Chapter 79: An Unconventional Project
Holding Liu Shang's patent and the report on the jet flow and dispensing process improved from Liu Shang's invention, Xu Tiande smiled.
"I've always been a layman when it comes to machinery and tools. Old Zhong, I have to let you take a look at this."
"However, if it is really as described in Liu Shang's report, our construction procedures and safety will be greatly improved."
At this, Director Zhong nodded his head continuously as he read Liu Shang's report.
"Well, now... don't say anything yet."
"This patent and improvement from young Liu Shang... it really looks promising!"
"Although the structure of this tool isn't complicated, the design is truly refreshing!"
"I think this has great potential. We can set up the project immediately and start tool processing and preliminary experiments now!"
"By the way, Liu Shang, were the CAD drawings you were often making before for this project?"
Faced with Director Zhong's curiosity, Liu Shang nodded and smiled.
"Yes. When I was visiting the sites before, I always felt that our workers have to climb up every time they dispense the chemicals, which is both troublesome and dangerous."
"Especially in rainy weather. The polymer powder floats onto the canopy and the ladder, and it becomes extremely slippery when it gets wet, which is even more dangerous."
"So I thought, if this whole fluidic device for dispensing medicine could be refitted to operate from the ground, then the construction efficiency and safety would be much higher."
After hearing Liu Shang's words, Director Zhong and Xu Tiande looked at each other and nodded repeatedly.
"You know, this kid is certainly resourceful."
"Based on my experience, I feel that this set of tools has a good chance of being successful. You should give it a try."
"Old Xu, profile adjustment has always been your area of responsibility. It seems this time you'll have to take the lead, and I'll be in charge of assisting."
Xu Tiande, who had always been prudent and cautious, frowned. "Although that's the case, according to our company's practice, we start technical projects at the beginning of the year and then conclude with an acceptance review at the end of the year."
"It's not far from the end of the year now. I'm afraid it's a bit inappropriate for us to submit a plan at this time, isn't it?"
"Besides, this technology project is mainly in Liu Shang's name. I'm worried it will arouse jealousy and dissatisfaction among most of the people in the company."
"How about we wait until the technology project is approved early next year and then submit it then?"
Director Zhong smiled and waved his hands. "I say, Old Xu, do you really think we are still at the oil field or your university?"
"We are a private company. How can we have such a rigid project proposal schedule!"
"As long as a thing or a technology is genuinely good, practical, and can improve production efficiency, then we should give it a try."
"Just listen to me. After this plan is reported, there will be absolutely no problem with Mr. Song."
"As for the rest of the company? You don't have to worry about them."
"With you and me here, there's nothing to be concerned about."
"This group of guys, in my opinion, are just a bunch of mediocre people who are jealous of the talented and capable!"
"If they're really so envious and jealous, then they should be like young Liu Shang and show us some real skill!"
***
In the end, Xu Tiande drafted a technical project proposal and went to Song Guangyuan to test the waters before seeking formal approval.
As Director Zhong had expected, Song Guangyuan was also quite interested in the set of tools and devices Liu Shang had created, and he signed the report without hesitation.
Subsequently, with the assistance of Director Zhong, the project was handed over directly to the company's cooperative machining factory for processing.
Since the drawings provided by Liu Shang were very detailed and the structure of the tool set was not too complicated, the first prototype was completed in just three or four days. The first on-site experiment was scheduled to take place in a few days.
While all this was happening, just as Xu Tiande had worried, many people in the company felt jealous and dissatisfied.
They thought Director Zhong and Xu Tiande were spoiling the young man, Liu Shang, rotten! Why was it that everyone else's technical projects had to be applied for at the beginning of the year, with no exceptions, but Liu Shang's project could be approved near the end of the year?
And how old was this Liu Shang anyway? Just a freshman! What kind of great skills or tools could he possibly have? Weren't Director Zhong and Professor Xu clearly helping that boy "cheat" his way to a technical project bonus?
As the historical records say, "The whole world bustles with activity, all for the sake of profit!"
These people's great dissatisfaction with Liu Shang was mainly because of the rather generous technical bonus. Especially since Liu Shang had already received a bonus of 3 yuan for breaking the standard before!
In their eyes, every sum of money Liu Shang received was a piece taken from their own slice of the pie, and it pained them.
However, due to Liu Shang's current prominence and the extreme favor shown to him by Director Zhong and Xu Tiande, these people did not openly jump out to oppose him or vent their dissatisfaction.
Instead, the company's technical manager, Li Shaohua, who had always been a moderate voice, was pushed to the front line.
Normally, Li Shaohua would not participate in this kind of thing at all; everyone would have gone to the deputy manager, Yang Xu. However, since the last major shake-up, Yang Xu's position in the company had taken a turn for the worse, and he had fallen out of favor with Song Guangyuan. Since he could no longer stand up for everyone, they had no choice but to find Li Shaohua to express their dissatisfaction.
Therefore, on the morning of the scheduled test for Liu Shang's device, Li Shaohua came to Song Guangyuan's office.
"Hehe, President Song, it looks like you're not too busy today?"
"I was wondering if you have some time this morning?"
Song Guangyuan looked at him with a smile. "I'm fine, I have time. What's the matter, Shaohua? Just tell me what's on your mind."
Li Shaohua then lit a cigarette for Song Guangyuan and himself. "Ah, it's nothing too serious."
"Isn't Liu Shang's technical project scheduled for on-site experiments today? I just wanted to come over and ask if Mr. Song would go to the site to have a look."
Song Guangyuan smiled and waved his hands. "So that's what this is about?"
"I saw Liu Shang's project proposal. It's very well thought out!"
"And even Director Zhong is very optimistic and has recognized its value."
"As for the site visit, I won't go."
"Director Zhong is there, along with so many of you. I'm a layman. It doesn't make much difference whether I go or not."
Hearing what Song Guangyuan said, Li Shaohua shook his head and smiled wryly.
"Mr. Song, you may not know, but many people in the company are feeling dissatisfied and have opinions because of this project's approval."
"They didn't dare to approach Director Zhong, let alone you, so they all came to me."
"However, I must say, it's almost the end of the year, and temporarily adding a technology project is indeed a bit against the rules. There's no precedent for it."
"Many people in the company think that Director Zhong and Professor Xu have spoiled Liu Shang too much."
"I also know that Liu Shang has done a very good job recently, worked very hard, and made great contributions to the company."
"But I think, even if the company wants to reward him, it should be done in a way that is convincing, such as in the name of his contributions."
"Approving a temporary technology project like this is really difficult to sell to the public."
"That's why I came here today to invite you, Mr. Song, to go to the site with us. If Liu Shang's technology project is successful, then it is understandable and worthy of reward. Those who are jealous and dissatisfied will naturally shut up."
"But if this experiment fails, then Liu Shang should not receive this technical bonus until he achieves final success."
"I don't know what you think, Mr. Song?"
---
⭐ $5 Tier – Early Access!
Stay 50 chapters ahead of public releases on RoyalRoad, Webnovel, and Scribble Hub.
Latest available chapter: 131.
⭐ $10 Tier – Super Early Access!
Stay 100 chapters ahead of public releases on RoyalRoad, Webnovel, and Scribble Hub.
Latest available chapter: 181.
📖 Chapters are uploaded as soon as they're completed, so you'll always stay ahead of the curve.
💖 By joining, you'll be directly supporting the story while enjoying exclusive early access.
🔗 Patreon link is in My Profile/About.
⚠️ Please select your membership carefully, as I have multiple novels ongoing.
🍎 If you're on Apple, consider subscribing through your browser instead — it's cheaper for you, and I'll receive payments faster.