Returning to 1949, I decided to hand it over to the state.

In the early 1950s, the prices of industrial equipment exported from the Soviet Union to China were not as outrageous as those offered by Western capitalist countries.

Moreover, it was 1949, and Sino-Soviet relations were on the eve of their most delicate honeymoon period.

If we can go there under the guise of technical inspection and equipment procurement, we might be able to negotiate a good price.

Besides, we don't necessarily need to buy a brand new entire production line.

So, Jiang Fan looked at everyone and said confidently:

"It's expensive, of course it's expensive. After all, seamless steel pipes can be considered the crown jewel of industry, and there are only a handful of countries in the world that can produce them independently."

"However, esteemed leaders, what I mean is that we don't need to buy the entire seamless steel pipe production line."

"We can make do with the existing equipment at Ansteel for now by carrying out large-scale renovations."

"For example, the basic frame of the heating furnace and the tube rolling mill, the conveying device, and even the cooling system can all be modified or replaced using existing equipment in our factory."

"Because the most core and critical piece of equipment in the entire production line is only that one perforation machine."

"Its main function is to directly blast solid steel billets into hollow tubes."

"As for the subsequent rolling and sizing operations, we can use our existing old machines at Ansteel."

Even if the finished product is rudimentary, as long as it's usable, we've taken the first step from nothing to something!

"Moreover, as far as I know, many factories in the Soviet Union are not doing very well now, having suffered the devastation of World War II."

"If we can go to the site and find some used punching machines that the Soviets replaced, the price can definitely be kept within our budget."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces immediately lit up with a relieved joy.

However, Jiang Fan's tone suddenly turned serious:

"However, if you want to buy second-hand equipment, you have to go to the Soviet Union to see the actual products. You have to have someone knowledgeable personally confirm whether the machine can be used and whether it has any serious hidden defects before you can decide to import it."

"Otherwise, if they just randomly send us a truckload of scrap metal, we'll have nowhere to turn to cry."

"Therefore, I suggest that the factory director submit a report to his superiors as soon as possible, and select a few people who understand the technology and equipment to personally go to the Soviet Union for an on-site inspection. This is the safest approach."

Jiang Fan's words were indeed the honest truth from the bottom of his heart.

Second-hand equipment is inherently unreliable; who knows how many Russian workers have used it violently?

If no hidden problems are found, and the Russians fool us into thinking it's a new machine, then it will break down as soon as it's turned on after being transported all the way back, which would definitely be a huge loss.

Moreover, Jiang Fan sincerely hoped that seamless steel pipes could be introduced to the new China a few years earlier than expected.

This means that our country's logistics and military-industrial systems will have an additional completely independent supply line for ammunition and heavy equipment.

Once the brother military factories in various regions receive the seamless steel pipes produced by Ansteel, they will be able to quickly produce all kinds of new equipment.

At that time, the industrial pulse of the entire new China will beat even more strongly and powerfully.

Jiang Fan had even already sketched out a magnificent picture of heavy industry in his mind:

Ansteel's blast furnaces operate day and night, continuously producing seamless steel pipes, which are then shipped to all parts of the country by train.

Inner Mongolia, Lop Nur, Xinjiang...

By then, factories everywhere will be able to obtain seamless steel pipes from Ansteel and assemble and manufacture helicopters, anti-aircraft guns, conventional submarines, and main battle tanks themselves.

That's what true industrial self-reliance looks like!

Jiang Fan became more and more excited as he thought about it, and even couldn't help but smile.

However, while he was still immersed in his glamorous imagination about industrial development, he was completely unaware that the expressions on the faces of the old revolutionaries in the conference room had slowly changed from initial confusion and surprise to excitement.

Clearly, they also realized, following Jiang Fan's words, the extreme importance of seamless steel pipes to national defense.

He Xiying, in particular, actually took the lead in clapping, his tone filled with immense excitement:

"Comrade Xiao Jiang, I've never heard anyone say what you just said in my life."

What does it mean that China is only one seamless steel pipe away from building airplanes and tanks?

"I originally thought that we would have to wait another ten or eight years before we even got the hang of building tanks."

"After your thorough analysis, it seems all we're missing right now is a damn punch press!"

Jiang Fan was stunned, instantly snapping out of his reverie, and waved his hands repeatedly.

No, no, that's not true!

"Uh... Factory manager, it's not just a matter of lacking one seamless steel pipe; it's merely a necessary condition!"

"There are a whole host of critical challenges behind building tanks, such as high-powered engines, transmissions, fire control systems, and armor welding..."

"That's not our responsibility!" He Xiying suddenly stood up, placed her hands on the conference table, and interrupted Jiang Fan's words with a heroic air.

Several of the older comrades present were also ignited with passion, excitedly chattering away:

"Comrade Xiao Jiang, what you said really gives me a boost. I used to think that our industry was a million miles behind that of foreigners, but it turns out that the core issue is just a matter of pipes."

"Of course! Comrade Jiang is indeed a man of great experience; his mind is sharp, and he saw right through the foreigners' tricks!"

"To be honest, I've been in the army for half my life, fighting in wars and seeing plenty of captured tanks and artillery, but no one has ever told me that there's so much industrial sophistication involved!"

"Yes! Now that Xiao Jiang says that, if Ansteel can really produce these seamless steel pipes, that would be incredible! The whole army would be grateful to us."

Jiang Fan stood there, his lips twitching uncontrollably, his eyes glazed over.

Things seem to be heading in a bizarre and strange direction.

He was about to open his mouth to salvage his statement when He Xiying slammed her hand on the table, cleared her throat, and decisively said:

"Alright! Since our little genius Jiang Fan from Ansteel has explained the cause, effect, and strategic significance of this matter so thoroughly, let's all stop hesitating."

"I've decided to do as Comrade Xiao Jiang suggested, to take out the bulk of this funding, and through the Northeast Bureau's channels, do everything possible to contact the Soviet Union and expedite the import of the second-hand seamless steel pipe equipment."

At this point, He Xiying's gaze swept intently over everyone, finally settling on Jiang Fan with a trusting smile on her face:

"As for the selection of personnel to go to the Soviet Union for on-site inspection of the equipment..."

"Everyone knows what's going on, right? It has to be our Comrade Jiang Fan, who's fluent in foreign languages ​​and technically skilled!"

"ah?!"

Wait... how did this huge mess end up hitting me on the head while I was just enjoying the gossip?!

Buy equipment from the Soviet Union?

What have I done to deserve this?

And, most importantly...

Jiang Fan lowered his head and, using the table as cover, quickly glanced at the watch on his wrist.

【10:12:38】

There are only ten hours left.

In just over ten hours, I will be forced to travel back to 2026.

You actually want me to lead a team to the Soviet Union to buy heavy military equipment at this critical juncture?

Actually, going to the Soviet Union wasn't a big deal; at worst, it could be considered a government-funded trip.

The crucial problem is, what if this broken watch is like it was last time I came...?

Suddenly, they vanished without a trace.

How can a living person simply vanish into thin air in front of everyone?

The scene was so beautiful that Jiang Fan felt his scalp tingle just thinking about it.