Chapter 2812
Inspection of a Nuclear Power Plant
Chapter 2812 Inspection of a Nuclear Power Plant
The night passed, and Yang Xiaotao got up early to prepare to go to Dengzhou Wharf.
In the next room, Yang Zhi and the others got up early and stood guard on either side.
Wang Dahai also got up early. The two of them had talked for half the night, drinking quite a bit of alcohol, but they had even more to say.
"Good morning, Brother Wang."
Yang Xiaotao greeted him, and Wang Dahai, puffing on his pipe, walked up to him. "Hey, Brother Yang, you've come all this way just to deliver some goods?"
"Still trading with the people of the United States?"
"I've been thinking about this for half the night, and it still doesn't feel quite right."
Wang Dahai took two big sips, and then slowly said under Yang Xiaotao's puzzled gaze, "These guys from the United States, they all look like human beings, but they're all wicked."
"Let's not talk about the past. Right now, the reason we can't get through is because they're sabotaging us."
"I think you'd better be careful."
Yang Xiaotao nodded after listening, and then smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know."
Seeing Yang Xiaotao's expression, Wang Dahai said no more, but made up his mind to stay by Yang Xiaotao's side and not leave him for even half a step.
Yesterday, it was confirmed that the fleet would not arrive at the port until the afternoon, so Yang Xiaotao took the opportunity to check on the progress of the nuclear power plant.
So the group ate breakfast at the guesthouse, and before they even went out, they saw Director Chaoyang walking in behind two middle-aged men.
Upon seeing Yang Xiaotao, Chao Yang immediately stepped forward to introduce him.
One of them was the local government official, and the other was the Party Secretary.
Yang Xiaotao stepped forward to shake hands. The two were very excited and exchanged pleasantries repeatedly. They even wanted Yang Xiaotao to go to the government building to say a few words to the comrades, or even just meet them.
The two spoke very sincerely, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the Ninth Division for the changes it had brought to Dengzhou, but Yang Xiaotao still refused.
Because his main purpose in coming here was to make a deal.
However, since these two had come, we naturally had to exchange pleasantries.
When we left home, it was already past 10 a.m., and then we went to the nuclear power plant construction site accompanied by local staff.
The journey was bumpy, kicking up a cloud of dust.
As the car headed north, the sky in front of us changed color.
The sky, which was originally somewhat white, now looked as if it had been turned gray. After a bend in the road, the distant horizon was shrouded in mist, with large swathes of iron gray resembling cast iron plates. Only when you got closer could you see that it was the sea covered with layers of 'fish scales'.
On the shore, the dark blue waves, carrying snow-white ice crystals, crashed against the brown reefs. The spray from the waves turned into white frost in the cold wind, making the surrounding cold sand appear even more desolate.
As the car continued along the coastline, Yang Xiaotao focused his gaze on the sea, while his companion, Wang Dahai, rested with his eyes closed, occasionally moving his mouth and nose and making grunting sounds.
Around noon, the convoy, led by Wang Dahai, arrived at the Dengzhou Nuclear Power Plant.
As soon as I got off the bus, I saw Mr. Qian from the Second Ministry of Machine Building waiting at the main gate.
Yang Xiaotao quickly took two steps forward and then warmly extended his hand, saying, "Mr. Qian, thank you for your hard work."
Mr. Qian warmly extended his hand and shook it firmly, then laughed and said, "Don't say it's hard work. I've actually gained three pounds in these past few months. If you call this hard work, I bet many people would be envious."
Director Hu, who was standing to the side, also laughed and said, "Minister Yang, we can eat white rice and meat every day here. It's big, fatty pieces of meat. We've never lived such a luxurious life before."
A local official standing nearby smiled and said, "Minister Yang, I am from Dengzhou. On behalf of all the workers and farmers of Dengzhou, I thank the Ninth Ministry for its support. We are truly grateful to you."
Yang Xiaotao was confused by what the three were saying. Finally, Old Qian explained with a smile, "You don't know, the supplies delivered every month are very generous."
Only after this explanation did Yang Xiaotao understand the situation.
It turns out that the goods purchased from Hong Kong by the foreign trade department were delivered directly here, which gave these people quite a treat.
Moreover, with the continued popularity of photocopiers and game consoles, especially game consoles, after Ninth Division partnered with Hong Kong, game cartridges sprang up like mushrooms after rain.
Even in France and Britain, counterfeit game cartridges have appeared, although their games are still quite rudimentary. Nevertheless, they are stimulating the game console market and making game consoles even more popular.
Furthermore, the ninth installment has also found a new direction for game development.
That's The King of Fighters.
This classic fighting arcade game can perfectly satisfy the cravings of certain violent individuals.
In this respect, the Ninth Division has always been at the forefront.
That's why each time we purchase more supplies from Hong Kong than the last time.
After listening to Qian Lao's explanation, Yang Xiaotao immediately laughed and said, "What's a little bit? Our comrades are braving the cold wind and shedding their blood here by the sea, working hard for the revolution and construction. What's a little bit of food and supplies from us?"
"Besides, this is all we can do in the Ninth Department: make sure our comrades are well-fed so they have the strength to build the revolution."
Mr. Qian patted Yang Xiaotao's arm and then said, "Let's go inside and talk."
After saying that, he led Yang Xiaotao into the nuclear power plant construction site.
"This is the office area, and also the center for controlling the entire nuclear power plant."
Mr. Qian pointed to the office building under construction in front of him and said, Yang Xiaotao nodded, and then asked about the control of the nuclear power plant. Mr. Qian explained that it was controlled by graphite rods.
He then added that the "management regulations" of the nine ministries would be implemented and a strict review body would be established, a point that Yang Xiaotao wholeheartedly agreed with.
"This is where the nuclear reactor is located, and it's also the most important part of our construction."
"This is where the cooling water is stored. All the cooling water undergoes rigorous testing and is only discharged into the sea after it meets the standards."
"Because it uses seawater for cooling, the safety factor here is much higher, at least much better than the 'Tianshan' nuclear power plant."
Yang Xiaotao followed behind Qian Lao and toured the entire nuclear power plant construction site. Finally, they arrived at the seaside and looked at the breakwater under construction in front of them.
At this moment, a group of people are carrying loads on shoulder poles or pushing carts, throwing stones into the sea in front of them.
The team was well-organized, with one person throwing the food and then another following.
Using this primitive method, a breakwater was built through sheer hard work.
"We have now successfully joined together, but we haven't reached the required height yet."
"We are now preparing to raise the height, and we will also use special grade cement to reinforce it to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
After Mr. Qian finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao looked around with a solemn expression.
"The completion of this project is all thanks to the support of the people of Dengzhou."
Mr. Qian nodded, "That's right. Without the support of the local people, we wouldn't have been able to achieve this in such a short time."
"By the way, have all the people here been settled?"
"Don't worry, everything is settled. They've not only provided new houses, but also arranged jobs for some young people in factories. The local government has taken care of all of this, and we've been following up on it."
Yang Xiaotao nodded and said no more.
"Mr. Qian, when will this nuclear power plant be operational?"
After a moment of contemplation, Mr. Qian said seriously, "According to our plan, construction can be completed by the end of the year, but three to five trial runs will be required."
"It passed the inspection and there are no problems. It should be around August or September at the earliest."
Yang Xiaotao nodded and then said, "So, we need to start preparing for the high-voltage power transmission now, right?"
Mr. Qian nodded, "That's right. It's better to start power transmission sooner rather than later. The earlier we prepare, the better, so we can solve any problems we encounter in time."
"Alright, I'll have someone start preparing right away."
After the two looked around the nuclear power plant for a while, Qian asked, "I heard you also got a few small computers this time? Is that true?"
Yang Xiaotao nodded, "I came here specifically for this!"
Old Qian hesitated, as if he wanted to say something, but Yang Xiaotao glanced at him and then laughed, "You wouldn't happen to have taken a liking to him, would you!"
Mr. Qian didn't stand on ceremony and nodded directly, "That's right."
“Our research requires a lot of computation, especially simulation data, which often requires experiments in different locations. The Chinese Academy of Sciences’ mainframe computer is located in Beijing, and each trip back and forth is not only time-consuming and laborious, but also delays things.” “We have also mentioned this small computer to the Chinese Academy of Sciences and reported it to higher authorities, but there has been no progress over the years.”
"Moreover, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is currently focusing on mainframe computers, and it's unclear when this task will be completed."
After Mr. Qian finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao knew that the computer company would have to give an explanation today.
After a moment's thought, Yang Xiaotao said, "Mr. Qian, we bought a total of ten computers this time, intending to use them for research to see if we can make our own small computer."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Qian's face lit up with joy, and his expression became kind. "I've heard about that."
"Now that we've come this far, only your nine departments have the capability and financial resources."
"I have high hopes for you."
These were Qian Lao's true feelings. During the Spring Festival, he was chatting with his colleagues about work. Someone said that the computer in Department 9 was faster than the one in the Chinese Academy of Sciences. At first, he didn't believe it, but after collecting some information, it was clear that it was true.
After glancing at Yang Xiaotao, Old Qian spoke again, "Of course, this is just a small request from us."
"If it's inconvenient for you, then forget it."
Yang Xiaotao hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "How about this, we have three projects to study, three units, how about that?"
Mr. Qian's eyes lit up. "Great! With these three machines, we can work faster!"
After saying that, Qian Lao reached out and shook Yang Xiaotao's hand, then said gratefully, "On behalf of my comrades, I thank the Ninth Department!"
Yang Xiaotao smiled and said, "As long as you don't refuse to open the door when I need your help in the future, that's fine."
"Don't worry about that. If needed, our Second Machine Tool Plant will do everything we can to help."
"No need, we don't need that."
Mr. Qian laughed heartily upon hearing this.
After chatting for a while, Yang Xiaotao noticed Guo Liang waiting on the side.
Knowing that the two had something to say, Mr. Qian stepped aside to give them some space.
After returning from Hong Kong, Guo Liang only had a few days to rest in Beijing before being sent here to represent the Ninth Department in overseeing quality control matters.
The Second Ministry of Machine Building didn't say anything about this, since the nuclear power plant belonged to the Ninth Ministry, and the Second Ministry was just a "long-term worker".
"Minister Yang!"
Guo Liang stepped forward excitedly, feeling as if he were a familiar face from a foreign land.
Not many people knew that Yang Xiaotao was coming. He only heard about it from Director Hu of the Second Ministry of Machine Building, which is why he put down his work and rushed over.
"Director Guo, thank you for your hard work."
Yang Xiaotao warmly stepped forward and shook the other person's hand, and Guo Liang also shook it firmly, saying, "Director Yang, it's no trouble at all."
"It's really not hard work."
He took a deep breath and said, "I'm here looking at our nuclear power plant, and every time I think about how the electricity generated here will be sent to Department 9, I feel happy."
"With electricity, our machines will no longer have to shut down at night, and we can manufacture more products."
"That way, we can better build the revolution."
Guo Liang held Yang Xiaotao's hand, becoming more and more excited as he spoke.
In his view, this nuclear power plant project was no less impressive than the computers and machine tools at headquarters.
Yang Xiaotao was pleased to see that the other party had tried so hard.
"Director Guo, please take care of your health. As the great man said, health is the foundation of revolution. Please take care of yourself."
Guo Liang nodded with a smile, "Minister Yang, don't worry, we're well-fed and warmly dressed here."
Yang Xiaotao chuckled, "And then you gained three pounds?"
Guo Liang laughed along with him.
At this moment, Yang Xiaotao gave Yang Zhi a wink, and Yang Zhi immediately took out a bag from his backpack and handed it to Yang Xiaotao.
"Director Guo, I came in a hurry this time and didn't prepare anything else. Please take these cigarettes and distribute them to the comrades. It's my way of showing my appreciation."
"Minister Yang, no need, really no need."
"Just take it."
Guo Liang couldn't refuse, so he had no choice but to accept it.
Then they began reporting on their work.
"Minister Yang, the comrades in the Second Ministry of Machine Building are very dedicated and have very solid professional knowledge. They discuss each step multiple times before making a decision, and they have very high quality requirements."
Guo Liang briefly explained the situation, and then said with a serious expression, "Minister Yang, I think our 500,000-kilowatt generator set is a bit small. If we could make a larger generator set, we could generate much more electricity."
"It's a pity we don't have that in China."
Upon hearing Guo Liang's words, Yang Xiaotao immediately laughed and said, "We don't have it in China, but we do have it abroad."
Guo Liang's eyes lit up, and then he heard Yang Xiaotao say, "I'm here to receive a batch of supplies, including a generator set that the United States has phased out."
"How big?"
Yang Xiaotao held up one finger, "One million kilowatts."
"one million?"
Guo Liang gasped. He thought that 700,000 would be good enough, but he never expected it to be 1 million.
Although they were eliminated, their abilities are undeniable.
"Of course, this is just the beginning. The key is that we have a prototype, so we can study it carefully and make our own generator, a better generator."
Guo Liang nodded vigorously, "If we make more, we'll have more electricity to use."
Yang Xiaotao patted the other person on the shoulder, "Yes."
The two smiled and then wandered around the construction site for a while before Yang Xiaotao left for Dengzhou Wharf.
On the way, Wang Dahai looked at the pedestrians on both sides and sighed to Yang Xiaotao.
"Since last year, the weather has been very stingy. It's like the heavens are shedding tears whenever it rains, and the crops here have suffered a severe crop failure."
“The local government was already having a headache; so many people needing relief is no small matter.”
"Now that we have this nuclear power plant project, which includes meals and even meat, it has solved our immediate problem."
Wang Dahai sighed, then looked at Yang Xiaotao, "Speaking of which, it's all thanks to you guys!"
"Otherwise, who knows how many more people wouldn't have made it through."
"Even so, some villages still went to the town to make a fuss because they couldn't come. In the end, they gave each village a few slots, and that's when they stopped."
At this point, Wang Dahai sighed deeply.
I've witnessed firsthand how formidable these villages are when they get into a fight; they're truly exceptional.
Yang Xiaotao listened to Wang Dahai's reflections while watching the passersby.
Although most of these people were able-bodied young men, there were also some teenagers.
"These lads are half a laborer, they can eat, they're as good as strong laborers."
Wang Dahai noticed Yang Xiaotao's gaze lingering on the several teenagers and then explained.
Yang Xiaotao turned around and said, "These children should be in school."
Upon hearing this, Wang Dahai sighed, "There aren't that many schools to attend these days."
After he finished speaking, both of them fell silent.