Chapter 81: Countermeasure! Director Zheng, Please Speak!

Not to mention anyone else—even Zheng Rong himself had some doubts about what Li Junsheng was saying! But what if he really did have a way to solve the machinery factory’s current predicament?

With this thought, Zheng Rong immediately extended an invitation to Li Junsheng.

“This isn’t really the place to talk. Why don’t I treat you to a meal? Let’s sit down and have a proper conversation. I’m a few years older than you, so I hope it’s alright if I call you ‘brother’?”

As it happened, Li Junsheng hadn’t eaten yet, so he nodded in agreement at once. “Of course, Director Zheng. This isn’t something that can be explained in just a few words. Let’s do as you suggest and find a place to sit and talk.”

Zheng Rong was delighted and promptly took Li Junsheng to the state-run restaurant, ordering several dishes in one go.

“Brother Li, have a cigarette. There’s no one else here now. Tell me, what’s your take on the current issues at the machinery factory? Can you give me a detailed explanation?”

With that, Zheng Rong handed Li Junsheng a cigarette, speaking to him with great courtesy and humility.

As deputy director, Zheng Rong was willing to humble himself for the good of the factory. Li Junsheng admired this—no wonder the man was the director.

Li Junsheng smiled and began to speak at length with Zheng Rong.

“Director Zheng, regarding the new Rheinmetall machinery technology that Ruifeng Machinery Factory has imported from Germany, I’ve made a particular effort to look into it. There’s a lot of hype about how advanced this technology is.”

“But in fact, from what I know, this new machinery technology has a fatal flaw. The high-pressure sealing ring material used is substandard, so the machines produced have a lifespan far below what’s claimed.”

As soon as Li Junsheng said this, Zheng Rong’s expression changed to one of astonishment. Who would have thought the new Rheinmetall technology came with such a deadly flaw? Could what this man was saying be true? He seemed to know a great deal about the Rheinmetall machinery technology.

Zheng Rong hurriedly pressed Li Junsheng, “You—you actually know about the high-pressure sealing ring material in this new technology? Does that mean you’re very familiar with the details? I’ve never heard of this flaw before—how come?”

Half skeptical, half believing, Zheng Rong listened as Li Junsheng thought to himself: of course he hadn’t heard of the flaw, because it hadn’t yet been discovered or made public!

In his previous life, Li Junsheng had seen a newspaper report by chance. At that time, the fatal flaw in this technology had erupted, causing immense losses to factories that had imported it.

Naturally, he couldn’t tell Zheng Rong the truth about his prior knowledge, so he made up a story.

“I have a relative working in the department that researches this technology. He told me that because of this fatal flaw, factories adopting it are very likely to suffer large-scale failures.”

Zheng Rong sat beside Li Junsheng, weighing the credibility of his words. After a moment, he asked, “So... what should we do now? If we just wait until they have large-scale failures, will our factory still have a chance?”

Li Junsheng shook his head with a confident smile. “Director Zheng, we can’t just sit and wait for disaster. Based on this fatal flaw in the foreign technology, I’ve got a countermeasure that we can put into action immediately!”

“What kind of countermeasure?” Zheng Rong asked seriously, eager to learn like a student.

Li Junsheng then explained his plan in detail.

“Director Zheng, I think our first step should be to collect evidence of the significant flaws in the foreign technology. You need to send people at once to investigate Ruifeng Machinery Factory’s major downstream clients who use this technology.”

“See if they’re experiencing any equipment anomalies—shutdowns, frequent maintenance, and so on. If the investigation confirms this, we can unite with the affected clients and accuse Rheinmetall of technical defects and fraud.”

“Taking advantage of the situation, we could demand compensation and solutions, and even use their crisis as leverage to negotiate for low-cost authorization of other technologies, or for their assistance in upgrading our own factory!”

“When that happens, our factory’s technology will be completely renewed, far ahead of Ruifeng Machinery Factory. Wouldn’t that solve the problem of scarce orders?”

As Li Junsheng laid out his counterplan, Zheng Rong hurriedly took out pen and paper to jot everything down.

There was no denying it—Li Junsheng’s countermeasure was extraordinary. If they could obtain rock-solid evidence of Rheinmetall’s technical flaws, they would hold the upper hand in negotiations and acquiring new foreign technology would be a breeze. It was far better than having to beg for authorization as he was doing now.

What’s more, Li Junsheng’s vision far exceeded that of an ordinary worker, and his precise intelligence left Zheng Rong profoundly impressed.

“Mr. Li, if we really can uncover technical defects at Rheinmetall, it would indeed solve the factory’s most urgent crisis!”

Although there was still risk in Li Junsheng’s plan, Zheng Rong couldn’t think of a better one. It was no exaggeration to call it the factory’s lifeline.

After speaking at length, Li Junsheng took a sip of tea and then smiled at Zheng Rong. “So, Director Zheng, do you think my plan is feasible?”

Zheng Rong gave him a firm answer. “It’s feasible. I’ve decided to adopt your first step right away—secretly send people to verify the situation and strive to obtain evidence of the fatal flaw in the new machinery technology.”

“Once we have the evidence, we’ll be in control of the situation and can make demands of Rheinmetall.”

Li Junsheng nodded and said no more.

Zheng Rong thought to himself, sending someone to investigate wouldn’t delay anything, and maybe everything Li Junsheng said was true.

With that, Zheng Rong borrowed the restaurant’s phone and gave instructions for the investigation to begin, just as Li Junsheng had suggested.

When he returned from the phone call, Zheng Rong shook Li Junsheng’s hand solemnly and made a promise.

“Mr. Li, I’ve followed your advice and sent people to investigate Ruifeng Machinery Factory’s major downstream clients. If the findings confirm your plan’s effectiveness, I will certainly thank you properly—you will not have given your counsel in vain.”

Li Junsheng paused with his cup of tea, thinking, “Well, since you’re offering, I won’t stand on ceremony then!”

“A formal thank-you isn’t necessary. I just have a small favor I’d like to ask, Director Zheng.”

Zheng Rong was surprised by Li Junsheng’s candor, and a bit worried he might make an excessive request.

“What is it you need my help with? Tell me, and I’ll listen.”

Zheng Rong thought perhaps this young man just wanted to use the opportunity to get a relative a job at the factory. After all, many people begged just for a chance like that.

He also didn’t want to assume the worst of Li Junsheng. Whatever the request, he’d hear it out and then decide.

“Director Zheng, here’s the situation. I currently work in the supply department of a township enterprise called Dongfanghong Agricultural Machinery Factory. I’ve been working with Section Chief Zhou on scrap materials. I’d like to ask you to speak to Chief Zhou and arrange for our factory’s scrap materials to be supplied to our agricultural machinery factory’s supply department—exclusively and as a priority.”

Zheng Rong nodded. The favor Li Junsheng wanted wasn’t complicated—it was just a word from him. But he did wonder, what did the man need so much scrap for? That stuff was such a loss it actually cost money to send it to the state recycling center.