Chapter 605: Recognition from a Senior Leader

Minister Meng also realized that Lei Zhan'ge's condition was off, and he didn't mind the little comrade's interjection.

Then a few of them went upstairs; it was clear they were leaders of this rank, even if they were just visiting a patient, which ordinary people could not access.

Therefore, after Lu Cheng went upstairs, his instinct was to stay by Lei Zhan'ge's side, but when he followed into the study, a secretary accompanying them stopped him.

"Sorry, little comrade, our minister and Captain Lei have an important matter to discuss, so please wait outside for a while."

He spoke very politely; although the other party was a junior secretary, a regular division‑level officer, this was the minister's secretary, and any ordinary division chief who saw her would automatically be demoted a rank.

Not to mention, Lu Cheng was merely a police captain with a deputy division‑level rank in name only.

Since they wouldn't let him in, Lu Cheng had to prepare to go home.

But at that moment, Lei Zhan'ge in the study suddenly said to Minister Meng.

"Minister Meng, this little comrade is Lu Cheng, a Train Police officer of our Railway Bureau Police Team."

"Lu Cheng?" Minister Meng muttered the name, then gave the secretary a look.

The secretary quickly responded, shifting from the hand‑blocking gesture to facing the room: "Please come in."

After Lu Cheng entered, the secretary closed the door from outside.

Inside, Minister Meng curiously sized up Lu Cheng.

"So you are Lu Cheng, I have heard your name before."

Lu Cheng stood there, wondering how to phrase his words; no wonder Lei Zhan'ge had told him that when this leader arrived, he must not joke around.

He also hadn't expected such a high‑ranking leader; to put it mildly, a simple wave of that person's hand could decide someone's fate.

"Minister Meng handles countless affairs daily; for a small figure like me to still be on your mind, I trouble you, Minister."

Just as Lu Cheng finished speaking, Minister Meng was momentarily stunned, pointed at Lu Cheng, and began addressing Lei Zhan'ge and Tang Qiusheng.

"This little comrade is not old, yet he speaks with an overly solemn tone."

Minister Meng's words made everyone laugh, brightening the atmosphere considerably.

Tang Qiusheng continued, "This kid's temperament is just like that; when he's joking, his words could choke a person to death. Yet when he gets serious, he can deliver formal talk better than I can—only his mouth remains. Please, Minister Meng, don't take offense."

While saying that, Tang Qiusheng also gave Lu Cheng a look, meaning he should speak normally; in front of such a senior leader, there's no need for that kind of formal talk.

Minister Meng didn't mind: "I don't agree with your old Tang's words, little comrade Xiao Lu's mouth may not lie, but he also has real ability. I remember the first time I heard your name… "

"It was still about the Snow Removal Machine Project; at that time it was said a junior Train Police officer was responsible for its development. I didn't believe it, until now I hear you took charge of the Internal Combustion Engine Project and achieved excellent results."

"I've always intended to meet you in person, but today I got to see you early. Not bad, not bad, little comrade, you're young and capable."

At this moment, the previously silent Lei Zhan'ge, gently covering his chest, said, "Minister Meng, please stop praising him. Lu Cheng is still young and can't withstand such flattery; otherwise a child will become conceited."

Minister Meng shook his head: "Hey, you can't say that. I base my words on reality, and when young people have achievements, they deserve encouragement."

Receiving praise from such a senior leader is far more satisfying than any tangible material reward.

Lei Zhan'ge hurriedly gestured, "Shouldn't you quickly thank Minister Meng?"

He kept Lu Cheng behind on purpose; Lei Zhan'ge wanted to push Lu Cheng from behind the scenes to the forefront, to earn Minister Meng's approval.

One must know that in front of such a senior leader, even a fleeting glance can make future advancement much easier.

Lei Zhan'ge knew his days were limited, and he highly regarded Lu Cheng's abilities; talent like this should be given important positions.

Thus, he actively kept Lu Cheng, taking the chance while he was still alive to elevate Lu Cheng further.

Lu Cheng stood upright: "Thank you for Minister Meng's praise. I will certainly curb arrogance and impatience, and work steadily to continue contributing to our Railway department."

Such a conscientious response made Minister Meng nod in satisfaction.

"Little Lu, we were indeed preparing to discuss something just now…"

"I understand, Minister Meng, so I won't disturb you further."

Since he had already greeted them, Lu Cheng, being considerate, prepared to leave.

At this moment, Minister Meng said, "No, no, you needn't leave. The matter we are discussing today is directly related to you."

"Related to me?"

If the earlier praise from Minister Meng had barely registered, now that such a senior leader wants to discuss a matter that involves him, Lu Cheng felt a sudden, flattering shock.

Could it be that, after all his contributions, they're going to give him a raise? A promotion?

Perhaps, since Lei Zhan'ge's health is poor and Tang Qiusheng is only temporarily in charge, they might directly make him the captain of the Railway Bureau Police Team?

After all, Tang Qiusheng also came along, and Lu Cheng has already been sharing some team duties, so this possibility is very high.

If he becomes captain, would that mean a promotion to full division level, and a division with authority?

Lu Cheng took a deep breath; if this were truly the case, he should accept outright and say a few words about working diligently and never disappointing expectations.

But would that be too direct, making the leader think he's not steady enough?

Or should he first politely decline, claiming his abilities are insufficient and that he needs more grassroots experience?

Hmm… that would appear modest and might leave a good impression on the leader.

Yes, say it like that.

"Minister Meng, then just say it directly; I am already prepared."

Minister Meng nodded: "Alright, what I want to discuss is the Internal Combustion Engine Project…"

"Internal Combustion Engine?" Lu Cheng was startled; it's not a promotion?

"Minister Meng, what's the issue with the Internal Combustion Engine?"

"Oh, the Internal Combustion Engine Project is yours, right? It should be ready for production rollout soon."

Mentioning the Internal Combustion Engine, Lu Cheng couldn't help but look at Lei Zhan'ge; he felt hopeful because Lei Zhan'ge's health had improved greatly since being discharged.

He seemed able to hold on for several more months without issue, so the hope for the engine's production rollout was also great.

"Yes, Minister Meng, Shencheng Vehicle Factory is working day and night on the project; we believe the New Type Internal Combustion Engine will be manufactured soon."

Lu Cheng's words were addressed to Minister Meng, and at the same time to Lei Zhan'ge.

Minister Meng then said, "The rollout of this New Type Internal Combustion Engine is extremely important for our Railway reform and even for the entire nation."

Therefore, to ensure the nation's railway transport, the department, after research, has decided on a comprehensive replacement of the old Steam Locomotive, fully solving the problem of our National Railway's slow speed and insufficient transport capacity.

Minister Meng said, looking toward Lei Zhan Ge, and continued.

"This is a huge project—easy to talk about but hard to carry out; it would take at least three to five years to achieve, so we must find someone capable to take responsibility for this…"