Chapter 187: Chapter 184: Cousin Xu Reaps the Benefits

Previously, the teacher called him to discuss late at night the future development of the National Heavy Industry—Cement Factory.

Uncle Yu has been researching in recent years on how to improve existing techniques and increase production capacity to boost the annual output of cement.

In fact, there have been some achievements. Ten years ago, the domestic industry was still importing foreign production lines, but in recent years, domestic kilns have been used, and technology is steadily improving with continuous innovation. Last year, the new type of vertical preheater kiln production line newly produced domestically significantly increased the production capacity of cement. In Taiyuan alone, a cement factory produced 16.34 million tons of cement, which is ten times that of ten years ago. However, in his opinion, this is far from enough.

Because the supply cannot meet the demand, the country still has to import large quantities from friendly nations every year. Not to mention the loss of foreign exchange, the price difference in between is enough to pain those in the know. If that money were used domestically, it would be different.

For various reasons, he agreed to take on this task, combining future experiences to design and improve a new type of cement production line that is advanced yet easy to operate even in a non-intelligent age.

However, the blueprints were taken to Yun Dian for Uncle Yu by the teacher, and he didn’t want to handle the follow-up, but he could still receive nuisance calls from Uncle Yu at any time, sometimes even in the middle of the night, leading to frightful nights. Fortunately, they all got used to working overtime and staying up late, or else Uncle Yu would be their number one enemy at the base now.

According to Uncle Yu, he and a group of experts repeatedly studied the blueprints and found them to be astonishing works worthy of heavenly praise. They quickly collaborated with the Yun Dian Machinery Factory to replicate the design one-to-one, and so far, the first production line is almost complete. It will soon be tested in the Yun Dian Cement Factory.

This isn’t exactly a secret, and if you inquire a bit within the circle, you’ll know about it. After all, it’s something that could soon cause a major stir in the industry. However, once news reaches Nanxi City, it becomes a different story. Especially since even someone like him, who doesn’t want to appear publicly, has been tracked down by Xu Modun, which is somewhat concerning.

He doesn’t believe in the coincidences Xu Modun talks about.

“Mr. Yan, so… this favor…”

“Just call me by my name, no need to be so formal.” After all, he could see that Little Yue cares about this cousin.

“Then I’ll call you Jin Zhi, and you can just call me Mo Chen.”

Yan Jinzhi nodded and began to talk seriously with him.

“Secretary Bai was indeed planning to set up a production line because of the blueprints I provided, but he intends to place this line in the suburbs of Nanxi City. As for which commune, it’s still unknown. However, it’s certain that he hasn’t made a decision yet and is still considering comprehensively. Mo Chen, if you want to fight for Beishi Commune, you can go talk to Secretary Bai.”

“I’m not very familiar with him. Could you introduce me?”

Yan Jinzhi thought for a moment and agreed.

“Sure! But Mo Chen, you should know the importance of the cement factory to the country. It can’t just be like a small brick and tile factory where it doesn’t matter if it’s collectively owned. Cement factories are different. Even if you manage to get it built in Beishi Commune, it will still be state-owned in the end. As for the villagers…”

“A little benefit is enough; I’m not greedy! Moreover, Beishi’s finances can’t support their construction.

Besides, the largest high-capacity cement factories now don’t produce more than 20 million tons a year. But it’s said that the Liuyun S production line you designed can reach an annual capacity of over 100 million tons, five times the current highest capacity. Taking the example of 325# grade cement, the current market price is 0.8 yuan per bag, each bag is 25 kilograms, totaling 40 bags for one ton, and each ton equals 32 yuan. If it’s a production line, it can produce at least 100 million tons a year. Translated into value, it’s 3.2 billion. Such a huge sum of money cannot be swallowed by Beishi Commune alone.

So, I don’t want much. If the cement factory is based in Beishi Commune, taking collective land, they must compensate the village, right? Additionally, for the three previously affected villages.

East Bridge Village, Shangxi Village, and Liu Village—I hope to secure a work position for every household there, prioritizing robust labor. If there is no strong labor available at home, they can be assigned lighter work, with wages calculated separately. In short, every household will have a fixed income each month, ensuring the three villages don’t have to worry about going hungry after the flood season.”

“Encountering you is Beishi Commune’s fortune.”

“Oh no, no… It’s the nation’s fortune to have talents like Jin Zhi. Compared to your contributions, mine are insignificant.”

“No, any official who truly works for the welfare of the people is admirable.”

Xu Modun: “…” Indeed, just as thick-skinned. No matter what is said, it can be addressed with a calm and composed demeanor.

“Do you have a preference for the location?”

“Yes, if the discussion proceeds, we have initially identified three sites. The Yunshan Valley in East Bridge Village, the junction of East Bridge Village and Shangxi Village, and the junction of East Bridge Village and Liu Village.”

“You’re leaning towards East Bridge Village!”

“For three reasons. First, East Bridge Village has excellent geographical conditions and abundant limestone and clay, which are the most important raw materials for cement production. Second, the population issue—you’re aware that East Bridge Village is the most populous village in Beishi Commune, with 480 households, more than the four Qingshan Villages combined. Third, it is situated between Liu Village and Shangxi Village, serving as a link between the two villages. Considering all three villages, East Bridge Village is undoubtedly the most suitable.”

“Since you’ve thought it through, I’ll call back and find out. Then we’ll schedule a time.”

“Alright! I’ll give you a commune phone number, so we can contact each other promptly if there’s any situation.”

“Are you leaving today, Mo Chen? Not staying a few more days?”

“What luck do I have? I just assumed office, and everything is still in chaos. I wish I didn’t have to sleep and just work.”

Yan Jinzhi: “…” With these two people, why bother setting such personas? It’s perfunctory and insincere.

Xu Modun didn’t stay for dinner, but said goodbye to Jiang Mingyue just around mealtime.

Before leaving, the two siblings chatted privately in the backyard.

Xu Modun: “Are you used to it here? Do you want to return to the city?”

Jiang Mingyue: “…Xu Modun, you know by now, I’m not your real cousin.”

Xu Modun was indifferent to her attitude: “Maybe you don’t know. Being good to you has nothing to do with whether you’re my real cousin or not. Yueyue, I’ll always be your cousin.”

Jiang Mingyue: “…Xu Ya is your real aunt.”

Xu Modun: “Xu Ya? What’s she got to do with it?”

Jiang Mingyue: “…” Finally understanding the book’s description of him, which indeed aligns with him.

The book described this cousin as someone who recognizes no kinship, not caring about parents’ honor, but is favored by Grandpa Xu and cherished by Grandma Xu. In his eyes, uncles and aunts mean nothing, but once he takes a liking to someone, he is especially protective.

“Thanks for the medicine last time, Yueyue. Do you have any more? Give me another portion. Also, give me more of that wine and roasted chicken.”

Jiang Mingyue: “…” Could he not be the real elder brother of this cousin?

There can’t be more roasted chicken. With such an abundant breakfast, appearing again wouldn’t suit the village conditions.

But for other things, it’s possible.

So, Jiang Mingyue tossed a large basket to him, packed with mosquito repellent medicine, common cold, fever, and allergy treatments—and wound handling items, as the hospital had them available, although their effectiveness differed.

She went back to the storage room and fetched two jars of corn wine and two jars of plum wine, both beneficial for strengthening the body. Seeing that this cousin was devoted to the nation and people, she hoped he wouldn’t suddenly die.

She believed he wouldn’t lack rice and flour, having the connections; moreover, Grandpa Xu wouldn’t let his most favored grandson go hungry and sure enough would provide support.

After some thought, she took three cans each of strawberry jam and apple jam—things that could be used as spreads for steamed buns—and picked him three cans from the basket of pickles Gu Xiaoxiao gave her.

Xu Modun lifted it up and looked at it, quite interested, even opening a can of garlic bulbs to pinch one and eat it immediately. The sweet and sour crispness captured his heart instantly.

“Hey! This pickled garlic is really good, Yueyue. Did you pickle it?”

Jiang Mingyue glared at him: “I wish I had that skill. It’s from my friend, Xiao Xiao.”

“Got more? Let me see.” This cousin, entirely at ease, burrowed into the storage room, saw the ten-odd jars of pickles, and bluntly mocked his sister for being stingy, grabbing pickled chili, preserved cabbage root, pickled sour bamboo shoots, pickled wild ginger, and pickled ginger.

Tsk, he grabbed a little of everything!

“Sigh! I say, Yueyue, don’t hog all the good stuff; remember to save some for your brother.”

Standing not far away, Yin Zhenlian Fengyi wanted to hide his face. Although they also craved, given the cousin’s delicious offerings, they still couldn’t bring themselves to act so shamelessly.

Next time, just cut ties!

After people left, Jiang Mingyue remembered that the things brought over in the morning hadn’t been unpacked. Mrs. Jiang had placed them in her room.

Even though it was given to Mrs. Jiang, Shen Fanghua mentioned that Xu Modun brought them for her in the first place, so they eventually ended up in her hands.

Jiang Mingyue first opened the food box, a stark contrast to the random bowl placed in the villagers’ baskets as food boxes. This one was refined like something from an ancient palace, even the wood emitted a faint fragrance.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep