Chapter 222: The Reinforcements Arrive

Cheng Jianhua didn't believe the Steel Factory would send people over; in fact, Lu Cheng also had some nerves.

But soon, he heard Zheng Changzhang's hearty, Northeastern-style laugh over the microphone.

"Group Leader Lu, just tell me directly—how many people do you need?"

Last time Lu Cheng braved the risk of a wolf pack attack, nearly losing his life to deliver the data to the Steel Factory, Zheng Changzhang has remembered that.

Now Lu Cheng needs assistance, and he simply cannot stand by.

Hearing Zheng Changzhang's words, Lu Cheng let out a breath of relief and tentatively asked, "Time is tight on my side; the more people the better—how many can your side send over?"

"Haha, our Steel Factory has over a thousand people; why not send them all over to give Group Leader Lu a proper show?"

Lu Cheng laughed, "Zheng Changzhang is joking; this isn't a war. If you just pull a whole unit over, wouldn't you startle the old Russians?"

"Hahaha, that's true. So how many people do you think you need? The factory just finished the New Year and hasn't officially started production yet."

Lu Cheng felt a surge of gratitude; after all, he's the Factory Director. Though he didn't say it outright, the implication in his words was clear—he didn't want Lu Cheng to carry any mental burden.

"Alright then, Zheng Changzhang, since you put it that way, I won't be shy. As long as it doesn't affect production, could you send a hundred people?"

Based on the on-site situation, Lu Cheng had roughly calculated that, adding the existing over sixty workers to another hundred, the cleanup could be fully completed within a day.

Even if fewer than a hundred arrive, another fifty or sixty would be enough; at worst the timing would be a bit tighter.

But Zheng Changzhang opened, "Group Leader Lu, I know you could call me, you must have hesitated for some time. Forget the hundred—let's send two hundred. More is better than less."

"Two hundred people? That wouldn't even need a day; a few hours would get it done."

With Zheng Changzhang so generous, Lu Cheng could only offer repeated thanks.

After the call ended, Cheng Jianhua could no longer wait; he had been listening to Lu Cheng's words, yet couldn't hear what was said through the microphone.

"How's it going, Group Leader Lu? You said you wanted a hundred people—has the Steel Factory agreed?"

Lu Cheng glanced over, held up two fingers, and Cheng Jianhua tentatively said, "Only willing to send twenty? That's a bit few, but okay—one more person means one more bit of effort."

Lu Cheng shook his head, "It's two hundred people."

"Two hundred people?" Cheng Jianhua was initially startled—if that many were transferred at once, the transport wouldn't even need a day.

Working at a leisurely pace, it can be finished quickly.

Seeing Lu Cheng turn and head back to the site, Cheng Jianhua hurriedly followed, "Did they mention when they can arrive?"

Lu Cheng halted, "This side is three hundred kilometers from One Steel Plant; they'll drive a Jeep over, organize the personnel and rush here. It will take at least five hours, so we'll keep working here for now."

Cheng Jianhua nodded; even if it takes more than five hours, that's fine—once the force of over two hundred arrives, the site can be cleared quickly.

When Lu Cheng shared this news with the big guys, the site instantly burst into cheers.

Seeing hope, the work gained vigor.

Liu Baoquan was hurrying the horse-drawn Snow Plow, dumping snow farther away, and Cheng Jianhua stepped close.

"Master Liu, may I ask you something?"

Cheng Jianhua proactively handed over a cigarette, and Liu Baoquan took it, looking a bit puzzled.

"Director Cheng, what's the matter?"

Cheng Jianhua first lit the cigarette for Liu Baoquan, glanced at Lu Cheng working on site, and turned back.

"Your Group Leader Lu, what's his background?"

"Group Leader Lu?" Liu Baoquan was unsure what he was asking: "Nothing special—he's just our Beijing Station Train Police."

Cheng Jianhua didn't believe, "Impossible—a junior Train Police delivering military supplies? A junior Train Police ordering people from a Steel Factory three hundred kilometers away? He must have some background."

One phone call, and two hundred people are dispatched; that's an incredibly strong network.

Liu Baoquan laughed, "I really don't know how to explain that. All I know is our Group Leader Lu earned a Third-Class Merit, was personally praised by department leaders, and I heard they even recommended him for university, hehe…"

Liu Baoquan took a drag, then hauled the empty Snow Plow back to the Iron Rail to continue loading snow.

Leaving Cheng Jianhua there, he stared off for a while.

Just now Lu Cheng voluntarily requested to take over command, effectively assuming responsibility, which shows he does have a background.

Without a diamond drill, not taking on porcelain work—otherwise why would Lu Cheng be so bold to take it on? Someone must be backing him.

With that in mind, Cheng Jianhua called Lu Cheng over.

"Group Leader Lu, come over, I have something to tell you."

Lu Cheng dropped the Iron Shovel, brushed off the snowflakes, and said, "Director Cheng, perfect—I also have something to tell you."

"Then you go ahead."

"Here's the thing: although the Steel Factory folks will bring tools, the Snow Plow for loading snow is still too few; we need Director Cheng to figure out a solution."

"No problem, I'll find someone to handle it shortly…"

"Alright, thank you, Director Cheng," Lu Cheng said, turning as if to leave, but Cheng Jianhua quickly held him back.

"Hey, hey, Group Leader Lu, I haven't said anything yet."

Lu Cheng sheepishly patted his head, "Look at my memory, I'm only focused on rushing the work—Director Cheng, you speak."

Cheng Jianhua hesitated, "What I'm about to say is similar—considering the Steel Factory is kindly helping us, sending so many people from so far away, they'll be cold and hungry on the way…"

So I thought we should prepare meals in advance; they're guests, we should let them eat and drink before working. Also, give each person two packs of cigarettes; that will keep them motivated.

Lu Cheng, after hearing that, was stunned for a moment, then immediately slapped his forehead.

"Ouch! Look at my head—Director Cheng, you think things through so thoroughly. Your suggestion is wonderful, so considerate; I hadn't thought of it."

"Director Cheng, you're doing this for me, I won't say anything else…"

Cheng Jianhua laughed, "Whether I get a commendation or not doesn't matter; this is what I should do, it's…"

Lu Cheng, without thinking, "Then how else to account for it? The Steel Factory people came for our work, it'll be on the public account, not your personal pocket."

Cheng Jianhua nodded, "Yes, yes, of course it will go on the public account; I'm just worried that when we report it, the higher-ups might not approve…"