who might be your father. Now that we've found out, he's come looking for you."

I mistook him for a thief, so I asked Pingping to call the police.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang immediately understood what was going on.

Moreover, looking at Yu Zhongguo's face, he realized it was indeed very similar to the original owner's; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were cut from the same mold.
"Zhiqiang".

Yu Zhongguo excitedly approached Zhou Zhiqiang, grabbed his arm, and said, "I am your father, Yu Zhongguo, your biological father. I've finally found you."

Zhou Zhiqiang took a slow breath and then said to Yu Zhongguo, "Please sit down, Comrade Yu. Let's talk slowly."

After persuading Yu Zhongguo to sit down, Zhou Zhiqiang thought for a moment and then asked, "Was it because Leader Chen saw me last time and thought I looked a lot like you, so he told you about it when he got back, which is why you came to see me today?"

"No, no, Old Chen sent someone to your township to find out the details from the elders in the township and village. After that, Old Chen and I went to Hongqi Village to send Zhou Yongliang and Tian Daniu to a public trial. Only then did we come to find you."

Yu Zhongguo still couldn't suppress his excitement and said, "I really am your father, and your mother is Zhou Hanmei, who also participated in the student movement back then."

He originally wanted to vote for the red ball with me, but her family stopped him.”

After listening, Zhou Zhiqiang immediately realized that the original owner's mother was quite capable, but unfortunately she suffered a man-made disaster.

If I can arrive in Shaanxi and Yan'an safely and smoothly, I might be able to secure a high position.

The room fell silent. After a minute or two, Zhou Zhiqiang finally spoke, asking, "How are those two from the Zhou family?"

"It's either a death sentence or thirty or forty years in prison, but it might be a job at a quarry. I didn't interfere."

After finishing his sentence, Yu Zhongguo quickly explained, "I'll call them as soon as I get back and try to get them shot."

Zhou Zhiqiang said, "No need, don't interfere. For them, quarrying stones might be harder to accept than dying."

"Okay, okay, I'll do whatever you say, child."

Yu Zhongguo quickly nodded in agreement, then asked, "Child, can you come back now? It wasn't that I didn't want to look for you, but the circumstances were just special."

“I know it was impossible to get to the vicinity of Beijing at that time; it was unrealistic. I don’t blame you.”

Zhou Zhiqiang sighed; he truly didn't know how to get along with this person.

The old man spoke to him cautiously and humbly, which made Zhou Zhiqiang hesitant to speak even slightly harshly, since he hadn't done anything wrong.

After a while, Zhou Zhiqiang asked, "How are you now? You should be married by now, right?"

"I am currently a military attaché stationed abroad, and I usually have to go abroad for several years at a time. This time I came back for leave and training because it was time for my leave. I may have to go abroad again in six months."
"I started a family after I came to Beijing, because I felt I should continue the family line."

When Yu Zhongguo explained his situation, he mostly focused on giving explanations, which made it even harder for Zhou Zhiqiang to say anything.

"Oh dear, a biological father suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He's a complete stranger to me. I don't know what to do or how to handle it."

Zhou Zhiqiang had no choice but to tell the truth. He felt that it was strange to normal people, and he felt the same way. It was like being with a stranger.

"I'm doing quite well now. I'm sure you know my story. It's been almost two years since I graduated, and I'm already the head of a section chief (class of 16). I also married a kind and family-oriented wife, and now we have a son."

Upon hearing Zhou Zhiqiang mention his son, Yu Zhongguo couldn't help but smile happily and say, "My grandson, that's my grandson's. Can I see him? Can I see Bo Cai?"

　Third update
　　Asking for a monthly ticket!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)