Chapter 18: A Definitive News Coverage

When Chen Qiang spoke these words, he had already devoted his life to his work. It was a significant sacrifice for him to toil in the factory. He was determined to support Chen Xiao's university education, even if he had to resort to selling scrap metal in the future.

But when it came to his child, he would never compromise.

As soon as Chen Qiang uttered these sentiments, Gao Hongze's expression underwent a dramatic change.

The saying goes, "When you frequently walk by the river, your shoes won't get wet." After spending a long time in a familiar environment, one can become numb and lazy. Moreover, with Su Desheng absent from the sheltered factory, there was no one to oversee Gao Hongze. He never bothered to clean up his act or take care of his illicit activities.

For Gao Hongze, life was just a game—a game of cards that he played without remorse.

After all, the factory's general manager rarely visited in person, and Zhang Biao's return for an inspection was unexpected. The neighboring idle factory still served as Gao Hongze's late-night gambling den, with mahjong tables and barbecue grills left untouched.

Upon hearing Chen Qiang's words, Zhang Biao headed directly to the adjacent factory to investigate.

Gao Hongze was taken aback and hurriedly intervened, "Mr. Zhang, the neighboring factory has been unused for a long time. The environment is extremely filthy. Please don't go there."

Despite Gao Hongze's pleas, it was too late. Zhang Biao disregarded his warnings and took an alternate route, only to be met with a scene that nearly made him vomit blood.

There, he discovered a factory still in operation, but it had been converted into a makeshift casino.

Several mahjong tables were set up inside the building, accompanied by several high-powered electric stoves. To make matters worse, barbecue grills were positioned near the front and rear air vents of the factory building. The floor was littered with empty liquor and beer bottles, as well as toilet paper and discarded bamboo signs.

High-powered electric stoves were strictly prohibited from use within the workshop. One reason was to prevent fire hazards resulting from improper management, and the other was to avoid electrical issues.

Having served as the factory's manager for many years, Zhang Biao was no fool. He immediately realized what had caused the motherboard to malfunction.

Chen Qiang was nothing more than a scapegoat.

Enraged, Zhang Biao trembled as he confronted Su Desheng, demanding an explanation. "Su Desheng! Explain this to me!"

Su Desheng trembled with fear and shot a fierce glance at Gao Hongze.

That scoundrel brother-in-law! That scoundrel brother-in-law!

The reporters present opted not to capture this scene. Those who were allowed inside had established good relationships with the machinery factory and had been given prior notice.

Happy events at the factory were fair game for reporting, but scandals like this... they preferred to steer clear.

Zhang Biao summoned all the management staff of the Jiangcheng Machinery Factory to his office to understand the situation one by one. Reporter Li took the initiative to interview Wang Xiang and Chen Xiao. It was truly remarkable that Chen Xiao, still in high school, could independently design motherboards for German CNC machine tools.

The cameras from Jiangzhou Daily and Jiangcheng TV were focused on the perspiring Chen Xiao. Reporter Li approached him and said, "Director Wang, how are you, classmate Chen Xiao?"

Reporter Li continued, "I want to confirm again. Are these more than ten German Demag motherboards designed by Chen? I heard that Chen is still in high school."

Chen Xiao, eager to gain influence, nodded and replied, "The original Demag motherboards are compact but intricate in design."

Chen Xiao remained humble, stating, "Actually, my design isn't entirely original. It's more of an interpretation and improvement of the Demag motherboard."

Reporter Li formed an immediate judgment: A genius! A genius boy! This story must be reported!

While it's normal for some students to display talent in specific areas during high school, it's extraordinary to see that talent put to practical use.

Reporter Li nodded repeatedly, recording Chen Xiao's responses. "This is truly remarkable. I know many domestic integrated circuit manufacturers who are unable to achieve this level. Has Mr. Chen studied integrated circuit-related knowledge?"

Of course, Chen Xiao wanted to emphasize his skills further, so he replied, "I enjoy reading books on the subject and tinkering with radios and televisions at home."

Deliberately presenting himself with a simple and sincere smile, Chen Xiao played the role of a modest and somewhat awkward student. He added, "In truth, I merely attempted to develop the circuit. I'm not sure if it will work, but with Brother Wang's excellent technology, I hope these motherboards can be manufactured and put to use."

Reporter Li thought to himself, "Not only is this kid a genius, but he's also incredibly humble. What an exceptional young man!"

[Influence +1, cumulative influence 22]

Later, Chen Xiao discussed some ideas for circuit diagram design. With his profound knowledge and logical reasoning, Reporter Li was convinced that Chen Xiao truly possessed his own insights into integrated circuits.

Beside him, Wang Xiang nodded repeatedly, marveling at Chen Xiao's professionalism. It was hard to believe that Chen Xiao had self-taught himself everything.

Reporter Li posed a characteristic question of the era, saying, "Have you ever considered that your designs could break through the technical barriers overseas and enable our factory to produce CNC machine tools on par with companies like Demag?"

While Reporter Li's question revealed a lack of understanding about the CNC machine tool industry, which required excellent chips, impeccable forging techniques, and high-performance materials in addition to exceptional CNC machine mainboards, Chen Xiao still provided an answer suited to the times, though it contained some secondary elements.

Chen Xiao nodded and replied, "I hadn't pondered it in such depth, but if I can contribute to the research and development of CNC machine tools in our country, I would be immensely proud."

Reporter Li felt a surge of excitement. Chen Xiao's values were righteous, embodying a sense of duty toward family and country. The current societal discourse portrayed the post-80s generation as the happiest yet most ineffectual, but Chen Xiao was undoubtedly a model representative of that generation. A young man like him and his remarkable accomplishments must be reported to set an example.

[Influence +1, cumulative influence 23]

Reporter Li extended a hand to shake Chen Xiao's, saying, "Student Chen, you must study hard! The new era is fast approaching, and our country must achieve the Four Modernizations. The most pressing need is professional and technical talent. I'm delighted to have interviewed such an outstanding young person like you, representing Jiangyang Province."

Chen Xiao continued to smile.

After the interview, Wang Xiang saw off Reporter Li and the others before beckoning the reporter over.

"Brother Li, I have a favor to ask of you."

Reporter Li responded, "Director Wang, please don't hesitate to tell me. I'm at your service."

Wang Xiang spoke earnestly, "As you know, Chen Xiao is still in his third year of high school and will be taking the college entrance examination next July. To protect him as a minor and ensure he can focus on his exam preparations, could you please use a pseudonym for Chen Xiao when reporting and try not to disrupt his studies?"

Having experienced a change in his own life through education, Wang Xiang understood Chen Xiao's current situation well. Given their similar backgrounds, he saw himself in Chen Xiao and felt a sense of responsibility toward him, acting as his guardian.