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

Zhou Weiguo asked in bewilderment, "Dashan, why are you calling them fellow disciples too? What's going on? Explain yourself."

Da Shan scratched his head and explained, "Well, at first, our workshop was a bit different from the others. Plus, those college graduates weren't intimidated and were quite arrogant; some even wanted to transfer. Later, they heard about you, and after you occasionally demonstrated your skills, they all admired you greatly. Comrade Zhang Heng only said this to motivate everyone. He said that whoever made a great contribution to the development of the tractor could become your apprentice and learn from you. Later, he even called himself your third apprentice, calling me and Er Niu 'senior brother' directly. The others followed suit and even started arranging a 'senior brother' order. We got used to it after a while."

Zhou Weiguo hurriedly asked the system in his mind, "Hey, how many apprentices do I have now?"

"Hosts, 9."

"Huh? Why? I only accepted Dashan and Erniu!"

"Anyone who genuinely acknowledges you as their master will be recognized as your disciple by the system. Friendly reminder: the current knowledge enhancement rate for the host is 10 times. After 10 disciples, the enhancement rate will double for each additional disciple, up to a maximum of 100 disciples."

"Holy crap! Why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Host, you didn't ask."

A 100-fold increase? This system is trying to make itself have countless disciples!

"Master? Master?" Erniu's call interrupted Zhou Weiguo's thoughts. He snapped out of his reverie and looked at Erniu helplessly: "Alright, go and call all the technicians back for a meeting."

After a moment, Zhou Weiguo looked at the dozen or so people sitting around and said, "First of all, congratulations on successfully developing our own Xia Kingdom tractor! On behalf of the steel rolling mill, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone!"

After the applause subsided, Zhou Weiguo continued, "You are all university students and engineers, the future pillars of Xia Kingdom. I hope you will remain humble and diligent, and that the future will be bright."

Everyone looked at Zhou Weiguo with varying expressions.

Seeing everyone's expressions, Zhou Weiguo smiled helplessly and said, "Forget it, forget it, talking like this isn't my style. Let's just keep it simple."

Everyone burst into laughter at his words and actions.

Zhou Weiguo looked at Zhang Heng: "Now that the tractor has been successfully developed, report it as soon as possible. The subsequent decisions will be left to the higher-ups. By the way, tell Deputy Factory Director Li that we're short-staffed, especially those with technical backgrounds. If necessary, we can bring in another batch of college graduates. The next projects won't be enough with just ten or so of you."

"I now announce that we will be developing heavy-duty trucks and multi-purpose jeeps. The design documents and drawings are complete and are in my office. You will split into two groups, familiarize yourselves with the drawings, and make a plan. Also, the workshop next door is finished; move the equipment and personnel there. I have other arrangements for this workshop."

Zhang Heng excitedly gave a somewhat awkward salute and led everyone into the office.

Not long after, everyone came out with flushed faces and excited expressions.

Zhang Heng rushed directly to Zhou Weiguo: "Master! Your design is too... too... advanced! Are you sure our industrial base can build it?"

Zhou Weiguo shook his head: "I don't know either. Design is our job, manufacturing is yours. If I have any technical problems, you can come to me. The trial production process mainly depends on you."

An excited look flashed across Zhang Heng's face, but then a hesitant expression appeared, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Seeing this, Zhou Weiguo smiled and joked, "Alright, just say what you have to say. Don't waste my time with all this rambling."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Heng quickly explained, "Um... Director Zhou, in order to motivate everyone, I... used your name and told everyone that whoever performs well at work would be accepted as your apprentice."

Zhou Weiguo scanned the expectant crowd before him and said solemnly, "You used my name to tell everyone that if they do well, they can become my apprentices? But I didn't know that?"

Seeing Zhou Weiguo's darkening expression, Zhang Heng inwardly groaned, cursing himself for coming up with such a terrible idea, and was just about to explain.

Zhou Weiguo spoke first: "This is a one-time exception. If you want to become an apprentice, go find your senior brother Dashan. Let me make this clear: don't think that becoming an apprentice means you won't have to work. After becoming an apprentice, the responsibilities will be heavier and the work will be more. We live in a new society, so we need to have a new outlook and not follow those outdated rules. From now on, you can call me Master if you want, or you can call me Engineer Zhou if you want."

After saying this, Zhou Weiguo turned and walked into the small office.

The cheers coming from outside the door made Zhou Weiguo purse his lips.

At the same time, He Yuzhu rode his bicycle and rushed towards the workshop entrance.

The gatekeeper knew he was Zhou Weiguo's nephew, so he didn't stop him and let him through.

However, after entering the workshop, He Yuzhu was filled with doubt. Whenever he encountered college students in the workshop, they would warmly call him "Brother Zhuzi". This sudden closeness left him puzzled.

Filled with questions, He Yuzhu walked straight into Zhou Weiguo's office.

Without any hesitation, he picked up Zhou Weiguo's large tea mug and gulped it down for a while.

Zhou Weiguo was slightly taken aback when he saw He Yuzhu suddenly appear, and asked, "Why are you back so soon?"

He Yuzhu, panting heavily, said excitedly, "Uncle! I just went to Yu Li's house. My mother-in-law was so excited when she heard you were coming to visit, saying she'd welcome you anytime. I figured we should get this done as soon as possible, so I decided to go tonight!"

Hearing this, Zhou Weiguo was speechless. He raised his hand in exasperation and slapped He Yuzhu, saying irritably, "Don't tell me you've already set a date just because Yu Li's father isn't home?"

He Yuzhu scratched his head, looking somewhat aggrieved, and said, "Uncle, Yu Li's dad went to work."

Zhou Weiguo slapped He Yuzhu on the head while cursing, "You brat! People are at work, you should at least give them some time to prepare! Going tonight with gifts, shouldn't they prepare a meal to entertain you? Don't you even look at the time? I haven't prepared a single thing, and you expect me to go there this afternoon with two big plates of food on my plate like you?"

He Yuzhu seemed to realize what was happening at this moment, and his face instantly turned embarrassed. He muttered under his breath, "No wonder Lily pinched me several times just now. I was in a hurry and rode away on my bike."

Zhou Weiguo pointed at He Yuzhu's head and said angrily, "You really are a complete idiot!"

After saying that, he hurriedly got up and walked out.

Seeing this, He Yuzhu quickly asked, "Uncle, where are you going? If it's not possible today, I'll go again and tell them to reschedule for tomorrow."

"Get the hell out of here! Stop talking nonsense and get the hell out of here!"

P.S.: Please urge me to update more and give me good reviews. Thank you!