Chapter 19: Reaching New Heights with Graceful Humility

Reporter Li nodded in agreement and said, "You're absolutely right! We not only need to showcase Chen Xiao's achievement, but also prioritize the protection of minors. We must ensure that nothing harmful happens to him."

Wang Xiang expressed his gratitude with a nod.

Meanwhile, in the workshop, Chen Qiang turned to Wu Wei and said, "Wu Squad Leader, I've been working in this machinery factory for over 20 years, and we've been colleagues for more than a decade. You know what kind of person I am. Today, I'm simply seeking justice in front of Mr. Zhang, but..."

Wu Wei felt conflicted. While he didn't want to offend Chen Qiang, he also couldn't afford to upset Gao Hongze.

Collecting his thoughts, Wu Wei replied, "Qiangzi, it's important to find out the truth behind this incident. With Manager Zhang here, I'm confident that he'll thoroughly investigate and take appropriate action. You should focus on your work and not worry too much."

Wang Xiang took the opportunity to extend an invitation, "Uncle Chen, if you don't mind, you're welcome to work at our Delong Electronics Factory. The work isn't too demanding, and the pay is decent."

Having understood Chen Xiao's family situation, Wang Xiang saw this as an opportunity to deepen his relationship with Chen Xiao by offering him a chance to work at the factory.

Considering that Chen Qiang wouldn't be able to continue working at the Jiangcheng Machinery Factory after this incident, it seemed like a mutually beneficial proposition.

Chen Qiang hesitated for a moment. He was concerned about Chen Xiao's upcoming college entrance examination and the distance between Jiangzhou and Jiangcheng, which would make it difficult for him to commute daily or take care of Chen Xiao.

Sensing Chen Qiang's concerns, Chen Xiao reassured him, "Dad, don't worry about my studies. The salary at Delong in Jiangzhou will definitely be better than here. You work hard there, and I'll focus on my studies at home."

Chen Qiang didn't give an immediate answer. He said, "Director Wang, let me discuss this with Xiaozi's mother before getting back to you. What do you think?"

Wang Xiang nodded and said, "That sounds reasonable. Chen Xiao has my phone number, so feel free to give me a call whenever you've made a decision."

It was getting late, and Wang Xiang drove back to Jiangzhou first.

Chen Xiao and Chen Qiang also left the machinery factory, heading home where Lin Hui awaited their return.

As they traveled on the road, Chen Qiang pedaled the bicycle, while Chen Xiao sat in the back seat.

The streetlights illuminated their figures, and for the first time, Chen Qiang felt that his son had truly grown up.

"Xiaozi, how did you learn to design integrated circuits?" Chen Qiang realized that he was still unfamiliar with his son.

"It's all from reading and my personal interest in the subject. I spent time pondering and experimenting," Chen Xiao replied.

Chen Qiang nodded and said, "Your father doesn't understand these high-tech matters. But regardless, you must study hard and strive for success. Don't end up like your father, toiling away in a factory and struggling to make ends meet. You have great potential."

Chen Xiao's eyes welled up with emotion as he said, "Dad, you're thinking too much. You are our pillar of support!"

In reality, this was a fortunate era. At least Chen Xiao's generation still had hope if they worked hard. Decades later, social class would be firmly entrenched, and opportunities would be scarce. Even with diligent studying, the outcome would likely be a life of labor, working long hours for others. After decades of work, they might not even be able to afford a home. Most young people who lost out in the cycle of reincarnation were resigned to their predetermined fate.

Chen Qiang smiled and said, "In the future, my son will have a bright future. I'll take your mother for a walk in the park every day and enjoy life."

Chen Xiao silently vowed, "It won't be long before these dreams become a reality."

...

Jiangcheng State Machinery Factory, Su Desheng's office.

Zhang Biao scolded Su Desheng angrily, "Su Desheng! You were sent here by the company to be trained properly! The factories in Jiangcheng are our main production force, and in the blink of an eye, you've allowed several machines to be destroyed!"

Zhang Biao took a deep breath and continued, "Fortunately, Chen Xiao was able to repair the equipment. Otherwise, I wouldn't even know how to face you!"

He closed the door, ensuring privacy for their conversation.

Although Su Desheng had connections that helped him secure his position, Zhang Biao's anger rendered him powerless.

"Mr. Zhang, please don't worry. I promise this will never happen again. I'll deal with Gao Hongze severely!" Su Desheng vowed.

Zhang Biao shook his head and let out a long sigh. "It's a relief that the CNC machines are still usable. I won't report this incident to higher authorities, but you must take care of your brother-in-law."

Su Desheng, understanding the implicit message, replied, "Understood, Mr. Zhang. I'll suspend Gao Hongze from work for a week and transfer him to a different position."

"But, Mr. Zhang, what about the media...?" Su Desheng inquired.

Zhang Biao interrupted him, "I'm handling the media. There won't be any reports. It's New Year's Eve, so don't let any more information leak!"

Su Desheng nodded repeatedly.

Zhang Biao suddenly had another thought, "The motherboard designed by Chen Xiao seems incredibly useful. For years, our machinery factory has been spending a significant amount on importing equipment. The head office has been aware of this issue and has been collaborating with an electronics factory in Shanghai to develop CNC machine tools suitable for our needs. We've been attempting to replicate Demag's equipment, but haven't made any technological breakthroughs."

"Now that we have the ready-made motherboard, I'm considering taking it to the head office. Perhaps their technical experts can make progress with it."

Zhang Biao deliberately remained vague, hinting at potential rewards from higher officials if they successfully imitated Demag's machine tools.

Zhang Biao harbored ambitions of climbing the ranks, aspiring to be transferred from the general manager of a state-owned enterprise to a higher position in Jiangzhou. Similarly, Su Desheng aimed to be promoted to general manager and become a deputy factory manager.

If they succeeded, their aspirations would become reality.

Zhang Biao suggested, "Chen Qiang should remain in the factory to prevent him from spreading any rumors."

Su Desheng quickly grasped the implication and said, "I understand, Mr. Zhang. I'll make sure to obtain the blueprint of the motherboard."

Zhang Biao waved his hand dismissively, saying, "It doesn't matter if you can get it or not. With the motherboard, our technical department in the factory can create a drawing based on it."

Su Desheng immediately understood Zhang Biao's intentions.

Ultimately, Zhang Biao handled the situation by raising it high and gently placing it back down.

Su Desheng retrieved a box of tea from the safe and offered it to Zhang Biao, saying, "Mr. Zhang, this is a local specialty. Please take it and give it a try."

Observing the thick stack of one-hundred-yuan bills inside the box—amounting to at least 10,000 yuan—Zhang Biao reluctantly accepted it, stating, "As I said, there's no need for any local specialties. Let's not set a precedent!"

Su Desheng flattered him, replying, "Absolutely, Mr. Zhang. Absolutely."