Chapter 982: The Production Model
Xi'an, at the Chang'an Automobile Factory.
Thanks to his "major scientific and technological invention," Chen Ergou now wore the coveted Red Hat, a mark of a senior technical engineer. He had been transferred to the research department, dedicated to further improving and upgrading his revolutionary Steam Forging Hammer.
Meanwhile, Qi Cheng, who had assisted Chen Ergou in this monumental invention, remained on the workshop floor. He chose to live and work alongside the laborers, fighting on the front lines of production.
Of course, Qi Cheng had also been promoted to senior technical engineer and proudly sported a Red Hat. He no longer oversaw just the armored vehicle workshop; now, he managed multiple departments and workshops simultaneously, serving as a trusted protégé under Factory Director Gao Yiyi.
At this very moment, Qi Cheng was holding a meeting with a large group of workshop supervisors.
"Supervisors," Qi Cheng began, "the Heavenly Lord has just spoken. With his sagacious gaze, which pierces through past and future, he has informed us that the peace we now enjoy is merely fleeting. In the ninth year of Chongzhen, the realm will descend into chaos once more."
A ripple of anxiety spread through the supervisors. "What? Chaos again? How will it unfold? Engineer Qi, did the Heavenly Lord not disclose the details?" they pressed.
Qi Cheng shook his head. "Heaven's secrets cannot be fully revealed. The Heavenly Lord's benevolence in warning mere mortals like us about the coming year's turmoil is already a great mercy; we mustn't press for more. In short, to prepare for next year's upheaval, we must produce even more armored vehicles. Every workshop must dramatically boost its production efficiency and cultivate more technical experts. We need to embody the spirit of 'Great Nation Heavy Industry' and transform the Chang'an Automobile Factory into the 'Industrial Overlord' of the entire world."
The supervisors affirmed, "Understood!"
"Our workshop is now fully committed to becoming the top 'Production Model' workshop!"
The supervisors chimed in with a flurry of eager voices, as if ready to swear an oath on the spot.
Qi Cheng declared, "Let each workshop compile a list and select a group of 'Production Models' – workers who have demonstrated exceptional performance. We will hold a wave of commendations to encourage even more workers to strive for improvement."
No sooner had he finished speaking than the workshop supervisors began racking their brains, struggling to recall their best workers.
After a moment, the supervisor of the steam engine assembly workshop raised his hand. "Speaking of which," he announced, "a new worker joined my section, and he's incredibly diligent and eager to learn. He battles on the front lines of production every day, often forgetting to eat or drink. Not only does he work tirelessly, but he also studies diligently, striving to improve himself. From knowing absolutely nothing when he first started, in just a few short decades of days, he's already mastered many techniques that usually only seasoned veterans understand."
Qi Cheng’s eyebrows rose. "Oh? This individual sounds truly outstanding! What's his name again?"
The workshop supervisor replied, "His name is Bin Sheng."
Qi Cheng exclaimed, "Excellent! Issue a factory-wide commendation! Organize an awards ceremony, give him a bonus, a grand red rosette, and put his name on the 'Production Model' honor roll. In short, ensure his achievements are known throughout the entire factory. Only by having all workers learn from individuals like him can we progress and become the 'Industrial Overlord'!"
Three days later, at noon...
Inside the third staff cafeteria of the Chang'an Factory.
Bin Sheng, carrying a small lunchbox, picked up a set meal and took a seat at a long table.
Lunchtime made the cafeteria a bustling hub. Workers from every workshop and department lined up for food, then settled down. Strangers often found themselves sharing the same long table, each chatting about the interesting happenings in their own sections.
Shortly after Bin Sheng sat down, several other men joined him at the table, each with a lunchbox in hand. They exchanged quick glances before lowering their heads to eat their rice.
Feigning casualness as he ate, Bin Sheng quietly asked, "What's the situation on your end?"
One worker murmured, "I've learned how to forge gears."
Bin Sheng nodded. "Well done."
Another whispered, "I've mastered the transmission axle technology for automobile chassis."
Bin Sheng approved, "Excellent, excellent."
A third worker reported softly, "Your subordinate in the tire workshop now understands the basics of tires. However, the material for making tires – rubber – baffles me. Our Great Jin Kingdom has no way to produce rubber."
Bin Sheng explained, "That's because your current position is still too junior. If you work harder, perform even better, and ascend to factory management, you will certainly gain access to the secret of rubber."
The worker murmured, "Understood. Your subordinate will redouble his efforts."
Bin Sheng boasted smugly, "I've also desperately worked to learn much of the steam engine's secrets. It's the heart of the automobile, and once I fully grasp the steam engine, our mission will be more than half accomplished."
Just as they were chatting, a small pickup truck drove past the cafeteria entrance. A man in the back held a megaphone, loudly broadcasting: "Latest announcement, latest announcement! Bin Sheng, a worker from the steam engine assembly workshop, has demonstrated diligent work and remarkable progress! After careful consideration by factory management, it has been decided to award Bin Sheng the title of 'Labor Model'! The official awards ceremony will be held tomorrow morning during the assembly."
"Latest announcement, latest announcement..."
The truck continued to repeat the announcement, slowly driving into the distance.
Inside the cafeteria, a roar of chatter erupted among the workers.
"Who's Bin Sheng?"
"I have no idea!"
"Must be a newcomer, right?"
"I'm from the steam engine assembly workshop; I know Bin Sheng. Look, he's sitting right over there."
Immediately, everyone in the cafeteria turned their heads to look at Bin Sheng.
Bin Sheng had been in the middle of a debriefing with his fellow spies when he suddenly became the focus of everyone's attention. He flushed with embarrassment, cursing inwardly: *Damn it! Now, everyone has seen me and my support team sitting together. If even one of us is exposed in the future, the rest will all be arrested!*
This was a major crisis, a matter of life and death!
Bin Sheng awkwardly stood up. "Uh... well... cough..."
A worker from his same workshop burst into laughter. "Brother Bin, when you first joined the factory, I thought you were a simpleton, knowing absolutely nothing. But now, your skills are better than mine! You're truly incredible, even becoming a 'Production Model'!"
Bin Sheng stammered, "Uh... what benefits come with being a 'Production Model'?"
The workers in the cafeteria all chuckled, some tapping their bowls with chopsticks as they laughed. "There are tons of benefits! You'll find out tomorrow morning at the assembly."
"Let me tell you, you'll be swimming in bonuses!"
"Soon, your portrait will be posted all over the factory, praising your deeds."
"You'll even appear on Gaojia News!"
"Promotion and salary raises are absolutely guaranteed for your future."
Bin Sheng's heart sank with a touch of panic. As a spy, the last thing he wanted was to draw attention. If his portrait was plastered all over, and everyone in the factory recognized him, it would surely jeopardize "Action Code: Jiang Gan Steals the Letter." What was he to do?
Perhaps the only real benefit for him was the promotion and pay raise.
The pay raise could replenish their depleted espionage funds, and a promotion would potentially grant him access to more core technical schematics.
Bin Sheng could only force a cheerful smile, waving at the workers. "I'll keep working hard!" he declared. "Strive! Endeavor! Fight!"
Comments