Courtyard Houses: The Great Masters of a Nation Hidden Within

Gao Jianguo returned to his office, sat down, and didn't rush to touch the ESR report.

His plan was to wait until Liang Jianguo and the others had thoroughly understood ESR, then he would guide them from the sidelines and let them write it down. He would then just review it one last time. He would take on all the work himself. Even Zhuge Liang would give him a thumbs up if he knew this.

In fact, by telling Liang Jianguo and the others to start working on ESR, he had essentially pressed the start button on this research.

Right now, the three of them are at a critical juncture before the mass production of two products. They are extremely busy with technical support, working at full capacity. It is already a great achievement to be able to find time to work on ESR at this time. Forcing more work on them would be counterproductive.

Just in time, once they were free, my project management book would be finished, and I could pick up where I left off. Sharpening the axe doesn't delay the work, right? They had some basic knowledge, so they got into the swing of things quickly.

So Gao Jianguo is still the same as ever, his mind is elsewhere, and he's writing his own project management system.

But no one expected that a guest who rarely visits would arrive.

Deputy Factory Director Li.

The man pushed open the door to Gao Jianguo's office with a grin and greeted him, "Jianguo, busy?"

Gao Jianguo put down his pen, stood up to greet the guest: "Director Li, you've come down to check on our work? Welcome, leader."

Deputy Factory Director Li waved his hand: "Please sit down, you can sit down. I just heard that you guys have come up with a few flagship products for the factory, so I came to see if you have any difficulties that the factory needs to step in and help out with."

Gao Jianguo still couldn't figure out what he was up to, but he kept talking: "Oh, thank you for your concern, leader. Things are going well so far. Work is generally going smoothly. Please rest assured, factory. We will definitely provide the technical support for the new product launch."

The two chatted on and on for most of the day, and Deputy Factory Director Li even took the time to ask about the situation of the other people in the group, but apart from Liu Qiang, the others didn't seem to react much.

These people had worked under Gao Jianguo and had seen a lot of things. The leaders of the 17th Ministry of Machine Building had given them many feedback. So, when they met the deputy director of their own factory, they were naturally calm and unhurried.

After chatting for a while with nothing but bland talk, Deputy Factory Director Li gave a wink towards the door.

Gao Jianguo understood immediately and pretended to see him out. The two walked together to the corridor outside the office.

After walking a short distance, Deputy Factory Director Li looked around to make sure no one was watching, and then spoke up to express his gratitude: "Jianguo, regarding my nephew's matter, I owe you a lot this time. I must thank you."

Gao Jianguo shook his head: "Don't say that. Master Li did a lot of practical work for our group. I wouldn't dare to take credit for it."

That wasn't just polite talk.

Deputy Factory Director Li's nephew did indeed do his job as a lathe operator, and he didn't act arrogantly because he had a powerful backer. Anyone in that position might not have done much better than him. He just got what he deserved, and all Li did was give him a chance to join the team.

Deputy Factory Director Li smiled and pointed at Gao Jianguo: "You, you're good in every way, but you're too polite. I know what I'm talking about."

After saying that, he glanced around furtively to make sure no one was there, then leaned closer and whispered, "Jianguo, if there are any similar big moves in the future, give me a heads-up beforehand. I won't make things difficult for you; I just want to know as soon as possible."

Gao Jianguo finally understood.

It turned out that the commotion caused by the 3Z-591 and the thermocouple had stirred up his nerves and made him feel excited.

This guy is a long-term player. With the previous two projects over, he's already eyeing what might come next. His meaning is clear: I want to get the inside scoop in advance. As for how to get in, I have my own methods. I'll definitely make sure you, a young engineer who just joined the factory, don't get left out.

It has to be said that he must have had some real skills to get to where he is today.

On second thought, this matter wasn't a huge deal. This person had no conflict with Old Chen, and their paths were clearly diverging. There was no major clash at the moment, so it wouldn't hurt to discuss it with Old Chen and let a little word out.

Gao Jianguo rephrased it, smiling as he agreed: "Sure, if there's anything I need Little Li to lend a hand with in the future, I'll definitely let you know in advance."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Li understood that Gao Jianguo had taken his meaning to heart, and his attitude was quite positive. He beamed with joy: "Then I'll thank you on his behalf. Jianguo, keep up the good work, I have high hopes for you."

Changing the subject, as if casually mentioning something Gao Jianguo had almost forgotten recently: "You can't just bury yourself in scientific research. You need to relax a bit and pay attention to the affairs of the factory's militia team. After all, that's your old profession. You're the deputy captain, which is also a cadre in the security department. You can't neglect one thing for the other."

Gao Jianguo didn't know what he was up to, but he could guess pretty accurately that the militia had probably run into some kind of trouble recently.

Upon careful consideration, he realized that he hadn't seen the militia team for quite some time.

Judging from the trend of the next few years, it's not a bad thing that I've solidified my relationship with the factory, the largest violent institution, or even the armed force.

In this day and age, for a company the size of the Third Rolling Mill, the security department is far more than just two security guards standing at the gate. In the future, they will be handling many legal, public security, and procuratorial tasks on behalf of the company.

Having roughly figured out what Deputy Factory Director Li meant, he figured he wasn't just sitting around in the militia, and he could at least be used as a figurehead, so he went along with it: "Okay, Factory Director Li, I'll try to visit that place more often when I have time."

Deputy Factory Director Li knew that Gao Jianguo was a quick-witted person, so he didn't argue any further and said with a smile, "Don't go."

In the afternoon, Li Jianguo, the head of the training section of the security department, came to Gao Jianguo's door with a notice.

This Saturday, which is tomorrow, the factory's militia team will be holding a military training performance. In addition to the factory staff, people from the People's Armed Forces Department will also be coming. Gao Jianguo is the deputy captain, so he will have to make an appearance.

Gao Jianguo finally understood; what Deputy Factory Director Li had said had come true.

It must be said that this shrewd person is truly forward-looking and decisive when it comes to employing people.

Moreover, by having Li Jianguo, the section chief, deliver the message, he was clearly telling Gao Jianguo that this matter needed to be handled properly.

Upon receiving the letter, Gao Jianguo immediately told Section Chief Li that he would definitely be there.

After Li Jianguo finished running the notification leg, he rushed to Gao Jianguo to congratulate him: "Jianguo, I haven't congratulated you yet, and you've already jumped to level 8 engineer. No wonder you don't take the militia team seriously, haha."

Gao Jianguo quickly replied modestly, "Oh, no, no, I just got incredibly lucky. With you as the captain of the militia, what can't they handle?"

With it almost time to get off work, Gao Jianguo simply pulled Li Jianguo along, and the two of them headed straight to the small canteen. They called Sha Zhu over, opened a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), and decided to explain to these familiar people that they had been promoted.