stjorthotic Chapter 196 Industry Leader, Bearing Responsibility
Chapter 196 Industry Leader, Bearing Responsibility
In the late autumn of 1995, the southern city of Zhangcheng still felt somewhat sweltering. In front of the headquarters building of Chenqing Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd., bright red flower baskets lined the steps, and a huge banner proclaiming "Congratulations to Chenqing Company on its annual sales exceeding 500 million yuan" fluttered in the morning breeze. On the electronic screen in the lobby on the first floor, the company's development history was displayed on a scrolling screen—from a small hardware factory with only 8 employees in 1978 to a leading precision manufacturing enterprise with three branches, more than 2,000 employees, and products exported to twelve countries in Europe and America today. Every set of data was engraved with the hard work of Lin Chen and Su Qing for more than 20 years.
Lin Chen stood before the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, overlooking the freight vehicles shuttling back and forth in the factory area. The sounds of automated production lines operating in the workshop had replaced the clanging and banging of manual forging in the early years, but they still reminded him of the days when he first arrived in Zhangcheng and forged gears in a simple furnace in the backyard of the farm implement factory. On his desk lay a newly delivered industry report, the figure of "23% market share in domestic precision hardware" particularly eye-catching, next to which was an invitation to the upcoming National Precision Manufacturing Industry Forum.
"Chairman Lin, President Su just returned from the Dongguan branch and is waiting for you in the conference room. She's also proofread your speech for the forum." Secretary Xiao Chen gently knocked on the door and placed a freshly brewed cup of green tea on the corner of the table. In recent years, as the company has expanded, Lin Chen no longer handles all the technical details personally, but instead focuses more on strategic planning. Su Qing, with her precise financial control and efficient management skills, has become his strongest support.
Lin Chen picked up the speech draft, and the title on the first page, "Technology as the Foundation, Responsibility as the Companion," caught his eye. The handwriting was Su Qing's characteristically elegant yet powerful style. When he entered the conference room, Su Qing was revising the branch company's production capacity report on the projector screen. Dressed in a well-tailored business suit, she exuded a more capable and entrepreneurial air compared to the accountant in patched overalls he had first met. Seeing Lin Chen enter, she closed the report and handed him a document: "This is the latest production capacity data for the Wuxi and Dongguan branches. Since the automated production line went into operation, the output of automotive bearings has doubled compared to last year, and FAW just sent a letter of intent for additional orders."
Lin Chen took the document and flipped through it, his gaze lingering on the figure of "scrap rate 0.8%". He nodded in satisfaction: "Back then, we spent a whole month in the workshop trying to overcome the bearing precision problem. Now it seems all that hard work was worth it. By the way, I wanted to mention 'technical poverty alleviation' on the forum. What do you think of it?"
Su Qing's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and she took out a document she had prepared beforehand from her drawer: "I was just about to tell you this. Last month I went back to my hometown county and found that many young people there are still unable to find jobs because they lack skills. The small hardware factories in the county are experiencing a continuous decline in orders due to outdated equipment. If we can bring the technology back with us, it will not only solve the local employment problem but also train and reserve talent for the company—a win-win situation."
Tucked among the documents were several photos: dilapidated factory buildings, young people with bewildered eyes—reminding Lin Chen of his own days as an apprentice at the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. His fingers traced the photos, and he suddenly recalled the embarrassment of finding half a bag of stale rice in the storage room of the courtyard house at the beginning of his rebirth, and the regret of the Liu brothers almost giving up learning technical skills because of poverty. "It's settled then," Lin Chen said firmly. "At the forum, I will not only propose this idea, but also promise on the spot to build a technical training school and a poverty alleviation workshop in our hometown county."
The National Precision Manufacturing Industry Forum was held at the International Convention and Exhibition Center in the provincial capital, bringing together entrepreneurs and technical experts from all over the country. When the host introduced Lin Chen, Chairman of Chenqing Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd., enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience. Over the years, Lin Chen has led his company in developing numerous precision manufacturing technologies, which have not only broken the foreign technological monopoly but also reduced product prices by nearly one-third, greatly benefiting many domestic home appliance and automotive companies.
Lin Chen stepped onto the stage, not listing dry sales figures, but first playing a short film—from the gray bricks and tiles of the Hongxing Courtyard, to the dilapidated factory buildings of the Zhangcheng Agricultural Tool Factory, to the modern production line of Chenqing Company today, and finally settling on the small factories in his hometown county that desperately needed technological upgrades. "Twenty years ago, I was just a newly returned apprentice in the city, relying on a skill and a bit of luck to gain a foothold. Over the years, I have always firmly believed that technology can not only change the fate of a company, but also the fate of a person." Lin Chen's voice resonated throughout the venue through the microphone. "Now our company has become an industry leader, but I haven't forgotten that many young people in other places can't find a way out because they lack skills, and many small factories are on the verge of bankruptcy due to a lack of technology. So today, I promise here that Chenqing Company will invest 500 million yuan to establish the 'Chenqing Technical Training School' and poverty alleviation workshops in my hometown, providing free training for impoverished youth and driving the county's economic development!"
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the hall. The director of the Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, sitting in the front row, immediately stood up and gave Lin Chen an approving look: "Chairman Lin's concept of 'technology-driven poverty alleviation' not only reflects the social responsibility of entrepreneurs, but also points out a new direction for industry development. The government will definitely give it its full support!" Many entrepreneurs also expressed their willingness to participate, and for a time, "technology-driven poverty alleviation" became the hottest topic at the forum.
As soon as Lin Chen stepped out of the venue after the forum, he was surrounded by a group of reporters. "Chairman Lin, how exactly will Chenqing Company's technical poverty alleviation efforts be implemented?" "What majors will the training school offer?" "Is the sales of the products from the poverty alleviation workshop guaranteed?" Facing the reporters' questions, Lin Chen calmly explained: "The training school will offer majors such as hardware processing and precision testing, and will hire the company's technical backbone to teach. Graduates will be given priority in employment; the poverty alleviation workshop will produce low- and mid-range hardware accessories, and Chenqing Company will be responsible for unified procurement and sales to ensure that farmers have a stable income."
Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the crowd: "Chairman Lin, long time no see!" Lin Chen looked up and saw Wang Qiming, the deputy county head of his hometown, walking briskly towards him, holding a detailed letter of intent for investment. "I came here specifically to attend the forum to discuss with you the implementation of our technology-based poverty alleviation program," Wang Qiming said excitedly, shaking Lin Chen's hand. "The county has already selected locations for the training school and poverty alleviation workshops in the industrial park on the outskirts of the city. Water, electricity, and transportation are all very convenient, and we can also enjoy tax breaks."
The two found a quiet teahouse to discuss their plans. Wang Qiming took out the park's planning map and pointed to a sunny plot of land, saying, "This used to be the county's old agricultural machinery factory. We plan to renovate it, preserving the original factory structure while installing modern equipment. There are also three middle schools nearby, so the student population is guaranteed." Lin Chen looked at the planning map and, recalling the forging workshop at the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, suddenly suggested, "Could we preserve one of the old agricultural machinery factory's workshops and turn it into a 'Technology Development History Exhibition Hall'? Let the students see the changes from traditional forging to automated production, which will further inspire their enthusiasm for learning technology."
Wang Qiming immediately approved, "That's a great idea! We can also invite veteran craftsmen from the county to tell the trainees stories about traditional crafts, making the transmission of skills more meaningful." The two hit it off immediately, finalizing everything from the school's curriculum and the management model of the poverty alleviation workshop to the trainees' accommodation and meals and the subsidy policy for key technical personnel. Before leaving, Wang Qiming firmly grasped Lin Chen's hand, saying, "Chairman Lin, you've truly done a great service to our hometown! The entire county should thank you!"
Upon returning to Zhangcheng, Lin Chen and Su Qing immediately convened a core management meeting to deploy various tasks related to technical poverty alleviation. "I personally compiled the training school's teaching materials, emphasizing practical skills; the equipment for the poverty alleviation workshop will be allocated by the Dongguan branch, ensuring it's all highly efficient equipment that has undergone system upgrades." Lin Chen had barely finished speaking when Production Director Liu Guangtian stood up: "Chairman Lin, I'm applying to return to my hometown to oversee the establishment of the poverty alleviation workshop! If it weren't for your guidance back then, I'd still be an apprentice in a steel rolling mill. Now, being able to do something for my hometown is my duty!"
Over the years, Liu Guangtian had followed Lin Chen, rising from a technician in the precision forging group to production director, demonstrating outstanding technical and management skills. Lin Chen looked at him, recalling the scene of writing forging manuals for Liu Guangtian at the steel rolling mill, and nodded with satisfaction: "I'm very relieved to have you back. Su Qing, make sure the finances are secure; tuition fees for the training school and living allowances for the trainees must be paid on time and in full."
Su Qing opened the financial statements and said confidently, "We've already set aside 100 million yuan as a special fund for teacher training and living allowances for students at the school. I've also contacted the county education bureau; they will send dedicated teachers to teach academic subjects, and we only need to cover the cost of technical instructors." She paused, then added, "In addition, I plan to launch a 'Technology Poverty Alleviation Volunteer' program within the company, encouraging key technical personnel to take turns teaching at the training school. This will not only strengthen the team but also allow students in our hometown to learn the most cutting-edge technologies."
When the news reached the Wuxi and Dongguan branches, employees signed up to participate in the volunteer activities. The technical supervisor of the Dongguan branch was Uncle Wang, an old colleague of Lin Chen from the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. In his letter of application, he wrote: "Back then, Chairman Lin led us to make a living with our skills. Now we also want to pass on our skills so that more people can live a better life." In less than a week, more than 50 technical backbones signed up, forming the first batch of "Technical Poverty Alleviation Volunteer Service Team".
Three months later, the groundbreaking ceremony for "Chenqing Technical Training School" was solemnly held in the industrial park of the county town. The sun shone brightly that day, and villagers from surrounding towns and villages came to watch the spectacle. Many parents from impoverished families brought their children and waited at the site early, their eyes filled with anticipation. Lin Chen and Su Qing personally laid the foundation stone, Deputy County Head Wang Qiming presided over the ceremony, and Liu Guangtian, as the project leader, introduced the school's educational philosophy: "We not only teach skills, but also how to be a person, so that every student understands the principle of 'earning a living with skills and doing things with a clear conscience.'"
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Lin Chen made a special trip to the Hongxing Courtyard. The courtyard had already undergone protective renovations. A tap had been installed next to the communal pool in the central courtyard, and Yan Bugui's old house in the front courtyard had been converted into a "folk museum" by his grandson, Yan Xiaowei, displaying old arithmetic ledgers, ration coupons, and farm tools. Qin Huairu's "Qin Huairu Tailor Shop" was thriving; Jia Dang had taken over most of the business and was currently tailoring a suit for a customer.
"Lin Chen, you're finally back!" Qin Huairu saw Lin Chen and immediately put down what she was doing to greet him, giving him a big hug. "The TV even broadcast about you building the school. All our old neighbors in the courtyard are so proud of you!" Jia Huaihua also rushed over with her child, holding a brand-new schoolbag in her hand: "I made this for the children at the training school. It's not worth much, but it's a small token of my appreciation."
The old neighbors in the courtyard all gathered around, chattering about their ideas. Liu Guangfu, who runs a small hardware store, offered, "If the training school needs a place for practical training, my store is always welcome! I can also teach the kids the tricks of the trade in hardware sales." Yan Xiaowei added, "I can do free publicity for the school, combining the folk museum with the school so that the students can learn about the history and culture of their hometown."
Looking at the familiar faces before him, Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart. From the beginning of his rebirth, when he carefully navigated the challenges in this courtyard, to now leading everyone to work for their hometown, he suddenly understood that true success is never about fighting alone, but about having a group of like-minded people around you, passing on kindness and hope together.
Back in Zhangcheng, Lin Chen received a progress report from Liu Guangtian: the main construction of the training school was complete, the first round of enrollment had been successfully completed, and 300 impoverished young people had been admitted; the equipment in the poverty alleviation workshop had been installed and debugged, and it was expected to start production next month. The report also included several photos of young people wearing uniform school uniforms visiting a temporary technology exhibition hall, their eyes filled with anticipation for the future.
Su Qing walked into the office, holding a newly received certificate of honor—Chenqing Company had been recognized as a "Provincial-level Poverty Alleviation Demonstration Enterprise." "Vice County Head Wang just called to say that the province plans to promote our technology-based poverty alleviation model throughout the province," Su Qing said with a smile, placing the certificate on Lin Chen's desk. "There's also good news: FAW Group just sent a notice that they want to sign a long-term strategic cooperation agreement with us. From now on, all their high-end automotive bearings will be supplied by our company."
Lin Chen picked up the certificate of honor, the golden lettering gleaming under the lights. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the five-star red flag flying high in the factory area, and recalled the vow he made when activating the system on the morning of his rebirth: "Never involve the elderly and children, never harm the interests of the country or the collective." For more than 20 years, he has always adhered to this original aspiration, using technology to change his destiny and using kindness to warm people's hearts.
"Next, we'll build a research and development center." Lin Chen turned to Su Qing, his eyes filled with plans for the future. "We'll replicate the technology-driven poverty alleviation model in more regions, allowing more people to earn a living through their skills. In addition, we'll establish scholarships in the training school to encourage outstanding students to pursue further studies and cultivate more precision manufacturing talents for the country."
Su Qing nodded and took out a new business plan from the drawer: "I have prepared the plan for the establishment of the R&D center. The location will be in the high-tech park in Zhangcheng. I have also contacted several universities and plan to carry out industry-university-research cooperation." She walked to Lin Chen's side and looked out the window at the lights of thousands of homes with him. "We met in Zhangcheng back then and started with 800 yuan. The reason our company has reached its current scale is not only because of technology, but also because of our original intention of 'being down-to-earth and doing things with integrity'."
As night deepened, the headquarters building of Chenqing Company remained brightly lit. The automated production lines in the workshop continued to operate smoothly, producing precision bearings that carried the dreams of Lin Chen and Su Qing, and the hopes of countless impoverished young people. Lin Chen knew that the responsibility of an industry leader was not only to guide technological development, but also to lead more people forward, allowing the light of technology to illuminate the paths of more lives. And this was just a new beginning.