Siheyuan: I will never tolerate gambling and drugs!

Inside Workshop No. 1 of the steel rolling mill

The incandescent bulbs hanging high in the dome cast pale beams of light, and dust tumbled in the beams.

Gao Liang stood in the center of the workshop, the cement floor beneath his feet stained with years of engine oil. He didn't speak, but simply stretched out his calloused hand and slowly stroked the prototype machine in front of him, which had just stopped roaring.

The touch from my fingertips was cold, hard, and precise.

The metal casing refracts a faint, cold light under the lamp, and the meshing of every screw and the direction of every weld exudes a breathtaking beauty.

For Gao Liang, who worries about industrial development every day, this kind of beauty surpasses all the scenery in the world.

The muscles at the corner of his eye twitched slightly.

That was an exhilaration born from extreme repression.

Ecstasy surged through his chest, but he had to suppress it.

He was the leader, and there were more than a dozen pairs of eyes watching him.

Gao Liang abruptly withdrew his hand, the metal still warm in his palm. He turned around, his gaze passing over Li Huaide's ingratiating smile and fixing directly on Xu Lin.

His voice was very low, as if it contained grit, making one's eardrums ache.

"Xu Lin, I'm asking you a question, you have to tell me the truth."

These few words, though not heavy, sounded like a hammer striking a steel plate, leaving a lingering, resonant echo.

Standing beside the control panel, facing the intense gaze of the senior leader, Xu Lin showed no sign of nervousness. He simply raised his head calmly and nodded earnestly.

Gao Liang took a half-step forward, and the oppressive feeling of someone who had been in a high position for many years came over him.

"Can these things be mass-produced?"

Upon hearing this, the sound of the exhaust fans that were already buzzing in the workshop seemed to become even more jarring.

The surroundings were eerily quiet, with only the faint hum of a high-powered light bulb breaking the silence.

Li Huaide stood slightly behind Gao Liang, his smile instantly turning serious. His Adam's apple bobbed violently, and he instinctively held his breath.

His palms instantly became slick with sweat. He stared intently at Xu Lin, his eyes practically bulging out of their sockets. In his mind, he screamed: Xu Lin, you better watch out!

Previously in the office, Xu Lin had indeed confided in him, confidently assuring him that there would be no problem. But that was in private; whether it succeeded or not wasn't a big issue. Now, who was standing before him? It was Gao Liang from the ministry!

When a high-ranking leader asks a question, even a single punctuation mark must be recorded.

Even if it's just something the factory does internally, and even if mass production fails and only a few prototypes are displayed in the showroom, it's still a huge technological breakthrough.

Li Huaide could easily package this as "the crystallization of the wisdom of the working class" to claim credit and rewards; he wouldn't lose out either way.

But once the question is highlighted, the nature of the issue changes.

This is serious.

If Xu Lin agrees but then has diarrhea and can't produce the product, that would be deceiving the organization and a major political incident!

At that point, let alone any credit, it's questionable whether Li Huaide can even hold onto his position as factory director.

Sweat trickled down Li Huaide's temples, tickling him, but he dared not wipe it away.

All eyes were on Xu Lin, the young deputy factory director in charge of technology.

Xu Lin did not answer immediately.

He looked up, his gaze sweeping between Gao Liang's anxious face and Li Huaide's pale, tense face.

The few seconds of silence felt like an eternity to Li Huaide.

Xu Lin spoke slowly, his tone as calm as if he were discussing what to eat in the cafeteria that night.

"able."

Li Huaide's knees buckled, and he almost lost his footing.

Before he could finally breathe a sigh of relief, Xu Lin added another sentence.

"But it will take time."

Gao Liang's heart tightened, and his hands, which were behind his back, suddenly clenched.

"how long?"

These two words were squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying an undeniable urgency.

Xu Lin stretched out a finger and waved it in the oily air.

"One month."

Upon hearing these three words, the elderly experts who had accompanied him couldn't help but let out a low gasp of surprise.

Xu Lin seemed not to hear him and continued:

"Within a month, I can build the first chainsaw production line, complete the debugging, train the staff, and produce fifty units per day."

He didn't give anyone a chance to interrupt, speaking at a steady pace with logic as clear as a finely tuned computer.

"Within three months, the production lines for electric hammers, angle grinders, and electric drills will all be in place. I not only need the production lines, but also the supporting testing lines. By then, the total daily output will be two hundred units."

Xu Lin paused for a moment. He looked at Gao Liang, a slight smile playing on his lips, revealing a faint hint of confidence.

"Within six months, I am confident that I can make the steel rolling mill the largest power tool production base in the country."

His voice was not loud, and there was no impassioned tone or arm-waving gesture.

But every word was like a red-hot nail, driven deep into the hearts of everyone present, making a hissing sound.

The largest in the country.

The weight of those four words is so heavy it's suffocating.

Gao Liang's chest heaved violently. He stared at Xu Lin for a full five seconds, as if trying to find the slightest trace of panic or exaggeration on the young man's face.

But all he saw was composure.

That kind of composure that comes from having grasped absolute truth.

Gao Liang suddenly turned around and looked at the group of experts behind him, who were wearing Zhongshan suits and thick glasses.

What do you think?

The white-haired expert, whose name was called, trembled and subconsciously pushed up his glasses that had slipped off his nose. He was the chief engineer of the ministry and had been working in this field for thirty years, but at this moment he felt his throat was a little dry.

"this……"

The old expert glanced at the nascent production line behind Xu Lin, then looked at the stunning prototype machine.

"Judging from the design logic of the production line we just visited, and the level of craftsmanship of this prototype... in theory, it is indeed feasible."

The old expert's voice trembled slightly, an instinctive reaction to the shock of the technology, but he quickly regained his composure and changed the subject.

"But, Director Gao, it's too difficult."

"This isn't about making one or two units; this is mass production! It requires a large number of skilled workers, and even if we bring them in from other factories, the break-in period will still take two or three months."

There's also the equipment. This level of precision machining requires high-precision machine tools, and our current equipment...

"And the supply of various raw materials..."

The older expert's brow furrowed more and more as he spoke, each difficulty he listed representing a formidable obstacle to mass production.

Li Huaide listened attentively, nodding repeatedly, feeling slightly more at ease. "Yes, yes, that's right. There are many difficulties, so we must take it slowly and not make any premature statements..."

"We can handle all of these."

Gao Liang rudely interrupted the old expert.

His tone was resolute, carrying an air of domineering power that swept everything away.

Gao Liang turned around, his gaze sharp as a knife, and locked onto Li Huaide.

Li Huaide shuddered and instinctively straightened his back.

"Director Li."

"Here!" Li Huaide responded loudly.

"From now on, the steel rolling mill is on high alert." Gao Liang pointed to the workshop beneath his feet. "Under the premise of ensuring that the original steel production targets assigned by the state are not affected..."

"All available resources should be prioritized for the new workshop!"

"Whatever Deputy Factory Director Xu wants, you'll give him. Not enough manpower? Hire! Borrow! Even steal! Not enough funds? Send a note directly to the ministry, I'll approve it personally!"

Li Huaide felt a chill run down his spine. This power was far too great, too hot to handle.

Gao Liang paused, his eyes becoming even sharper, like a tiger eyeing its prey.

"I have only one request."

He extended a finger and pointed heavily into the air.

"I want to see the first batch of chainsaws roll off the production line within a month. Not just one, but fifty! If even one is missing, I will hold you responsible!"

Li Huaide felt a chill run down his spine and up to the top of his head.

This is a pledge!

But would he dare say no? If he dared to utter even half a word, his position as factory director would be taken over by someone else tomorrow.

He suddenly stood at attention, his heels clapping loudly, and raised his hand in a perfect salute.

"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!"

Li Huaide roared until his voice was hoarse, as if trying to use the volume to cover up his inner fear.

Gao Liang nodded, a hint of satisfaction finally appearing on his tense face.

He added:

"I will personally report this matter to the ministry, and perhaps even to higher levels."

At this point, his voice suddenly lowered and became unusually serious.

"Director Li, I also want to remind you."

"This matter is of great significance. It's not just an economic issue, but also a political one. Our country's industrial foundation is weak, and we desperately need such flagship products to boost our morale."

"You've done a good job. Your contribution needs no further explanation; the entire department remembers it."

"But what if we don't do it well..."

Gao Liang didn't continue. He just gave Li Huaide a cold glance.

In that instant, Li Huaide felt as if he had been stripped naked and thrown into the snow, the cold seeping into his bones.

That was the look in his eyes when his career was over.

Li Huaide's expression remained unchanged as he forced himself to stay awake.

"I understand. Please rest assured, leader, everyone at the steel rolling mill is determined to complete the task."

Gao Liang stopped looking at him and instead took a deep look at Xu Lin, who had remained silent.

There was admiration, expectation, and a tacit understanding between men in his eyes.

"Xu Lin, it's up to you now."

After saying that, Gao Dian nodded and strode towards the workshop door.

His back was straight, exuding an aura of decisiveness and efficiency.

The expert team quickly followed behind him, and as they passed by Xu Lin, they couldn't help but glance at the young man a few more times, their eyes filled with complex emotions.

The group walked out of the workshop in a grand procession, the sound of their leather shoes hitting the ground echoing in the empty factory.

Li Huaide dared not delay and hurriedly jogged to catch up, bowing and scraping all the way, escorting the large Buddha statue to the factory gate.

The black sedan emitted a puff of blue smoke and slowly drove away.

Only after the car disappeared at the end of the street did Li Huaide sway as if his spine had been removed.

He took out a handkerchief, vigorously wiped the already chilled sweat from his forehead, and exhaled a long breath.

A gust of wind blew, making my back feel chilly; my shirt was already soaked with sweat.

That was too dangerous.

But it's too exciting.

Li Huaide stared in the direction the convoy had disappeared, his eyes gradually turning fierce.

Fortune favors the bold. Now that Gao Liang has given him the imperial sword, things are about to change at the steel mill.

He turned around abruptly, strode forward, and rushed back to the workshop.

He grabbed Xu Lin's hand, so excited that he became incoherent.

"Brother! You're like my own brother!"

"You handled this perfectly!"

"This time, my brother and I are definitely going to be rich!"

Xu Lin smiled and withdrew his hand.

"Director Li, don't be too happy yet."

"You heard what Minister Gao said: If you do well, your future will be bright; if you don't..."

"Can't do it? What a load of rubbish! Stop talking such discouraging words." Li Huaide waved his hand, his face full of confidence. "Leave the bathhouse project to me, the rest is easy, I can handle it."

"You need to set up the chainsaw production line as soon as possible."

"You can pick any worker in the factory you want. You don't even need to write a note; just have someone pass on the message, and I'll personally go to the HR department to get the note!"

Xu Lin nodded.

"Alright, Director Li, could you please call all workers at level three and above to the assembly line workshop?"

"I need to have a meeting."

Li Huaide paused for a second, then realized what was happening.

"Okay! I'll get on it right away!"

He turned and left in a hurry.

After half an hour.

The assembly line workshop was packed with people.

More than a hundred senior workers of level three or above stood in the workshop, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

"I heard it's Deputy Factory Director Xu who's selecting people?"

"Why are you picking people? To build a new workshop?"

"Of course! Didn't you see everyone from the department is here?"

"I heard that people working on assembly lines can earn over a hundred yuan a month now!"

"Really?!"

Wang Jianjun stood in a corner in the crowd, his face gloomy.

He looked at Xu Lin on the stage, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Just a few days ago, he was determined to compete with Xu Lin and prove that the traditional master-apprentice system was the best way.

But now...

He lost miserably.

No, it's not a loss.

They were crushed.

Xu Lin stood on the stage, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below.

He didn't speak immediately, but turned to look at Engineer Wu beside him.

"Mr. Wu, could you please report to everyone on the production efficiency of the assembly line workshop during this period, as well as the increase in workers' income?"

Engineer Wu adjusted his glasses and picked up a report.

"Masters, let me briefly mention a few numbers."

Before the assembly line workshop was renovated, it produced 500 steel pipes per day, with a defect rate of 30%, and the average monthly income per person was 55 yuan.

"After the renovation, the daily output of steel pipes is 2,000, the defect rate is 5%, and the average monthly income per person is 120 yuan."

"Efficiency increased fourfold, and income doubled."

He paused, then raised his voice.

"Moreover, this is only initial data."

"With further optimization of the production line, efficiency will continue to improve."

"Conservatively estimated, after three months, the average monthly income per person can reach more than 150 yuan."

As soon as he finished speaking, the audience erupted in cheers.

One hundred and fifty yuan?!

"My God! I only have seventy dollars!"

"That's more than double the difference!"

"Why? We're all workers at the same level, why do they get to earn so much?"

Among the crowd, some were envious, some were jealous, and some were resentful.

But more than anything, it was longing.

Xu Lin looked at the restless crowd below the stage and a smile appeared on his lips.

He raised his hand, signaling for quiet.

The crowd gradually quieted down.

Xu Lin's gaze fell on Wang Jianjun in the corner.

"Master Wang."

Wang Jianjun was startled.

"Will the production competition we talked about a week from now still happen?"

All eyes in the room were focused on Wang Jianjun.

Wang Jianjun's face turned bright red.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately lowered his head.

"Deputy Factory Director Xu, I have lost."

"I give up."

He took a deep breath, raised his head, and looked at Xu Lin with a complicated expression.

"The assembly line approach is the right one."

"I, Lao Wang, am completely convinced."

Xu Lin smiled and didn't continue the topic.

"it is good."

He turned around and looked at everyone in the audience.

"Dear colleagues, I've called you all here today, and I also had Engineer Wu report on the new workshop's productivity, because I want to tell you all something."

"Next, all workshops in the factory will be gradually transformed into assembly line mode."

Everyone will be treated the same.

"No matter what level of worker you are, no matter which workshop you are in, as long as you can do your job well, your income will not be low."

A cheer erupted from the audience.

Xu Lin gestured for him to stop, then continued.

"In addition, the factory has decided to set up a new chainsaw production workshop."

"Those who are willing to be transferred can submit their applications today."

"The factory leadership will select suitable personnel to participate in this process."

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"I do!"

"I'd like to too!"

"Deputy Factory Director Xu, choose me! I'm a level five fitter!"

"I'm a Level 6 welder! I'm very skilled!"

Everyone was scrambling to get ahead, afraid of falling behind.

Xu Lin looked at this scene and felt secretly satisfied.

He turned to look at Li Huaide.

Li Huaide understood and immediately stepped forward.

"Alright, alright, stop arguing!"

"Those who want to go, go back and write a report, and submit it to the HR department tomorrow!"

"The factory will conduct a unified screening!"

The crowd then gradually dispersed.

But everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation.

Outside the workshop, Yi Zhonghai stood in the shadows, quietly watching everything.

His face was so gloomy it looked like it was about to drip water.

Xu Lin.

It's Xu Lin again.

This young man is like a sharp knife, slowly cutting away at the factory's original order.

Yi Zhonghai, who was once one of the few senior workers in this factory, can now only stand in the shadows, watching helplessly as his opponent rises, and a sense of powerless frustration arises spontaneously...