Chapter 132 Shaky Hands

The three cups clinked together with a loud clang.

A plan was decided so casually.

All the cases that needed to be reviewed were reviewed. After knocking on everyone's doors in the compound, it was already quite late.

Deputy Director Zhang then led his men away.

To avoid arousing suspicion from those behind the scenes, Li Jianguo put on a show at the entrance of the courtyard.

He politely saw them off, a smile on his face, saying "Take care, take care." His hand was outstretched, gesturing for them to leave.

Deputy Director Zhang also pretended to complain a few times.

He stood at the gate, his hands in his coat pockets. His breath steamed as he spoke.

"Be careful if you call the police again for these trivial matters."

"Deputy Director Zhang, I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry. We were in the wrong this time."

As Li Jianguo spoke, he reached out and tugged at Yu Li, who was standing next to him.

Yu Li was terrified today. Her face had been pale all day, and she hadn't recovered yet. But remembering Deputy Director Zhang's warning, she could only cooperate and lower her head.

She looked shy.

Hesitant and submissive.

Deputy Director Zhang and his group left in a large group.

Footsteps crunched on the snow.

In a corner where no one was watching, a figure hurriedly ran away.

He crouched low, close to the wall. He would run a few steps and then look back.

Director Zhao walked silently to Deputy Director Zhang's side. His steps were light, leaving little footprint in the snow.

"We've caught up."

He said in a low voice.

"Tell your men to be on the lookout. Don't alert them."

"Yes, I understand!"

Industry specializing in surgery.

Li Jianguo didn't get involved in what happened next.

He's been busy with meetings and arranging new projects these past few days.

Some of the materials have already been distributed so that everyone can study and research them first.

Those who have known him for a long time are used to him occasionally pulling out something that surpasses the current level.

Secretary Jiang arrived with a group of engineering experts from the heavy machinery factory.

This was the first time they had ever experienced anything like this. They were completely stunned when they received the documents.

The office was silent for a few seconds.

Someone turned a couple of pages, looked up at the person next to them. The person next to them also turned a couple of pages, looked up at them.

"Is all this information readily available?"

"The glasses are thick, with concentric rings, like the bottom of a bottle," asked an engineer wearing glasses.

"Does that mean our country already has this technology?"

Another engineer chimed in, his voice tinged with disappointment.

"We already have the data and technology, what do we need to do?"

They came to conduct the research full of enthusiasm. All the data was prepared. Their task was to thoroughly understand it and proceed step by step.

This is quite a blow.

The steel mill engineer looked at them and scoffed dismissively.

The hiss wasn't loud, but the room was quiet, so everyone could hear it.

"What we need now is to get it built quickly."

The speaker was an old craftsman surnamed Zhou, over fifty years old, with a scar on his hand from being hit by iron filings years ago.

"The information is here. If you can complete it in a short time, then you're quite capable. Theory and practice are two different things."

He speaks slowly, pausing between each word.

"You'd better read this carefully and understand it before you talk. Otherwise, you'll be a hindrance to the work later—"

He glanced at the engineers.

"You wait."

The people at the steel rolling mill were all talking at once.

The engineers fell silent.

Upon opening the documents and examining the contents, I was stunned once again.

This information...

This is far ahead of its time, even by current domestic and international standards.

"Director Li is a true genius!"

After reading the information, some people couldn't help but sigh.

This is a complex system engineering project. It involves many disciplines and even more technologies, including materials, engines, and components.

The materials Li Jianguo provided covered every subject and were extremely detailed.

"Director Li knows so much at such a young age. Did he start learning while he was still in his mother's womb?"

Someone was joking.

"How could a normal person have so many [cases] at such a young age?"

"We don't understand the world of geniuses."

The engineers at the steel rolling mill looked proud.

That kind of pride is the pride of your own child getting first place.

"A genius like Director Li is a once-in-a-century talent. We are fortunate to have met him."

Master Zhou closed the document and patted it.

"Study hard and work hard. Strive to achieve results as soon as possible under Director Li's leadership."

Li Jianguo was extremely busy.

I don't even know how much time has passed.

His office window faces east, and the morning sun shines in precisely on time. That's how he knows another day has passed.

That day, Deputy Director Zhang, carrying two bottles of fine wine, went to the newly built factory in the suburbs.

The factory is still in its final stages. In some places, the scaffolding hasn't been removed, and green netting surrounds the area. When the wind blows, the netting billows up and then deflates.

"Deputy Director Zhang? What brings you here?"

Li Jianguo was a little surprised to see him in the office.

The office was a complete mess. Documents were piled on the desk, on the floor, and even on the chairs. The only clean spot was the bed, big enough for someone to lie down in.

Li Jianguo tidied up. He moved the documents on the table to the side, making room for two cups.

"It's a mess here, please make do with a seat. What's up?"

Deputy Director Zhang had never seen Li Jianguo at work. Seeing him like this, he couldn't help but sigh.

"I hope my visit today hasn't bothered you?"

He placed the liquor on the table. Two bottles of Moutai, carried in a net bag.

"I never expected you to be this busy with work. How many days has it been since you've been home?"

Li Jianguo smiled.

"It's normal to be busy during the project preparation phase. Once things are sorted out, I'll be able to relax. The rest depends on everyone's hard work."

"Seeing how busy you are, I won't stay any longer. Let's get down to business."

Deputy Director Zhang had originally planned to have a couple of drinks, but now he thinks it's better to leave after finishing his business and not bother them.

He sat down in the only chair available. The chair creaked.

"The plans we made earlier are progressing."

He leaned forward.

"I came today to ask Director Li when the materials will be ready. The message has been sent out, but the price is still being negotiated. This time, we might be able to get that amount down in one go."

He stretched out a hand and waved it.

Five fingers.

"fifty thousand?"

Li Jianguo guessed.

"One hundred thousand."

Deputy Director Zhang lowered his voice.

"The people over there said they'd give you 100,000 if you could get complete locomotive data from me."

One hundred thousand.

Li Jianguo was also taken aback.

This amount, let alone now, would have been considered wealthy for an ordinary family even in their past life.

"Are you talking about US dollars?"

Li Jianguo asked one more question.

What they need is US dollars, nothing else. It's the internationally accepted currency; they need it to buy the equipment.

"certainly."

Deputy Director Zhang leaned back, and the chair creaked again.

"I was shocked when I found out the number. I didn't expect them to be so generous. I was even afraid it was fake."

He can finally talk to someone about his feelings. I can't help but complain.

"You have no idea. I was stunned when I first heard that they were giving so much."

He was filled with anxiety. He had never had so much money in his life.

"I submitted the plan, and it was approved by the higher-ups."

He paused.

"I'm worried it might be a scam. If I don't get this money, I'll be in big trouble."

Deputy Director Zhang has been under a lot of pressure these past few days. He seems to have lost a lot of hair. Every morning when he combs his hair, there are a few strands hanging from the comb.

"Why don't you try to get him to give you a partial deposit first?"

Li Jianguo said.

"The first part of the information I'm giving you is low-tech. Just to put their minds at ease and get them to give you the money. Even if the plan falls through in the end, we'll at least have half of it saved."

Deputy Director Zhang thought for a moment.

Nod vigorously.

"That's for the best. Let's not be too greedy; half is good enough. I'll go arrange it now."

Li Jianguo took out the documents he had prepared in advance from the safe next to him.

The safe was made of iron, military green, with peeling paint on the corners revealing the black underneath. He squatted there and turned the combination lock, making a few click-clack sounds.

This is basic data compiled based on current international technological levels. It is relatively advanced, but it is far inferior to later generations and even more backward than what engineers are researching today.

But it's enough to fool outsiders.

As for leaks, there's absolutely no need to worry. All the engineers involved in the project live at the factory. Their families have all undergone several rounds of political vetting, ensuring they have impeccable political backgrounds before being allowed in.

Deputy Director Zhang took the documents.

My hands were shaking a little.