Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The atmosphere was serious in the conference room of Hongxing United Industrial Corporation. Wang Huanbo, Secretary Yao Jianghe, Factory Director Yang Weimin, and Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide sat around a table, on which were spread a distribution map of the subordinate branch factories and brief reports on their situations.

"Engineer Wang, Secretary Yao, Factory Director Yang," Li Huaide said, pointing to the map with a furrowed brow, "this is the situation. The automobile branch and the new precision machine tool workshop are both stuck on manpower! There's a huge shortage of skilled workers, especially senior technicians! Our main factory only has so many experienced workers, and they're already working non-stop. If we pull more people out, the production targets of the old factory area will be affected. The higher-ups are pushing hard for CNC machine tools, it's really... you can't cook without rice!"

Secretary Yao tapped the table: "Difficulties are real, but the task must be completed! Exporting automobiles to earn foreign exchange is a political task, and CNC machine tools are crucial national assets; we can't slack off on either! I think Comrade Huanbo's proposed method is feasible! We can't just wait for assignments from above; we must take the initiative, look downwards, and tap into the potential of our subordinate branch factories! There are hidden talents there; there are definitely some overlooked geniuses!"

Factory Director Yang nodded in agreement: "That's right! Especially those older factories, like the machine repair branch of Hongshankou Steel Plant. They have a long history, many experienced workers, and a solid technical foundation! It's just that the equipment is a bit outdated, and the management might be a bit rigid, which prevents some talented people from fully utilizing their abilities. Engineer Wang, could you please take a working group down there, along with key personnel from the technical department? First, to inspect the work, and second, to identify talent! As long as they have excellent technical skills and reliable character, we'll find a way to transfer them up!"

Wang Huanbo nodded steadily: "I agree with Secretary Yao and Director Yang's opinions. The key to solving the problem lies in people. I'll make preparations and lead a team to the Hongshankou Machine Repair Branch tomorrow. The Security Department should arrange capable personnel to ensure the safety of the trip." He knew that Hongxing Factory was now attracting a lot of attention, and his safety was of utmost importance.

"Don't worry about security!" Secretary Yao said firmly. "I've already reported to the higher-ups, and they've allocated you five bulletproof vehicles, with 30 of the most elite security personnel escorting you throughout the journey, equipped with weapons and radios! They've also made arrangements with the local authorities along the route! We must ensure absolute safety!"

The next morning, a convoy of five black Hongqi Xingyao S600L Guard vehicles drove out of the Hongxing factory gates with great fanfare. The car in the middle was Wang Huanbo's personal vehicle. Two escort vehicles followed at the front and rear of the convoy, their roofs equipped with antennas and thick windows exuding an unassailable authority. Vehicles and pedestrians along the way gave way, glancing sideways in disapproval.

The Hongshankou Steel Plant's Machine Repair Branch, located in the suburbs of Beijing, is an old plant with decades of history. It mainly repairs and maintains large-scale smelting and rolling equipment for steel plants, possessing a wealth of technical expertise. However, its equipment and workshops are quite outdated. Plant Director Zhou had received a notice from the head office that Chief Engineer Wang Huanbo was coming to inspect the plant. He was so nervous that he hadn't slept well for several days and, along with the plant's leadership team, waited at the gate early in the morning.

The convoy slowly drove into the factory area, and Wang Huanbo stepped out of the car, accompanied by Li Huaide and the head of security. He was dressed in a simple dark blue Zhongshan suit, but his upright posture and composed demeanor made him impossible to ignore. Old Zhou quickly went to greet him, shaking his hand excitedly: "Chief Engineer Wang! Factory Director Li! Welcome, welcome! You must have had a long journey!"

"Director Zhou, no need to be so polite. We're just here to take a look and get a feel for the situation," Wang Huanbo said calmly.

The inspection began in the largest machining workshop. The workshop was filled with the roar of machine tools, the smell of machine oil mixed with the odor of cutting metal. The workers were busy, but their eyes involuntarily drifted towards the legendary young chief engineer. Wang Huanbo observed carefully, stopping frequently to inquire about equipment performance, machining precision, and process flow. His questions were highly professional, even somewhat tricky, causing the accompanying branch factory technicians to break out in a sweat.

In the welding workshop, Wang Huanbo was drawn to the unusually steady and even sound of an electric arc welding. He followed the sound and saw a female worker wearing thick canvas work clothes and a mask, squatting next to a huge gearbox, welding. Amidst the flying sparks, her movements were steady and skillful, producing even and smooth welds, as fine and beautiful as fish scales.

"This welder is quite skilled," Wang Huanbo said, stopping to watch for a while before nodding in approval.

The female worker stopped at the sound, lifted her veil to reveal a face soaked with sweat, yet radiating determination and competence. She appeared to be about thirty years old, with bright eyes. It was Liang Ladi.

"Thank you for the compliment, boss." Liang Ladi stood up somewhat awkwardly and wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. She was a widow with four children, and she barely made a living in the factory by relying on her welding skills.

"This gearbox is made of manganese steel, which has poor weldability and is prone to cracking. Judging from the current and gun speed you used, you have a very good grasp of them," Wang Huanbo casually pointed out the key technology.

A hint of surprise flashed in Liang Ladi's eyes. She hadn't expected this high-ranking leader to be so knowledgeable: "Yes, sir. This enclosure is subjected to great stress, so the welds must ensure penetration and strength. We can't just rush things."

Wang Huanbo nodded and said nothing more, but he made a mental note of this skilled and composed female welder.

At noon, they ate in the branch factory canteen. The canteen was small, but clean. The workers lined up for their meals in an orderly fashion. Wang Huanbo and his group were invited to a small private room inside.

"Chief Engineer Wang, Factory Director Li, the chefs in our canteen are quite skilled, especially Chef Nan from the small kitchen. His ancestors served in the palace, and his dishes have a touch of imperial cuisine," Factory Director Zhou introduced.

Soon, several dishes were served: braised sea cucumber with scallions, braised prawns, bird's nest soup, and stir-fried pork tenderloin. The dishes were exquisite, with excellent color, aroma, and taste, and the control of the heat was particularly superb.

Wang Huanbo took a bite of the stir-fried pork tenderloin. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors and a glossy sauce. He couldn't help but nod and say, "Hmm, this skill is indeed no worse than He Yuzhu's at our main factory canteen."

Li Huaide also praised the food highly: "Old Zhou, your cafeteria is pretty good! Chef Nan is a real talent!"

Old Zhou chuckled, "Master Nan Yi's skills are undeniable, but... well, his background is a bit problematic, so he's always been stuck in the cafeteria."

Just then, Cui Dake, the canteen manager, walked in with a big smile, carrying two small dishes of side dishes: "Chief Engineer Wang, Factory Director Li, Factory Director Zhou, these are some freshly made refreshing side dishes, please try them! Chef Nan specifically asked for them!"

Cui Dake was around forty years old, slightly overweight, with a perpetually warm, even somewhat obsequious smile on his face. His eyes were sharp, and he was clearly a shrewd man. He had risen to the position of canteen manager through his eloquence and cunning, and had also married Ding Qiunan, the factory's most beautiful doctor. Now, he was seizing every opportunity to impress the factory's leadership.

Wang Huanbo glanced at Cui Dake and nodded slightly. Li Huaide chatted with Cui Dake for a few minutes, asking about the canteen's supplies. Cui Dake answered flawlessly, showing his competence.

After the meal, Wang Huanbo suggested visiting the factory clinic to check on the employees' medical care. The group went to the clinic. The clinic was rudimentary, with only two factory doctors. One of the doctors, a woman in her late twenties, with delicate features and a quiet demeanor, was gently and skillfully bandaging a worker's hand wound. It was Ding Qiunan. She seemed a little nervous seeing so many leaders enter, but still greeted them politely. Wang Huanbo noticed that although Ding Qiunan was wearing a white coat, her abdomen was noticeably protruding; she appeared to be pregnant. Cui Dake stood by, smiling obsequiously, a hint of smugness in his eyes.

During the inspection, Wang Huanbo, with his keen observation skills and the eye of a technical expert, indeed discovered several skilled craftsmen who were overlooked due to their background or personality. He also noticed that the interpersonal relationships in the factory seemed somewhat complicated. For example, the welder Liang Ladi seemed somewhat isolated; the cook Nan Yi was frustrated because of his family background; and the couple Cui Dake and Ding Qiunan, as well as Cui Dake's subtle exclusion of Nan Yi, also exuded an unusual atmosphere.

The first day of the inspection passed peacefully. But Wang Huanbo had a hunch that this seemingly ordinary machine repair shop was not as calm as it appeared. And his "treasure hunt" here would probably not be smooth sailing. Eyes lurking in the shadows might already be watching him.