5: More than one thousand or two thousand? Is this the algorithm?

Chapter 5: Over a Thousand or Two Thousand? Is That How the Math Works?

Qinchuan Administration for Industry and Commerce Office.

Zhou Wen dialed Ma Quanlin's number. "Old Ma, didn't you say there were only about a thousand steel cylinders? Why are there over three thousand reported for transport?"

"It's 'over a thousand.' We looked around the warehouse and found over a thousand extra cylinders. We can't just let them rot in storage, right?" Ma Quanlin said awkwardly.

"You're not being honest. By the way, the higher-ups have finished their investigation and given a response. I'll forward it to you," Zhou Wen said casually.

Whether it was one thousand or three thousand didn't matter much to Zhou Wen. The higher-ups hadn't explicitly forbidden Julong Steel from engaging in foreign trade.

If the law doesn't forbid it, it's allowed. Go for it!

With two thousand extra steel cylinders, Qinchuan's annual foreign exchange goal would be achieved.

Qin Chuan Julong Steel Factory, Office.

Lu Shenwei took the document handed over by Ma Quanlin and pondered it repeatedly.

"Uncle Ma, what do you think the higher-ups mean? Are they telling us to reduce production?"

The Dragon Xia General Administration clarified that Qin Chuan Julong Steel is not an international war sponsor and can conduct normal overseas trade, but at the same time, it restricted the export of Julong Steel's cylinders and steel pipes.

Ma Quanlin scratched his head. "I don't get it either. However, Director Zhou has already agreed to our transport needs. The first batch of 1,500 cylinders was sent to the Desert Camel region yesterday. I want to wait two days for the second batch of 1,600 cylinders to ship them all together."

"Hmm, that's a good thing... Wait? That's not right. Didn't we only have about 1,000 gas tanks left? Where did the extra 2,000 suddenly come from?" Lu Shenwei asked in confusion. Ma Quanlin scratched his head. "A few days ago, when Director Zhou promised the train wagons, I had them work overtime. We said 'over a thousand,' but we didn't say how much over. A few hundred over is 'over,' and two thousand over is also 'over.'"

Hearing Ma Quanlin's twisted logic, Lu Shenwei laughed. "Uncle Ma, you really have a lot of ideas."

"In the past, we did business honestly, and our group of old fogies almost ran the factory into bankruptcy. Now that our minds are liberated, as long as we can make money and it's not illegal, we'll just wing it!" Ma Quanlin said with a chuckle.

During the first few months of Julong Steel Factory's restructuring, Ma Quanlin suffered from insomnia every day. Now, the factory was back to life, and his courage had grown.

"The R&D team from Eagle Drone Company will be moving here in two days. Uncle Ma, clear out some space first."

Although he had the system's help, the basic R&D for the drones still relied on these engineers.

"The eastern workshop is still vacant; I'll tidy it up first. But if we're really going all-in on drones in the future, we must rebuild an R&D building," Ma Quanlin mused.

Lu Shenwei nodded. "You handle the planning; I'll be responsible for the drone R&D."

The two went their separate ways, and soon the drone R&D team moved into the Julong Steel Factory.

Ma Quanlin took the license to handle the industrial and commercial procedures and happened to run into Zhou Wen.

"Spending 60 million to acquire a drone company—Director Lu has quite some ideas."

"It's all just winging it; we still need strong government support."

He had seen many traditional steel mills transition to high-end manufacturing, but almost none were successful.

"You've seen the General Administration's document. Starting next month, the production of seamless steel pipes and cylinders will be restricted. Overseas exports cannot exceed 200 units per month."

Ma Quanlin said with a bitter face, "Director Zhou, if it's going to be like this, you might as well dissolve our factory and let all the workers be laid off."

"What are you saying? Would the higher-ups let you suffer? The city has discussed it and still intends to support you."

"I've already spoken with the Municipal Waterworks. From now on, all their water pipe needs will be sourced from you," Zhou Wen said casually.

This news was also received this morning. The higher-ups directly forwarded it to the Qinchuan Administration for Industry and Commerce, demanding immediate processing so as not to discourage patriotic enterprises.

What did it mean by "not discouraging patriotic enterprises"? How was Julong Steel Factory patriotic?

Zhou Wen couldn't figure it out, but that didn't stop him from handling it immediately.

He immediately contacted the Municipal Waterworks, requiring that all tap water pipes in the city must use steel pipes from Julong Steel Factory in the future.

"Really? Then thank you so much, Director Zhou."

Ma Quanlin was extremely excited; this trip to the Administration for Industry and Commerce was not in vain.

"Also, since your factory has acquired a drone R&D enterprise, you're considered a high-tech unit. There can be tax reductions, and I can also help you apply for high-tech subsidies. It's not much, but it's 5 million."

Zhou Wen although he was not optimistic about Julong Steel Factory's transition, he was sincerely trying to help.

Ma Quanlin said happily, "Director Zhou is still the one who cares about our factory. However, our Director Lu said that things aren't easy for Qinchuan or the country. Paying taxes is an honor, so we'll pass on the tax reductions, but we'll take the high-tech subsidies."

"Director Lu isn't even thirty, is he? Such high ideological awareness," Zhou Wen praised.

How many people would point at the Stars and Stripes for petty gains and pay 250 yuan to renounce their Dragon Xia nationality?

Looking at Lu Shenwei's awareness, if Julong Steel Factory failed its transition, he would definitely help them make a comeback.

"Twenty-four years old—truly young and promising, with a sharp mind. We old guys in the factory can't compare."

Ma Quanlin said with a chuckle. Having a descendant like Lu Shenwei in Julong Steel Factory was a blessing the workers must have earned over many lifetimes.

"But then again, drone R&D is not easy. If the enterprise needs it, I can help connect you with a group of university students for R&D," Zhou Wen said.

"That would be great. I'll talk to the chairman about it later."

Director Zhou is a good person, always thinking of our enterprise whenever there's something good.

"Alright, I have a meeting in a while. You go ahead and get busy."

Zhou Wen was about to leave when Ma Quanlin grabbed him.

"Director Zhou, there's actually one more thing."

"What is it? Just say it. If I can solve it, I'll definitely help."

Ma Quanlin stammered, "Actually, it's nothing much. It's just that batch of idle steel cables in our factory warehouse. You have many contacts with enterprises and units; could you help us find a market for them?"

"Steel cables? Oh, young Director Lu seemed to have mentioned them."

"This batch of steel cables was originally for export to the Eagle Nation, but the company there unilaterally terminated the contract in the end. The remaining 200 cables couldn't be shipped out, and leaving them idle in the warehouse isn't a solution."

Ma Quanlin explained the reason. Zhou Wen mused, "I see. How do you calculate the export price for your steel cables?"

"It's not too expensive, 100,000 per cable."

"100,000 longxia currency per steel cable is not cheap."

"Not longxia currency, it's 100,000 USD!"

USD?

Zhou Wen gasped. "700,000 longxia currency each? Are your steel cables made of gold? Why are they so expensive?"

"The Eagle Nation company purchased them at this price originally," Ma Quanlin said truthfully.

Zhou Wen sighed. "The price is too high. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Director Zhou. If the deal goes through, we'll give you at least 10% profit."

"Don't. We'll keep it strictly business. You can just pay more taxes."

"Alright then. If we can successfully dispose of this batch of steel cables, we'll donate a nursing home to the city and send a hundred silk banners to your bureau!"