The director's office was filled with cadres of all levels, their faces etched with shock as they examined Wang Yu's design sketches.
"This... these blueprints... the technology depicted, it seems actually feasible?"
After a long silence, someone finally spoke.
No one present was an amateur; they could grasp the general idea. They just hadn't expected their young factory director to possess such skills!
Moreover, his drafting ability was impressive, rivaling that of seasoned veterans.
"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"
Liu Wenming, the head of the technical department, suddenly exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention.
"Such an ingenious design! Simplifying and optimizing the air brake system, this concept is truly inspired! And most crucially, adding brackets in the excess space outside the brakes. Mounting accessories on these brackets effectively creates additional auxiliary devices."
"This won't alter or damage the original brake structure. According to our One Yuan Federation regulations, it won't be considered illegal modification; it's perfectly legal and compliant!"
Hearing Liu Wenming's words, everyone's hearts ignited with hope.
Technically feasible and legally sound, this might actually be a viable venture!
This young factory director had real substance!
Immediately, their gazes towards Wang Yu shifted, becoming filled with newfound respect.
"Everyone, the factory urgently needs to resume operations and pay the workers!"
Wang Yu pressed his hands on the table, looking at everyone.
"Furthermore, my sister is in the hospital waiting for surgery. So... let's give it a try!"
"I'm counting on you all!"
Seeing Wang Yu's plea, everyone nodded in agreement.
Indeed, the factory's situation was dire; it was a do-or-die situation with no other path.
And the young director's genius design had indeed instilled a great deal of confidence; it might truly be a way out!
They immediately set to work. Some arranged for materials and parts, others began welding the brackets, and some, using purely manual methods, meticulously polished and modified the components.
Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.
They were all from the same factory and knew each other well. With Wang Yu coordinating from the center, their efficiency greatly improved.
Workers who were on leave were recalled. Some grumbled about it.
But the majority held a simple belief: since the factory director had come up with a solution, let's try it. It was better than staying home with no work.
A group of experienced master craftsmen gathered around Liu Dahai's truck, constantly examining it against Wang Yu's blueprints.
"How is it?"
"The design is sound, but the assembly is a bit challenging, though it won't stump me!"
"Stop your nonsense and lend a hand!"
"No, I think this needs adjustment. Pass me a hammer..."
"Here, add a welding point here for me..."
...
They discussed and debated continuously as parts were assembled and fitted.
The masters' brows furrowed and relaxed alternately.
Wang Yu, standing beside them, was also extremely serious. He had complete confidence in his technical abilities.
His seven degrees from his previous life weren't acquired by chance.
However, there was always a gap between theory and practice!
Especially in this era, the craftsmanship was abysmal, and the quality of many parts simply couldn't meet theoretical requirements.
Moreover, this modification was of great importance. If successful, the factory might be able to raise a sum of money to tide them over their current difficulties.
With money, they could pay wages, and his sister's surgical fees would be covered!
More importantly, he would have startup capital, and from then on, he would have plenty of ways to revive the factory from its ashes.
And then there were his own ideals and ambitions...
"Success, we succeeded!"
A cheer erupted from the crowd, interrupting Wang Yu's thoughts.
"Little factory director, we've succeeded."
A master craftsman said to Wang Yu, his face beaming with pride as he patted the driver's door of the truck behind him. The modification was clearly complete.
"Good, quickly arrange for a test drive!" Wang Yu instructed urgently.
Someone immediately stepped forward. The engine was started, the vehicle moved, and brakes were applied.
The entire process was repeated dozens of times, and the results were all exceptionally smooth.
The brakes were more convenient and quicker than the old system, without the safety hazard of oil leaks or failures. The performance had even significantly improved.
"It's done already?"
Hearing the cheers, Zhao Dahai, looking somewhat dazed, emerged from the lounge area of the reception room.
He had fallen asleep earlier and, upon waking, realized only a few hours had passed and everything was already done?
The sun hadn't even set yet.
Could this young fellow be trying to trick him?
Half-believing, half-doubting, he was led by Wang Yu to the vehicle and examined it closely.
"You've completely solved the braking problem with this?"
Liu Dahai, still skeptical, took the truck for several test drives himself.
The final results were exactly as Wang Yu had described: the problem was completely solved!
The braking effect was even several times stronger than before!
He had to admit defeat!
"Well done, little brother!"
Liu Dahai gave Wang Yu a thumbs-up.
"I didn't expect it, you really weren't bragging. I, Dahai, recognize you as a little brother. By the way, how much for this modification?"
He hadn't forgotten his earlier promise.
"How about 800?" Wang Yu replied, asking a not-insignificant price.
In those days, a regular worker's monthly salary was only a few dozen yuan, and even he, as the factory director, earned just over a hundred.
But this modification, based solely on his design drawings, was worth that price!
Not to mention the extensive and intricate procedures and parts required during the process. The sheer scale of the work was unimaginable.
It was fortunate that they were a professional automobile manufacturing plant with complete facilities and a full workforce.
Anyone else, even with the blueprints, might not have been able to accomplish this!
Liu Dahai didn't hesitate much at Wang Yu's quote.
When driving on the road, safety came first.
Brakes, at critical moments, could save a life!
Wang Yu had essentially given him an extra life and a safety guarantee.
Moreover, in those times, truck drivers were quite well-paid, and he, Old Liu, wasn't unable to afford it!
He promptly paid the money to the finance department and then threw out a promise:
"Little brother, you wait here."
"I, Liu Dahai, keep my word. I'll go and bring my brothers over to patronize your business!"
With that, he drove off, his truck kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake.
"Uh, Factory Director, should we wait for him?"
Everyone present was bewildered as Liu Dahai simply drove away.
Was this like finishing a religious service and then dismissing the monks, or eating a meal and then sending away the cook? At least say thank you!
"Yes, let's wait a bit. He said he'd bring people to patronize our business."
Wang Yu hesitated for a moment before slowly saying.
"Who knows?"
"People often say they'll treat me to dinner sometime; those are just pleasantries..."
Someone in the crowd started to speak but was interrupted by Li Ming.
"Since the little factory director said to wait, let's wait. What's with all the chatter?"
"It's a good opportunity for everyone to rest after a busy afternoon."
Hearing the words of the respected workshop director, the others said no more.
They sat down on the ground, chatting and joking.
The topics ranged from the mundane gossip of families to insinuations about other people's wives.
"Factory Director, why don't you go rest in the office?"
Li Ming said to Wang Yu.
"No need, I'll wait here a while longer."
Wang Yu's expression was calm.
He was taking a gamble.
He was betting that truck drivers in this era worked together and were united!
He was betting on their desperate yearning for safety on the road!
He was betting that his technology was the first to break new ground in the industry!
They would definitely come!
Time flew by, and soon the sky began to darken. Dusk approached, and the sky grew dim.
Liu Dahai had still not appeared as promised.
By this time, he could have made two round trips to the neighboring county.
A murmur went through the crowd. Many workers were unwilling to wait any longer. They had worked all afternoon and were now hungry.
Clearly, their young factory director had been stood up. It wasn't that easy to secure big orders!
If everything were that simple, the previous factory director wouldn't have driven the factory to bankruptcy.
One could only say that this young factory director...
Was too young!
Too naive and unreliable!
People whispered among themselves, exchanging knowing glances.
Soon, someone was "chosen" to step forward and speak to Wang Yu:
"Little factory director, it's obvious that driver isn't coming back."
"There's no point in waiting any longer. How about we wrap things up for today..."
"Let's wait a bit longer!"
Wang Yu, despite his growing anxiety, knew he couldn't let them disperse now. If morale broke, it would be hard to lead the team.
Even if Liu Dahai brought people later, they would have to reassemble the workers!
In the future, he would be relying on these brothers to conquer the world!
"Hmph, stubborn as a dead duck." Someone in the crowd muttered sarcastically.
"Alright, stop it, let's just..." Li Ming's words were cut short.
From a distance, a series of horn honks suddenly sounded.
Beep!
Beep beep!
Everyone turned their heads in the direction of the sound.
They saw a large convoy of trucks slowly approaching in the distance.
There were no less than a hundred vehicles!
The continuous headlights, in the darkening twilight sky, connected to form a magnificent, winding steel dragon!