Chapter 394: Sick Captain Lei

Lei Zhan'ge has been ill these past two days, so he likely lacks the strength to berate anyone.

Lu Cheng then spoke out about how to impersonate senior leaders and how to communicate with the Educated Youth.

Sure enough, Lei Zhan'ge's face dropped, and he immediately clutched his chest and coughed a few times.

Lu Cheng quickly moved his body off the chair and said, "Captain Lei, please don't get worked up; looking after your health is crucial."

After a moment, Lei Zhan'ge pointed a finger at Lu Cheng and said, "You, this habit of daring never changes; even the country's leaders are someone you can impersonate!"

Seeing that Lei Zhan'ge didn't unleash a scolding, Lu Cheng let out a slight sigh of relief.

"The bolder a person is, the greater the land's yield; I'm merely implementing the Revolutionary Spirit, and given the situation at the time, this was the only recourse."

Lei Zhan'ge let out a sigh, intending to reproach Lu Cheng, yet he couldn't articulate it at that moment.

Thinking back, wasn't it because he valued Lu Cheng's agile mind, deeming him fit for the train's complex duties, that he transferred him?

In any case, it truly temporarily resolved the issue of the Educated Youth's disturbances.

I originally expected, given Lu Cheng's nature, that he would go to the region to apprehend people, but instead he adopted a soothing method, and overall Captain Lei was fairly satisfied.

"The Zhiqing Return to City is a major issue; there are currently no enough jobs to assign to them, and they may end up idle at home. This time, even if your merits and faults balance out, it's neither a success nor a failure."

Hearing Captain Lei say that, Lu Cheng realized the matter was dealt with in this manner.

"Whether it's merit or not, I don't mind at all; this line was my responsibility from the start. As long as trains run normally and don't hinder the people's travel, even if I'm punished, I accept it. Serving the people—if I lack even this resolve, what good am I as a police chief?"

Lei Zhan'ge helplessly shook his head, opened a pack of cigarettes, tossed a stick to Lu Cheng, and just as he was about to take one himself, Lu Cheng snatched the entire pack away.

"Captain Lei, your coughing has gotten so bad; you must stop smoking. Smoking harms the body, so let me bear that penalty for you."

Lu Cheng said that, slipped the whole pack into his pocket, then lit the cigarette in his mouth and took a drag.

Lei Zhan'ge, a veteran smoker himself, watched Lu Cheng inhaling clouds and felt a surge of impatience.

To alleviate his nicotine craving, Lei Zhan'ge tried to divert his attention to work.

"By the way, Xiao Lu, I heard Dean Gao say you're preparing to push forward the development of internal combustion engines."

Lu Cheng flicked off some ash and said, "Yes, Captain Lei, it aligns perfectly with my expertise. I'm now the school president, and leveraging that role I've attracted many specialists. We're currently conducting preliminary practical work at the school, and after graduation I intend to have them devote themselves entirely to the development."

Lei Zhan'ge couldn't help sighing, noting that Lu Cheng was merely a police chief, whose duty was simply to maintain order on the train.

Yet this police chief Lu Cheng differs from other chiefs; his drive is immense.

Lei Zhan'ge said appreciatively, "Not bad, not bad. You have this ability; you truly should put it to use—that's why we sent you to university."

Currently our nation's railway transport relies mainly on steam engines; if the internal combustion engine development succeeds, trains can accelerate, providing a substantial efficiency boost for both freight and passenger transport.

Lu Cheng added, "It will also furnish a strong guarantee for the country's economic development, so the internal combustion engine development is both necessary and urgent."

Lei Zhan'ge wholeheartedly agreed, and his mind already began to picture it.

Trains fitted with internal combustion engines, like a swift Mercedes, race across fields, over bridges, over mountains.

"I'm afraid… I won't be able to wait for that day."

Lei Zhan'ge's tone carried a hint of sorrow, leaving Lu Cheng momentarily puzzled.

In his recollection, Captain Lei, though an elderly man with white hair, was brimming with vitality, outshining even the youngsters.

Especially when it came to work, his energy was even more vigorous.

Why today has he become unconfident?

"Captain Lei, trust me; within three years I will secure a new breakthrough in internal combustion engine development, and you will certainly see it."

"Three years?" For a new‑field R&D, that's already rocket‑like speed, yet Lei Zhan'ge shook his head.

Lu Cheng assumed Captain Lei's shake indicated skepticism about his ability, and just as he was about to speak, Lei Zhan'ge preempted him.

"Hmm, you have both confidence and ability, so do your best; I await the good news of your success."

Lei Zhan'ge offered an encouraging remark, and after Lu Cheng departed, Secretary Wang Fengshi entered the office.

He lifted the coat from the chair and walked toward the dazed Lei Zhan'ge standing by the window.

"Captain Lei, the Heating is off now, and the temperature has been a bit low these days; don't catch a chill."

Wang Fengshi said as he draped the coat over Lei Zhan'ge.

"Xiao Wang, what do you think of this young Lu Cheng?"

Wang Fengshi smiled, "Captain Lei, you surely have a gauge for Lu Jingzhang's abilities. He's unlike other chiefs and is absolutely fit for full development."

Lei Zhan'ge lightly nodded, "After he graduates, I plan to promote him straight to a principal division, granting him greater authority for easier execution."

Wang Fengshi laughed, "You're promoting him to a departmental rank; with Lu Jingzhang's capability, it's truly fitting."

Lei Zhan'ge then smiled, "It's still a bit early; he's still too young. After honing him for two more years, I plan to have him take over my shift then."

Upon hearing Lei Zhan'ge's words, Wang Fengshi suddenly fell silent.

Lei Zhan'ge said this deliberately, intending to retire.

Everyone knows that Lei Zhan'ge has devoted his entire life to revolutionary work, constantly fighting on the front lines.

He would not choose to step down until the very last moment.

Yet now Lei Zhan'ge, like a blazing flame nearing fuel depletion, is about to be extinguished.

"Captain Lei, don't overthink it; the doctor said to keep a bright mood, and you'll surely improve gradually."

Apart from the doctor, only Wang Fengshi knows how severe Lei Zhan'ge's condition is, yet he prevents him from telling anyone.

Lei Zhan'ge turned his head, and his Eagle Eye, no longer stern and sharp, was now filled with benevolence.

"Xiao Wang, how many years have you been with me?"

Wang Fengshi thought carefully, "Counting this year, it's nearly ten years."

"Ten years?" Lei Zhan'ge sighed, "Time really flies. I remember when you first joined me, you were about Lu Cheng's size; now you're in your thirties."

Wang Fengshi smiled, "Indeed, Captain Lei, my ascent to a departmental rank has all been thanks to your mentorship."

Lei Zhan'ge waved his hand, "No, no, you already possess ability; I've seen it. To be honest, assigning you as a secretary was indeed a bit unfair to you…"

"Captain Lei, I…"

Listen to me finish.

Wang Fengshi dared not interject.

Lei Zhan'ge turned around and looked out the window: "My remaining time isn't much, so I intend to transfer you to the Railway Branch of He Province as director; in the next few months you just prepare."

Wang Fengshi widened his eyes and refused, saying: "Captain Lei, I won't go, I have to stay by your side to take care of you, you now like this …"