Xi'an. Chang'an Automobile Factory.
Thanks to his "major scientific and technological invention," Chen Ergou now wore the coveted Red Hat, the symbol of a senior technical engineer. He had been transferred into the research department, where he focused entirely on refining and upgrading his revolutionary Steam Forging Hammer.
Qi Cheng, who had assisted him during the invention process, chose a different path.
Rather than retreat into laboratories, Qi Cheng remained on the factory floor. He lived and worked alongside the laborers, fighting directly on the front lines of production.
Naturally, he too had been promoted to senior technical engineer and now wore a Red Hat of his own. His authority extended far beyond the armored vehicle workshop. He oversaw multiple departments and workshops at once and had become one of Factory Director Gao Yiyi's most trusted lieutenants.
At this moment, Qi Cheng stood before a large group of workshop supervisors, convening an urgent meeting.
"Supervisors," Qi Cheng said solemnly, "Dao Xuan Tianzun has spoken."
The room fell instantly silent.
"With his divine vision that pierces past and future, Dao Xuan Tianzun has informed us that the peace we enjoy today is only temporary. In the ninth year of Chongzhen, chaos will once again descend upon the realm."
A ripple of unease spread through the room.
"Chaos again?"
"How bad will it be?"
"Did Dao Xuan Tianzun reveal more details?"
Qi Cheng shook his head. "Heaven's secrets cannot be fully disclosed. Dao Xuan Tianzun has already shown immense mercy by warning us in advance. We must not ask for more."
He paused, then continued firmly.
"To prepare for the coming turmoil, we must accelerate production. We must manufacture even more armored vehicles. Every workshop must raise efficiency, train more technical experts, and fully embody the spirit of Great Nation Heavy Industry."
His voice grew more impassioned.
"We will turn the Chang'an Automobile Factory into the Industrial Overlord of the world."
The supervisors straightened.
"Understood!"
"Rest assured, Engineer Qi!"
"Our workshop will become a Production Model workshop!"
Their responses overlapped in a flurry of enthusiasm, as if they were ready to swear loyalty on the spot.
Qi Cheng nodded in satisfaction. "Each workshop will nominate its best workers. We will select a batch of Production Models and publicly commend them. Let exemplary individuals inspire the masses."
The supervisors immediately began searching their memories.
After a moment, the supervisor of the steam engine assembly workshop raised his hand.
"Speaking of that," he said, "a new worker joined my section recently. He's exceptionally hardworking and eager to learn. He's on the production line every day and often forgets to eat or drink. He started knowing absolutely nothing, yet in just a few dozen days, he has already mastered techniques that normally take veterans years to grasp."
Qi Cheng's eyebrows lifted. "Oh? That sounds impressive. What is his name?"
"Bin Sheng."
Qi Cheng slapped the table. "Excellent. Issue a factory-wide commendation immediately. Prepare an awards ceremony. Bonus, red rosette, honor roll placement. Make sure the entire factory knows his name."
He spoke with conviction.
"Only by learning from individuals like him can we truly rise and become the Industrial Overlord."
Three days later, noon.
Third staff cafeteria of the Chang'an Factory.
Bin Sheng entered with a small lunchbox, collected his meal, and sat at a long table.
The cafeteria was packed. Workers from every department filled the hall, strangers sharing tables and exchanging gossip about their workshops.
Not long after Bin Sheng sat down, several men joined him, each carrying a lunchbox. They exchanged brief glances, then lowered their heads to eat.
Without lifting his eyes, Bin Sheng asked softly, "Status?"
One man replied under his breath, "I've learned how to forge gears."
Bin Sheng nodded. "Good."
Another murmured, "I've mastered transmission axle manufacturing for automobile chassis."
"Very good."
A third hesitated. "Your subordinate in the tire workshop has learned the basics, but rubber remains a mystery. Our Great Jin Kingdom cannot produce it."
Bin Sheng replied calmly, "That knowledge requires higher clearance. Perform well, earn promotion, and you will naturally gain access."
"Understood."
Bin Sheng smiled faintly. "I've also learned much about the steam engine. It's the heart of the automobile. Once I fully grasp it, our mission will be more than halfway complete."
At that moment, a pickup truck passed outside the cafeteria. A man standing in the back held a loudspeaker.
"Attention! Latest announcement!"
"Worker Bin Sheng of the steam engine assembly workshop has demonstrated outstanding diligence and rapid progress!"
"Factory management has decided to award him the title of Labor Model!"
"The awards ceremony will be held tomorrow morning during the assembly!"
The announcement echoed repeatedly as the truck drove away.
Inside the cafeteria, conversation exploded.
"Who's Bin Sheng?"
"No idea!"
"New guy, maybe?"
"I know him. He's from our workshop. He's sitting right there!"
Dozens of heads turned simultaneously.
Bin Sheng froze.
His heart plunged.
Damn it.
Everyone had just seen him sitting together with his entire support team. If even one person was exposed later, the rest would be dragged down with him.
This was a crisis. A lethal one.
Bin Sheng stood up awkwardly. "Uh… cough…"
A coworker laughed loudly. "Brother Bin, when you first came, I thought you were clueless. Now your skills are better than mine. You even became a Production Model. Incredible!"
Bin Sheng forced a smile. "So… what benefits come with being a Production Model?"
The cafeteria burst into laughter.
"Oh, you'll find out tomorrow."
"Bonuses everywhere."
"Your portrait will be posted across the factory."
"You'll be on Gaojia News."
"Promotion and pay raises are guaranteed."
Bin Sheng's smile stiffened.
As a spy, fame was poison.
If his face was everywhere, Action Code: Jiang Gan Steals the Letter would be in serious danger.
Still, the promotion had value. More authority meant deeper access. The pay raise would also help replenish their dwindling espionage funds.
He had no choice.
Bin Sheng waved cheerfully at the crowd. "I'll keep working hard!" he declared. "Strive! Endeavor! Fight!"
Inside, he was already planning damage control.