Chapter 265: Welcome to Your Joining

"The military factory over there agreed to supply us with low‑temperature‑resistant hydraulic oil; whenever we need it, just let me call at any time."

When he heard Lu Cheng's words, Wu Qiming quickly grasped the implication: to get hydraulic oil, the call had to come from Lu Cheng, because the connection was his.

So if we keep thinking about not letting him serve as deputy chief commander, don't even hope for the hydraulic oil.

Feeling cornered, Wu Qiming forced a grin: "Alright, when the tests are needed, I'll tell you in advance, and I'll be a great deal of trouble for you then."

Lu Cheng could clearly sense that Wu Qiming's attitude had changed dramatically compared with before.

"Director Wu, you're being modest; I'm already the deputy chief commander, and solving the hydraulic oil issue makes me as happy as everyone else."

Moreover, I need to make it clear to everyone that over the past month I haven't only been busy solving the hydraulic oil problem; I've also done two other things.

The effort put in behind the scenes must be shared with everyone, otherwise it's a wasted effort.

"Two more things?" Wu Qiming's face showed slight surprise; solving the hydraulic oil issue in a month was already impressive, and he had also done other work.

"That's right. First, I'm currently at Qingbei Shang University, and I've coordinated with our school; the Snow Removal Machine Project will be incorporated as a practical assignment."

Qingbei University? Incorporated as a practical assignment?

A brief sentence, yet it contains a lot of content.

First, Lu Cheng's position at Qingbei Shang University made Xiao Jia and the others cast envious glances.

Moreover, Qingbei University is full of talent; collaborating with it on joint problem‑solving would be a huge aid to the upcoming R&D work.

"Second, I've already spoken with the Metallurgical Bureau Research Institute; they will also send people over to help us with development, and the One Machine Department will send people as well."

Wu Qiming's throat rolled a little.

The Metallurgical Bureau Research Institute and the One Machine Department will also send people for joint problem‑solving? And Qingbei University as well?

All these forces gathered together just to develop a modest Snow Removal Machine; someone uninformed might think it's a massive project.

It even feels a bit like using a butcher's knife to kill a chicken.

Wu Qiming and Xiao Jia's group were instantly shocked and didn't know what to say.

They originally thought Lu Cheng's connection to the military was already surprising.

But now, with Qingbei University, the Metallurgical Bureau Research Institute, and the One Machine Department, what a network of contacts!

Before Xiao Jia's group could recover, Wu Qiming suddenly thought of something.

"Group Leader Lu, with so many people coming to support, I'm definitely welcoming it, but you should have told me in advance so I could report upward…"

Lu Cheng understood his meaning.

"Director Wu, you mean that since they're coming, it's not just free help; we should apply for subsidies for them, right?"

Seeing through his thoughts with a single glance, Lu Cheng made Wu Qiming's face a bit awkward: "Yes, the formal procedures still have to be followed, but I'll definitely speak to the higher‑up leadership, trying to keep everyone, since we really are short of staff right now, it's just a matter of timing…"

Lu Cheng took over: "Timing? First we have to report to the superiors, then they hold a few meetings; if they can't decide, we report further up, the next level holds more meetings… back and forth, after the procedure is finished, it'll probably take one or two months, right?"

Wu Qiming scratched his head, not expecting Lu Cheng to be so familiar with the process.

"Well, I'll act as quickly as possible; we can't let them help for free."

"No need, Director Wu, you have the procedure, I understand, but time is precious now, so I've already arranged with our bureau that this subsidy will come from our bureau; you don't need to file another report."

"Again, it's already arranged?"

Wu Qiming suddenly felt that, in front of Lu Cheng, his role as Chief Commander seemed completely useless.

In a month, their Research Institute made virtually no progress, while Lu Cheng had quietly accomplished so many things.

"Ahem…" Wu Qiming cleared his throat; he's not an unreasonable person.

Now Lu Cheng has kept his promise, solving the hydraulic oil problem within a month; even though it wasn't developed in‑house, any method that solves it is a good method.

Wu Qiming looked at Xiao Jia and the others: "So, do you have any other opinions?"

Xiao Jia's group suddenly didn't know how to answer.

It can be confirmed that Lu Cheng truly knows nothing about technical R&D; at first they looked down on this outsider leading them.

But the organizational and coordination ability Lu Cheng displayed today is terrifyingly strong.

Moreover, he acts decisively, without any dithering.

This provides the Research Institute with great convenience and help.

Seeing no one speak, Wu Qiming spoke again: "I understand everyone's thoughts; I used to think like you all did, but now I think differently.

Just as with the Snow Removal Machine Project, why didn't it succeed in the end? One reason was insufficient industrial base, another was our R&D capability lagging, but now I think having someone like Group Leader Lu with strong organizational coordination sit in charge is also very important."

In fact, without Wu Qiming saying it, everyone understood it in their hearts.

What Lu Cheng did today is obvious to anyone; it will greatly improve efficiency for future project R&D.

After a hesitation, Xiao Jia stepped forward first, since his opposing voice had been the loudest before, he should be the first to speak up.

"Director Wu is right; a team needs both technical R&D talent and someone with strong organizational coordination."

Xiao Jia then turned to Lu Cheng, apologetically saying: "Group Leader Lu, I'm a bookworm who only knows how to draw blueprints; in technical R&D I can't match you, but in leadership and coordination I admit I can't match you either."

Previously Xiao Jia was confrontational; now his words still have a sting but are more acceptable.

"Comrade Xiao Jia, you just said it very well: a team needs professional technical talent and also organizational leaders."

Lu Cheng said, looking at everyone: "Today I can assure you, as your deputy group leader, I will never meddle in your technical discussions; you can be completely at ease about that."

With Lu Cheng's words, everyone felt a strange sense of shame.

First, Lu Cheng is so young; having someone like that take on a deputy chief commander role could lead to what?

Arrogance, looking down on others, nitpicking, wielding a feather as a sword, meddling in fields they don't understand… it would only affect everyone's work.

That was everyone's earlier speculation about Lu Cheng.

Yet to everyone's surprise, Lu Cheng didn't exhibit any of those flaws.

Instead, Lu Cheng showed composure, positivity, and teamwork…

Coupled with strong organizational coordination, having such a person as deputy chief commander seems quite good.

Wu Qiming stood up and extended his hand to Lu Cheng: "Group Leader Lu, welcome to officially join our R&D team."