69: What kind of anti-rust paint costs two hundred million?

Chapter 69: What Kind of Anti-Rust Paint Costs 200 Million?

Downstairs in the men's dormitory, Lu Shenwei remained completely unaware.

Three minutes earlier, he had finally found a suitable formulation for an anti-rust paint.

It offered 10 years of rust protection, kept the paint color vibrant for at least 8 years, and had some fancy feature about resisting radar wave detection that Lu Shenwei didn't even bother reading in detail.

The exchange price was only 20,000. A total steal. Now he didn't have to worry about cost increases.

After completing the exchange, he lay down on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, a sober Wang Zizhong felt like slapping himself twice.

They had agreed to present a united front, so how did they end up fighting among themselves at the dinner table last night?

He had kept pestering the chairman, one cup after another.

"I didn't say anything outrageous yesterday, did I?" Wang Zizhong asked.

Zhou Cun teased, "You kept your secrets tight. It was just the constant 'Little Director Lu' that had us shivering."

"What? 'Little Director Lu'?"

Wang Zizhong's head felt like it exploded. What stupid things had he done?

"What else did I say?" Wang Zizhong asked, his heart pounding with fear.

Zhou Cun thought for a moment. "You said things like 'if you don't drink, you're not giving me face' and something about the chairman being 'unreasonable'."

"Did I really say that?"

"And that's not all. You said the chairman was about the same age as your son and should at least call you 'Uncle Wang'."

Wang Zizhong's head was buzzing. Alcohol ruins everything!

Starting today, no more drinking!

Wang Zizhong threw on his clothes and headed out. "I need to apologize to the chairman."

"Deputy Director, don't rush. Director Lu might not be awake yet," Zhou Cun advised.

Wang Zizhong insisted stubbornly, "Then I'll wait outside his door. I must accept punishment for my mistake."

"You're being too hard on yourself. Director Lu probably forgot all about it."

"Even if Director Lu forgot, I still need to apologize. As deputy director, I must set an example."

When Wang Zizhong arrived at the dormitory building, Lu Shenwei was just about to lock his door and leave.

"Chairman, I..."

"Uncle Wang, perfect timing. I've found solutions for the paint and rear-drive issues."

"Chairman, I was too unrestrained last night. You didn't drink too much, did you?"

"Last night? Haha, you left your family and home to work in the countryside for over half a year. It's rare for you to let loose. Though your alcohol tolerance really surprised me."

The saying 'Northeast tigers and Northwest wolves are no match for the little lamb from Northern Jiangsu' was damn right.

"Ahem, no great skills, just able to handle a few ounces of cat's piss," Wang Zizhong coughed.

"Let's not mention the apology anymore. Let's go to the meeting room now to discuss the new plan."

As Lu Shenwei spoke, he strode forward. Wang Zizhong sighed and followed closely behind.

"Zhou Cun, call everyone from the longmao agricultural vehicle R&D department. We're having an impromptu technical review meeting."

Hearing Lu Shenwei's call, Zhou Cun hurriedly acknowledged.

Twenty minutes later, the round-table meeting room was packed.

Lu Shenwei explained the technical solutions on the electronic screen, leaving everyone in the room astonished.

"Quattro four-wheel drive technology? How come I've never heard of it?"

"What do you know? It must be a new technical solution Director Lu came up with. Permanent four-wheel drive sounds impressive."

"I understand four-wheel drive, but how come I've never heard of paint that can prevent rust for ten years?"

"Paint and coating technology involves cutting-edge, high-precision chemistry. Director Lu probably bought it at a high price, right?"

"The solutions sound simple, but actually implementing them will probably take at least a month."

The technicians whispered among themselves. Lu Shenwei looked around. "Those are the main technical points. Does anyone have any questions?"

Wang Zizhong was the first to raise his hand. "Chairman, these solutions aren't expensive, are they?"

"In total, just thirty to forty thousand. It definitely won't add much to the modification costs," Lu Shenwei said softly.

Wang Zizhong breathed a huge sigh of relief. With low modification costs, the upgraded longmao agricultural vehicle would surely recoup its investment in no time.

Director Lu had specifically invited him back to lead the team, yet nearly a year had passed, they had spent nearly ten million, and hadn't earned a single cent for the factory.

"Chairman, rest assured. We'll work day and night and guarantee results within three months."

Wang Zizhong's expression was serious. If he couldn't produce something worthwhile this time, he'd be a complete fool.

"Don't put too much pressure on the team. Report any problems to the factory as much as possible," Lu Shenwei reassured him.

Wang Zizhong was excellent in every way, except for being too eager for quick results.

To build the longmao agricultural vehicle into Julong Steel's fourth flagship product, mere impatience was useless.

After the meeting, Lu Shenwei returned to his office. Zhou Cun followed him in.

"I've prepared your presentation materials. When the time comes, you just need to speak, and I'll handle the slides," Zhou Cun said respectfully.

Although he had the connection of his uncle Zhou Wen, and Director Lu thought highly of him because of it...

He couldn't embarrass his bureau chief uncle. Therefore, Zhou Cun usually studied diligently and worked hard at the factory.

While others left work at 6 PM, he stayed until 8, embodying the spirit of 'grinding'.

He made sure to excel in every task, afraid others would say he got in through connections.

"I've reviewed the content. It's well done. You'll be the one giving this training session."

Huh?

"Me? Giving it?"

"What? Not confident? Young people need more practice."

"But Chairman, you..."

"I'm not that much older than you? Is that what you wanted to say?"

Uh, not just 'not that much older'—you're actually several years younger than me.

"No, no. I'll do whatever you say."

Unlike his uncle Zhou Wen, Zhou Cun's main traits were being obedient and sensible.

Before joining Julong Steel, his uncle had specifically instructed him, saying Director Lu was a man of great wisdom and ambition.

He told him to learn from Director Lu and work hard under his guidance.

"That settles it then. On your way out, could you get me a cup of yogurt?" Lu Shenwei reminded him.

He had drunk too much baijiu; some yogurt would help soothe his stomach.

Zhou Cun nodded, closed the door, and left. The Finance Officer entered, holding account statements, just as Zhou Cun exited.

"What's the situation with these two bills? Were they spent by Director Ma? Or Deputy Director Wang?"

Lu Shenwei frowned as he examined the two bills, each amounting to a staggering 220 million.

When did Uncle Ma and Uncle Wang become so reckless? Spending such huge amounts without even notifying me?

The Finance Officer blinked his big eyes. Huh? Didn't you spend this yourself, Director Lu?

"Is there a problem? Why aren't you saying anything?" Lu Shenwei asked.

The Finance Officer stammered, "Chairman, these two expenditures were made by you last night. The recipient isn't visible, but the details state 'technical upgrade fees'."

Huh? What?

Lu Shenwei couldn't believe it. He picked up the two bills and studied them repeatedly.

The first was 20 million, the second 200 million.

When did I...

Oh no, it couldn't have been when I was drunk last night...

"Leave these documents here for now. I'll sign them and return them to you later."

Lu Shenwei dismissed him casually. The Finance Officer nodded and left. Lu Shenwei immediately pulled up the system to check.

The quattro four-wheel drive technology was priced at 2,000, correct. The anti-rust paint price was also correct at 20,000.

Just as Lu Shenwei was feeling puzzled, he suddenly noticed the unit after the mall price.

Holy crap! Ten thousand yuan?

Before, when exchanging technology, the prices were in yuan. Why did it suddenly change to ten-thousand-yuan units?

System! You're messing with me!!!

System! You owe me an explanation!