Chapter 563: A Big Dilemma

This is a high‑precision device worth millions, not some refrigerator or TV that costs a few thousand or a few hundred.

If any component gets damaged by jostling, the responsibility is severe.

So when Lu Cheng reported this news to the team, Director Tang was also indecisive for a moment.

"Xiao Lu, I've thought about it seriously; this thing is too precious. If something happens on the road, our bureau can't bear it either."

Lu Cheng was startled: "What do you mean, Director Tang? I worked so hard to have someone arrange the computer, and they also worked hard to persuade the research institute to agree to lend the computer…"

Now it looks like it's about to succeed; you wouldn't refuse to take it, would you? Then my effort would be wasted, and also Captain Lei's side…"

Realizing Lu Cheng had misunderstood, mainly out of impatience, Director Tang quickly waved his hands.

"I understand how you feel right now; I'm also anxious, wishing we could transport the computer over right now."

"Then what you're saying is…"

"What I mean is, although I'm the bureau chief, this is not within the Railway Bureau's scope of responsibility; if we let our bureau assume this liability, we have to go through procedures."

Lu Cheng understood; once we go through procedures, it could take more than a month or two, and the final outcome is uncertain.

If the department ultimately does not approve the application, it would mean the two months were wasted.

"Xiao Lu, I'm only temporarily in charge here; after this, the team's burden will still have to be shouldered by you. When that time comes, you can't just do everything as you please."

Director Tang acknowledges Lu Cheng's work ability, but there is one flaw: his daring is excessive; no matter how big the matter, even if he knows it's a hornet's nest, he still dares to poke it with a stick.

Such a temperament certainly has its merits—being bold in thought and action—but since Lu Cheng will eventually have to shoulder the burden, he cannot ignore the rules and regulations.

Otherwise, in this lifetime, a division‑level cadre would already be at the top.

Director Tang also hopes Lu Cheng can go further, so today, using the computer matter, he also wants Lu Cheng to understand the importance of regulations.

In fact, Lu Cheng understood; mainly, he now wants to avoid leaving Captain Lei with any regrets, so he is thinking of how to resolve it quickly, making special arrangements.

"Director Tang, you mean we still have to go to the Railway Science Institute for this matter."

Director Tang spread his hands: "See, I told you you're smart; you get it right away. I hope you can understand me."

Lu Cheng obviously understood; after all, developing the New Type Internal Combustion Engine is led by the Railway Science Institute, and as a Train Police officer of the Railway Bureau, Lu Cheng is only assisting.

He shouldn't bring the risk onto the Railway Bureau; Director Tang, as bureau chief, must consider things from the Railway Bureau's perspective—that's his responsibility as chief.

"Got it, Director Tang. I'll go talk to Dean Gao."

Lu Cheng stood up, and Director Tang immediately said: "One thing, rest assured, whether it's the Railway Bureau or any other unit, our common goal is to do our utmost to make this happen.

Therefore, for Captain Lei, you may represent the Railway Bureau in talks with the Railway Science Institute; whatever assistance they need, we will do our best to provide."

With that sentence, Lu Cheng felt confident.

Just as he was about to leave the office, Director Tang suddenly thought of something.

"By the way, Xiao Lu, the factory‑building matter you mentioned a few days ago…"

Lu Cheng immediately turned around, thinking, could there be no result?

That's way too fast! If we follow the procedures, it couldn't be this quick!

So the result came out in just a few days; Lu Cheng thought it was probably not a good outcome.

Sure enough, it was just as he thought…

"A few days ago I happened to discuss work with a leader from the Department Committee, and I brought up the factory matter. Setting up such a subordinate enterprise is a first for us.

Being a first time isn't a big issue; all units are pushing Reform now, but the key is, the induction cooker you mentioned has nothing to do with the Railway, so…"

Lu Cheng couldn't help interjecting: "Director Tang, the induction cooker may have nothing to do with the Railway, but as long as it can earn Foreign Exchange and feed back into our Railway construction, it's a good thing regardless of what it produces."

Director Tang nodded slightly: "Yes, I thought the same then. The current result is that the department is willing to consider our idea, but earning Foreign Exchange involves political relations, which is ultimately no small matter,

So the department's intention is still to assess your sister's capability; if she truly has such ability, the department will decide whether to consider the next step of building the factory."

It seems the department is very cautious about this, and Lu Cheng can understand; after all, as Director Tang said, establishing such a profit‑only enterprise is a first.

At this early stage of Reform, undertaking something never done before certainly requires extensive deliberation.

This has concerns, that has concerns, and in the end it may be abandoned.

Whether for the Lu family's development or the Railway's development, Lu Cheng feels this matter is a win‑win and must not be abandoned now.

"Director Tang, the department said they need to assess my sister's ability; there must be a concrete assessment method, right?"

Director Tang nodded: "Yes, there is. The department can invest a portion of funds, letting your sister produce whatever she wants. If that product sells explosively domestically, the department will recognize her capability."

So the department's way of assessing the sister's ability is like that; honestly, it's quite difficult—it's essentially a big problem.

Because the department used the term "explosive," explosive? What counts as explosive?

Does the scene of people queuing at a department store entrance to buy Bell‑bottom Pants count as explosive?

Lu Cheng thought, with the Department Committee's broad perspective, a department store queue isn't called explosive at all.

Probably the Committee means explosive sales nationwide; only then can it be called explosive.

So Lu Cheng found it quite difficult.

On the way to the Railway Science Institute, Lu Cheng rode his bicycle, constantly wondering what kind of product could be sold nationwide.

Such a product would first be something not yet widespread domestically.

Lu Cheng in his mind strained to recall memories from his previous life…

Suddenly a bell rang, followed by a passerby's complaint.

"Watch where you're going! You fell asleep, didn't you? You almost hit me…"

Lu Cheng snapped back, hurriedly steering the handlebars: "Sorry, Comrade, I was distracted."

The person didn't bother to argue, hopped on a bicycle and left.

In that brief pause, Lu Cheng suddenly had a flash of insight and actually thought of a suitable product.

It was in the early 1980s, through foreign‑capital enterprises and technology cooperation, that a domestic product—the Electric Heating Blanket—was introduced.

Lu Cheng still remembered in his previous life, after the reinstatement of the college entrance exam, he was admitted to the police academy in He Province; during dormitory life, the winter was terribly cold.

His mother, feeling sorry for him, sent him an Electric Heating Blanket, Que Ling Brand, from Hefei Component Factory No. 7, produced in 1981.

I heard that once it goes into production, it becomes a nationwide hit, reaching a state of supply shortage.

It is now the end of 1979, and we can definitely get ahead and start production early.