Chapter 120

This is enough to allow China's washing machines to go from nothing to the forefront of the world in one step—this is no exaggeration.

time--

The conversation between Liu Guangqi and Wang Jianguo passed quietly by.

On the podium.

The annual plan allocation meeting for ministry leaders is also drawing to a close.

Unsurprisingly.

The task assignments for government agencies remained largely unchanged, continuing the framework of previous years with little innovation.

The real challenge lies with the various directly affiliated factories under the ministries.

In the past two years, various ministries have been shouldering a heavy burden in order to repay the debts of the neighboring country to the north. As the competent department for heavy industry, the First Ministry of Machine Building has been under particularly prominent pressure.

The higher-level academy committee serves as the highest command center, overseeing more than 3,900 ministries and commissions.

Each has its own indicators.

no doubt.

This year, the main task of the First Ministry of Machine Building still rests on the shoulders of the Red Star Factory.

Although the Chuanghui Machinery Factory was directly managed by two ministries, even if its annual output value was halved, its foreign exchange contribution still approached 100 million yuan. This single factory's achievement directly propelled the First Ministry of Machine Building to the forefront of repaying foreign debt, closely following the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

This year, Hongxing Factory will continue to be a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings and uphold the banner of the First Ministry of Machine Building.

However, in addition to Hongxing Factory, twelve other key machine tool factories are also included in the production expansion plan. The reason is simple—upgrading machine tools in the industrial sector is now imperative. After Hongxing Factory achieves mass production of CNC machine tools, the next step is for these factories to promote technological reforms, gradually replace traditional production lines, and expand the production capacity of CNC machine tools.

"...This year, Hongxing Factory will continue to shoulder the important task of generating foreign exchange, for the ministry and for the country..."

"Strive for even greater breakthroughs!"

Wang Jianguo unconsciously straightened his back, and the gazes from all around him were a mixture of envy, bitterness, and admiration.

"at the same time--"

"The successful mass production of CNC machine tools by Hongxing Factory has accumulated key experience and technological foundation for the upgrading of my country's machine tool industry."

"The next twelve key machine tool manufacturers must proactively connect with the relevant departments and accelerate the completion of their technological upgrades..."

Upon hearing this, a barely suppressed smile appeared on Wang Jianguo's lips.

These achievements all bear the mark of Liu Guangqi's efforts.

"The task has been completed. Meeting adjourned!"

The voice of the Minister of the First Ministry of Machine Building came through the microphone, calm and unquestionable.

The meeting ended, tasks were assigned, and everyone left. As the minister stepped down from the podium, he deliberately patted Wang Jianguo on the shoulder:

"The foreign exchange earnings target for Hongxing Factory this year has been increased by 20%."

"Now that the merger is complete, we should deliver even more outstanding results. At this crucial moment, we must not let our guard down and must not disappoint the ministry."

Wang Jianguo immediately stood at attention: "Please rest assured, Minister! We will resolutely complete the mission!"

His gaze, however, involuntarily drifted to Liu Guangqi standing to the side.

He had already prioritized the development of washing machines—once this product was launched, why would he have to worry about foreign exchange earnings?

The first day of the new year was free of heavy official duties, with the entire day spent in meetings. Liu Guangqi's schedule was similarly filled with various talks. After returning to the research office, he simply emphasized the requirements for discipline and ideological propaganda, and soon the bell rang to signal the end of the workday, breaking the silence of the ministry building.

In the following days, Liu Guangqi devoted himself entirely to the research and development lab.

The five-axis CNC center, into which countless efforts had been poured before the new year, had been secretly transported to the Gobi Desert in Northwest China and was quietly operating deep in the wilderness. However, the technological exploration of the First Ministry of Machine Building could not be interrupted, so Liu Guangqi had to replicate a new CNC center as soon as possible, both to lay the foundation for subsequent technological iterations and to provide a platform for the research and development of new projects.

Fortunately, all technical drawings and process data are fully archived in the ministry's database, and there is also a sufficient reserve of special steel and electronic components. At most one month, Liu Guangqi will be able to lead his team to assemble another brand-new five-axis CNC center. In the research and development room, the sounds of metal clanging and instruments humming are intertwined, exuding a burning passion.

Time flies, and it's Friday already.

As the morning light just began to spill across the window sill of the research and development lab, Director Lin strode in, his eyes brimming with excitement:

"Walk!"

"The minister has returned from the plenary session and summoned us!"

Liu Guangqi's mind stirred slightly.

The minister had just returned from his superior's office when he was urgently summoned, most likely because of the export plan for CNC machine tools that he had personally drafted—the plan was bold in its conception and grand in its scope, and he was naturally concerned about its outcome.

Without much hesitation, he picked up his coat draped over the back of the chair and followed Director Lin toward the minister's office. The corridor was quiet, with only the soft echo of their footsteps.

Many leaders from various ministries greeted the two with smiles and nods.

Today, Liu Guangqi is no longer an ordinary government official.

Although they are both at the same administrative level of 14, in terms of actual authority and responsibility, some people can only serve as team leaders, while he can **manage an entire department.

The difference is obvious to anyone with eyes to see.

Logically speaking, even as a section chief, he should report to Director Lin on a daily basis, rather than directly to the Minister of the First Ministry of Machine Building.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, he would not have had many opportunities to step into the minister's office.

But reality is different.

Since the research department he led achieved a series of major breakthroughs, it has affected not only the internal affairs of the Ministry of Machine Building, but also the overall strategic planning at a higher level.

His importance grew day by day.

So much so that the door to the minister's office was almost always open for him.

He didn't even need a secretary to announce his arrival; as long as the minister was indoors, he could simply knock on the door and enter—a privilege unique to him in the entire ministry.

Upon arriving at the minister's office, Liu Guangqi, as usual, first raised his hand and gently knocked.

"Thump, thump, thump—"

A deep, resonant voice came from inside: "Come in."

Pushing open the door, I saw the minister sitting behind a large desk, holding two documents in his hands, with a faint frown between his brows.

Unlike Director Lin's previously displayed joy, the minister's expression was somewhat somber.

"Guangqi is here, please have a seat."

The minister glanced up and gestured to the sofa in front of the table, a slightly complicated smile appearing on his usually serious face.

Two things happened today, one good and one bad.

Which one would you like to hear first?

Liu Guangqi's initial slight nervousness dissipated with this slightly teasing opening remark.

He sat down on the sofa with a smile, his posture slightly relaxed: "Since the leader has said so, things probably can't get too bad."

"This time it's different," the minister shook his head, placed the two documents on the table, and pushed the thicker one over.

Between movements, there seemed to be a barely audible sigh.

His gaze toward Liu Guangqi was a mixture of appreciation, satisfaction, and a profound emotion that was hard to describe.

"Take a look for yourself."

Liu Guangqi's heart stirred slightly, and he reached out to take it.

The document felt quite heavy, and the striking title on the cover made him catch his breath.

[Application materials for recommending Comrade Liu Guangqi to be added as a member of the Division of Technological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences]

Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences?

Liu Guangqi was stunned on the spot.

What's going on? The ministry wants to promote him to the Chinese Academy of Sciences?

This is illogical.

At this moment, what is the purpose of the ministry making such a recommendation?

He almost thought he was seeing things.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences—that is the highest hall of science in China, and everyone there is a leading figure in their field.

It wasn't that Liu Guangqi was being self-deprecating, but rather that he was very clear-headed: given his current position, what did he have to offer?

How old is he?

If I remember correctly, in a few years when the storm is brewing, the Chinese Academy of Sciences will also be greatly impacted.

Nearly half of the scholars were not spared in that controversy.

Although Liu Guangqi was confident in his clean background and cautious behavior, and had the support of his wife's family and certain forces behind him, he was still unwilling to get involved in any potential risks.

Therefore, he truly never thought of, nor wanted to, step into that hall.

At this moment, he had to admit that the "bad news" the minister had mentioned probably came right here.

Composing himself, he solemnly turned to the first page.

The materials are incredibly detailed: from family background, personal resume, and educational background to every technological research and development project led or participated in over the past three years, everything is included in great detail.

Even his outstanding performance in repairing machine tools at a directly affiliated factory when he first joined the Ministry of Machine Building was clearly recorded.

This is no longer just a recommendation document, but more like a complete biography of Liu Guangqi.

In 1958, after graduating from Tsinghua University, he joined the First Ministry of Machine Building.

He then led the research and development of projects such as "fast-heating" and electric blankets, and single-handedly boosted foreign trade orders, earning him the title of formal engineer through exceptional circumstances.

Subsequently, rice cookers, induction cookers, electric ovens and other products emerged one after another, causing a stir in the international market and even penetrating the home territories of competitors.

He was thus promoted to Level 8 Engineer.

And then...

Liu Guangqi took on the heavy responsibility of technological research and development, starting with general CNC machine tools, overcoming difficulties all the way, and eventually becoming a level 7 engineer.

Not long ago, the creation of the five-axis linkage CNC machining center propelled him to the position of a level six engineer.

Behind every technical file is a concise and powerful comment from the Ministry of Machinery Industry; every promotion beyond the required level is accompanied by the joint signature of ministry leaders.

As for this recent promotion, it has received formal approval from the higher-level academic committee.

The archives also record quantifiable achievements:

"During my time at the Hongxing Factory, I generated a total of foreign exchange for the country..."

"The development of CNC machine tools filled a technological gap in China and advanced the modernization of my country's industry by at least ten years."

Even his contributions to the field of second-generation transistor computers were included.

This document clearly outlines everything about him—even detailing his background as a poor peasant family spanning generations.

What does this mean?

This means that Liu Guangqi's background can withstand the organization's scrutiny.

Otherwise, the ministry would not have issued such a nomination supplementary document.

This also shows the importance that this era places on individual identity.

Furthermore, the title "Member of the Academic Division"—or, in later terms, "Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences"—is now used.

This is not only the highest lifetime honor in academia, but its predecessor was the Academic Committee Member established in 1955. At that time, only about two hundred people were selected nationwide, belonging to four academic divisions.

The selection criteria consist of only three points: academic achievements, contribution to the country's scientific endeavors, and loyalty to the people.

It is worth noting that no age limit was ever mentioned.

This, in fact, became a crucial opportunity for Liu Guangqi to receive the nomination.

But he himself was unwilling to leave the First Ministry of Machine Building.

Here, he has abundant resources and support, and has long been a benchmark in the technology field. If he were to go to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he would probably find it difficult to fully utilize his abilities.

"Leader," Liu Guangqi asked, somewhat puzzled, "why would the ministry send me to the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"

He was only twenty-two years old. Even with his impressive resume, it couldn't hide the fact that he was still young. Although the selection of academicians is not limited by age, there is indeed no precedent for someone as young as him.

The Minister of the First Ministry of Machine Building leaned back, his tone tinged with a hint of helplessness:

"It's not what the ministry meant."

"It was proposed directly by the higher-level academic committee."

"I was supposed to be discussing export plans today, but I was called over by the college leadership and they immediately brought up your matter."

"The leadership believes that with your current technical level and abilities, staying at the Ministry of Machinery Industry is a waste of your talents. You should join the Chinese Academy of Sciences as soon as possible, where there is a more suitable research environment for you."

"So, let me come back and submit the nomination in the name of the ministry."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangqi understood everything.

It turned out that the leaders of the higher-level institute committee personally named him.

No wonder the minister called it "bad news"—it wasn't a discussion at all, but a direct notification.

As it turns out, not everything goes as planned.