Chapter 58: Boredom

  PS: It's another Thursday noon, and Xiao Zi has promised to update more, so please everyone give your support.

  After more than two hours of investigation into Pingguo Aluminum Company, a subsidiary of China Minmetals Corporation, Zhang Yu organized a closed-door meeting in a conference room provided by the company to summarize and make a preliminary evaluation of the results.

  "What was the result of your investigation?"

  As soon as everyone sat down, Zhang Yu asked. After strolling around the No. 1 power dispatch room, Zhang Yu didn't go anywhere else, and let Yu Youfu accompany Li Si Guang to take a look around, and he quietly sat alone in this office waiting for the results of the crowd, of course, the cigarette butt was definitely stuffed into the ashtray, and everyone was still amazed when their encyclopedic minister started smoking, as a result, Zhang Yu's question immediately pulled everyone back to reality.

  "The mining, dressing, transportation and factory entry of the mine are all in compliance with regulations. Moreover, the company has set up a medical room at the mine site, established a rapid response mechanism to ensure that workers who have suffered external injuries can receive timely treatment. Even in the event of major accidents, emergency treatment and transfer of patients to larger hospitals can be carried out in the shortest possible time."

  "All production workshop staff are dressed neatly and have protective measures in place. Machines and equipment strictly follow the regulations for regular inspection and maintenance. The second phase of the project has more complete factory conditions, with the addition of green safety corridors on top of the existing fire lanes and firefighting facilities..."

  "Through our random sampling survey, the preliminary conclusion is that the waste and wastewater discarded by the company have reached the predetermined standards, but the noise pollution problem of the profile cutting factory has not been effectively controlled, exceeding certain standards. Whether the air pollution is true or not, we still need time to verify, if more departments cooperate, I believe we will get the results soon."

  ………

  A series of powerful speeches from start to finish, Zhang Yu nodded all the way, and when the last person's speech ended, the conference room immediately fell silent. Everyone looked at each other, waiting for the minister's next decision, but Zhang Yu looked at everyone one by one.

  "Don't be nervous, I didn't say you did anything wrong. Everyone is working very hard and doing their best, so there's no way to criticize. Zhang Yu looked around the room and then returned his gaze to Li Si Guang, nodding slightly before continuing: "All along, our company has adhered to a concept, whether it's state-owned or private, or cooperative. We've always upheld the idea of 'encouraging more, supporting strongly, handling matters fairly, and maintaining overall stability'. Under everyone's efforts, the autonomous region's industrial development has been very rapid and effective, but..."

  But the two words had just left his mouth, almost everyone made the same gesture, that is, facing Zhang Yu and opening their mouths, their eyes were motionless, holding their breath and waiting for the content after "but".

  "But after all, our ability is limited, and what we can ask about, manage, help with, etc. are also very limited. How to more effectively and efficiently promote the vigorous development of industrial economy, we need to think deeply! Rather than just putting on an official airs, which enterprise has encountered what problem, must we show up? A certain enterprise encounters technical bottleneck or marketing difficulties, do they still need our assistance?"

  "When it comes to this, Zhang Yu stood up and pointed out the situation, saying: "Enterprises are born for profit and go crazy for profit. They must bear and be able to handle the problems they face after their birth, such as business risks, market pressure, financial difficulties, production technology obstacles, capital turnover and other issues. We only need to create a spirit of self-reliance, resilience, and courage to move forward, shape a corporate style that loves the country, loves compatriots, uses resources efficiently, gets along with collectives, and treats the environment well, and cultivate an enterprise culture that dares to take responsibility, dares to struggle, and dares to face challenges."

  "Independence and innovation are the sources of a company's growth; corporate management is the guarantee of a company's healthy development; technical talent is the key to a company's success, and also its foundation; production equipment is the basis for a company's growth and development. And the market, a vast market, that is where companies can showcase themselves, challenge themselves on a grand stage, and experience storms and reap rainbows. Not under the protection of our Ministry of Industry like a mother hen protecting her chicks..."

  "We need to set a path for our children's growth, enabling them to have the ability to live independently and forge their own paths in the future. Regardless of ownership, they are all enterprises that must strive to make China an industrial powerhouse! Remember what I told you today: A strong enterprise makes a rich country and a strong people."

  Here is the translation:

  By this point, the stunned crowd had been in a daze for dozens of seconds before quickly coming to their senses and applauding. However, Zhang Yu, who had sat down, did not crack a smile. He made a pressing motion with his hand in mid-air, and the applause immediately ceased. Everyone's mouths closed, knowing that the minister was about to speak again.

  "The inspection of Pingguo Aluminum Company has officially come to an end. Government-affiliated enterprises have always been very standardized, and whether or not this company has rumors of wanting to become independent is none of your concern. As for the next stop, Baise Industrial Zone, you will all go there on your own. I will accompany Director Li to take a look at the oil field, and we will meet again in Nanning Port Industrial New Zone in a few days..."

  After finishing, Zhang Yu gave a glance to Deputy Commander Liu Yi and then left the conference room with Li Si Guang. As soon as they stepped out of the door, they met Yu Youfu. The two whispered for a while, and then Zhang Yu came back with a smile, opened the stainless steel conference room door, stuck his head in, and said with a smile to everyone who was still discussing issues with Deputy Commander Liu: "Comrades, this afternoon, General Yu will host a banquet on behalf of Pingguo Aluminum Company. The feast is ready, let's hurry up and finish the meeting so we can go to the banquet!"

  Before coming here, some people in the inspection team were talking about what special food there is within Pingguo's borders. This is the most grand outing inspection in the history of the Ministry of Industry, and the Minister himself is accompanying us. Even if the host doesn't treat us to a meal, we ourselves will definitely not starve our own stomachs.

  So after discussion, everyone unanimously decided that they must try the precious fish species of Guangxi Pingguo, which is the famous "No Six Fish". After accidentally getting this news, Zhang Yu, who loves to eat, couldn't wait any longer. Unexpectedly, Yu Youfu was indeed very enthusiastic, so he even took the initiative to ask his subordinates to hurry up and prepare for the banquet, and his desire to eat was evident.

  "This isn't the Sixth Fish, it's from a underground cave spring in the southeast of our county. The water is constantly gushing out, and this fish comes from there. So not only is this fish expensive, but it also has a special characteristic..."

  At the banquet, Yu Youfu, as the host, didn't say any clichéd words of blessing, and started introducing today's main course on stage. However, he was a bit too mysterious, and most people from the Ministry of Industry were not locals, so how could they know what special features this dish had besides its six fish?

  "What else is there, Director Yu? You'd better finish speaking in one breath. Otherwise, the fish will get cold and won't taste good!" The impatient person hastily shouted out, and many others followed suit.

  "This group of people all know that the fish on this table is called 'no six fish', why is it called this name? It's because it comes from a spring and its size is limited, so there has never been a fish over six pounds in the world." At this point, Yu Youfu's face was even more radiant with joy, his smile as wide as that of a Maitreya Buddha. "No need to say more nonsense, everyone has worked hard all morning, I represent China Metallurgical Group Pingguo Aluminum Industry Company to thank you for your presence. Next, let's start eating..."

  Zhang Yu, who thought he could absolutely tolerate the most bitter torture in the world, had his hand gripping the chopsticks with bulging veins at this time. If Yu Youfu said a few more words of nonsense, he would probably explode soon. Fortunately, the order to start eating came just in time, allowing him to quickly pick up his chopsticks and release his long-suppressed appetite.

  Yu Youfu's introduction is incomplete, the real situation is: The six-barbelled loach is a species of rock carp, which has been listed as a precious protected fish species since ancient times. This fish only grows in the cool and dark underground rivers of the rocky melt zone, feeding on epiphytes on rocks. The six-barbelled loach has the habit of migrating to find food and spawn. Every winter solstice or at the intersection of spring and summer, when the water level of the underground river drops, it swims along the spring water to a larger and deeper water gathering place; every rainy season, the six-barbelled loach swims upstream along the underground river.

  The underground river often flows down again after a section of "exposure" in the large cave. According to the habits of the fish and their migration, people set up fences and fish cages at the narrow entrance where the underground river "exposes" itself in the rock, and with little effort, they can catch some fish. These fish are not used to light after leaving the cave and cannot be raised in other waters, so they die in a few days. This is why the fish are especially precious. Yu Youfu must have made an effort to entertain the industrial inspection team, otherwise he wouldn't have had five fish on each of the five tables.

  The fish has a unique shape, with a round body and fine scales. Its mouth is located at the bottom of its head, and its lower lip is thicker. The abdomen is flat and white in color. The flesh is tender and delicious, rich in protein and fat, and easily absorbed by the human body. Moreover, this fish comes with its own fish oil, which can be prepared in various ways such as sugar vinegar, red braising, steaming, fish balls, stir-frying, etc., all of which are fragrant and appetizing. The inspection team also received exceptionally good treatment, with each of the five dishes placed on the table.

  A fierce eating campaign was inevitable, of course there was no wine and water at this banquet, even if there were no arrangements in the afternoon, everyone didn't have the mind to fill their stomachs with wine and water, the fish on the table was a rare good thing to eat, everyone shifted their attention to the dishes, constantly bursting out in silence, challenging their own capacity.

  "Honestly, the cost of this meal must not be small, right? I'm guessing you won't use company funds to treat us? Are you paying out of your own pocket? Or do you want me to lend you some money?" After eating his fill, Zhang Yu lay down on a long sofa in the lobby of the guest house, his cheeks slightly flushed as he asked Yu Youfu, who was sitting upright beside him.

  "Our company's performance is very good, the autonomous spending budget allocated by the group to us is quite substantial. To treat a visiting delegation that has come for our sake to lunch, how could we ask you to pay? Besides, before you came, the group had already sent out a notice, asking us to entertain the delegation well..."

  "What? Has someone sent you a notice? I was wondering earlier! You guys put up the banner a bit too early, and it got wet from the night dew, looks like someone knew we were coming, but never thought we'd spend the night at Long'an, this is spooky!" Zhang Yu said with his eyes closed, then slapped Yu Youfu on the back, startling him.

  "Hey, do you have to be so intense?!" Zhang Yu's slap was indeed a bit too forceful, leaving the short and stout Yu Youfu reeling.

  "Don't think I don't know where this flesh of yours came from. The things I told you this morning, you forgot completely by noon. If you really want to throw yourself into their arms, I won't stop you." After finishing speaking, Zhang Yu stood up and walked towards the dining hall that was bustling with people discussing the flavors of food. However, as he walked, he suddenly turned around and stared at Yu Youfu, saying: "No faith, a dead end! You little brat, remember this sentence well for me, and give me a message when you understand."

  After finishing speaking, Zhang Yu quickly went to the dining hall to inspect the crowd. One after another, people called out and left the reception room. Of course, when passing through the lobby, except for Zhang Yu who walked out of the reception room with his waist straight, eyes fixed on the front, and didn't look back, everyone else saw Yu Youfu sitting on the sofa, lowering his head and rubbing his hair hard with both hands.

  "What's wrong with Yu Zong? He was fine just a moment ago..."

  "This can't be poisoning, right? But we're all fine, and food wouldn't digest that quickly..."

  When the crowd arrived at the parking lot, people who were lining up to get on the bus were all discussing the astonishing scene just now. "You hurry to Baise, don't shout randomly somewhere else!" After letting Li Si Guang enter the sedan first, Zhang Yu heard the discussion of the crowd and hurried over to call out.

  Some people were reminded by him and finally shut their mouths, hurriedly boarding the bus. The driver was a soldier of the People's Army and loved to listen to their commander's words. Upon hearing Zhang Yu's roar, he had already started the bus, and everyone had to hurry up or they would have to walk to Baise.

  Three cars and two Asia Great Wall vehicles soon left the guest house of Pingguo Aluminum Company, turned onto Nanbai Highway and sped towards Baise. The convoy soon arrived at Tiandong, another important industrial area in Baise, where Zhang Yu gave a lecture to the inspection team before leaving with Li Siguang for their second destination, while the inspection team continued on to Baise.

  They are going to see the first oil and gas field discovered in Tianeast, which is actually just the largest one in the Baise Oil Basin. So far, China Energy Group's Petroleum Exploration Company has explored ten oil fields of varying sizes in the Baise Basin, mainly including Linfang, Xinzhao, Shangfa, Nanwu, Tangzhai, Lunhui, Huacha, Leigong, and Ziyin oil fields. Most of these oil fields are small, with only Lunhui Oil Field being a relatively large one, which is also the Tiandong Oil Field.

  Unlike the Pingguo Aluminum Company's plant layout, the Tian Dong Oil Subsidiary of China Energy has a distinctly different plant layout. From afar, one can see more massive pipes and tall furnaces, and there is also an indescribable smell in the air. The Tian Dong Oil Subsidiary is currently the largest company in the autonomous region that integrates oil exploration, drilling, and refining. The fuel supplied to the autonomous region is not produced here, but rather by Mobil Oil Company, a long-term partner of China Energy. The autonomous region does not worry about its oil supply, but the various high-value-added petrochemical products exported from the autonomous region are refined from the oil produced here.

  "The Tandong Oilfield was discovered in January 1916. At that time, the equipment was not comparable to later generations, so the exploration results were quite different from now. In fact, the oil layer is buried at a depth of about 870-1400 meters, with an oil-bearing area within three square kilometers. The estimated recoverable geological reserves of first-class crude oil are around 1.5 million tons or more. Judging from the current production situation, the oil quality is very good and can meet our needs for over ten years."

  "So you're still continuing to explore other oil layers?"

  Zhang Yu saw Yuan Hong, who was covered in oil stains. He heard that an important figure had arrived at the company and he had rushed back all the way. Although Tian Dong County's Xiang Zhou Town, Lian Xiong and Lun Hui areas had developed very well due to the presence of a large enterprise, with many roads already paved with cement, the survey site was still some distance away. Therefore, when Yuan Hong returned, he naturally had to take some mountain roads. However, by the time he arrived, Zhang Yu and Li Si Guang had already finished touring the company and were waiting at the gate for a while before finally seeing Yuan Hong rush back in a flurry.

  "Yes, this hundred-color oil pan is not bad at all. We always believed that the Tian Dong Oil Field was just a small part of it. There must be some omissions, which led people to continue exploring the surrounding small oil fields to see if they had missed a large oil field."

  Yuan Hong is a simple person, speaking naturally and straightforwardly. He is also someone Zhang Yu admires very much, full of energy and not afraid to get his hands dirty or work hard. Even after becoming the boss of a company, he still has this attitude, and the company is managed in an orderly manner, making him a truly exceptional talent.

  "Let me introduce you, this is Director Li of the Mineral Resources Development and Management Bureau of the Ministry of Land and Resources. He's very interested in petroleum resource exploration, development and utilization, and he insists on seeing it for himself. That's why I thought of your place, which has a strong spirit of practice, so I brought him here to take a look."

  Zhang Yu is not a person who hides a knife in his smile. He says what he means, and Li Si Guang is here for this very purpose. His visit to Pingguo Aluminum Company was specially arranged by Zhang Yu, and it's only now that Li Bureau Chief's true intention has been revealed.

  "Yuan Hong, since you still have site inspections to conduct, why don't you take Li Bureau Chief with you to take a look? However, please drive slowly on the rural gravel roads in this Jeep!"

  Zhang Yu had originally wanted to say "You're an old boss who needs to personally oversee everything; can't you just let your subordinates show off their abilities?" but he didn't say it out loud. It's rare to have someone as capable as Li, and Zhang Yu couldn't bear to give him another blow.

  "Hope Director Li doesn't mind the dirtiness of my car!" After finishing speaking, Yuan Hong smiled all over his face and actively opened the door for Director Li. The two were both energetic people, as soon as they got in the car, they chattered non-stop, and even forgot to say goodbye to Zhang Yu.

  But Zhang Yu didn't have that luxury, one workaholic was enough to deal with, when two crazy people got together, it was a whole different story. Next to him, Yu Ran had a stack of documents waiting for Zhang Yu's processing, he had more than enough things to do, enough to kill a lot of boring time, especially the special report that Zhang Yu's father gave him before departure, which would take up a lot of his time.