Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 2997 Trouble? I'm never afraid of trouble!
The timeframe given by Yang Xiaotao caught Director Hu off guard, putting him under considerable pressure.

Of course, Yang Xiaotao did not explain the specific reasons nor did he ask, but it was certain that the Ninth Department was making a big move.

What major event could the Ninth Department possibly have that would require such an urgent use of electricity?

A project immediately came to Director Hu's mind.

However, this is just his guess, and besides, what does this engine or aircraft have to do with him?
Having determined the key tasks for the next phase, Yang Xiaotao inquired about other matters related to the nuclear power plant.

This includes the purchase of generators, their use, maintenance, personnel training, and so on.

Director Hu answered each question in turn.

After a brief exchange, Director Hu left.

Yang Xiaotao and his entourage rested for one night, and the next day they officially entered the nuclear power plant site for a tour.

Led by Director Hu, Yang Xiaotao first inspected the construction work of the breakwater.

As everyone stepped onto the breakwater, they looked out at the distant, shimmering sea under the sunlight. The vast expanse between the sea and the sky was breathtaking.

Several patrol boats patrolled the area, maintaining vigilance.

Yang Xiaotao knew that beneath the surface of the sea, there were many more guardians of the sea, ensuring that this place was absolutely safe.

Director Hu walked up and began to introduce the topic.

"Minister Yang, and comrades, we are currently at the breakwater of the Dengzhou Nuclear Power Plant, which we also call the Dengzhou Breakwater."

"With the help of the people, the command of our superiors, and of course, the strong support of our comrades in the Ninth Division, we successfully completed this 25-meter-high breakwater in thirteen months!"

"Because the entire structure is made of boulders and reinforced concrete, the breakwater we built has a resistance capacity that far exceeds our design goals!"

The attendants behind him immediately applauded, and Yang Xiaotao was also very pleased.

Of course, it's not unreasonable to say that this thing was built up from money and grain.

He didn't know how much material was used locally, but he was clear about the continuous flow of materials being transshipped from Hong Kong to the foreign trade sector.

Yang Xiaotao didn't want to pry too much into where those supplies ended up; after all, what's ingested can't be taken out.

Besides, most of the beneficiaries are local residents.

For a nuclear power plant to take root here, the support of the local people is indispensable.

So as long as nothing goes wrong at the nuclear power plant, Yang Xiaotao is willing to turn a blind eye!

Director Hu then began to explain the purpose of the breakwater: "This is also the core protective facility for the nuclear power plant's marine engineering. It has three main purposes. The first is to resist waves and tsunamis."

"Of course, this tsunami may not occur, but we must take it into account as a precaution, and also to prevent the impact of strong winds, waves, ice, and drifting sand on the nuclear power plant area and water intake and drainage facilities!"

"The second is to maintain the stability of the water area and ensure the stable operation of the nuclear power plant's cooling water system."

"This requires that the wave height within our harbor not exceed one meter! Otherwise, it will pose a safety hazard!"

"The last point is to prevent siltation..."

As Director Hu spoke, he walked along, saying, "This breakwater is about 3 kilometers long. This large area is also to prepare for the subsequent second and third phases of the project!"

As he spoke, Director Hu kept a close eye on the changes in Yang Xiaotao's expression.

When he saw Yang Xiaotao nod slightly and smile, he finally felt relieved.

At least this expression didn't explicitly refuse.

Moreover, judging from Yang Xiaotao's expression, putting aside the three phases for now, he won't object to the second phase of the project.

Of course, the premise is that they do their current work well and get all the generator units running.

Then they can openly and legitimately propose the second phase of construction plan.

At that time, everything will fall into place naturally.

"Director Hu, is that a lighthouse?"

Just as Director Hu was about to speak, Yang Xiaotao suddenly pointed to the lighthouse not far away and said...

Director Hu glanced back and then smiled, “Yes, it’s a lighthouse. If we encounter ships at night, it’s easy to get lost without a sign, and we might even crash into the breakwater.”

Yang Xiaotao nodded, but then asked, "Is someone on duty?"

Director Hu was puzzled, but still told the truth, "There are people, but during the day, no one usually needs to go up there. You can see the boats all the time."

"Someone will only go up and turn on the lights at night."

Yang Xiaotao patted the railing, "So, you're just opening the gate and closing it, but there won't be any guards stationed there, right?"

Director Hu paused for a moment and then nodded.

"Yes!"

After a moment of silence, Yang Xiaotao spoke again, "This won't do. We need to arrange for someone to be stationed here permanently."

"They don't need to do anything, just stay up there in case something happens!"

Director Hu immediately nodded, saying it was just sending someone, nothing to worry about.

The group then walked to the end of the breakwater and boarded a prepared vehicle to reach the central area of ​​the nuclear power plant.

Director Hu continued his explanation, "Minister Yang, if you go any further ahead, you'll reach the nuclear reactor area. The entire area is underground, and the reactor is currently operating slowly under strict protection. We are currently monitoring the data..."

"Are the safety response measures in place?"

More than observing how things are done on-site, Yang Xiaotao is concerned about the safety response.

"It's all set up perfectly. Everything is meticulously planned, and the issue of slackness has been taken into account. At least two people are responsible for each position, and the collaboration mechanism is being improved!"

"In addition, we have set up eighteen testing and monitoring points so that any problems can be resolved immediately..."

Director Hu immediately replied that he knew very well what Yang Xiaotao was concerned about.

Especially after the Kosaka Castle incident, and the Jiaolong submersible incident, Yang Xiaotao attaches greater importance to safety issues than even the Second Ministry of Machine Building.

"Also, as you mentioned earlier, we use a two-way cooling system."

"In cases where the machinery is inoperable, we can manually use explosives to allow cooling seawater to enter the cooling chamber, thereby preventing the reactor core from melting and causing a leak."

"Of course, that would cause enormous damage to the nuclear power plant, and it could require a very long period of adjustment."

"However, it is an effective means of stopping a nuclear reaction in critical moments."

As Director Hu finished speaking, he finally saw a smile return to Yang Xiaotao's face, and he felt relieved once again.

Then I couldn't help but think to myself, why is Director Yang always so fixated on safety?

Director Hu then led Yang Xiaotao to the nuclear power plant's command center.

As soon as I approached, applause broke out.

The command center is about half the size of a football field, filled with various instruments and equipment, and indicator lights flash from time to time.

A group of people stood in the center, wearing white lab coats, their eyes filled with excitement.

Yang Xiaotao walked up and shook hands with each person after being introduced by Director Hu.

He then moved to the center amidst applause, waved to the people behind him, and the applause stopped.

Director Hu immediately introduced, "Comrades, Minister Yang has come to see our work situation. Let Minister Yang say a few words to everyone!"

The applause that had just stopped rang out again.

Yang Xiaotao could only clap along, then stopped and looked at everyone.

"Comrades, Director Hu asked me to say a few words, but I don't think I have anything to say."

"Because you know more about professional knowledge than I do."

“You’ve certainly heard more about other aspects.”

"So, I'll just say two things!"

Everyone was very curious about Yang Xiaotao's way of speaking, because when other leaders came, they all talked at length about revolutionary construction.

Honestly, when they heard Yang Xiaotao was about to speak, they naturally thought of that set of procedures.

But unexpectedly, Yang Xiaotao was really different.

Then Yang Xiaotao held up two fingers, "This is the first one!"

"Starting after the New Year, all employees working at the nuclear power plant will receive a one-level increase in their monthly bonus based on their original job rank. The extra amount will be covered by Department Nine!"

"Furthermore, their benefits and compensation are the same as those of employees in Department Nine!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone froze in shock.

Then came ecstasy.

Even without a promotion, the salary and benefits have increased significantly.

Don't underestimate those ten-odd yuan a month; for families these days, it's a guarantee of livelihood. Moreover, the welfare benefits provided by the Ninth Department are known for their generosity and variety; some items are simply unavailable for purchase.

pop
Bang bang bang bang
This time, the applause was even more enthusiastic than before.

Moreover, the smiles on everyone's faces were even more genuine than before.

These are real, tangible benefits!
Yang Xiaotao waved again and then brought up the second matter.

"The second thing is that I need you to remember one sentence!"

"You must have 100% responsibility for what you do!"

Yang Xiaotao looked around and saw that most of the people in the crowd were confused.

"Director Hu just told me about a lot of rules and regulations, a lot of measures to deal with emergencies, a lot of regulations, systems, and so on."

"This all boils down to one issue: security!"

At this point, Yang Xiaotao's tone became solemn, and his gaze became even more composed. Everyone could feel the weight emanating from Yang Xiaotao.

Without realizing it, I felt a sense of caution.

"Comrades, our ancestors said long ago that safety is of paramount importance."

"I know you've thought of all aspects, that's great!"

Yang Xiaotao spoke approvingly, then looked at Director Hu, "But no matter how good the system is, the rules and regulations still need people to implement them."

"People are the most difficult to manage because they have many uncertain thoughts in their minds."

"Everyone must have this 100% sense of responsibility and treat everything that happens here as their own business."

"Comrades, this is very important for the safe operation of the nuclear power plant!"

"It's just as important to you!"

"Because this not only concerns your future work and life, but also your life safety!"

There was no applause this time, but everyone remembered Yang Xiaotao's words.

100% sense of responsibility.

"I hope that everyone can work together here until retirement, leave here, and then relax this tense heart."

"Otherwise, you have to approach your work with this mindset every single second here!"

"There are two things. This is my promise to you, and also my requirement for you. I hope you will keep them in mind!"

As Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, applause rang out again.

This time, the applause was different; it was more enthusiastic than it was filled with recognition.

Many people even showed expressions of gratitude.

After inspecting the entire nuclear power plant, Yang Xiaotao left and went to his lodgings.

Yang Xiaotao also needs to meet someone here.

Inside the house, Li Tiejun, who had been waiting there, immediately broke into a smile when he saw Yang Xiaotao walk in.

"Uncle Li!"

Yang Xiaotao stepped forward and firmly grasped Li Tiejun's calloused hand.

"Minister Yang!"

"There are no outsiders here, just call me Xiao Tao!"

Yang Xiaotao spoke up to stop them, then said to Liu Lixue, "Arrange a meal, something better!"

Liu Lixue immediately went out, Yang Xiaotao asked Li Tiejun to sit down, and Secretary Guo poured tea for the two of them and sat down to the side.

"Uncle Li, if you go back like this, Aunt Wang will definitely blame me!"

Li Tiejun laughed heartily, "Why blame you? It was all my own choice!"

"If she dares to come looking for you, I'll teach her a lesson!"

Yang Xiaotao shook his head, "Uncle Li, if you said that to Aunt Wang's face, I would definitely respect you as a man!"

Li Tiejun immediately nodded, "Xiao Tao, let me tell you, things are different now. When we get home, she'll have to behave herself!"

"Really? Aunt Wang didn't say that!"

"Oh dear, the last time I called..."

Yang Xiaotao had just started to speak, mimicking Aunt Wang's tone, when Li Tiejun immediately raised his hand to interrupt, "Xiaotao, Xiaotao, there are other people here, can't you show some respect!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao laughed, and Secretary Guo, who was standing next to him, also laughed. However, Secretary Guo said, "Director Li, don't worry, I'm a tight-lipped person, I will never tell anyone!"

"Besides, there's not much to say about it. Don't you know what position Minister Yang holds in his family?"

After saying this, Yang Xiaotao and Li Tiejun looked at each other and then laughed together.

After taking a sip of tea, Yang Xiaotao asked, "Uncle Li, how is it?"

"I heard from the people at the nuclear power plant that the power must be restored before May 1st!"

"Will this work?"

When Li Tiejun heard Yang Xiaotao bring up serious matters, his expression returned to normal.

Upon hearing that the call would be made before May Day, his expression turned serious.

Instead of agreeing immediately, he said, "Xiao Tao, to tell you the truth, the power grid has only been laid about a third of the way so far."

"Why? Weren't you told it was going well?"

Yang Xiaotao frowned. It's been more than half a year, why is the progress so slow?

Li Tiejun sighed and explained the situation in detail.

There are two problems here.

"First, the issue of materials."

"The materials we use now, including high-voltage power lines and tower construction materials, are all purchased from local departments due to transportation issues."

"But these materials..."

Li Tiejun shook his head. "Because of this, our people often argue with them. Some places even say that this is how they produce it, and that it works the same way, but the specifications and materials don't meet the requirements at all."

"We can't use it, so we have to switch to another company, but we can't get the money back after we've already paid it out."

"Furthermore, other manufacturers followed suit after seeing this situation."

"We can only select the appropriate ones to use, so the progress is not fast!"

Yang Xiaotao stood with his hands on his hips, his face serious.

After a long while, he finally suppressed his anger. But Secretary Guo, who was standing to the side, shook his head inwardly. Why did these locals have to provoke this man?

Having come out with Yang Xiaotao this time, he saw things clearly.

As long as he does the work assigned by the Ninth Department well and completes the tasks, Yang Xiaotao won't care about eating more or earning more.

But he ate and earned money, yet he still doesn't do his job well. What does that mean?
Do you think the Ninth Division is a sucker?

If this angers Yang Xiaotao, will he get away with it?
He was thinking that he would talk to Old Chen later and arrange for someone to take over his post in advance.

"The second issue is manpower."

“Most of our current staff are local people, but they don’t leave their jobs and need to report back to their production teams or collectives. This shortage of personnel slows down our work process!”

After Li Tiejun finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao immediately asked, "Uncle Li, since there are so many questions, why didn't you tell me?"

Li Tiejun opened his mouth, but finally said, "I don't want to cause you any trouble."

"Others may not know, but I do. When you're busy, you can't even take care of things at home. What are our little difficulties compared to that?"

At this point, Li Tiejun's expression turned serious. "Moreover, according to the plan, if we work harder and do more, we can still complete the task by the end of the year."

"so…"

"So you're just going to tough it out?"

"Just silently bear it?"

Yang Xiaotao spoke sternly, and Li Tiejun slowly lowered his head, then nodded and remained silent.
This left Yang Xiaotao with no choice but to take deep breaths and suppress his complex emotions, unable to muster any more anger.

"Uncle Li, let's go eat first!"

After a long while, Yang Xiaotao took Li Tiejun's hand and walked outside.

But in his heart, he silently replied, "I'm not afraid of trouble!"