I painted an aircraft carrier on the courtyard house for Dongda University.

Jiang Bu chuckled and joked, "I must say, you're really something! By the way, I heard the steel mill developed an oxygen-blown converter; could that also be your creation?"

Zhou Weiguo guessed that Minister Jiang was unaware of the inside story, and could only shake his head in denial: "That's really not true."

Minister Jiang didn't delve into it further, then turned to Vice Minister Wang and smiled, "Old Wang, you've really met a lucky star! Maybe this kid brought you good fortune. Why don't you hurry up and think about how to reward him for his service to the country?"

Vice Minister Wang revealed with a smile, "Old Jiang, you don't know, the oxygen top-blown converter really was thanks to this kid. And not only the converter, but even the new research plan that your institute received was brought by him."

"Oh?" Jiang Bu became interested.

Vice Minister Wang added, "I can't disclose the specific details; we've been instructed to keep it confidential."

Jiang nodded knowingly: "Anyway, you can't mistreat this little guy."

"That's right! For the sake of the country, tell us quickly, what do you want, what are your requests? While we're all here, feel free to say it."

Zhou Weiguo quickly replied, "Yes, there really is! Leaders, could you help me get two different models of tractors, two different models of jeeps, and a truck? I want to disassemble them for research. Also, could you build another workshop next to mine? I want to study materials science with my friends."

Upon hearing this, Vice Minister Wang's eyes lit up instantly, and he asked eagerly, "Weiguo, are you saying that Comrade Natasha is preparing to study materials science?"

Zhou Weiguo nodded in confirmation.

Vice Minister Wang clenched his fist excitedly: "For the country, rest assured! Even if I have to sell everything I own, I will make this materials laboratory one of the best in the country!"

Ministers Li and Song, who were at the ministerial level, were aware of the situation, but Vice Minister Jiang from the Ministry of Education looked at everyone with complete bewilderment.

Minister Song quickly said, "Old Wang, how can we let you do all the work alone? Our First and Second Ministries of Machine Building definitely have to lend a hand! I'll get you the best equipment as soon as we get back."

Minister Li also chimed in, "Rest assured, I guarantee the tractors, jeeps, and trucks will be arranged perfectly!"

Minister Jiang hesitated for a long time, then, feeling he couldn't fall behind, he quickly said after a moment's thought, "For the country, I'll arrange for a group of your senior and junior classmates to come and assist you in your work." He then looked at everyone with a smug expression.

Upon hearing this, everyone cast teasing glances at Minister Jiang, as if to say, "Your schemes are just too clever."

After the business was concluded, the leaders did not linger and left one after another.

People from the Second Ministry of Machine Building drove away Zhou Weiguo's motorcycle and also took a large pile of blueprints from Zhou Weiguo's small office.

After everyone left, Vice Minister Wang led Zhou Weiguo to Li Huaide's office, knocked on the door, and then pushed it open to enter.

When Li Huaide saw the two enter, he was startled and quickly got up to greet them.

After the three sat down on the sofa, Deputy Minister Wang explained the situation in general and made the following requests: "The steel rolling mill must fully cooperate with Weiguo's work and absolutely must not interfere with him. Your steel rolling mill originally occupied about 1000 mu of land. I have already communicated with the land bureau, and the entire 1500 mu of land on the east side has been allocated to the steel rolling mill. From now on, all the workshops of the steel rolling mill will be renovated to the east, and the land on the west side will be gradually vacated for Weiguo's use. In addition, the security work at the west gate of the steel rolling mill will be handled by the newly arrived Director Wang of the Security Department. The factory should not interfere too much. Oh, I almost forgot, the technical section of the steel rolling mill has been upgraded to the technical department, and Zhou Weiguo has been appointed as the deputy director-level director, with his salary paid according to the administrative level 13 standard."

Zhou Weiguo was startled. The current steel rolling mill was far smaller than the 10,000-person factory in the story, yet it had suddenly been granted 1500 acres of land. In addition, Vice Minister Wang said that all the existing workshops would be moved eastward. This was clearly a matter of making room. What kind of plan was behind this?

Li Huaide was stunned for a moment before he reacted: "Alright, Director Wang! Then Weiguo will be assigned to the technical management position at level 13, with a basic salary of 155.5 yuan, plus a regional adjustment of 16.6 yuan and a technical allowance of 13.8 yuan, totaling 185.9 yuan per month. Other benefits will be provided according to the deputy factory director level. Is this acceptable?"

Vice Minister Wang looked at Zhou Weiguo, his eyes asking if it was appropriate.

Zhou Weiguo nodded quickly: "Okay, okay, it's already like this, what else can't be done!"

Vice Minister Wang then remembered something else: "Oh right, I remember Weiguo has a nephew named He Yuzhu, right? I heard he did a good job in logistical support during the converter manufacturing process. I think there's no need to continue with his work-study role; we should give him more responsibilities."

Li Huaide hurriedly reported, "Vice Minister Wang, I was just about to tell you about this! Deputy Director He Yuzhu of the canteen is very dedicated and responsible. During the three months of building the oxygen top-blowing converter, he worked overtime every day to provide meals for the technicians, allowing everyone to focus on research. I was planning to adjust the canteen director's position and was thinking of taking this opportunity to promote He Yuzhu to a formal position as canteen director, with further rewards to follow."

Vice Minister Wang nodded in satisfaction.

Zhou Weiguo, however, was somewhat worried: "Brother Li, He Yuzhu isn't really suited to be a leader. He's a roughneck, not meticulous enough, and knows nothing about management. I'm afraid he'll cause trouble."

Li Huaide couldn't help but chuckle: "Don't worry about Weiguo! I'll assign him a capable assistant; I guarantee there won't be any problems."

Seeing this, Zhou Weiguo stopped talking and thought to himself: Zhuzi, you've won by lying down, haven't you?

"For the sake of the country, I've heard that major restaurants will be organizing chef grading exams soon. I'll write a letter of introduction so you can have Zhu Zi take the exam and get a higher grade. That way, he can get more subsidies."

Zhou Weiguo quickly thanked Li Huaide, "Alright! Then I'll thank you on Zhuzi's behalf, brother!"

Vice Minister Wang then asked, "Weiguo, I heard from Huai De that your next research project is on tractors?"

Zhou Weiguo then realized that Vice Minister Wang had abandoned motorcycle production and research because he had set his sights on the tractor project.

However, he has already developed several other firearms, and they can be tested as soon as the springs and special gunpowder from the north arrive.

Thinking of this, he quickly explained the situation to Vice Minister Wang.

After listening, Vice Minister Wang laughed heartily: "You lad, you're a real talent! You've come up with so many good things without saying a word! But it's alright, these firearms are useless to anyone except the Second Ministry of Machine Building. I've already spoken to them beforehand. Your most important task now is to start developing the tractor as soon as possible. In addition, I've already discussed it with the other ministers. If you need it, each department can send a group of senior technicians to assist you and speed up the research and development. You can also call upon the people from the steel rolling mill at any time. I don't think Vice Director Li will refuse to cooperate, will he?"

Li Huaide smiled and assured him, "Vice Minister Wang, what are you saying! If my brother Weiguo needs help, let alone the people in the factory, even if I were to personally swing a sledgehammer, I'd run faster than anyone else! You can rest assured!"