Chapter 279: A Solution Comes to Mind

The Research Institute still has many components under development, and to our surprise, after great effort the blueprints were finally completed, yet for various reasons they still cannot be produced.

That is truly a headache.

But Lu Cheng knows that this cannot place all the responsibility on Pan Jihai.

He took out a cigarette, first handing one to Pan Jihai, then passing a round to everyone.

He smoked half a cigarette, seeing the group's agitation ease, Lu Cheng then spoke.

"Director Pan, you are responsible, which I greatly admire, but don't overwork yourself, and don't shoulder all the responsibility; health is the capital of the revolution.

Furthermore, although the blueprints have been implemented, we are not abandoning them; any difficulties must be reported, and the Railway Engineering Institute and our Railway Bureau will definitely provide strong support."

Upon hearing Lu Cheng's comforting words, Pan Jihai lifted his gaunt face; he hadn't had a good night's sleep for days.

Lu Cheng's words gave him a hint of warmth, but however warm, they could not solve the real problem.

"Group Leader Lu, thank you for your understanding, but I am the primary person responsible for constructing the supporting facilities; if problems arise, I should bear them."

Not shirking responsibility, of course, is a good comrade, Lu Cheng said, "Director Pan, there's no need to be so discouraged; I believe all difficulties must be solved by people, and only people can solve them."

Therefore, my suggestion is that you should now seek more relevant people to discuss together; if you can't find anyone, I can coordinate with the One Steel Plant in Spring City, after all they are a steel plant and have much experience in this area.

Pan Jihai shook his head; he wasn't doubting Lu Cheng's coordination ability—one phone call could bring in military personnel, and even a modest steel plant surely has connections.

"Group Leader Lu's suggestions, including the One Steel Plant, we have also sent people to negotiate, but still couldn't resolve it."

So they had already gone, and for a moment Lu Cheng truly had no solution; the room fell silent, and everyone sulked while smoking.

At that moment, Wu Qiming muttered, "Actually there's a person who can solve it..."

Hearing that, Lu Cheng's eyes lit up, and Pan Jihai felt a brief joy, but when he saw the helpless expression on Wu Qiming's face, he suddenly realized who the person was, and the hope that had just risen vanished.

Seeing both expressions off, Lu Cheng proactively said, "What's wrong? If someone can solve it, isn't that a good thing?"

Wu Qiming shook his head helplessly, "Group Leader Lu, you don't know, the person I mentioned is Tan Zonggong, he has

"Not at the plant anymore?" Lu Cheng muttered, "Did he pass away? That's a pity; then he never trained any disciples..."

Wu Qiming quickly waved his hand, "No, no, he's not deceased; I meant... sigh, never mind, let's not bring it up."

The half‑finished words were painful to hear, and Lu Cheng couldn't help saying, "Section Chief Wu, you've always been straightforward, why are you now hesitating? With such talent, why not bring him back?"

Wu Qiming scratched his head, not knowing how to answer Lu Cheng.

Then Pan Jihai stood up, first went to the doorway to look around the courtyard, ensuring no strangers were present, and then closed the room door.

That series of actions left Lu Cheng completely bewildered.

He became even more curious: what kind of person is Tan Zonggong? Why does mentioning him make everyone so cautious?

Fortunately, after Pan Jihai sat down, he immediately answered his inner question.

"Group Leader Lu isn't an outsider; regarding Tan Zonggong, everyone actually knows, it's just that Group Leader Lu has only recently joined the Railway Ministry and knows a bit less."

"Speaking of Tan Zonggong, he was originally the chief engineer of our Vehicle Factory; in the past, large supporting facilities like this were commanded by Tan Zonggong. He is highly accomplished in his professional field, but..."

Pan Jihai hesitated, "A few years ago, due to academic issues, he was reassigned to a farm near the Capital City for renovation."

Lu Cheng understood; no wonder that when Tan Zonggong is mentioned, everyone's expression is off.

Thus his earlier suggestion to bring Tan Zonggong back is unrealistic; the ramifications involved are such that no one dares to touch them.

At noon they ate at the procurement station; the dishes were rich and greasy, yet no one felt like eating.

Lu Cheng's pack of cigarettes had been shared twice and was already finished; everyone who smoked was just cobbling together one or two cigarettes, puffing clouds, while the whole table of food remained untouched.

Lu Cheng tentatively said, "Section Chief Wu, I believe manufacturing the snowplow is a top priority. Clearly, with talent like Tan Zonggong, we should bring him back to help us. Could you speak with Dean Gao and request a transfer order to second Tan Zonggong back?"

After so much effort previously, Lu Cheng didn't want to give up at this critical moment.

Wu Qiming took a deep breath, "Bringing Tan Zonggong back is a bit troublesome; even if we report to Dean Gao, he can't decide alone, it must go through procedures."

Not to mention the coordination among parties and the time required for procedures; in the end it's likely still hard to accomplish.

It's not that Wu Qiming is deliberately shirking; bringing Tan Zonggong back simply can't follow the normal procedure.

Can't follow the normal procedure? Lu Cheng muttered twice in his mind, then a flash of inspiration gave him an idea.

"Section Chief Wu, Director Pan, don't worry about this; I'll figure out a way to bring Tan Zonggong back."

Hearing Lu Cheng's words, everyone at the table turned to look at him.

Wu Qiming, still worried, bluntly replied, "Group Leader Lu, I'm not being old‑fashioned; you're still young, and these matters aren't as simple as you think—don't act impulsively."

Pan Jihai also urged, "Yes, Group Leader Lu, you're just starting your career, you have a bright future ahead, you mustn't let this issue affect you. Moreover, we're not at a desperate point yet; let's go back and discuss it thoroughly."

After all, the flood hasn't passed yet; Lu Cheng could understand their feelings, as it was entirely for his own good.

But Lu Cheng's mind was made up; since he dared to risk bringing Tan Zonggong back, he was confident.

First, if anything really goes wrong, Lei Zhan Ge will definitely find a way to protect him.

Even if Lei Zhan Ge cannot, Master Xu Erye will mobilize the military connections of his disciples to protect him.

Moreover, he believes his plan can reduce the impact to the minimum.

"Section Chief Wu, Director Pan, rest assured; this time I'll have the Railway Bureau step in and try it first. If it doesn't work, we'll consider other options."

When Lu Cheng spoke seriously, Pan Jihai's eyes widened; he hadn't expected the young man to be so bold.

After spending this time together, Wu Qiming grew fond of the youngster, yet deep down he was worried; he truly couldn't figure out what method could bring Tan Zonggong back.

"Is this even feasible? Group Leader Lu, what exactly are you planning to do?"