Canteen System Assistance Notes

"Okay...ok..."

He opened his mouth, unable to utter a word, and could only answer woodenly.

To be honest, Du Youlin didn't quite understand the many advanced concepts and technologies that Lu Gangtie talked about, but he could roughly tell that this "small steel plant" located in Huinong District embodied many advanced things that had never been seen in China, and even in the world.

Du Youlin used to think that he was an experienced furnace worker and could be called a technician, but now he feels that he knows nothing.

This made him feel a little insecure: Can I do this job well? Can my previous experience be used?

But this job must have a bright future. A dormant impulse, one for industry and workers, stirred within him, a feeling he hadn't felt in ages. Perhaps the last time he'd felt it was when, driven by the desire to "save the nation through industry" and "save the nation through steelmaking," he resolutely left home and signed up to work at the Machinery Bureau. That passion had long since been worn away by the constant grind of life, replaced by the practicalities and slickness of managing his wife and children.

But today, it popped up again.

Following the Eighth Route Army and working in an iron factory like this, there is hope!

Chapter 51 Different Powers

Canteen System Assistance

By Forgotten Maple X

2359 words

2020-11-02 12: 00: 00

"So, Comrade Xiao Liu, wouldn't this be too radical?"

"Premier... Oh, Vice Chairman Zhou, look at me, I'm so used to saying that." Liu Helian glanced around. Everyone was listening to Mr. Qinzhai's fart on the stage, and no one noticed this side. "In fact, the construction concept of Huinong District is to utilize the planning and combination of existing international technologies. Many of its technologies have actually been practical for a long time, but no one thought of piecing them together in our way.

"For example, the air separator only produced oxygen. No one had thought of using it for steelmaking. Nor had anyone considered splitting an open-hearth furnace in two to fully utilize the heat and installing oxygen lances for top-blown steelmaking. Ore sintering was an American invention, but they were content with fully utilizing fine ore and hadn't considered adding flux. Our approach, on the other hand, is based on successful experience and a proven historical approach."

He explained calmly, "In other words, the cost of our technological route is zero. This is our absolute advantage."

The elegant man beside him nodded, his eyes fixed straight ahead. He smiled and clapped his hands, joining in the noise of the people on the stage. "That's great! We've all become semi-immortals now. The Chairman said this was cheating on the exam, and I think it's true." He paused. "Now that the agreement has been signed and the KMT-CCP ​​tensions have eased, during this window of opportunity, construction will proceed according to the previous plan. I was a little skeptical before, but now, I can put my mind at ease."

"Next, are you planning to go abroad?"

"I've prepared it. I've already submitted a rough plan of what we're going to do to the central government."

The person next to him is Vice Chairman Zhou. In Xiao Liu's later generations, if you simply say "Prime Minister" without any surname or given name, almost everyone will assume you are talking about him.

At this time, he and Liu Helian were staying in a station outside the city of Haojing, where a grand welcome party was being held to welcome the first batch of Soviet aid materials that had traveled thousands of miles from Xinjiang Province through the long Hexi Corridor.

Hello, Davarishi! Greetings from the Soviet Union!

On the stage, Hu Qinzhai finally finished his fart, nearly making his pants burst. The audience applauded enthusiastically, cheering loudly. They all felt that Brother Qinzhai's speech was insightful and profound. He had foresightedly pointed out the importance of this Soviet aid route, expounded on the immense significance of Soviet aid to the Republic of China, and even on the long-standing friendship between the two countries, and ultimately emphasized the great brilliance of the president and principal.

Simply put, you are giving us things with low-interest loans, great!

This kind of speech was full of beautiful words, but lacked much substance. When Qinzhai finished, it was Vice Chairman Zhou's turn. He spoke with dignity and grace, describing the ins and outs of Soviet aid to China, the difficulties in advancing the KMT-CCP ​​cooperation process, and the numerous obstacles it encountered. Finally, Vice Chairman Zhou thanked the diplomats and domestic negotiators for their efforts, expressed his gratitude to the Soviet representatives present, and pointed out that now was the time to put aside our prejudices and misunderstandings and join hands to fight the Japanese invaders.

It was a fairly balanced speech, well-reasoned and measured, but lacking in the sharpness of a hidden needle. Perhaps since the Prime Minister was here, he had to say some polite words. Liu Helian thought about it and applauded.

After the leaders concluded their speeches, the welcoming ceremony moved on to the next stage. The GAZ trucks, already parked outside the station, formed a single file and entered the station. Around them, suona and gong and drum troupes began their boisterous performances. The scene was filled with clapping, firecrackers, and fluttering flags, creating a lively atmosphere. Crowds gathered around, applauding the Soviet and Nationalist soldiers escorting the trucks.

This was part of the first batch of Soviet aid to China. In order to avoid problems, many relatively sensitive materials were transported on large rafts on the Yellow River to the Huinong base at the ferry, and then along the Dingyan-Wuqi line to Fushe, and even to more places where they were needed.

Liu Helian could guarantee that all the supplies arriving in Gaojing were "legal and compliant." Under the Eighth Route Army's "sugar-coated bullet" offensive, during this period when the KMT and the CCP could communicate freely, the KMT's junior officers were falling at an unimaginable rate, providing great convenience to the Eighth Route Army. No matter what supplies were imported, they were generally reported as "quilts."

Hu Qinzhai is here in person today, just for show.

The vehicles were primarily loaded with Soviet-made Mosin-Nagant rifles, quite new. The Soviets had used many of the older rifles, which had been stored in their warehouses to replace them with semi-automatic weapons, to aid the Nationalist army. Also included were M15 helmets, previously used by the Soviets. These were of French origin, and after completing their service in the Soviet Union, they were brought to China. It seemed to be expected that these would soon be worn by Nationalist soldiers.

The vehicles at the back were Soviet copies of the German PaK35/36 37mm anti-tank guns, disassembled and mounted on trucks. Other vehicles were loaded with ammunition, rangefinders, and other accessories. The Soviet-made 37AT guns had similar armor-piercing capabilities to the German originals, but were also capable of firing high-explosive rounds, making them more effective on the Chinese battlefield. The Soviets also provided three sets of 12 artillery instructors for this batch of artillery. These unpaid volunteers were responsible for teaching the KMT artillery personnel how to use these Soviet-made German guns.

They will play an important role in the next battle against the Japanese invaders.

The crowd walked forward, lifted the oilcloth, opened the wooden box, and took out a rifle, a magazine, and a blue training bullet. They commented happily and estimated how great the effect these things could have.

Looking at the preserved fruit workers receiving the aid, Liu Helian honestly felt a bit envious. Just a few months ago, he'd been a human transporter, laboriously flying a transforming electric donkey for a whole day, only to be able to transport two and a half tons of supplies. But with a national mission, the preserved fruit workers didn't have to resort to such "stealing" methods to obtain aid.

If we also have such a channel, would we need to go through so much trouble?

He couldn't help but want to curse again, but Zhou Gong was still beside him, and Liu Helian couldn't get angry. He could only take Zhou Gong to see the supplies belonging to the Eighth Route Army - these vehicles were parked outside the welcome station and did not come to the welcome party.

"The materials we imported this time are not all from the Soviet Union. Some of them were purchased from the Kuomintang-controlled areas and brought here with the spare tonnage in the convoy."

A clerk, holding a notebook and wearing a windproof robe, introduced the two men, "Please take a look, Chief, these are the main points."

The clerk jumped swiftly onto the wooden bed of the GAZ truck, lifted the tailgate and pulled off the oilcloth.

Liu Helian took the lead, picking up a crowbar from the cart and prying open one of the wooden crates. He saw pieces of shiny metal wrapped in oil paper and placed within square wooden grids. These fingertip-sized lumps of metal looked unremarkable, with a threaded hole, a polished point, and a missing piece. He then pried open another wooden crate, revealing rough steel strips of varying sizes and thicknesses, revealing an ugly bluish-black color.

"Turning tools... and files. Okay, here are the gauge blocks and clamps. This box contains the hand drills and drill bits..."

Unlike the butter-covered guns and cannons that betrayed their power, these gadgets looked quite harmless, and even if they were dropped on the ground, no one would notice them. However, all the Eighth Route Army soldiers present knew that this might represent a more real power.

Chapter 52: Getting Ready to Say Hello

Canteen System Assistance

By Forgotten Maple X

2210 words

2020-11-03 12: 00: 00

Liu Helian had already made all the necessary preparations for his trip abroad, and his plan had been approved by the central government. However, in addition to a few assistants sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the central government still asked Liu Helian to make some preparations and wait for a special visitor. This mysterious visitor would help him carry out his work in the United States smoothly.

"With him around, your work will be much more efficient." Zhou Gong told him mysteriously as they left Haojing. But no matter how Liu He pressed the issue, Zhou Gong simply smiled and remained silent. This left him with no choice but to return to Fushe and retreat into the cafeteria's office area to make further preparations.

"After searching for a long time, I finally managed to prepare 50 US dollars. What can I do with this little money? Considering the long term, it must be used for investment. But the Chinese Exclusion Act is still in place. Even if I can establish connections through the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and Hammer, it will still be inconvenient for me, a Chinese..." Liu Helian squatted outside the recycling circle in the basement, watching the soldiers throw the many embroidered fabrics they had purchased into the recycling circle and swipe out extremely high amounts of money.

“If I buy the products directly, I can buy a lot, but it’s not sustainable, so it’s not good…”

This time, after returning from the Kuomintang-controlled areas, the merchants brought back many "luxury goods" from the Kuomintang-controlled areas, such as silks, embroidery, weaving, furniture, etc. For example, silk fabrics, with the export routes blocked, could not be sold, causing many local workshops to go bankrupt, and silk prices plummeted, all of which benefited the Eighth Route Army.

"It would be great if I could just exchange it for dollars here." Liu Helian rummaged through his wallet and pulled out a dollar bill—some pocket money he'd saved for his trip to the US—and two leftover rubles. He took a look at them and tossed them into the recycling bin. Just then, someone called him from behind.

"Comrade Liu! I was wondering what else I should call you. Minister Deng said, 'Just call you Xiao Liu.'"

A comrade with a square face and thick lips came over and spoke in a strong voice, "I think this is not appropriate. I am not much older than you, and we are both doing revolutionary work. In the end, I think it is better to call you comrade.

"Come, let me introduce myself. My name is Zhou Bin. Minister Deng and Vice Minister Zhou have both explained this mission to me." He reached out and shook the stunned Liu Helian's hand. "For a long time to come, we must work together and contribute to the revolutionary cause!"

At this moment, Liu Helian had only one sentence in his mind:

Fuck! This special colleague turned out to be Zhou Bin!

Strictly speaking, Zhou Bin and Liu Helian were colleagues in the same line of work—both were in charge of logistics. The difference was that Liu Helian mostly relied on his innate cheat system and future experience to perform telekinetic operations and semi-immortal-like layouts, while Zhou Bin's work was more hands-on.

He could formulate comprehensive logistical plans, orchestrate the Red Army's supply chains, and ensure its marches and battles. He could also build a bank from scratch and train the necessary economic, accounting, and financial personnel. He could coordinate industrial development, plan commercial trade, and even personally manage a cooperative. Furthermore, he could even act as a political commissar, mobilizing the masses and organizing movements at the grassroots level.

As a "favorable official" in charge of the Red Army's finances, Zhou Bin himself lived a very simple, even impoverished life. Under the same toil and hunger, this almost omnipotent comrade suffered from malnutrition and physical weakness. Considering his actual condition, the Central Committee forced him to take leave, and after the Long March ended, he was sent to the Soviet Union to be treated in a sanatorium.

Then, Zhou Bin was forced to "gain weight".

After recuperating for a while and recovering, he followed the aid convoy that arrived from Su and arrived in Fushi City. At this time, Zhou Bin had returned to the young, vigorous, and energetic economic all-rounder he once was.

In addition to being shocked, Liu Helian knew that the square-faced economic genius in front of him had completely deviated from the historical path: he did not stay in Xinjiang Province to serve as Mr. Sheng's finance minister, but returned to the border area. Next, he would go to the United States with him to ride the waves in the international business market and make some achievements.

"It's Comrade Zhou Bin! Oh my god, who was that mysterious visitor Zhou Gong was talking about?" Liu Helian couldn't hide his joy, not even paying attention to the two US dollars he threw into the recycling circle. "With you here, I'm much more confident about the work ahead! Come, let me introduce our work goals..."

"Okay, come on, Comrade Liu. I just arrived in Fushi City and rushed over here. Please tell me about it."

The two of them walked out of the cafeteria's basement, into the elevator, and headed toward the office area above ground. Along the way, Zhou Bin was quite curious about the various new facilities around him and asked Liu Helian a lot of questions. When discussing the recent developments in the border region, he also said that he had read some briefings on the way here and learned about the light and heavy industries currently being built in the border region, as well as the booming commerce and foreign exchanges. He was sincerely happy about the changes in the border region and was curious about Liu Helian, the "important driving force."

"So, if you go to the United States, Comrade Liu, what are you mainly planning to do?"

On the third floor of the cafeteria was an office for the "Logistics Special Committee." Liu Helian and Staff Officer Zuo sat there, but Staff Officer Zuo was out today, supposedly to meet the troops escorting the captured Japanese major general. Liu Helian and Zhou Bin were the only ones left.

"There are two main things: 1. Buying things, 2. Making money."

Liu Helian was quite straightforward. "We had already reached an agreement with the Soviet Union and obtained the right of way. Furthermore, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was willing to provide assistance because it could provide the Soviet Union with much-needed foreign exchange. So, through the Communist Party's channels, I contacted Hammer, one of the Kremlin's agents in the West.

"Through Hammer, we can gain the right to circumvent the Chinese Exclusion Act and operate with greater freedom in the United States. My plan is to conduct some activities in a cautious, low-key, steady and prudent manner now, cultivate some cash cows, and provide sufficient financial support for our subsequent activities when Sino-US relations are normal."

"Well, then how long do you estimate our window of opportunity is?"

Zhou Bin immediately grasped the key point. "So, the central government isn't actually asking us to provide the organization with overseas income for a long period of time in the future so that we can carry out overseas activities. Instead, we should seize the window of opportunity and achieve the most results possible."

"Right, so I have a few plans here... After this, we'll be able to obtain relatively stable US dollar income for the next eight years or so—especially during the golden period after 41 years."

"During this period, in addition to business operations, we can also seek help from local overseas Chinese leaders and patriotic overseas Chinese organizations to recruit the technical talents we urgently need, such as drivers and workers."

Liu Helian closed the document in his hand and said, "After finishing all this, we will go to England."

"We have a big business to do over there."

Chapter 53 Hello, Mr. Hammer

Canteen System Assistance

By Forgotten Maple X

2367 words

2020-11-04 12: 00: 00

A darling of both oceans, with fertile black soil, a near-perfect geographical environment, abundant and diverse natural resources, and a strong industrial base, after experiencing the "war to end all wars in human history," China bucked the trend and experienced the Coolidge Prosperity that laid the foundation for its development. It subsequently ascended to the top tier of the world's economies, formally challenging Britain, a colonial empire still largely intact.

This is the God-blessed Land, the Great America. Compared to Trump's America, it doesn't even need anyone to lead it to "greatness again."

Of course, this challenge is not simply for the noble desire of liberating colonies and bringing the light of freedom to the people of the world.

Through the Communist Party's channels, Liu Helian, who had contacted Hammer, had great influence and mailed them two membership certificates of the International Business Association. The wax-sealed envelopes were sprayed with perfume and placed in a small velvet-lined wooden box. It was quite luxurious. Staff Officer Zuo frowned at this luxurious item and repeatedly said it was a waste.

After taking out two membership letters of introduction, Liu Helian threw the two walnut boxes into the recycling circle, and each box was recycled for 5,000 yuan.

However, to a certain extent, the two letters of introduction fully lived up to their luxurious packaging - they represented the "commercial behavior approval" of the free world, the indulgence and rights rooted in ideology. When crossing the border with them, you could even enjoy the treatment of a diplomat: no need to queue, no need to check luggage, and even no need to show your passport. This almost lawless qualification was not gradually abolished until many years after the war.

The eMule flew and flew, from the border area to Wan Chai Island, from Wan Chai Island to Feimao Island, then flew to Wake Island and Hawaii, and finally arrived at the United States across the ocean - San Francisco.

As the saying goes, a poor family can make a rich journey. For this trip, Liu Helian bought formal clothes for everyone and prepared suitcases and carry-on luggage. In addition, most of the comrades participating in this overseas operation had overseas experience. When they walked out of the customs, they did not look like "country bumpkins" from the mountains at all. Instead, they looked like old gangsters who had been in Britain and the United States for a long time.

The overseas Chinese leaders waiting outside were completely stunned.

Of course, this wasn't an official visit, merely a business trip, so naturally, there wouldn't be any welcoming diplomatic officials. After exchanging pleasantries with the overseas Chinese leaders, Liu Helian, Zhou Bin, Cheng Enshu, and the others boarded a limousine and began driving through the streets of San Francisco. After a short while, the motorcade arrived at a rather luxurious hotel. Liu Helian looked up and saw it was the Fairmont San Francisco.

This is almost the best hotel in the whole of San Francisco. He looked carefully and found the "Blue Sky, White Sun and Red Earth" flag on the castle-like hotel gatehouse.

Oh, Liu Helian sighed inwardly, and as soon as he looked up, he saw a middle-aged man walking out of the door.

Upon first meeting Armand Hammer, it's hard to associate this smiling, middle-aged man with a business elite nearing 40. Although he's already achieved remarkable success in pen manufacturing, dairy farming, winemaking, and the oil industry, this businessman, known for his "Midas touch," seems to possess a strong curiosity, a natural interest in any new venture, and a strong drive for action and decisiveness.

At the same time, he was also the Soviet Union's agent in the Western world. His father was one of the founders of the Communist Party of the United States. Hammer had close ties with the Communist International and was one of the few people who could provide a reliable channel for this ancient Far Eastern country.

It is no wonder that he is called "Friend of Time Travelers" in many works.

"He's Hammer, the American dairy and wine tycoon. Yeah, he'll become an oil tycoon in the future."

Hearing Liu Helian whispering to Zhou Bin next to him, Armand Hammer raised his voice, "Hey! Friend! Whispering in front of others is not the behavior of an upright gentleman!" After that, he stretched out his hands.

"Hello, Mr. Hammer! Greetings from the East."

The two people held hands together.

Liu Helian had some roundabout contacts with Hammer. Hammer contributed to the foreign trade channel he established in Macau through Portugal. This channel once helped the Red Army obtain some weapons, equipment and raw materials, but due to the inconvenience of domestic transportation, its main function was to obtain information and accumulate foreign exchange.

Hammer had received some fragmentary information like this, and he demonstrated the capitalist's "duty" of playing both sides vividly - during the World War II rehearsal, he sold fuel, food, medicine and even some arms to both the Nationalists and the Republicans, and made a lot of money.

While this behavior was unethical, countries like Germany and Italy were all "eating one side and then the other," with only the Soviet Union, the "idiot," supporting only the International Brigades and the Republican Army. No matter how much of a Soviet agent they were, no matter how tolerant they were of different ideologies, they remained loyal to their identity. Liu Helian exchanged glances with Zhou Bin and the others, settling on a general direction.

Cooperation and communication are allowed, but you have to speak truthfully and not expect the other party to be too selfless.

The exchanges between the two sides began soon. The next day, in the conference room of the Fairmont Hotel, the Eighth Route Army overseas representatives headed by Liu Helian started relevant negotiations with Hammer.

"What's the most profitable thing in the Far East?"

"Almost anything, my friend, I mean industrial products. There is no doubt that there is still a desert of industrial products there, a treasure trove for industrial countries to dump their goods. Although I am ashamed that our dear KMT cannot play any role in protecting national industry, this also means that there are almost no barriers to entry for your products."

"But you also said, Liu, that the residents there are very poor. Do they have the ability to consume?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hamer, but not everyone is trying to raise the incomes of farmers, workers, and ordinary citizens - and we are doing it. It's difficult, but believe me, we will do a good job."

Hammer looked up at Zhou Bin who was answering the question and commented with a smile:

"Mr. Zhou, is this why you buy cows instead of milk, and barrels instead of whiskey?"

"Yes, I believe you can understand that selling 10,000 pencils is easy, but building a pencil factory is difficult." Zhou Bin replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "And a pencil factory is the solid foundation of a business empire."

"And you can also gain enough benefits from this growth process." Liu Helian added.