Chapter 585: The Art of Speaking

The equipment was hauled to the Research Institute, a large office was cleared specifically, and by the time it was installed, it was already evening.

A brief debugging showed no problems; all components were operating normally, and Jiang Yuanchao only then felt at ease and prepared to leave.

But Zheng Guoping suddenly approached Lu Cheng at that moment, his face full of worry.

"Third, the computer equipment has been brought back and debugged, but I see that these two technicians look rather displeased.

You know we don't know how to operate this equipment, so we'll keep bothering those two; if they work in this mood, how can they cooperate with us properly?"

In fact, Lu Cheng also realized that these two had been sent by their unit, originally to coordinate work, not within the others' scope of duties.

Moreover, Jiang Yuanchao is straightforward; traveling the whole way by train was already quite hard, and he probably didn't receive any special attention, so he inevitably feels undervalued.

"Never mind, I'll smooth things over with the two of them."

Lu Cheng checked the time: "Dinner time is approaching; you go arrange the back kitchen, prepare a spread of good dishes, and give the two technicians a proper reception."

Zheng Guoping went to handle it immediately, and Lu Cheng originally intended to keep Jiang Yuanchao for dinner as well.

But that guy, being proud and aloof, insisted on leaving, saying that accompanying a meal is not part of the work scope; he has no obligation to join.

Lu Cheng does not deny that Jiang Yuanchao is an upright person, but he lacks a bit of worldly tact.

So he dared not keep him, fearing that the guy might utter some overly righteous words at the table, displeasing the two technicians.

The dinner table was Lu Cheng's domain; he only made the two technicians eat and drink splendidly.

One of them stuck out his tongue and said, "Director Lu, rest assured; now that we're here, we will definitely cooperate well with your work."

The other, also tipsy, said, "Exactly, you point where, we strike there; we're on standby twenty‑four hours a day."

This is the attitude Lu Cheng wanted; he had previously feared that their work might be too tense, and if the two technicians didn't give their heart and effort, it would waste the Research Institute's time.

Zheng Guoping beside him was also pleased; with a round of drinks, he had won over the two technicians.

As expected, only Lu Cheng knows how to host; if Jiang Yuanchao were here, the two technicians probably wouldn't even finish their meals.

"Come, have a drink; let's drink heartily today, and from tomorrow onward we will pour all our energy into the work until we achieve complete victory."

"Director Lu, you can set your mind at ease; if we cannot complete the mission, the two of us swear we will not return…"

"Thank you, thank you very much." Lu Cheng clinked his glass and said, smacking his lips.

"After dinner, the two comrades should rest well tonight; I've arranged for you to stay at the Jingcheng Hotel."

"Jingcheng Hotel?" One of them, though never having been to the Capital City, had heard of the hotel's reputation.

It's a place that hosts foreign guests; ordinary citizens cannot stay there.

"No need, no need, Director Lu, you don't have to be so courteous; just arrange two simple rooms for us, it's all for the revolutionary work, we don't care about such niceties."

Lu Cheng realized they were truly being modest; with Guobinguan available, who would want to stay in the unit's dormitory?

"Comrades, you two are now the prized darlings of our Research Institute.

Moreover, this is a token of our Institute's goodwill; if you refuse to stay, it would seem you're rejecting our hospitality."

One of them quickly waved his hand: "No, no, the reception is already excellent; the main point is that staying at the Jingcheng Hotel is too luxurious and likely to lead to mistakes."

Even Zheng Guoping could tell that the two clearly wanted to stay, yet they worried about the impression, fearing they'd be accused of seeking special treatment and indulging.

So Lu Cheng now faced the question of how to speak so that the two comrades could feel at ease and rightfully stay.

It's like giving a gift; delivering it so the recipient can accept it calmly without any psychological burden is true success.

Lu Cheng first took a sip of wine, then smiled and said.

"Comrades, you're exaggerating; if you say it's a mistake, it's because I arranged for you to stay, so I'm the one who made the mistake."

Lu Cheng deliberately took the blame onto himself, thereby clearing the two completely.

This made the two pause, and the mental pressure of wanting to stay at the Jingcheng Hotel lessened considerably.

But this still wasn't enough to fully eliminate their mental pressure; if we arranged a guesthouse there would be little pressure, yet it's the Jingcheng Hotel.

Even though they're technicians, they consider themselves unqualified.

As they were about to speak again to refuse, Lu Cheng gave them no chance to speak.

"First, we must correct this: it's absolutely not personal indulgence, but a work requirement; for mental laborers like you, rest is essential so you can pour full vigor into work each day."

Seeing the other side still wanted to refuse, Lu Cheng again preempted and said.

"This place is just a spot for sleeping and eating; the conditions are a bit better, cleaner, perfect for you to contemplate matters and boost work efficiency."

"As always, only when you rest well can you better contribute to the project; now I can tell you clearly that developing the New Type Internal Combustion Engine is a national key project, so this is a Political Mission, and therefore…"

Lu Cheng raised his glass, looked at the two technicians, and said, "Ensuring the two comrades rest well also counts as a Political Mission."

Hearing Lu Cheng's words, the two technicians took a deep breath.

How does staying at the Jingcheng Hotel become a Political Mission?

How exactly did it turn into a Political Mission? It seems they said this, then that, then something else…

In short, if they still don't go stay, it's equivalent to not completing the Political Mission.

What is a Political Mission? It's a task that must be pursued at any cost, even at the expense of one's life.

This makes it impossible for the two to refuse to stay; moreover, when they do stay at such a luxurious hotel, the mental pressure disappears and is replaced by a sense of honor for completing the mission.

The two exchanged a glance; this wasn't something they wanted to do, but rather to fulfill the Political Mission.

Then the two also raised their glasses: "Alright, Director Lu, since you say so, we will follow your lead and accept all your arrangements."

Hearing the technicians finally agree to stay, Zheng Guoping let out a sigh of relief; as long as they move in, that's fine.

There's a saying: "If you eat from someone's mouth, your hand becomes weak and you can't take from them," so now there's no worry the two technicians will slack off.

Zheng Guoping silently gave Lu Cheng a thumbs‑up.

Such talk about worldly tact still requires someone like Lu Cheng; even if he has the heart, he lacks Lu Cheng's tongue.

The key is how it's said, making people feel at ease.

Including the two technicians, they now look at Lu Cheng with new respect, not expecting the young man to be so capable.

What more is there to say? They've been hosted so well; from now on they must work hard.

The next day everyone got into work mode, and in the massive office the thing piled highest was the drawings.

Everyone kept busy, the rustling of pages being consulted, the scratch of pencils on the drawings, the hum of computer equipment, the sound of shoes moving back and forth…

All of these intertwined, forming one facet of this era's researchers' diligent striving.

They were so pure and focused, resilient and inquisitive.

They were not born powerful; they were simply born to be strong.