Chapter 454: Giving Gifts

Looking at this veteran master who has made great contributions to the national Railway Industry, being forced to bow and apologize just because he said a few things he shouldn't have, Lu Cheng hurriedly supported Liu Baoquan.

"No, Master Liu, you didn't say anything wrong; it's my consideration that was not thorough enough, regardless of how the times develop in the future, and the achievements of you elders who have made outstanding contributions to the country should never be forgotten."

When Liu Baoquan saw that Lu Cheng was not keeping score but instead speaking comforting words, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

"I was indeed worried just now, worried that in the future the country might consider us a burden, so I couldn't help venting my complaints."

Lu Cheng nodded; he deeply understood Liu Baoquan's feelings—going from a universally respected train driver to suddenly becoming useless in the future, that sense of disparity is indeed hard to accept.

"Master Liu, you shouldn't worry too much; no matter how the operating machinery changes, in terms of driving experience, young people can never match you, so in that respect you still have a definite advantage.

As for learning the operation, when I return on this trip, I will suggest to the superiors to immediately set up an intensive course, so that you elders can have ample learning and transition time."

Lu Cheng added another sentence as he spoke.

"In short, as long as you're willing to put in effort, you can definitely learn it; practice makes perfect."

Liu Baoquan laughed: "Indeed, skill comes with practice; that's what I often teach my Disciple. Ah, I didn't expect today that a young man like you would return it to me."

Lu Cheng quickly waved his hand: "No, no, I never meant to teach Master Liu; in terms of seniority, I'm just a junior in front of you. I said that just because I feared you lacked confidence."

Liu Baoquan couldn't help but sigh inwardly; no wonder this youngster was promoted so quickly—besides genuine ability, just having this way with words wouldn't get him far.

Being guided like that by Lu Cheng, Liu Baoquan cleared the previous gloom and became confident.

"Alright, Lu Jingzhang, I truly don't want to leave the train driver post; I need you to reserve a learning spot for me. When the time comes, I'll definitely go, aiming to work another ten years—if I die, I should die on this Railway."

Lu Cheng solemnly bowed his head; people of this era can still speak of dedicating their lives to their posts, like the Master Liu before me, and also Captain Lei…

These are the most endearing people.

The train roared with its whistle, howling all the way.

Since unlike a Passenger Train, which must stop at every station and wait, this Special Train only needs to stop for refueling when the coal is nearly exhausted.

And because it's a military supply Special Train, other Train Service Lines must yield in advance, thus saving a lot of time.

The journey encountered no special incidents, and after a few days it safely arrived at its destination.

Of course, the station where it stopped was still some distance from the Frontline.

It had already been brought as close to the Frontline as possible; the station is normally not used for passenger service but for transporting timber, and the surroundings are rather desolate.

The desolation is due to the lack of civilians; there's only a large forest farm where workers normally harvest mountain timber.

After getting off the train, it was obvious that the weather differed from the north; in January, Capital City was already below zero, yet here the daytime temperature was still above twenty degrees.

The Jiwu Section staff, most of whom were here for the first time, couldn't help exclaiming.

"It's really warm here; spending winter here is actually quite nice."

"Then you can come this year, just don't let the southern monkeys capture you and become a captive."

Thinking that war was imminent, the person who suggested coming here for winter instantly no longer wanted to come.

The cold won't kill, but staying here could very well be deadly; no one can say how intense the fighting will become.

The forest farm, upon receiving the news, also prepared to evacuate temporarily.

At present it's not that tense; those who should be working are still working.

Since timber is usually shipped out using trucks and small trains, only a few Iron Rails have been built here for passage.

In essence, this stretch of Iron Rail does not fall under the Railway Bureau's jurisdiction; it belongs to the forest farm, as it was built by them.

So this military supply Special Train essentially requisitions the locals' Iron Rail.

Lu Cheng took his package onto the train, then walked with Platoon Leader Ma Dagang to the forest farm to visit the foreman.

War isn't fought in a single day, nor is a single supply run; as the person in charge, Lu Cheng must properly greet the foreman.

The foreman, surnamed Li, shook hands upon meeting and introduced themselves briefly.

Lu Cheng placed the package on the table and opened it: "Foreman Li, I'm disturbing you this time; I brought some specialties from Capital City—two bottles of baijiu, inexpensive, purely local flavor, please don't disdain them, and here's a cigarette…"

Foreman Li quickly waved his hand to refuse: "No, no, no, you're transporting military supplies; any unit must cooperate unconditionally. How could I dare accept your gift?"

Lu Cheng persisted, urging him to accept: "Cooperation is cooperation, but human sentiment is human sentiment; there's no other meaning, it's purely friendship. I know Foreman Li at a glance is a straightforward person; on our first meeting, consider you've taken me as a friend."

Giving gifts is also a skillful art; making the other party accept it gladly hinges on how you speak.

Lu Cheng's words made people feel at ease; hearing them, Foreman Li no longer thought of refusing, gladly accepted and immediately said.

"Alright, from now on, Lu Jingzhang, feel free to requisition our Iron Rail. After your long journey, I'll immediately arrange the Cafeteria to prepare some hot dishes for you. A few days ago we just caught some wild chickens; we'll stew one for you.

Then, we have dormitories here; you can rest here first."

Lu Cheng's purpose in giving the gift was exactly this: the forest farm's cooperation in requisitioning the Iron Rail is part of their duty, but how they host—or don't host—has nothing to do with the forest farm.

Just two bottles of liquor and a cigarette can buy such warm hospitality—truly cost‑effective; otherwise you'd have to return to the train and keep gnawing on Dry Rations.

In plain terms, it's just a bit of human reciprocity.

But Platoon Leader Ma Dagang didn't quite understand.

Since they arrived early, and the material handover wasn't until 3 p. m., the two started wandering around the forest farm.

"I tell you, Lu Jingzhang, there's absolutely no need to give Foreman Li any gift; this is an official duty, any unit must cooperate unconditionally, so why waste money?"

Lu Cheng laughed and replied: "If I didn't give a gift, we'd have to go back to the train and gnaw on Dry Rations, with no wild chicken to eat."

Platoon Leader Ma Dagang disagreed, about to speak, when Lu Cheng cut in first.

"I know Platoon Leader Ma is a soldier, always upright and incorruptible, but in our kind of administrative unit, personal favors are inevitable. Moreover, this isn't bribery; it's merely seeking convenience.

Also, you soldiers can manage with anything you eat, but Master Liu and the Jiwu Section crew are exhausted on this route and need good food to replenish."

Hearing Lu Cheng's explanation, Platoon Leader Ma Dagang nodded, internally admiring how thoughtful the youngster was, considering everyone.

No wonder Beijing Station chose Lu Cheng as the person in charge; just this alone is enough to win people's support.