Chapter 179

"Director Liu! Old Liu!"

"Come quick, your son's in the newspaper again!"

"What? Chief Engineer Liu is in the newspaper again?"

"It's not just published in the newspaper! Look at what's written here—'The key role of the leader is that if the direction is unclear, we'll have to fumble around repeatedly and waste all our efforts.'"

"And look at this title! Hey! 'The Pioneer of China's Industry'! Wow, that's quite a catchy title!"

"If you ask me, Chief Engineer Liu really has that ability!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Haizhong, who had been maintaining a director's airs, immediately quickened his pace, taking three steps at a time to join the crowd, his canvas trousers, stained with iron dust, rubbing against the ground with a soft rustling sound.

"Guangqi has reported it again?"

"Where's the newspaper? Let me see it!"

He snatched the newspaper and eagerly searched the pages.

It's fortunate that he's obsessed with officialdom; for the past six months, in order to match his "worker-in-place" status, he's forced himself to attend the factory's beginner's class every night.

The beginner class is essentially an extra effort built upon the basic literacy class, mainly teaching reading, writing, and common knowledge to lay a foundation for further learning.

You know what, although Liu Haizhong was working so hard because he wanted to become an official, it was precisely because of this drive that he studied exceptionally hard, even though he hadn't touched a book in decades.

Nowadays, even if someone claims to have graduated from elementary school, probably few people would doubt it.

Immediately, Liu Haizhong's gaze fell upon a large, bold headline on the front page, and he was instantly drawn to it—

Liu Guangqi: From Foreign Exchange Earner to Computer Pioneer, a Leader in China's Industry

The caption was accompanied by a photo of Liu Guangqi being interviewed.

In the photo, he is wearing a crisp white shirt, looking radiant, and smiling as he talks to the camera. His calm and confident demeanor makes it seem as if he was born to stand in the spotlight.

Anyone who sees it will sincerely praise it: It's truly inspiring!

Liu Haizhong stared at the words on the newspaper—"pioneer in the field of computers, leader in industrial development"—and remained silent for a long time.

Sure enough.

The second-generation transistor computer mentioned in the National Day broadcast was developed under the leadership of his son.

In an instant—

The noisy voices and roaring machines in the workshop seemed to recede into the distance.

He felt a surge of heat rush from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and his blood began to boil.

A leader in industrial development...

My son, Liu Haizhong's son, became a pioneer in the nation's industry.

He read the report several times before carefully folding it and gently tucking it into the inside pocket of his work clothes, close to his heart.

It was as if I were holding a burning treasure.

Even during his morning workshop inspection, his steps became noticeably lighter. Passing by that crucial four-roll mill, watching it operate smoothly, he suddenly felt—

His greatest pride in life was that his son could be associated with such a "pillar of the factory".

……

At lunchtime, Liu Haizhong looked like he was walking on clouds.

He had just found an empty seat in the cafeteria and hadn't even settled in when a familiar voice came from beside him: "Director Liu, congratulations!"

Several coworkers who usually get along well gathered around, their faces filled with undisguised envy.

"I just went to the bulletin board to read the newspaper!"

"Wow, Chief Engineer Liu's achievements are truly remarkable!"

"Isn't this normal?"

"Outsiders may not be aware of Chief Engineer Liu's capabilities, but surely those of us in the factory know them? 'Industrial Leader'—that's a recognition bestowed by the nation!"

It must be said that, since Liu Guangqi had previously been seconded to work at the steel rolling mill, most people in the factory knew that he was Liu Haizhong's son.

With reports published in two authoritative newspapers, the article that established Liu Guangqi as a role model and called him an "industrial leader" continued to spread its influence. Many workers expressed both envy and admiration.

"Director Liu, your son is truly outstanding!"

"Looking at this resume, no wonder he holds an important position in a ministry at such a young age. He's truly remarkable!"

Even when several factory leaders passed by, they couldn't help but sigh: Liu Haizhong is really lucky.

...The steaming heat in the canteen had not yet dissipated, and the mixed aroma of food filled the air.

In the fitter's workshop, Yi Zhonghai was holding his lunchbox, preparing to go to the canteen to get his food.

As soon as I stepped out of the workshop, my way was blocked by a crowd gathered in front of the bulletin board.

"Old Yi!"

The fitter, Master Cai, nudged him and said, "See? Our Chief Engineer Liu is in the newspaper again, on the front page!"

Her tone was full of envy: "How lucky Director Liu is to have raised such a successful son?"

Master Cai chuckled as he spoke, "Old Yi, I remember you also live in the same courtyard as Chief Engineer Liu, right? Why don't you go and visit?"

"Really? Then we'll have to go check it out."

Yi Zhonghai smiled and replied with a few words. He intended to leave during the meal, but his feet involuntarily turned towards the factory's bulletin board.

Unexpectedly, a familiar figure was standing in front of the bulletin board.

Qin Huairu.

She stared motionlessly at the newspaper pasted on the glass window, her eyes somewhat blank.

There were many newspapers posted on the bulletin board, but at this moment, the one with Liu Guangqi's photo was particularly eye-catching.

In the newspaper, the young face exuded a calm confidence, and the headline beside it was striking and eye-catching—

Liu Guangqi: From Foreign Exchange Earner to Computer Pioneer, Leader of National Industry

Only then did she connect the exciting news broadcast on National Day a few days ago with the person in the photo in front of her.

It turns out that the second-generation transistor computer that everyone in the courtyard had been discussing was actually developed under the leadership of Liu Guangqi.

At this moment, both of them had mixed feelings about Liu Guangqi.

Yi Zhonghai's feelings went beyond mere envy of Liu Haizhong; they were now filled with a deep sense of jealousy.

Why don't I have such a successful son?

As for Qin Huairu—

She stared intently at Liu Guangqi in the photo, her gaze fixed on him, and didn't look away for a long time.

It's not hard to see that this seemingly frail woman, often the subject of gossip in the courtyard, felt a mix of emotions upon hearing that Liu Guangqi had once again appeared in the newspaper.

He was both impressed that such an outstanding person lived in the courtyard and saddened that such a man was ultimately not one of his own. These mixed emotions culminated in a silent sigh.

She was so envious of Zhao Mengyun.

If I had a husband like that, why would I need to be so frugal with food coupons and making a living every day?

……

At the same time, the workshop of Hongxing Factory was in an uproar.

With a smile, Wang Jianguo handed the Minzhong Daily and the Sijiu City Daily to his colleagues in the propaganda department.

"Read these two announcements over the midday broadcast, make sure everyone hears them."

It is worth mentioning that, as a key unit for foreign exchange earnings, Hongxing Factory has a long tradition of using part of its lunch break for publicity broadcasts. Reading newspapers is one of the most common yet most important activities.

Before long, a report about Liu Guangqi came over the factory's loudspeaker.

As it turns out, the workers at Hongxing Factory, where Liu Guangqi once worked in the early days of construction, have an extraordinary affection for this former chief engineer. Whether they are experienced workers in the workshops or key technical personnel, most of them had shared the early struggles of the factory's construction with him.

At that moment, the canteen became lively. The workers gathered around the loudspeaker, craning their necks and straining their ears, afraid of missing a single word.

"Wow! Chief Engineer Liu's skills are truly remarkable!"

"He's only been away from our factory for a short time, and he's already made computers!"

"That's right! So the second-generation computer mentioned on the radio during National Day was developed by Chief Engineer Liu and his team from the Institute of Computing Technology!"

The discussions continued in waves, with many veteran workers slapping their thighs in excitement, their faces beaming with pride.

Liu Guangtian stood silently on the outskirts of the crowd, clutching his lunchbox tightly, his heart churning with emotion—he almost wanted to shout, "That's my brother!" But remembering Liu Guangqi's earlier earnest instructions, he swallowed his words back, keeping his lips tightly shut, his heart feeling itchy and hot as if being scratched by a kitten.

At the same time, the Research Department of the First Ministry of Machine Building.

Liu Guangqi is personally experiencing the hectic pace that comes with "fame".

From the moment he stepped into the ministry's gates early in the morning, the phone on his desk was almost constantly ringing. Leaders from various ministries, old acquaintances, and even teachers, friends, and colleagues from Tsinghua University were calling one after another.

"Ring ring—"

The sharp ringtone once again shattered the silence of the office.

Liu Guangqi had only hung up the receiver for three seconds, and before his hand had even touched the teacup, he had to answer the phone again.

"Comrade Guangqi, congratulations!" Director Tian's booming laughter came from the other end of the receiver. "I just finished reading the *Minzhong Daily*. Your title of 'trailblazer' is truly well-deserved! We haven't even finished recounting the achievements of the four-roll mill, and now the second-generation computer has come out. Amazing!"

Liu Guangqi smiled as he held the microphone:

"Director Tian, ​​please stop praising me. This is the result of the entire team at the Institute of Computing Technology; I only set up the framework."

"You're just too modest, lad!" Director Tian chuckled, then softened his tone. "But it's always a good thing for a young person to be humble."

The two then briefly discussed the reactions from various departments before ending the call.

Liu Guangqi breathed a sigh of relief, finally managing to grab a moment's respite and pick up the enamel mug on the table.

A cool sensation was felt upon touching it.

The jasmine tea he brewed that morning had long since lost its heat, leaving only a faint bitterness. He rubbed his slightly throbbing temples, thinking that this was probably the kind of triviality one had to bear to achieve fame—not that he was being pretentious, but dealing with various leaders and friends one after another was indeed exhausting.

However, deep down, he felt no real annoyance. These calls came from different departments and fields, some expressing affirmation from superiors, others congratulating him on his work, and still others teasing him with old friends. Each voice was like an invisible medal, silently proving that his hard work over the past six months had not been in vain.

He dedicated himself to technology not to hoard honors, but to ensure that his achievements would be genuinely needed and utilized by the nation. In comparison, fame and praise were merely fleeting sparks.

"Ring ring—"

The phone rang again.

This time it was a call from the head of a department at Tsinghua University.

Having just ended a call with his alma mater, Liu Guangqi was looking for a moment of peace when his office door was suddenly pushed open.

"Chief! Chief!"

The young researcher under his command rushed in, holding a newspaper high in his hand, panting heavily.

He spread the newspaper on the table and excitedly pointed to the front page:

"Look! You've submitted the report!"

"Now, everyone in the country knows you!"

Liu Guangqi was amused by his anxious appearance and waved his hand, saying, "I know, my phone hasn't stopped ringing all morning, my ears are practically calloused."

Even so, his gaze still fell on the copy of the Minzhong Daily, which still smelled of fresh ink.

In the most prominent position on the newspaper, several lines of bold black text were printed.

They pierce our vision like wedges, carrying an unavoidable weight.

A Beacon of Light on the Road to Industrial Development – ​​A Profile of a Pioneer from China

A photo of him was attached below the title.

In the picture, he is talking to someone, looking relaxed with a gentle smile.

It was only then that Liu Guangqi realized why the phone had been ringing non-stop since early morning and why everyone around him was reacting so strongly.

This is no longer an ordinary commendation or award.

It was a decision made from a higher perspective—to mold him into a lighthouse, to stand at the crossroads of industrial shipping routes.

"Guide".

The three words are easy to pronounce, but when they actually fall on your shoulders, you realize how much they can bend your spine.

This means that from now on, every step he takes will no longer belong to him alone, but will be tied to the progress of the entire industry.

Just as my heart was churning with emotion, a steady voice called from the doorway:

"Director Liu."

The minister's secretary was already standing by the door at some point.

His neat Zhongshan suit made him look exceptionally sharp.