Chapter 508: This Job Isn't Easy to Help With

Seeing Zheng Changzhang of Chuncheng Yigangchang in the crowd, Lu Cheng thought it was a chance encounter, after all he had been delivering supplies lately and today had just returned to his usual patrol route.

The only way Zheng Changzhang would know he'd be passing through Chuncheng today is if he had inquired in advance.

But seeing Zheng Changzhang's anxious expression, Lu Cheng didn't have time to ask much, because the train wouldn't stop for long.

"Zheng Changzhang, what business do you have with me?"

Lu Cheng got straight to the point; he really didn't understand what matter someone of Zheng Changzhang's rank could possibly have that warranted calling a junior police officer like him.

Nevertheless, whether it was a big or small matter, given the help he'd received before, Lu Cheng would certainly help if he could.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Changzhang didn't answer immediately; instead he looked at the stopped train and asked.

"Chief Lu, this train is going to Ha City, isn't it?"

"Yes, I'm in charge of this Jingha Line."

"Then I haven't misremembered; let's board and talk, I'm also heading to Ha City."

Also accompanying them was Song Director, who is from One Steel Plant; Lu Cheng had met him before, the last time a snow avalanche occurred, it was Song Director who led the plant workers over.

Seeing that the two had already bought tickets, clearly prepared, Lu Cheng had to invite them aboard.

The distance to Ha City wasn't far, so although they bought tickets, they didn't choose seats; instead Lu Cheng led them to the Bunk Car.

"Chief Lu, there are too many people on this line; I went to great trouble to have someone buy two tickets, but they aren't for the Bunk Car, so don't place us here."

Lu Cheng poured water for the two: "Zheng Changzhang, don't be formal; this is my resting carriage, the other cars are too crowded to rest well."

Hearing that it was Lu Cheng's resting carriage, Zheng Changzhang dropped the formalities; the place was quiet, convenient for discussion.

Lu Cheng handed over the water: "Zheng Changzhang, if you ever have trouble getting tickets, just tell me and I'll speak to the station."

As a railway employee, that's an advantage; anyone traveling far, especially around the year's end when tickets are scarce, can rely on relatives or friends in the railway system to secure a ticket.

Zheng Changzhang took the cup: "Thanks, I chose to take the train to Ha City mainly because I wanted some time alone with Chief Lu."

At Lu Cheng's cue, Zheng Changzhang took a sip and then continued.

"Actually I've been waiting for Chief Lu for almost half a month; only in the past two days did I learn you're on duty on the Jingha Line, so today I rushed over."

Lu Cheng nodded; indeed Zheng Changzhang had inquired in advance and even waited half a month for him.

"Zheng Changzhang, what exactly is the matter? Just speak up; if I can handle it, I'll do everything I can."

Lu Cheng was determined, but the question Zheng Changzhang suddenly asked next still made him hesitate.

"Alright, Chief Lu, I'd first like to ask you: do you know Director Lin Zhenfeng?"

Lu Cheng was taken aback for a moment and didn't reply immediately.

The name Lin Zhenfeng was, of course, extremely familiar to him—he was his former father‑in‑law.

The reason he didn't answer at once was that he realized the matter Zheng Changzhang wanted help with was likely connected to Lin Zhenfeng.

If so, he had to rethink, mainly because he now had no ties with Lin Zhenfeng.

Moreover… if he truly went to see Lin Zhenfeng, he would inevitably bring up or encounter Lin Qingyan.

Counting the time, they hadn't seen each other for over two years, and both were now settled.

If they met again, he truly didn't know what relationship to adopt when facing the girl.

And given Yu Wanrong's previous stance, she didn't want him to see Lin Qingyan again.

"I know Director Lin; he used to be in the Capital City, and my parents were fairly familiar with him."

Lu Cheng didn't hide anything; the fact that Zheng Changzhang could ask so directly meant he'd learned something.

So if he concealed it, even if they didn't expose him on the spot, they'd silently reassess his character.

Zheng Changzhang was a trustworthy friend, so Lu Cheng chose to answer frankly.

Upon hearing Lu Cheng's reply, Zheng Changzhang clearly became a bit excited.

"I told you, at the Ribbon‑Cutting Ceremony at the Vehicle Factory last time, I saw you talking with Director Lin's wife, so I thought you two must know each other."

Lu Cheng recalled that event; he had been representing the Beijing Railway Bureau at the Ribbon‑Cutting Ceremony for a snow‑removal machine produced by the subordinate Vehicle Factory, and both Lin Zhenfeng and Zheng Changzhang had attended.

Lu Cheng felt a bit relieved he hadn't lied; otherwise it would have been awkward.

"Zheng Changzhang, do you have business with Director Lin?"

Lu Cheng still steered the conversation there; he wanted to hear what the matter was before deciding.

Zheng Changzhang lost any desire to drink tea and set his cup on the small table by the window.

At that moment the train began to move slowly, and the cup on the table trembled slightly.

"Chief Lu, recently our Northeast Region is preparing to pilot economic‑construction reforms; first, steel production must keep up, because if steel output lags, everything is for naught."

So this year, all steel plants in the Northeast Region are pulling out all the stops, ready for a big push…

Lu Cheng listened quietly; he knew Zheng Changzhang was seeking help and would first lay out the background.

"But you know, our Three Northeastern Provinces—Ha City, Chuncheng, and Shencheng—are the three main regions; to get ahead in steel output, the three cities have already begun covert competition."

"Frankly, it's a contest; even if we don't aim for first place, our One Steel Plant can't fall behind."

Lu Cheng gave a slight nod; the country was indeed changing gradually.

Ordinary citizens might not notice yet, but someone like Lu Cheng who can interact with high‑level officials can readily sense the shift.

Zheng Changzhang paused, rubbed his hands and chuckled twice.

"You know, our One Steel Plant still has the right to wrestle arms with other steel plants; I can't be a laggard."

Lu Cheng roughly understood; actually Zheng Changzhang was implying another layer.

The point being, if One Steel Plant fulfills its production quota, this plant director will surely have a chance for promotion.

"Zheng Changzhang, then what you've said—how does it involve Director Lin?"

Lu Cheng now grasped the background and waited to see what exactly Zheng Changzhang needed him to do.

"Of course it's related, and significantly so; you must know our steel plant's main raw material is iron ore, and their Metallurgical Department handles the mining."

"So, securing how much iron ore is crucial, but extracting ore isn't as simple as digging soil; it requires specific technology and time."

Now iron ore supply is completely insufficient; to be precise, as long as a batch of ore arrives, it's all snatched up right now.

Listening to Zheng Changzhang's words, Lu Cheng completely understood.

So, Zheng Changzhang, you want me to go say hello to Director Lin...