Chapter 223: Victory Reunion

Lu Cheng told him not to worry.

"Director Cheng, don't worry about this; I'm here. If the higher‑ups refuse to approve, I'll find someone and still get it reported for you."

Including meals and tobacco money, it's only three hundred yuan, and Lu Cheng doesn't think it's a big deal at all.

Hearing Lu Cheng say that, Cheng Jianhua instantly felt confident; he became even more convinced that Lu Cheng had connections.

"Alright, Group Leader Lu, with those words from you, I feel relieved…"

"Ha, it's fine. You go prepare first; I'll take charge of the on‑site work here."

Lu Cheng tried to leave again, but Cheng Jianhua stopped him.

"Hey, hey, Group Leader Lu, I have another matter to tell you."

Lu Cheng turned around, puzzled, wondering why Cheng Jianhua was being so evasive.

"Director Cheng, today we fight side by side, so we need to be united. Whatever you have to say, say it straight; no one should hide anything."

Cheng Jianhua forced a laugh twice: "Hehe, Group Leader Lu, what I want to say is, if the money for meals gets approved, could you also slip in the funds for our cafeteria renovation?"

Lu Cheng shifted his posture and thought, "Damn, they're waiting for me here."

He thought Cheng Jianhua was being overly helpful—catering meals and providing cigarettes—only with strings attached.

Fine, fine. Whatever Cheng Jianhua's motives, feeding the Steel Factory workers is a fact.

Getting the Steel Factory folks fed and watered makes Lu Cheng look good in the end.

"Then, how much does your cafeteria renovation cost?"

Cheng Jianhua, sensing an opening, immediately mimicked Lu Cheng and held up three fingers.

"Three hundred?"

Cheng Jianhua shook his head: "Three thousand."

Lu Cheng gasped sharply; million‑yuan households are as rare as giant pandas now, and three thousand yuan can accomplish a lot—it's not just a cafeteria renovation, rebuilding one would be no problem.

Seeing Lu Cheng didn't immediately agree, Cheng Jianhua began to complain.

"Group Leader Lu, you don't know—during the heavy snow before the New Year, the cafeteria roof was crushed. It's still barely usable, but when the weather warms, the meltwater will turn it into something like Water Curtain Cave.

After I reported it, the higher‑ups haven't approved the funds yet, and I have no idea how long we'll wait. I'm getting anxious."

What else could Lu Cheng say? Cheng Jianhua already praised him, and he couldn't rub it in.

"Alright then, Director Cheng, leave it to me; I guarantee I'll get it done."

This give‑and‑take of favors is about reciprocity—half in words, half in deeds.

Since Lu Cheng accepted the favor, he must return the favor by handling the work.

A few hundred yuan of favor turned into a three‑thousand‑yuan job!

He now realizes that against scheming, that bit of natural disaster is nothing.

Cheng Jianhua was overjoyed, fearing Lu Cheng might backtrack, and hurriedly ran while shouting back, "All set, Group Leader Lu; I'm going to arrange the cooking right now and will have those people served promptly."

Five hours later, the Steel Factory workers arrived; night had fallen, and along the Iron Rail they saw, from a distance, over two hundred people holding torches, looking like a fire dragon.

Factory Director Zheng said over the phone that this time the team was led by Song Director of the Steel Factory, who had dined together last time at the Steel Factory Canteen.

Lu Cheng led his men, hurried over, and when the two sides met, they clasped hands tightly.

"Hello, Director Song, we've been looking forward to your arrival; it's been a hard journey."

"Group Leader Lu, no need for formalities. Our Factory Director Zheng specifically instructed that time is tight and the task heavy, so let's start working right away."

Lu Cheng glanced at the crowd; indeed there were two hundred people, and the gathering was spectacular.

"Don't rush, Director Song. You've endured wind and snow all the way and must be freezing; let's eat first, warm up, then get to work."

Having so many people to work will greatly cut the time, and finishing the meal won't delay the labor.

Director Song hesitated a bit; they hadn't planned to eat, mainly because feeding two hundred mouths would require a lot of food.

"Group Leader Lu, no need for courtesy; let's get to work first. Eating back at the Steel Factory later won't be a problem."

"Director Song, stop making excuses; the food is already prepared. Eat first, and this time follow my lead."

When he heard that Lu Cheng had the food ready, Director Song was quite surprised; he hadn't expected Lu Cheng to be so thorough.

Since everything was ready, they had to eat: steamed mixed‑noodle buns, stewed cabbage with vermicelli, and plenty of chilies.

Although the dishes were simple, drinking the broth warmed the whole body to the point of sweating.

After the meal, a cigarette was lit, two packs were handed out, and a beautiful puff made them feel full of vigor.

Director Song said, "Group Leader Lu, you're too courteous, even providing cigarettes. Look how happy they are."

At that moment, Cheng Jianhua seemed to vanish, giving all the credit to Lu Cheng alone.

Lu Cheng helped him secure cafeteria funds, so he should be modest; when others praised Lu Cheng, he didn't step forward to claim credit.

Over two hundred people ate and drank heartily, and Director Song said, "Group Leader Lu, you're familiar with the site; you command these two hundred people. Tell us what to do, and we'll follow your orders."

More than two hundred people equal two companies; Wu Zhekun was even worried whether Lu Cheng could command them.

But to his surprise, Lu Cheng immediately assessed the situation and began deploying orders methodically.

First, he split the work into two fronts simultaneously, using five‑person squads—a combination previously tested as the most efficient.

With everything arranged and everyone in position, they immediately began the snow‑removal work with clear assignments.

Torches planted in the snow lit the drifts a vivid red.

With many hands, the Iron Shovel swung, scattering snowflakes as if it were still snowing.

Lu Cheng watched the scene and truly felt what it means for laborers to have power.

Unfortunately there was no camera to capture this magnificent moment.

In four hours—when three to five days were planned to clear the snow—the dual‑front teams finished, achieving a victorious reunion.

The road was now passable; people on site raised their Iron Shovels and shouted jubilantly.

At this speed, even Cheng Jianhua was left staring in amazement.

Lu Cheng again tightly grasped Song Director's hand, so excited that for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"Song Director, thank you, thank you so much."

Song Director said with a smile, "Group Leader Lu, no need to be formal; you still have to hurry on your way, so I won't linger. When you come to Chuncheng later, we'll have a proper drink together."

Jiwu Section had boarded the train early to make preparations; when the train slowly started moving, Lu Cheng led his men to jump onto the carriage.

During everyone's send‑off, Wu Zhekun took off his military cap, waved it and said "Good‑bye."

Since he had just enlisted and hadn't yet reached the barracks, Lu Cheng today gave him a lesson ahead of schedule.

When everyone had lost hope, he witnessed how great the power of the revolutionary masses was, and in contrast all difficulties seemed tiny.

In the dark night, the locomotive's headlight lit up, and amid the whimpering cold wind it kept moving toward the northwest.

Lu Cheng stood there pounding the railing, muttering "Faster, even faster…"