Chapter 25: A Wave of Praise

As was the routine, the leaders of each department began reporting last week’s work progress.

The Operations Department completed 98 million kilowatt-hours of power generation. The three-hour shutdown of Unit Two did not have much impact on production. The Maintenance Department completed daily maintenance tasks and was preparing for the annual overhaul. The Fuel Department finished the coal storage plan ahead of schedule and continued to implement safety measures in the coal bunker to meet the standards. The Technical Department started in-depth investigations and research in the workshops to lay the groundwork for the new version of “Safety Regulations.”

Whether other departments were boasting, Zhang Yifu didn’t know, but the Technical Department was clearly slacking off. The new version of “Safety Regulations” was nowhere to be seen, while “Haizi’s Poetry Collection,” “Table Tennis Techniques,” and “Current Affairs Review” were steadily progressing instead.

Of course, Niu Dameng, as the big boss, had his own judgment. He couldn’t question every detail during the meeting either. He kept the meeting moving at a reasonable pace and didn’t linger too long on the routine reports. Soon, it was time for open discussion and casual questions. Everyone started scratching each other’s backs, talking about trivial matters that were better than nothing. After Qiu Ling talked about the oil pan installation, Niu Xiaozhuang seized the moment to speak up.

At Jibei Power Plant, Niu Xiaozhuang was a very special and remarkable person.

In terms of his position, he was supposed to be part of the Administrative Office and should have worn formal attire. Yet, he always wore a worker’s uniform, standing out awkwardly among the office staff.

In terms of relationships, he was well-liked everywhere. He got along well with the Administrative Office staff and was even closer with the brothers in the workshops. He was tall, strong, and quite spirited, making him an outstanding young man in the plant.

Even if his father wasn’t the Factory Director, it would have been normal for him to reach this level. But once the “crown prince’s robe” was on him, no one could stop him. So, when he unexpectedly wanted to speak, everyone fell silent. The atmosphere became more solemn than when Section Chiefs spoke.

Niu Xiaozhuang cleared his throat and began speaking in a crisp, loud voice.

“Factory Director, esteemed leaders, after the recent Oil Filter Machine accident, I and my comrades from the workshops went to the accident site immediately to analyze and study the situation. During this process, we found that the existing pipeline connections were not perfect. Pipelines connected by fastening still had the potential risk of coming loose under the vibration of the high-speed Oil Filter Machine. In response to the Factory Director’s call to ‘implement safety measures effectively,’ I did my best and, with the help of my colleagues, drew a pipeline improvement design. An individual’s strength is limited, so I present this as a humble offering to attract greater ideas. Let’s take a look and see if it has any feasible value.”

After speaking, he handed out copies of the drawings to those on his left and right.

Now it was time for the Deputy Factory Director to play his part. The old, thin Deputy Factory Director smiled appropriately and said, “Comrade Little Niu is commendable! Using his personal time to study our plant’s safety issues—just this attitude alone is admirable. Come on, everyone, take a look at this drawing and see if the improvement plan is feasible.”

And so, at the Deputy Factory Director’s urging, the photocopied drawings began to circulate.

While everyone expected to see a hand-drawn sketch, they were presented with a computer-generated, printed drawing of the highest standard. Those present were all professionals and naturally understood the difficulty involved. Very few people in the power plant could even type, let alone produce such a professional computer drawing. Regardless of the design quality, the drawing alone dazzled many as soon as it was revealed.

“Xiaozhuang… was this made on a computer?”

“Yes.”

“Did you… ask someone from the Electric Power Management Bureau to do it?”

“No, it was done by someone from our own plant.”

“…Who has such skills?”

Just like the expression on Niu Dameng’s face when he asked this question, everyone’s eyes simultaneously turned to Zhang Yifu in the corner.

Zhang Yifu smiled without speaking, wearing an expression of a master who concealed his achievements and fame.

At the same time, Niu Dameng also glanced over at Zhang Yifu and gave a meaningful nod—your kind intentions, I’ve received them.

Zhang Yifu naturally nodded in return—as long as Your Majesty is satisfied, long live the emperor.

Few people could understand this deeper meaning between ruler and subject. Their expressions showed more admiration and shock.

Niu Xiaozhuang took this opportunity to add, “Last night, I consulted my roommate Zhang Yifu about some design issues. Later, we talked about using a computer for drawings. He knows how to use computers, and I’m in charge of the computers. We hit it off, so we went back to the office building and made this drawing overnight.”

That was basically enough.

The gray-haired Chief Engineer also chimed in, not wanting to fall behind the Deputy Factory Director. He held the drawing and said with great interest, “As far as I know, computer drawing courses aren’t even widely available in universities. Probably only graduate students get exposure to it. It seems Little Zhang truly exceeded his learning tasks in school. As for the pipeline design, it’s simple and clear, with all the details labeled. Xiaozhuang’s idea is also sound. This isn’t a big project either. Since it can resolve safety hazards, I think construction can start anytime.”

With the Chief Engineer’s words, Zhang Yifu’s value soared once again, and the design technically passed muster. Seeing Niu Dameng’s satisfied expression, everyone immediately began praising in unison.

“I say we start construction immediately. Safety is the top priority in production, and not a moment should be wasted.”

“The spare parts for these pipelines are readily available in the plant. Construction can start today.”

“Xiaozhuang is really thoughtful, and Little Zhang is skilled too. With this pipeline modification, the Oil Filter Machine will never have problems again.”

Amidst the chorus of praise, everyone applauded. On one hand, it was good to flatter the Factory Director’s son; on the other hand, safety was already a focus. This pipeline modification might be a small project, but its effect was significant. There was no time to waste.

Both things aligned perfectly with Niu Dameng’s intentions. The old Factory Director could barely hold back his smile. “Well… Qiu Ling, do you think construction can start today?”

Qiu Ling’s expression was a rollercoaster of emotions. Finally, he looked at the Factory Director with a twisted smile. “Xiaozhuang’s suggestion is excellent. I see no issues. Since this was Xiaozhuang’s idea, I think he should take the lead and work with the Workshop and the Technical Department to complete the pipeline construction before the end of the workday.”

“Will stopping the Oil Filter Machine for a while affect production?”

“As long as the construction time for each unit is kept within two hours, it’ll be fine.”

“Then it’s settled.” Niu Dameng waved his arm. “Xiaozhuang, you’re already in the Administrative Office and know the Workshop well enough. Start on this after the meeting.”

“Yes, Factory Director.” Niu Xiaozhuang should have accepted the order and sat down, but he felt something was missing. Without much thought, he spoke up directly. “The drawing work was mainly done by Yifu. He’s more skilled than me in many technical matters. I think Yifu should take the lead here, and I’ll coordinate with the Workshop. That way, things will move faster.”

As soon as he said this, subtle changes appeared on many people’s faces.