Chapter 81: Steel, Depart Again

Wu Long chatted on the phone for half an hour before finally understanding what was going on:

The Shanwang Agricultural Machinery Factory initially produced agricultural equipment, but later, to fill the market gap below truck prices, it vigorously produced "Four-Not-Likes."

The "Four-Not-Like" was actually a truck structure, looking not much different, but with crude internal design, simple structure, using a single-cylinder diesel engine as power, and a relatively low price.

But even so, the Four-Not-Like still had many disadvantages when facing real trucks; it was only suitable for use deep in the mountains and old forests.

Clients with some strength would buy trucks; an annual total sales volume of over a thousand for the Four-Not-Like was already remarkable.

Is building trucks difficult? Not really.

The agricultural machinery factory produced Four-Not-Likes through manual welding and manual assembly, just like a small workshop; however, so many automobile factories across the country weren't much better now.

It was merely the difference between a small workshop and a large workshop, a matter of materials and management.

Moreover, the qualification for building trucks was not as troublesome as that for building cars, relatively easier to handle.

Domestic formal approval for private enterprises to build vehicles would have to wait until 2001, but now one could still produce vehicles by acquiring a state-owned automobile manufacturing factory or by hanging a license to borrow qualifications.

For example, forming a joint venture shell company with a certain state-owned automobile factory possessing qualifications, then acquiring that company in turn, would allow one to obtain vehicle-building qualifications.

Rebadging was even simpler; for instance, finding "Liuzhou Automobile" to rebadge, the produced vehicle would be called "Liuzhou Shanwang Truck," but one had to pay a rebadging fee for every vehicle produced, and it was easy to give others a handle.

Regardless, wanting to sell formal trucks was not difficult, but one had to compete with automobile manufacturers for the market.

Cheap price and better quality were two paths; at least one advantage had to be possessed.

And the engines provided by Gaijin had ample horsepower and low prices, with very good quality, giving the agricultural machinery factory hope.

The chassis, body, and shell were no problem; axles, leaf springs, and hubs were trivial; the main difficulties lay in the engine and transmission.

Shanwang Agricultural Machinery awkwardly discovered a fact: excessive torque was not a good thing; the transmissions they could buy basically could not withstand the torture of Gaijin's high-horsepower engines.

The working environment for trucks in Guangxi Province was basically low-speed heavy loads; for manual transmissions, the environment was very harsh, with frequent starts and gear shifts severely consuming the clutch.

Gaijin's engines had exaggerated starting torque; if the clutch rubbed a bit longer, it would easily overheat, and after a few more times, it would directly burn out and deform.

The torque of trucks on the market was less than half of that, so no manufacturer made compatible transmissions.

Shanwang Agricultural Machinery had to organize the engine data and then have transmission manufacturers produce more durable new models.

But when they thought of Gaijin's omnipotence, they simply asked if they could build the transmission as well, and cooperate on building trucks?

However, when Tang Wen heard this news, his heart was numb:

If the engine and transmission are both Gaijin's, you might as well outsource the chassis to us too.

If you produce a body shell next, can any shipyard build an automobile factory?

Although inwardly scoffing immensely, Tang Wen still noted it down, and after the ribbon-cutting ceremony ended, he summoned Tang Yi.

"Transmission? No problem."

Tang Yi didn't think there was any problem; ships generally used fixed-ratio gearboxes, not variable-ratio gearboxes.

But—who said ships couldn't use them? Shipyards could only produce marine equipment, but it didn't say they had to be used on ships.

However, after hearing about the clutch-burning problem, Tang Yi pondered:

"Commander, besides problems with the transmission itself, could burning the clutch also be due to improper operation?"

Tang Wen thought and realized it was true; current drivers were all self-taught, driving entirely based on experience.

Violent shifting, gear grinding, and half-clutch acceleration were common occurrences; major overhauls were estimated to be needed every few thousand kilometers.

Tang Yi: "Actually, if we truly discuss withstanding high torque, we must use a torque converter; tanks basically all use torque converter transmissions, otherwise they simply cannot withstand the huge torque."

"We might as well directly produce automatic torque converter transmissions; drivers just press the accelerator, avoiding human damage."

"Can we use them?"

Tang Wen was somewhat doubtful; torque converter transmissions (also called AT transmissions) had appeared long ago, but current ATs were completely different from those ten-plus years later.

Current AT transmissions relied on the dense network of oil passages inside the transmission, achieving automatic shifting through pressure changes; future ones would all use computer control.

Simply put, current ATs were not very smart; moreover, the shipyard only had 1960s technology levels.

"Then we will produce both AT automatic transmissions and MT manual transmissions simultaneously; these small things don't require much experience."

Tang Yi wrote out the technical requirements for two transmission models in no time; Tang Wen directly threw them into the shipyard for R&D:

【R&D: 14-speed MT manual heavy-load transmission, maximum input torque 1600N·M, transmission efficiency 96%, transmission weight 300kg, required experience: 10】

【Direct Manufacturing: 4 silver coins/0.2 hours

Processing with supplied materials: Steel 315kg, Aluminum Alloy 40kg, Petroleum 10kg, 2 silver coins/0.2 hours】

【R&D: 6-speed AT semi-automatic transmission, maximum input torque 1800N·M, transmission efficiency 90%, transmission weight 480kg, required experience: 30】

【Direct Manufacturing: 6.5 silver coins/0.2 hours

Processing with supplied materials: Steel 315kg, Aluminum Alloy 40kg, Petroleum 10kg, 2 silver coins/0.2 hours】

Seeing such low prices and man-hours, Tang Wen directly told Wu Long to produce 20 units of each first to test the waters.

As for cooperative truck production, it was hardly necessary; he hadn't yet decided to stir the waters in the automobile market.

In the dock filled with seawater, the Hiryu—ah no, the Fudong—huge hull floated steadily, with colorful banners and red flowers everywhere.

According to the content of the contract at that time, this ship was named after Fudong Fisheries.

Huang Dongfu came down from the gangway, grasped Tang Wen's hand, and shook it vigorously.

"Brother, your speed is too fast; awesome, truly awesome!"

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he truly couldn't believe shipbuilding speed could be this fast.

"After we finish the sea trials, it will be delivered to you for sailing in at most ten-plus days."

Tang Wen also had a good impression of Old Huang; after all, people who could buy steam ships were truly rare now.

Huang Dongfu: "Brother, do you really not need us to send sailors aboard?"

"Rest assured; the people in the shipyard are all veterans; nothing will go wrong."

"Then I wish you all the best; if there are any problems refueling at Echenggang, call directly!"

The two chatted happily, had another meal at the Dawan Hotel that evening, and only returned to the city early the next morning.

Meanwhile, as he left, Tang Wen had already arranged for supplies to be hoisted onto the Fudong Hao, with departure scheduled for that night.

Beside the shipyard, Chen Yonggui and the villagers had already surrounded the LV2 shipyard site with a tinplate fence.

Before setting off late at night, Tang Wen found him, then silently invoked the supreme power of Gai Jin, spending tens of thousands of silver coins to select Full Simulation.

Two dark ship silhouettes appeared faintly on the distant shore; as they drew closer, it was revealed they were engineering ships converted from tank landing ships.

The landing ships rushed straight onto the beach and ran aground; the closed doors at the bow swung open, engineering vehicles drove up one after another, and hundreds of figures in work clothes disembarked.

They moved in an orderly fashion, swiftly reaching their designated positions, and were fully deployed in less than half an hour.

The cranes on the two tank landing ships were not idle either, continuously transporting supplies downward.

Within an hour, a fully equipped construction team had appeared on the desolate construction site.

The lights of the landing ships and engineering machinery illuminated most of the beach; this construction team arriving from the sea immediately began work, and for a time, the sound of machinery rumbling echoed everywhere.

Chen Yonggui, witnessing this scene with his own eyes, stood dumbfounded, finally believing Tang Wen's claims about the construction speed of Dawan Port.

Such a landing, resembling an amphibious assault, was unheard of.

"The construction cycle will be about a month; they need no assistance, only confirmation that no outsiders interfere."

Chen Yonggui nodded:

"No outsiders will enter to cause trouble; the performance review is most important."

Late at night, the duty officer at Echenggang heard a call on the radio: a fishing boat was about to dock for refueling, and it required heavy fuel oil typically used by large cargo ships.

The duty officer yawned, arranged the docking berth, and then directly told the oil depot to handle it themselves.

The people at the oil depot did not think much of the strange-looking Fudong Hao until they approached and saw the smoking chimney.

He rubbed his eyes, confirming he had not traveled through time.

"Guess what I saw today? A steamship!"

"Eyu 4410, registered as a fishing boat, a fishing boat powered by a steam engine!"

The port's walkie-talkies immediately buzzed with activity as night-shift workers gathered to admire the steam-powered fishing boat.

Tang Wen did not disembark; he had expected the staff on the shore to be curious.

The radio in the bridge never stopped; people kept asking where such an antique ship had been obtained.

Filling 170 tons of fuel took considerable time; for a moment, the Fudong Hao became the little star of the entire port, with even some people taking photos with cameras.

Tang Wen chatted intermittently over the radio until the fuel tanks were completely full.

When the Fudong Hao sounded its whistle and pulled out of the port, a young man holding a camera on the shore removed the instant film, shook it, and slowly peeled it open; the color contrast of the fishing boat under the lights in the photo was not as vivid to the naked eye, yet it possessed a certain sharpness.

"Xiao Zhou, you actually dared to use instant film? A few yuan per shot and you don't feel it?"

Someone leaned over to look but was pushed aside by the young man:

"Go away, go away, what do you know? This is a steam-powered fishing boat; how many years has it been since anyone saw such a thing? Selling it to a newspaper agency would surely be worth a hundred yuan, right?"

"That's true; come to think of it, that fishing boat is unlike any other; it really looks like a warship."

The Fudong Hao had a base speed of 19 knots; combined with the SM signal flag, the maximum speed reached 20 knots.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, when crossing the strait, they would stay close to the mainland side to avoid attracting the attention of the coast guard on the opposite shore.

"We now have approximately 1,200 nautical miles remaining; we expect to reach our destination by noon two days from now.

Commander, you may rest for a while."

Kimura Susumu was the captain of this voyage; as a Level 6 Commander, he could reduce the fuel consumption of the Hashirashima to 73.5%, adding an extra 1,000 nautical miles to the range.

The original maximum range of 2,500 nautical miles was barely sufficient; now there was plenty of surplus.

"Wake me immediately if we encounter any patrolling coast guard vessels."

Tang Wen gave the order, then retreated into his cabin.

This voyage of the Fudong Hao still had only five people; Tang Yi had brought two researchers aboard.

Thus, space on the ship was exceptionally ample, with each person able to have a single room.

However, for Tang Wen, living on the ship was not a good thing; everywhere smelled of the salty stench of seawater, just like crawling into a seafood market.

Fortunately, there was little wind or waves; otherwise, he would surely have vomited.

He thought again about the various arrangements made before departure; there should be no oversights.

"Wu Lao Er, did Xiao Tang tell you what to do?"

"Brother Yonggui, I am a manager after all; even if you call me by my name."

After Tang Wen left, Wu Long temporarily took over the shipyard affairs—block if possible, delay if blocked; that was how Tang Wen had instructed.

"Hey, just because you're dressed like a gentleman, you think no one recognizes you? Look around; doesn't everyone call you Wu Lao Er?"

"Vulgar!"

Wu Long silently walked a few steps away; he was different now, dealing with business worth hundreds of thousands with a wave of his hand, and he would not argue with the village head.

Gai Jin's efficiency was unimaginable; he had only mentioned it two days ago, and today the shipyard staff told him the transmission had arrived at the warehouse.

Besides manual transmissions, there were also hydraulic automatic transmissions; and cars that didn't need gears?

He immediately decided to inform the Agricultural Machinery Factory of this good news and went to the office to make a call.

It wasn't that he couldn't afford mobile phone fees; mainly, the signal here was too poor and relied on luck, making a landline more stable.

However, just as he picked up the phone, the landline rang.

"Hello? Brother Tang, why can't I reach you on your mobile? I've found out about that matter."

"The boss is out; I am Wu Long, Deputy General Manager of Gai Jin Power. You can tell me whatever you need."

"Then tell Boss Tang that the Guo Chenliang and Zheng Hai he's looking for went to Xiangjiang to smuggle goods and then vanished; I reckon they got caught."

Wang Hu spoke euphemistically, but in reality, Guo Chenliang had only two possible endings.

Even if he's still alive, he'll have to spend a few years in prison first.

"Alright, I'll pass the message along."

Wu Long hung up the phone, but a doubt arose in his mind: why was Tang Wen asking about Guo Chenliang?

For someone like Guo Chenliang to go smuggling was entirely expected; he had never seen a man surnamed Guo do anything proper.

Wu Long thought for a moment, then called the village general store; when the call connected, it was An Yu's voice.

"Sister-in-law, Boss Tang found out about your husband; he ran off to Xiangjiang to do business and hasn't returned, probably lost money and has no face to tell you."

Guo Chenliang not returning from smuggling meant he was either arrested or dead; Wu Long felt deep down that the Guo mother and daughter were people of bitter fate and didn't want to provoke them further.

Anyway, without Guo Chenliang, that family could live more happily; consider it a good deed.

Nowadays, there are plenty of people doing resale business at the Xiangjiang border; this explanation is very reasonable.

Sure enough, An Yu had no suspicions; her unreliable husband was fully capable of doing such a thing.

The woman on the other end of the phone complained a few times, then thanked Wu Long repeatedly; only after hanging up did she sigh at the counter, then force a smile, go to the backyard, find Guo Panpan already in bed, and tell her the news.

"Let him die in Xiangjiang; that would be best."

Upon hearing news of her father, Guo Panpan immediately sat up; after listening, she lay back down, pulled the covers over her head, cursed fiercely, yet felt much lighter in her heart.

Tomorrow she would take a bus to university; the stone in her heart was finally put down.

However, before sleep, she couldn't help but recall the university life described by that certain secondary vocational school dropout.

ICQ, Yahoo... and also, absolutely don't buy a Lingling phone or a pager; if you're dissatisfied with your major, transfer immediately to a computer-related field; become a programmer and earn a million a year?

Although she didn't understand, why did it feel strangely real?

But thinking that Tang Wen, a secondary vocational school dropout, could open a factory, he probably wouldn't lie, right?