Great Power Industry: You're a private company building an aircraft carrier?

State-owned enterprises?

Are state-owned enterprises (SOEs) really that strong? What can SOEs actually do? Look at a few steel mills that go to island nations to buy second-hand rolling mills, bring them back, and are smug about it, saying they've upgraded their industries.

Who would think of making it themselves? Is the grass always greener on the other side, and are their devices more advanced?

We still have to rely on private enterprises, on Laiyang Factory, and on Qin Gong!

Qin's words still echoed in Zhu Lijun's ears: We'll build it ourselves! We're no worse than foreigners!

We must prove to the world that the Chinese nation is the most intelligent, hardworking, and creative nation in the world! We must shoulder the great historical mission of the rejuvenation of our motherland!

At that time, Zhu Lijun felt something burning inside his body.

He's been coming to Yangchang these past few days, busy with all sorts of things, just wanting to prove something to the whole world!

What are these people thinking? The old factory manager isn't here, and you guys are plotting how to rob someone else?

“Engineer Zhu, this rolling mill was built with the technical support of our First Heavy Machinery Group, and we also did the design, so it’s normal for us to play the leading role.” Seeing that Zhu Lijun was very resistant, Zhao Guangsheng didn’t dare to force the issue anymore and decided to change his perspective.

“Our First Heavy Machinery’s business has not been doing well in recent years, so this deal is very important to us,” Zhao Guangsheng continued. “We at First Heavy Machinery are determined to get this two billion US dollars, and of course, we will not treat Laiyang Factory unfairly.”

Zhao Guangsheng paused for a moment, then continued, "How about this, when you get back, talk to Qin Gong properly and we'll try our best to meet his demands. If one million dollars is too little, then two million or three million is fine too."

"Two billion US dollars, and we're planning to give Laiyang Factory only a few million?" Zhu Lijun sneered: "Gentlemen, I don't have that kind of face. If you want to say it, go ahead and say it yourselves!"

"The technology and production drawings belong to our First Heavy Machinery. They only came to Yangchang to produce a few parts. Even without them, we can produce them ourselves. A few million would be a lot. How much more do they want?" Zhao Guangsheng's temper flared up again: "Engineer Zhu, don't forget, it was our First Heavy Machinery that trained you!"

"Don't forget what happened with the Bingcheng Boiler Factory and the Bingcheng Steam Turbine Factory!" Zhu Lijun said. "Anyone who tries to steal meat from Laiyang Factory will end up badly! If you're so capable, go and get orders on the international market yourselves. Don't be ashamed to steal from our brother units!"

"Who are you calling shameful?"

"Alright, stop arguing!" Guo Jianli, the deputy factory director in charge of welfare, finally spoke up: "We're all family. If there's any conflict, let's resolve it through negotiation. What kind of behavior is this, arguing like this!"

"Old Guo, we..."

"Stop talking!" Guo Jianli glared at Xing Fugui, then looked at Zhu Lijun: "Engineer Zhu, your team has been away for several months, busy with all sorts of things. Your families must be missing you terribly. The New Year is almost here, so your team should all withdraw from Laiyang! Go back after the New Year, come back and get some rest. You'll still get paid and all the benefits will be there."

Xing Fuqiang was overjoyed. Sure enough, Lao Guo was the best!

"Old Zhao, go to Laiyang Factory and discuss it with Qin Gong. We can agree to whatever they want, as long as it doesn't exceed half. After all, most of the parts are manufactured in our factory."

Don't exceed half? In other words, even if Qin Chuan asks for 990 million, we can agree?

Xing Fugui wanted to speak again, but then suddenly realized something.

That's a brilliant move! It's giving Qin Chuan a way out. Does Qin Chuan really think he can take something so trivial as an excuse? He can't even accept 100 million; 10 million US dollars would be enough for him at most!

Zhu Lijun glanced at everyone present with a complicated expression: "I'm not tired. Although I miss home, I want to make something of myself... I will continue to work at Yangchang."

"Engineer Zhu, you don't even listen to the old factory director. Are you planning to go into business for yourself?" Zhao Guangsheng frowned.

The term "job hopping" is not popular now. When employees of state-owned enterprises resign, it is called "going into business".

"I just want to make something of myself."

"Can't you use your expertise at our First Heavy Machinery Plant? When you first joined the factory, didn't I teach you step by step?" Zhao Guangsheng continued.

Zhu Lijun didn't speak, he just lowered his head.

“We won’t stop you from going to Laiyang Factory, but you have to hand over the entire set of blueprints to the factory. Also, you can no longer be involved in the production of the 5.5-meter rolling mill, after all, it’s a product of our First Heavy Machinery.”

“The R&D funding came from Laiyang Factory, and we also received salaries from Laiyang Factory. The key components were all produced by Laiyang Factory. This production line…” Zhu Lijun still wanted to argue his point.

Guo Jianli sighed: "Everyone has their own ambitions, but sitting in different positions means you have to consider different things. Engineer Zhu, we're not targeting you, but we have to consider the future of First Heavy Machinery!"

Zhu Lijun stood up: "Okay, I promise you. I'll mail my resignation letter along with theirs when I get back."

Although Zhu Lijun hadn't consulted the rest of the team, he trusted his own judgment. He had decided to stay at Laiyang Factory, and naturally, the others would too!

However, Zhu Lijun still needs to go home first. After all, since he has chosen to stay at Laiyang Factory, he has to consider the issue of relocating his whole family. He needs to discuss it with his family and it will take a few days to get things done.

In contrast, Zhao Guangsheng was much faster. He took the train south that night and arrived at Laiyang Factory the next day at noon.

……

Factory office.

"Director Qin, you've made a name for yourself since leaving Shougang, and we all admire you!" Zhao Guangsheng said with a smile. "Your pen nibs and rigging are selling well overseas, bringing glory to our country's industrial development!"

"Well, we're just a private enterprise, producing some low-end stuff," Qin Jianguo said with a smile. "Director Zhao, your First Heavy Machinery is the backbone of the country's industrial development. Many of our factory's equipment were purchased from your factory, so we have to thank you!"

"Of course, we've made quite a bit of money, haven't we?" Zhao Guangsheng said. "The equipment produced by our First Heavy Machinery is the best in the country, especially our ultra-wide rolling mill. It's truly an honor for our First Heavy Machinery that it was chosen by a customer from South Korea!"

Qin Jianguo instantly realized that this guy was up to no good!

"This two billion dollar deal is of great significance to our First Heavy Machinery. Here, on behalf of First Heavy Machinery, I would like to thank you for coming to the Yang plant to showcase the product to our customers, and thank Engineer Qin for his sales pitch. We will not let you work for nothing."

Zhao Guangsheng continued, "You can name any amount of kickback you want. Our old factory director said we absolutely cannot treat you unfairly at Yang Factory!"

"Director Zhao, I think you've got it wrong. This deal was negotiated between us at Yang Factory and the foreigners. It has nothing to do with your First Heavy Machinery, right?"

"Director Qin, how can you say that? The original rolling mill development contract..."

Boom!

Someone kicked the door open from outside: "Which bastard is spouting nonsense? You're asking for a beating!"