Chapter 223

The tense atmosphere gradually spread.

At this moment, Vice Minister Lin, who had long served as Liu Guangqi's direct superior, gently put down his teacup, the porcelain making a soft, crisp sound as it touched the wooden table. He raised his eyes, his tone carrying a mixture of helplessness and humor: "Speaking of which, Comrade Guangqi's biggest shortcoming is that he's too young." Before he finished speaking, the corners of the mouths of several vice ministers, who had maintained solemn expressions, involuntarily relaxed, a barely perceptible smile flashing across their faces.

"Back when I was in charge of him, I worried about this a lot." Vice Minister Lin spread his palms, a look of "unbearable memories" on his face, but his eyes held an unmistakable protectiveness. "He'd accumulated enough merit, but his age was too old; his abilities were up to par, but his seniority was lacking. Most of the gray hair I got in those years can be attributed to him." He sighed, half-jokingly. "I thought transferring him out of the General Machinery Division would save me trouble, but I never expected that even now, I'd still be sitting here worrying about him. This young man, he's a problem wherever he goes."

Low, gentle laughter filled the room, and the tense atmosphere gradually relaxed.

But everyone knew that Vice Minister Lin's groundwork had ended, and his true intentions were about to be revealed. Those present were all astute: Vice Minister Lin's stable position was largely due to Liu Guangqi's numerous and solid achievements. This was the time to repay that kindness.

Sure enough, the relaxed expression on Vice Minister Lin's face vanished instantly. He leaned forward slightly, his entire demeanor becoming serious and focused: "Let's put aside the jokes for now. The purpose of our department's commendation of cadres is fundamentally to advance the work, not to rank them by seniority." He paused, his voice growing deeper, "Comrade Guangqi's responsibilities are becoming increasingly heavy. His research department is constantly expanding, and each project is more crucial than the last. If he continues to coordinate resources and liaise with various parties simply as the department head..."

He looked around, slowed his speech, but spoke clearly: "To be honest, my lowly position and limited influence have significantly slowed down the research and development process."

These words hit the nail on the head. Everyone present understood that for someone engaged in industrial research and development at the level Liu Guangqi was in charge of, without a corresponding rank to back him up, it would be difficult to act with confidence. If it weren't for his title as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, coupled with the exemplary image that the higher-level academy committee was actively cultivating behind him, he would probably have suffered from his status in many situations long ago.

Vice Minister Lin tapped his knuckles lightly twice on the table before presenting his long-awaited proposal: "Therefore, I suggest a different approach—instead of mentioning individuals, we should mention departments." His gaze swept over each face. "I propose that we formally submit an application to the Academy Committee to upgrade the research department under the First Ministry of Machine Building into an industrial research institute directly under the ministry. Comrade Liu Guangqi will serve as acting director, with his permanent appointment to be considered depending on the subsequent developments."

He raised his voice slightly and explained clearly: "In this way, it will not only be logical to match the research institute with the appropriate resources and level, but also ensure that its status matches Comrade Guangqi's merits and abilities. More importantly—" He paused deliberately, making sure each word was firmly uttered, "this will greatly facilitate his direct communication with various ministries and commissions, allowing him to concentrate all his energy on the research and development itself."

The research office will be directly promoted to a research institute? Acting director?

In an instant, the eyes of all the ministerial leaders in the conference room lit up.

This suggestion is indeed brilliant.

Everyone knows that research institutes directly under ministries start at the deputy director-general level, and with special approval from the academy committee, they can even reach the director-general level. In a sense, this is equivalent to paving a ladder for a 25-year-old to enter the deputy director-general level—this is not a simple promotion, but a bold idea that breaks out of the conventional framework.

The establishment of research institutions is entirely feasible.

Upgrade the research lab to a formal research institute!

Liu Guangqi's achievements and qualifications are complete, and there is not a single flaw in his resume.

Even when reviewing classified files, aside from the fact that he is still young, there is almost nothing to criticize.

not to mention--

Liu Guangqi also holds the position of academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The weight of this title

It is sufficient to support a research institution directly under a ministry, which is a perfect match.

Even if he achieves new successes in the future,

At least in terms of the arrangement of positions from deputy director-general to director-general, there are no longer any worries.

It gave him full autonomy, while also giving him the attention he deserved.

As for the more distant future?

By then, they had already retired from the limelight, so why should they worry about how others could climb to higher levels?

"Old Lin's suggestion is indeed brilliant!"

As it turns out, Liu Guangqi has always enjoyed a high reputation within the ministry.

The previous silence was not due to any prejudice against him, but rather because it touched upon the sensitive boundary of the organizational restructuring.

No one wants to be the first to break the existing rules.

The situation is different now.

Vice Minister Lin broadened the scope of the issue, and the original limitations naturally disappeared as a result.

The voice just fell,

Vice Minister Tong, who is in charge of personnel, was the first to express his support, and his expression was visibly much more relaxed.

"I think it's feasible!"

"The upgrade of the research lab to a research institute is an institutional advancement, not just an individual promotion. It complies with both procedures and regulations!"

He flipped through the materials about Liu Guangqi in his hand.

He continued, "Moreover, every project that Comrade Guangqi is in charge of is related to the lifeline of the country."

"The institute's level makes it easier for him to coordinate resources across departments. For example, he can directly connect with the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry and the Ministry of Electronics Industry for materials such as special steel and precision electronic components in the future."

"Without the current layers of approvals, efficiency will be greatly improved!"

"Exactly!"

Another deputy minister nodded solemnly: "In the past, there were concerns that direct promotion might cause controversy."

"This new plan solves the problem of matching merit with rank without affecting the department's existing staffing and structure, achieving two goals at once. I agree!"

Subsequently,

The other vice ministers and assistant ministers spoke in turn, and without exception,

They all expressed their support.

After all, submitting the commendation matter to the higher-level committee for review was an application for an upgrade of the institution's level, and did not affect the job arrangements of anyone within the ministry.

If it succeeds, it will be the icing on the cake.

If it is not approved, it is the result of comprehensive consideration by the higher-level committee, and it has nothing to do with me, so no one will be held responsible.

Since it does not involve their own interests,

This also allows them to curry favor with Liu Guangqi, who is also highly regarded by the higher-level court committee.

Why not take advantage of such a convenient opportunity?

"Alright, since everyone has no objections."

The minister, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. He surveyed the room, his gaze lingering briefly on each person's face.

Seeing that no one objected, he solemnly made his decision:

"Passed unanimously!"

Facts soon proved that

The approval process from the higher-level institute was much faster than the ministry had anticipated.

How fast?

The application to the ministry was submitted to the academy committee so quickly that the approval was delivered the following morning.

A red-covered document bag was delivered to the minister's office.

First Ministry of Machine Building, Minister's Office.

The highest-ranking leader of the ministry unfolded the document, and the handwritten signatures of the principal leaders of the academy on the pages were bright red and clear.

The approval was concise and clear:

"It is agreed that the Research Office of the First Ministry of Machine Building shall be upgraded to the Industrial Research Institute of the First Ministry of Machine Building and designated as a deputy department-level institution."

But that's not all.

A supplementary comment was attached at the end of the document, specifically addressing the individual's arrangements:

"Comrade Liu Guangqi meets the criteria for promotion by exception, and his administrative rank is set at level twelve. He will serve as the director of the research institute."

Administrative Level 12!

Deputy Director-General rank!

At this point, Liu Guangqi had completely taken the crucial step from division chief to deputy director-general.

And this step was taken cleanly and decisively, without any detours.

The minister put down the documents.

The speed of the approval from the higher-level committee exceeded everyone's expectations, even he couldn't help but marvel:

"It seems—"

"The leadership has indeed taken Comrade Guangqi's matter to heart."

It should be noted that in the past, when internal agencies were upgraded or personnel were transferred, there were always repeated consultations and multiple meetings.

Going through the entire process can take anywhere from half a month to several months.

And this time?

Just one day —

It only took one day from submission to approval!

This efficiency,

It's not just recognition, but a clear stance.

The ministries' unwavering support for industrial automation and integrated circuit projects is now clearly documented in writing. This document carries significant weight not only for the substantial investment in cutting-edge technologies but also for Liu Guangqi's absolute endorsement as the core technical expert.

From now on, who will dare to mess with him? Who will be able to secretly obstruct the research institute's progress?

The Minister of the First Ministry of Machine Building ran his fingertips along the edge of the document, a smile flickering in his eyes. He picked up the red dedicated telephone line and dialed the Personnel Department directly.

When the news reached the Personnel Department, it was like a pebble thrown into a still lake.

The atmosphere in the director's office was slightly tense.

Vice Minister Lin's move was precise—the proposal to upgrade the Research Division to a Research Institute not only bypassed the undercurrent of seniority-based promotion, but also gave Liu Guangqi three to five years, or even longer, to gain experience.

Even in later generations, those who could reach the threshold of deputy director-general level before the age of thirty would be extremely rare.

How old is Liu Guangqi?

Entering this field at such a young age is a tough battle, whether from within the system, in the eyes of the outside world, or in terms of the responsibilities one shoulders.

But the research institute has its own unique rules: here, technological achievements and contributions are the real passport.

Liu Guangqi holds the position of director based on his solid scientific research skills and indisputable academic status—don't forget, he also holds the title of academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

It is only natural for academicians to lead research institutes.

More importantly, the institute was still under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Machine Building, which meant that Liu Guangqi's feet were both firmly planted in the depths of scientific research and still on the ladder of the system.

From any perspective, this is an extremely brilliant move.

"This kid..."

Holding the commendation letter approved by the ministry's top leader, Director Zhang shook his head and sighed softly, "He certainly has good interpersonal relationships."

He wasn't just expressing his feelings humbly. Even he had to secretly admire the brilliance of this arrangement.

After a moment's hesitation, Director Zhang made a phone call without further delay.

Once the connection was established, his voice returned to its usual calm tone.

"Comrade Guangqi? This is Zhang Qiming from the Personnel Department. Please come to my office now; I have something to discuss with you in person."

Before long, Liu Guangqi stood in front of that familiar door again.

Fragments of the past flashed through his mind—this was where he began, from graduating and joining the department to every promotion and adjustment of rank, almost all of which were connected to this room.

As I pushed open the door, I was met with Director Zhang's smiling eyes, which held a hint of teasing yet also a deeper meaning.

"sit."

Director Zhang sized him up for a moment before speaking slowly:

"At your speed, even a soaring eagle couldn't catch you. It looks like... you're about to be on par with me."

Liu Guangqi was taken aback, but he naturally understood the deeper meaning behind the words.

Before he could think it over, Director Zhang had already pushed two documents in front of him.

"Take a look for yourself."

One document was signed by the department head, and the other was a brand-new appointment notice.

When Liu Guangqi's gaze fell on the second sheet of paper, his breath hitched.

[Liu Guangqi has been appointed Director of the Industrial Research Institute of the First Ministry of Machine Building (Deputy Director-General level) and promoted one administrative rank.]

A short line of text, yet it struck like a silent thunderclap.

The path opened up by the title of Director of an Industrial Research Institute, at the deputy ministerial level, is far more than just a single step.

"Director, what is this...?"

Even though his two lifetimes of experience had tempered him into a calm and composed man, he still felt as if a drumstick was striking his chest. His knuckles, gripping the paper, were slightly white, and he could clearly feel the heavy weight beneath the thin sheet.

"As you can see."

Zhang Qiming took in every fleeting expression on his face, his fingertips lightly tapping the document: