Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 757 Wrong Thoughts

"Alright, alright, stop crowding around! A few of you, move this pile of scrap metal to the corner of the warehouse and wait for the factory to issue the scrapping order! Hurry up!" Guo Da Piezi directed several workers.

The workers responded immediately, dismantling and moving the heavy scrap metal parts with their own hands and feet.

The noise of metal clashing rang out again, drowning out many things.

Yi Zhonghai did not leave immediately.

His action of kicking away the spring clip just now was an instinctive act of protection, but now that he has calmed down, doubts are arising in his mind.

Could a few tiny spring clips really get into the gaps in the chuck and cause such serious damage? The probability is extremely low.

Suddenly, Yi Zhonghai became interested and wanted to find out the main reason why the machine tool broke down.

"Be careful, I need to check what's broken in a bit."

"Okay, Mr. Yi!"

When Yi Gong spoke up, the workers moved the load more carefully.

Seeing this, Guo Da Piezi didn't say much. "Okay, could you please take a look at what's going on, Engineer Yi? I'll go talk to Director Yang."

"Thank you, Director Guo. Please try your best to get it."

"I'll do my best." Guo Dapiezi nodded emphatically.

Amid the expectant gazes of the workers, Guo Da Piezi went to find Director Yang with an air of "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand cannot pass".

On his way to Director Yang's office, Guo Da Piezi immediately prepared his thoughts in his mind on how he would talk to Director Yang.

"We need to emphasize the problems with the machine tools, such as their age and lack of maintenance, sudden serious malfunctions, and the fact that there were no casualties. That's exactly it."

Of course, we must also mention that Liu Xiaoyan had suggested scrapping it, and we can't forget to mention that.

He explained his reasons again, and he thought that Director Yang would understand his difficulties.

Finally, the text vividly describes the "serious impact" of the lack of this equipment on the workshop's production efficiency, and the significant importance of replacing it with new equipment for "grasping revolution and promoting production."

"I refuse to believe that Director Yang would disagree after I've said that."

For a time, Guo Da Piezi was full of confidence and even began to plan how to arrange manpower and tasks after the new machine arrived.

On the other side, when the workers were cleaning up the garbage, they naturally saw the spring clips.

"Qin Huairu, how did you do this job? How did you end up with the spring here? Seriously? Be more careful when you work, don't waste materials."

"Ah! Yes, yes, I'm paying attention." Qin Huairu shuddered in fright, but immediately tried to remain calm and replied.

The workers didn't think much of it. Yi Zhonghai glanced around and, seeing that no one was paying attention, continued his inspection work.

He found it hard to believe that such a small spring clip could have damaged the machine tool.

He squatted beside the old lathe, his brows furrowed, his sharp eyes scanning the deformed and twisted chuck and the scattered parts on the floor.
Next, the motor and transmission components were immediately inspected, and it was confirmed that there was no obvious burning or breakage.

Then, his gaze focused on the severely deformed, jammed chuck.

Carefully remove the chuck's protective cover.

A stronger smell of burning and dust from metal abrasion hit me.

The grooves inside the chuck were filled with twisted metal shavings and crushed, churned lubricating oil grime.

Yi Zhonghai used tweezers to clean and manipulate the parts bit by bit.

Finally, they managed to hook out a small, oily metal object with curled edges from inside.

It is a spring clip.

Yi Zhonghai raised an eyebrow, his gaze serious, and continued his investigation.

Another deformed spring clip was found, along with several tiny fragments of the gasket!
"It really was Qin Huairu who did this!" Yi Zhonghai said in disbelief, turning to look at Qin Huairu who was still installing screws.

"They're both good for nothing but causing trouble! They're both equally troublemakers."

To avoid being influenced by Qin Huairu, Yi Zhonghai immediately collected the spring clips, gasket fragments, and other items, and stuffed them into the inner pocket of his work clothes.

Only after confirming that the scene was gone did I feel relieved.

"Huh~ I'm scared to death."

Suddenly, a flash of light flew past his eyes and landed in front of him.

It is a spring clip.

Startled, Yi Zhonghai turned to look at Qin Huairu, only to see her looking apologetic and lowering her head in embarrassment.

Alright! This time it's definitely her.

Yi Zhonghai walked up to Qin Huairu coldly: "Little Qin, look how careless you are. The spring has flown over here."

"What if it flies into the machine? What if it breaks?"

"Oh no."

Yi Zhonghai exclaimed alarmistly, "How could it not be? You've been in the workshop for a few months now. Even a small spring can have significant consequences."

"Here's what you do: face the wall. That way, the spring won't fly around."

"Oh! Okay!" Qin Huairu was very obedient and immediately started working facing the wall.

In the workers' eyes, this meant she couldn't be protected by Yi Zhonghai anymore.

Several people who had mocked Qin Huairu were unknowingly starting to have wicked thoughts.

Without Yi Zhonghai's protection, Qin Huairu is nothing.

Guo Da Piezi successfully reported the situation to Factory Director Yang.

"Yes, I understand." Factory Director Yang tapped his fingers on the table.

"Director Guo, the aging equipment is a problem. However, every penny in the factory must be spent wisely. Replacing a machine tool with a new one is no small matter and requires a comprehensive evaluation."

"Factory manager, an evaluation is a must!" Guo Da Piezi quickly replied.

"But this machine is now completely scrapped. Not only does it take up space in the workshop, it also affects morale."

"You see, Master Liu Xiaoyan raised the potential problem last month, which clearly shows that the issue has been brewing for more than just a day or two."

“Xiao Guo,” Director Yang interrupted him, “when an old machine is about to break down, it usually develops problems gradually. It’s rare for it to break down so suddenly without any warning.”

"You were there at the time, didn't you notice anything else unusual? Or did the operator violate any regulations?"

Guo Da Piezi didn't think too much about it: "Factory Director, you've hit the nail on the head! I've been wondering the same thing. That old machine is old and usually a bit noisy when it's running, but it shouldn't be this weird."

"I asked the worker who was operating the equipment at the time, and he said he was absolutely following the procedures and hadn't noticed any unusual noises beforehand; it just happened suddenly. As for the foreign object?"

He pretended to try to recall, then shook his head firmly, "That area was quite clean at the time, with just some scattered iron filings."

"Later, Engineer Yi also inspected it carefully and confirmed that the sudden failure was caused by the aging of the machine's internal structure."

“Yi is an eighth-level worker, so his words can’t be false, right? He also said that for these old machines, fatigue fracture of core components can sometimes happen in an instant.”

He brought up Yi Zhonghai in an attempt to get Director Yang to make a firm decision to return the machine to him.

Factory Director Yang stared at Guo Da Piezi for a few seconds, his eyes sharp, as if trying to see through his thoughts.

Guo Dapizi tried to remain calm, but his palms were slightly sweaty.

Finally, Factory Director Yang nodded: "I naturally trust Master Yi's technical judgment. However, the procedures still need to be followed."

"Okay, Xiao Guo, you go back first. The factory will study the new machine. Go back and wait for news."

"By the way, remember to submit the accident report and see what exactly happened."

"to make."

In the end, Guo Da Piezi still didn't get the new machine. After leaving the fitter's workshop, Li Kailang wandered around to check out the other workshops.

After passing through several workshops, Li Kailang only glanced at them from the entrance before hurriedly leaving without lingering.

Some workshops still have some confidentiality requirements. If someone who is not from that workshop stays there for too long, they may be taken to the security department.

Even employees of our own factory might be spies.

After a leisurely stroll, they arrived at the forging workshop where Liu Haizhong worked.

He leisurely and methodically directed his fellow workers to do their jobs, behaving much like a deputy director.

A wave of heat, hotter and more mixed than that in the fitter's workshop, rushed towards us.

Li Kailang's gaze swept past several buzzing machines, and he easily spotted the distinctive figure in Liu Haizhong's hair.

The master riveter, a level seven craftsman, was pacing back and forth in his assigned area, hands behind his back, looking just like a factory manager inspecting his own factory.

He didn't do the work himself, but simply scanned his apprentices and grand-apprentices at their workstations with his sharp eyes.

Occasionally, he would clear his throat and shout a few words in his booming voice:

"Little Liu! Take it easy! Use every ounce of your strength. Who's going to take responsibility if you smash that forged head off?"

"Wang Mazi! Keep a close eye on him, the shine needs to be even! Are you trying to fool the foreigners?"

The young worker whose name was called instinctively shrank his neck, and his hands immediately became more focused and attentive.

Just then, a disciple who looked to be about twenty-three or twenty-four years old ran up to Liu Haizhong, his voice a little timid:
"Master, please take a look. I just can't seem to get my workpiece right."

Liu Haizhong was so angry at the workpieces his apprentice had forged that he kicked him lightly: "Idiot! How did I teach you before? They're all pretty much the same method. What are you going to do with this? Can't you use your brain?"

Liu Haizhong had no choice but to teach him again, explaining everything in great detail.

Seeing that his apprentice was still the same clueless, dull-witted person, he habitually furrowed his brow.

Without saying a word, he lifted his foot, which was clad in heavy work boots, and lightly "printed" a mark on the man's calf.

The force was controlled perfectly.

"Ouch!" the apprentice cried out instinctively, rubbing his calf, his face turning even redder.

"What are you daydreaming about! Watch carefully, I'll show you how to do it! But remember, what if something goes wrong and it's all over?"

Liu Haizhong personally taught the students.

In the entire riveting workshop, Liu Haizhong had the most apprentices, and the proportion of skilled apprentices was also the highest.

Whether they were direct disciples or those who benefited from listening in, everyone gave Liu Haizhong's teaching a thumbs up.

Although his fiery temper, especially in the last two years, and his habit of occasionally "getting into trouble" have made some young people a little afraid, everyone knows the truth about him.

Liu Haizhong is a genuine teacher, and he has high standards. He can truly help you improve your skills and work level.

These days, it's a blessing to meet a master who will teach you everything he knows.

Compared to someone else, that's much better.

Li Kailang watched this scene silently.

This style of Liu Haizhong's is all too familiar.

This old man has many flaws: he's power-hungry, concerned with his image, and often beats and scolds his son at home. But when it comes to teaching, imparting knowledge, and resolving doubts, he's truly impeccable.

Even though Liu Haizhong did a lot of weird things in the workshop, and even dared to contradict the workshop director, not many of his disciples and followers ever went against him.

Most people ignore the antics of those with messy bangs, but when it really comes down to it, they're still brave enough to step in.

Shaking his head, Li Kailang left the forging workshop to explore other places.

Before I knew it, a strong smell of rubber wafted over and reached the electrical engineering department.

Li Kailang peeked out and saw Cui Yuan working.

He and Liu An had only been married for a few days and were still in their honeymoon period. The joy and energy on their faces were impossible to hide, and even their movements while working were light and cheerful.

Cui Yuan was currently focused on a vacuum tube radio.

The soldering iron danced nimbly in his hands, melting and dripping solder wire, precisely connecting those tiny components.

Instead of going to the workshop for repairs, Cui Yuan usually repairs the appliances he brings from the repair shop in his office.

"All things considered, Brother Cui has been working in the electrical engineering department for more than two years now."

Cui Yuan's skills have improved rapidly in the past two years. The rudimentary skills he had when he first joined the factory have been completely transformed.

A Level 1 electrician certification is something I can confidently hold.

With his current skill level, he has a 70-80% chance of passing the Level 2 electrician exam, and maybe he can even try for Level 3 next year.

Master Liu Huazhong often said to him in private: "My apprentice is steady-handed, quick-witted, learns things incredibly fast, and has a solid foundation in basic theory. He is a promising talent."

"When the factory reopens the assessment, I'll make sure he gets a chance to try for the Level 3 electrician position. You guys need to step up your efforts!"

Seeing Liu Huazhong say this, the other masters felt they couldn't compete and naturally became stricter with their own disciples.

However, there has been no news regarding the assessment, and even the strictest assessment will eventually fade with time.

Li Kailang looked at Cui Yuan's radiant profile and said, "People who have hope for the future have plenty of intrinsic motivation!"

I'm sorry to the deceased Jia Dongxu; it was truly a world of difference.

The difference between people can sometimes be greater than the difference between a person and a pig.

"Xiao Li, what brings you here?" Cui Yuan felt the gaze and immediately turned around.

"Ah, I just arrived. I just came out for a stroll since I had nothing else to do."

"Really? You must have a lot of free time to come out and wander around. I'm so busy."

"It's not a bad thing to be busy making money," Li Kailang said with a smile.

"That's true." Cui Yuan nodded. Marrying Liu An had brought considerable expenses to the household, and he needed to earn the money back as soon as possible.

After chatting for a while, it was almost time to get off work.

"Okay, I'll be going now."

Return to the yard.

There they saw Uncle Yan Bugui, the third uncle, bending over with his backside sticking out, meticulously loosening the soil around a few wilted rose bushes in his precious flowerbed with a small shovel in hand.

Hearing footsteps, Yan Bugui looked up, a habitual, slightly calculating smile spreading across his face:

"Hey, Xiao Li's back? You're off work early today."

Li Kailang paused, then mumbled an "uh," and said, "Yeah, just wandering around aimlessly. Is there anything I can help you with, Uncle?"

"It's okay."

Without much further conversation, Li Kailang went back to his room.

Yan Bugui put down the small shovel, straightened up, and patted the dirt off his hands.

Although there was a slight unpleasantness last time, it didn't affect Yan Bugui's scheming at all. He stroked his chin:

"Speaking of which, the results will be out in a few days. If Li Kailang really passes, then we can't afford to ruin our relationship."

"A college student? Helping him out would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it? No, we need to think of a way. What's a possible solution?"

Yan Bugui wouldn't draw a line over such a trivial matter, keeping to himself and others; otherwise, he would have wasted his decades of life as a human being.

(End of this chapter)