A nation's industrial development begins with junior engineers.

Having moved on from the previous topic, the two steered their discussion back to production.

"Old Li, what should we do? We worked ourselves to the bone yesterday and only managed to get five units together. I just went to the workshop and saw that they've only managed to assemble ten sets so far."

Yang Youning tearfully complained to Li Changfu, still holding the production task that had just been assigned by the Ministry of Machine Building.

Li Changfu held the task sheet and began to click his tongue in amazement.

Yang Youning slumped unceremoniously in his chair, exclaiming, "Only 15 sets a day! It'll take me two months to get 1 sets! Two months! By then, it'll be too late!"

Li Changfu frowned. "Why is it only so little? That shouldn't be the case."

"Right now, the main production force is the maintenance workshop, but they also have to work on parts for the rolling mill. They keep complaining that they don't have time."

Li Changfu nodded: "After all, we are a steel rolling mill, and we are lacking in mechanical manufacturing."

"We'll see tomorrow. Once the comrades from the machinery factory get involved, production should increase significantly!"

The red telephone next to me started ringing again.

Yang Youning answered the call, and before he could even say hello, the other end hurriedly launched into a long speech.

Before Yang Youning could say anything more, the call ended.

Finally, Yang Youning stared blankly at Old Li.

Old Li was also stunned, and the teacup in his hand trembled along with it.

"Old Li, we're finished. You heard that too, didn't you?"

Thanks to current communication technology, microphones are generally very loud.

Li Changfu didn't hear the first part clearly, but he heard the second part, the number, very clearly.

5 sets?

"This is terrible! We usually only have a few tasks, but this is really overwhelming." Yang Youning said, sounding utterly hopeless.

At this moment, Xiao Liu returned with two master chefs.

Yang Youning looked up and saw that the two master chefs were clearly different in spirit and energy, and their voices were much louder.

"Factory manager, we've finished our business. What tasks do you have? Just let me know."

"Yes, factory manager, we've been on leave for three months. We're only assigned tasks when there's one! If we even flinch, we're treated like stepchildren!"

Yang Youning was pleased and, after introducing Li Changfu to them, handed them the blueprints for the hand pump well.

The two master craftsmen looked at the blueprints. "This is simple, but we need to practice it first. Factory manager, how many sets do we need?"

Yang Youning was afraid of scaring them, so he didn't dare to mention the number.

Let them start now, prepare all the raw materials, and see how much they can produce.

Li Changfu also placed a production order for 1000 units for them.

The two master craftsmen took the production order and plunged into the workshop without even having a sip of tea.

When it was time to get off work, Yang Youning also rushed to Workshop Six.

On the way, he encountered many workers who were leaving get off work, and some of them greeted Yang Youning warmly.

Before even entering the workshop, I saw several hand pumps lined up at the entrance, looking rather sleek and attractive.

Looking into the workshop, every workstation was full, and everyone seemed oblivious to the closing bell, continuing their work in an orderly fashion.

Master Qin stopped what he was doing when he saw the factory manager arrive. He casually wiped away the large beads of sweat with his hand.

"The factory manager is here. Are you satisfied?"

What else could Yang Youning say? He was definitely satisfied.

"We produced 80 finished units this afternoon! There are still 20 units that haven't been tested yet."

Master Lin also came over: "Yes, mainly because we've been idle for three months, our hands and feet are a bit rusty. Tomorrow, our output will definitely be over 200!"

Yang Youning was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly. 200 a day! 5 sets didn't seem so far away after all.

At this moment, Li Chengfu also arrived with the technical department staff.

Looking at the row of hand pumps in front of him, he was overjoyed. With a wave of his hand, several technicians began to test the finished products.

Size is correct!

No cracks in the weld!

Piston linkage, smooth operation!

Li Tiejun carried a hand pump well and placed it into the large water tank at the entrance of Workshop Six.

It was Jiang Xia who suggested this large water tank; several were placed in each workshop to be used as fire-fighting water.

Ma Weihong pressed the handle a few times, and water gushed out of the well.

Test passed!

The technical staff began to applaud the people in the workshop.

"Amazing! Aside from the two prototypes Jiang Xia made, this is the first time I've encountered such excellent craftsmanship. It passed on the first try!"

Master Qin proudly puffed out his chest: "The machine factory may have collapsed, but that doesn't mean our skills are lacking!"

"With this number of orders, let's try our best and see if we can finish them in four days."

Yang Youning praised the workers' performance in the workshop again before urging them to leave work.

We live in a new society; we don't practice the capitalist system of exploiting the people. Come early tomorrow, don't be late. Just keep working hard during work hours!

The workers agreed with this reasoning, and after finishing their work, they all happily prepared to go home.

I just received my wages from the past few months, so I need to go to the pigeon market to get some good stuff to feed the kids.

After all the workers had left, Master Qin and Master Lin walked up to Yang Youning.

"Factory manager, are you still not satisfied with our work?"

Yang Youning was taken aback. "How did this come about?"

Master Lin gave a wry smile: "Factory manager, I'm pretty good at judging people. Although you're smiling, there's a dark aura around your head and a hint of worry on your forehead. We were wondering if we haven't done enough to make you worry."

"Hey, Master Lin, you can tell fortunes too?" Yang Youning rubbed his forehead, wanting to see what this dark aura looked like.

"Okay, let me explain!"

Li Changfu took out a pack of cigarettes and gave one to each of the old smokers.

They lit each other's fire with matches, and Li Changfu blew a smoke ring before speaking:

"The ministry has added an extra task for the water pump well you built!"

"An additional task? That's great! In the past, when our machinery factory had an additional task, we would set off firecrackers!" Master Qin scratched his head.

That's true. If the Ministry of Machinery adds tasks, it means that the product is well made and many units need it.

Completing these extra tasks not only earns overtime pay but also a bonus in the form of receipts issued by the department. That's great news!

Do large steel rolling mills look down on these rewards?

"We think highly of them!" The two master chefs exchanged a glance, then eagerly volunteered to take on the challenge.

"5 sets! One month!" Yang Youning held up his hand and gestured with his fingers.

"I didn't tell you the truth just now because I was afraid of scaring you."

Yang Youning turned to the side, just in time to see the surprised expressions on the faces of the two master chefs.

As expected, Yang Youning was frightened. He sighed slightly, "I also think the time is too tight. How about I transfer some more people to support you, or let the Ministry of Machinery know?"

Reporting to the Ministry of Machinery Industry was basically Yang Youning's last resort, but he had no desire to use it at all.

This is equivalent to complaining to your father: "No, Dad, my small body can't meet your requirements."

Even so, this order can be resolved quickly. The machine department will certainly agree to it happily. At the same time, the order will be distributed to other factories that are desperately in need.

Ultimately, it's highly likely that the steel mill will be credited as the inventor but won't reap any benefits whatsoever.

Unexpectedly, the two master chefs refused repeatedly upon hearing this.

Master Qin immediately shook hands with him: "Factory Manager, the task is entrusted to us! If we fail, you'll be beheaded!"

Master Lin held onto Li Changfu's hand tightly, saying, "Chief Engineer, please trust us! We have experience in concentrated, intensive efforts."

Yang Youning and Li Changfu exchanged a glance. They were indeed frightened, but it seemed that they were the ones who were frightened.