NOVEL NEXT Chapter 71
Chapter 71: Accepting It with Pleasure
Upon seeing Fang Jian’s puzzled expression, Liu Zhenguo explained, “Mr. Fang, I understand that these machines may appear excessive, but they are all essential.”
After a pause, he continued, “This machine can create the best aircraft engine blades.”
“In aircraft engines, the blades must endure high speeds and temperatures, requiring high strength and heat resistance. A single metal lacks these properties, so alloys are necessary, involving materials science.”
“Additionally, since engine blades rotate in one direction, enduring forces in the same direction for a long time, we need single crystal blades to extend their lifespan. This involves controlling the metal’s particle formation direction, which touches on materials science and magnetism. To forge the blades in that document, suitable machines are necessary.”
Fang Jian nodded slightly, finding this explanation reasonable.
“As the saying goes, ‘To do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools,'” Fang Jian remarked, referencing an adage from the Dragon Kingdom.
“In the aviation engine manufacturing field, any slight technological lag can hinder the production of high-quality, long-lasting aircraft engines. This is a sign of overall backwardness,” Fang Jian added.
Liu Zhenguo sighed with emotion and said, “We are falling behind in areas like single-crystal blades, turbine forging, powder metallurgy of turbine discs, and shaping titanium alloy hollow components. After seeing your data, this feeling has become even stronger.”
Fang Jian cleared his throat softly and said, “I understand your sentiments, Chief Engineer Xu. However, catching up with them won’t happen overnight.”
“Yes, I understand. We want to catch up with them and surpass them,” Liu Zhenguo said confidently. “Even if I may not witness it, I believe my students will achieve this goal.”
Fang Jian nodded vigorously. If the setting allowed, he would have wanted to applaud. This unwavering belief was only evident in individuals from the older generation. However, Liu Zhenguo shifted the conversation, saying, “But now, the international situation is becoming increasingly tense. If we have more advantages, we can negotiate from a stronger position. So…”
Fang Jian sighed and said, “Alright, Chief Engineer Liu. I will discuss this with my friends and try our best to acquire this equipment for you as soon as possible.”
Liu Zhenguo’s lips quivered for a moment. He slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Fang Jian.
Startled, Fang Jian jumped up and quickly moved away, pressing him down. He complained, “Chief Engineer Liu, what are you doing? Are you trying to give me a scare?”
Liu Zhenguo shook his head, and said, “Mr. Fang, I’m expressing gratitude on behalf of all aviation professionals.”
Fang Jian waved his hands repeatedly and said, “I appreciate your kind intentions, but I hope this gratitude doesn’t turn into a fright.”
Liu Zhenguo was taken aback and couldn’t help but chuckle. He suddenly realized that Fang Jian was quite endearing.
He took out his smartphone and asked, “Is exchanging WeChat and phone numbers okay?”
“Of course,” came the reply.
After adding each other as friends, Liu Zhenguo said, “Fang Jian…”
“Chief Engineer Liu, please call me Fang Jian. ‘Mr. Fang sounds a bit eerie,” Fang Jian responded.
Liu Zhenguo chuckled and agreed, “Alright, Fang Jian. From now on, we aviation professionals will be your strongest supporters. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need any assistance; we’ll do our best.”
Fang Jian smiled and said, “If you want to express gratitude, just develop the Woshan-16 engine quickly. Let them know that our aircraft engines are the best in the world.”
Liu Zhenguo was taken aback and asked, “Woshan-16? Do we have a project for that?”
Fang Jian replied with a smile, “Not yet, but we will, sooner or later.”
This realization left Liu Zhenguo tapping Fang Jian with his hand, astonished that Fang Jian was already thinking about the Woshan-16 engine when the country hadn’t fully implemented the Woshan-15 yet.
After enjoying a cup of coffee, Liu Zhenguo left contented. Fang Jian silently watched them go, and as two people stood up in the cafe to leave with the old man, one of them noticed Fang Jian’s gaze. He gave a faint smile and discreetly militarily saluted him.
Fang Jian straightened his back, feeling an indescribable sense of pride. Looking at the document in his hand again, he had decided. In the next batch of goods, they must be included. Even if not all of them, at least two or three should be guaranteed.
It had to be said that these patriotic elders possessed a remarkable and uplifting power.
Initally, Fang Jian had planned to hand over these instruments to the country in batches gradually. However, Liu Zhenguo’s appearance disrupted his plan. Nevertheless, Fang Jian welcomed it willingly, even eagerly.