The Fiery Era: Becoming an Industrial Giant

Chapter 26 Resolutely Refuse to Take
"Technician Zhou, you've really worked hard this time. Come on, have some more."

At the dinner table, Secretary Liu kept praising Zhou Zhiqiang, seemingly showering him with compliments.

However, others like Zhao Jiabao didn't have any objections; they were just hoping that Secretary Liu wouldn't mention them.

The matter was handled terribly; not only was it not repaired, but it made the situation in Hongshu Township even worse.

Fortunately, Zhou Zhiqiang came to the rescue; otherwise, if the factory had to ask other factories for help, those few would definitely have been criticized and punished when they returned.

"Secretary Liu, you're too kind. This is what we should do. Workers and peasants are one family. Without your help, industry wouldn't be able to develop."

Zhou Zhiqiang said politely, and was then persuaded to eat.

The simplest way to show goodwill in a rural town is to let you eat more. The longer a tractor in Hongshu Township is out of service, the more things are delayed.

The food served to Zhou Zhiqiang was also quite good: a stewed chicken, a plate of scrambled eggs, and several plates of stir-fried vegetables, which was considered a rare treat in the countryside.

However, it was worth Zhou Zhiqiang's efforts. He set off early in the morning and rode for four or five hours before arriving at Hongshu Township. He then got to work immediately without much rest.

After another five or six hours of inspection, maintenance, and repair, it was already dark by the time all the minor problems were fixed.

Only then could they finally eat a hot meal.

"Secretary Liu, we'll repair it for another day tomorrow, and the tractor will basically be usable again, but the wear and tear issue will still exist."

I'll write a referral for Hongshu Township. Ideally, our factory's mechanics will machine a part for you. Once we replace it, the tractor's problem will be completely solved.

Upon hearing this, Secretary Liu grinned and said, "Then I'll trouble you. To be honest, Technician Zhou, this tractor is more important than me, the secretary."

Hongshu Township can do without me, but it can't do without this tractor. Otherwise, many people from various villages won't be able to apply for one and will block my way.

The functions of the township government are neither too big nor too small, but the most important thing now is to ensure the harvest. Only by taking good care of the grain in the fields can we achieve our goals.

Hongshu Township only has two agricultural machines, which can be of great help during the harvest season, so we must make sure nothing goes wrong.

After a hearty meal, Zhou Zhiqiang exchanged a few polite words with Secretary Liu, and then followed Zhao Jiabao and the others to the rooms arranged by Hongshu Township to rest.

After a quick wash, Zhou Zhiqiang lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

He was exhausted today. He rode for half the day, repaired things for half the day, and even skipped a meal. Even if he's in good health, he's a bit tired now.

The others originally wanted to ask Zhou Zhiqiang about his repair skills, but seeing that he fell asleep quickly, they had no choice but to give up and turn off the lights to sleep together.

The next day.

After getting up early and having a simple breakfast, the group continued repairing the tractor.

With Zhou Zhiqiang in charge, the repair process is progressing quickly.

After lunch, the repairs were basically done. Zhou Zhiqiang even started it up, and apart from a slight shaking during operation, everything else was normal.

As for the clutch wear, the only solution is to replace the parts.

After doing all this, Zhou Zhiqiang went to Secretary Liu of Hongshu Township and said to him, "Secretary Liu, it's ready to use now, but don't overuse it these days. Stop and rest for a while after driving for two hours."

I've noted down the part numbers that need replacing. Once I get back to the factory and report to my superiors, I'll get the blueprints and be able to machine one for you. I'll then call you to arrange for it to be replaced.

"Okay, great!"

Upon hearing this, Secretary Liu excitedly shook hands and said, "Technician Zhou, thank you so much! We've prepared some gifts; please take them."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Secretary Liu gestured, and two people from the Hongshu Township government stepped forward carrying several portions of mountain produce. Upon seeing this, Zhou Zhiqiang quickly said, "Secretary Liu, I can't accept this."

Secretary Liu waved his hand and said, "Hey, Technician Zhou, you must take this. If it weren't for you, we don't know how long it would have taken to repair this tractor."

These words made Zhao Jiabao and the others blush a little. However, it was true that they hadn't fixed the tractor properly, and starting it without fixing it had only worsened the problem.

If it weren't for Zhou Zhiqiang's intervention, they would all have been criticized and punished.

“Secretary Liu, one thing is one thing, but I really can’t accept this. If I do, I’ll be making a mistake.”

Zhou Zhiqiang said firmly, "Besides, workers and peasants are all one family now. Do you think it's appropriate to help your own family members with their work and then receive gifts?"

So I can't take this; you should take it back.

"Hey, Technician Zhou, you're amazing. I, Lao Liu, admire you."

After giving Zhou Zhiqiang a thumbs-up in praise, Secretary Liu smiled and continued, "Alright, then I won't make things difficult for you, Technician Zhou. Next time you pass through our Hongshu Township, you must stop by for a visit."

“Great! I’m originally from Sanhe Township. We’re all from Changping, not far from our Hongshu Township.”

"Sanhe Township, Technician Zhou, so you're the college student from Sanhe Township! No wonder it feels so familiar to see you."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Liu was even more pleased and said that he wanted to give Zhou Zhiqiang some local specialties so that he could take them with him.

However, he suppressed the idea as soon as it came to mind. Secretary Liu knew that Zhou Zhiqiang would definitely not accept it, so he could only smile and say that he would definitely come again in the future, and then saw Zhou Zhiqiang and his party off.

After completing the maintenance work in Hongshu Township, Zhou Zhiqiang and his team had nothing left to do.

Next, we adjust the design drawings of the parts, then have the workshop produce one for the car, and then have the maintenance team come to Hongshu Township to replace it, which completes the process.

However, on his way back by bike, Li Shun suddenly said, "Sigh, it's a bit of a waste not to take all that stuff back; it would have been enough for two meals for my family."

The Hongshu Township provided quite a lot: two pheasants, a basket of eggs, several bunches of wild mushrooms, and garlic, among other things.

Even if the five of them divide it up, each person can still take a lot back with them.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang turned to look at Li Shun, then turned back to continue riding his bicycle.

He also saw the expressions on the other people's faces. Although they didn't say anything, he guessed they thought the same thing as Li Shun.

Without turning his head, Zhou Zhiqiang said, "Did you give me the reimbursed grain coupons? I ate two meals in Hongshu Township, and I think I forgot to give you the grain coupons."

No one else spoke after hearing this, not even Li Shun.

They benefited from going to the countryside to help out. First, they could keep the grain coupons and subsidies issued by the factory. Second, the township wouldn't rush to ask them to help repair machines; they would definitely provide meals.

If you ask them for food coupons, they'll immediately tell everyone else when you get back that 'Hongshu Township doesn't know the rules'.

In the future, if there are any repair tasks, they will delay them as much as possible, and if they can't delay them, they will make trouble for you. In short, they will not fix it for you properly.

The people of Hongshu Township knew this, so they provided them with meals without ever charging them food coupons or money; it was an unspoken rule.

Zhou Zhiqiang continued, "Forgetting to give me food coupons when I eat is one thing, but I won't take food with me. And don't let me see it."

He was in charge of this maintenance task and had to take charge of everything, so Zhou Zhiqiang was in charge.

(End of this chapter)