Chapter 2824
Value is Only When There is a Gap
Chapter 2824 Value is Only When There is a Gap
After seeing off Elder Song and Elder Wang, Yang Xiaotao finally had time to meet with Li Hongfeng, Lao Hong, and the others.
"Things in Dengzhou went fairly smoothly!"
Li Hongfeng showed concern, and Yang Xiaotao nodded. The matter of the helicopter was still classified. Apart from the participants, only a few people at the port knew about it, and even Yang Zhi and the others who escorted Yang Xiaotao back did not know.
Besides, this wasn't a good thing, so Yang Xiaotao didn't say anything.
So the design drawings that were shipped back are still packed in boxes.
"The progress at the nuclear power plant is not slow; I estimate it will be completed before next year."
"However, they want to install a larger generator set, so 500,000 is still a bit too little."
Yang Xiaotao recounted his conversation with Qian Lao, and Li Hongfeng and the others exchanged glances before looking at Yang Xiaotao, "Five hundred thousand kilowatts per hour is still too small? How big do they want?"
This number was far beyond Li Hongfeng's imagination.
It's worth noting that the thermal power plants supplying electricity to the nine stations can only generate about 200,000 kilowatts per hour at best.
That's already 500,000, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of two and a half nine phones. You still think it's not enough?
"According to estimates, it can reach one million kilowatts per hour, and it can be further increased if there is subsequent expansion."
"So I think we can take bigger steps, preferably achieving it all in one go!"
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, the group looked at each other, somewhat at a loss for words.
"Is this nuclear power plant really that amazing?"
Wang Guodong, arms crossed, said in surprise, and Yang Xiaotao nodded, "As long as the generators keep up, there will only be more in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Guodong gasped, then exclaimed excitedly, "That's wonderful!"
"The situation in Beijing is alright now, and the surrounding villages are also okay, but the villages further away still don't have electricity."
"When I arrived at the place, there wasn't even a light in the house after dark."
As Wang Guodong said this, Li Hongfeng felt a pang of sympathy and sighed, "There's nothing we can do. That's just how it is now. In many places, electricity can't be delivered, and power lines can't be laid either."
"Limited electricity must be prioritized for use by factories."
“In the countryside, at night, those who can afford it can only light a kerosene lamp, and that’s only for studying; otherwise, they wouldn’t even be willing to use kerosene.”
After Li Hongfeng finished speaking, he looked at Yang Xiaotao and said, "If we have more electricity, it will be a good thing for us and for the local area as well!"
Yang Xiaotao nodded. Although he knew that every household would have access to electricity in the future, who wouldn't want to see the light of day sooner?
After the group understood, Yang Xiaotao continued, "Now we should consider the generator sets and high-voltage power transmission!"
"Let's get the power back on as soon as possible!"
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Lao Hong nodded and said, "It's good to have electricity sooner. We're using more and more electricity now, especially at the research institute, where the power consumption is almost as high as that of the workshop!"
Zhao Gang nodded, "Our researchers are just as capable as the factory workers when they get to work; their enthusiasm..."
As Zhao Gang spoke, his face still showed an indescribable excitement.
Xu Yuanshan nodded in agreement, “Old Zhao is right. During this period, especially after the New Year, the demand for electricity from various research institutes has increased significantly.”
"I checked, and they're all due to research projects; it's a normal demand."
"Fortunately, a thermal power plant was built around Beijing two years ago, otherwise we really wouldn't be able to supply the electricity."
Hearing Xu Yuanshan say this, Yang Youning suddenly laughed, "We actually helped with this, and this generator set is still ours!"
"But then Old Chen snatched it away, but now it seems it was taken from the people and used for the people!"
Li Hongfeng and Zhao Gang were unaware of this matter, so Yang Xiaotao simply recounted how they had purchased French generators from Persia years ago.
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, he looked at Li Hongfeng and said, "Report the generator issue to the higher-ups and ask them to help resolve it!"
"But we have to solve the high-voltage power transmission problem ourselves!"
"This electricity issue is quite serious; we need to assemble a team to handle it specifically. Do you have anyone you can recommend?"
Li Hongfeng shook his head, "I don't have any. If it really doesn't work, I'll ask the higher-ups to talk to the power plant and arrange one."
As Li Hongfeng was saying this, Yang Youning glanced at Yang Xiaotao, and then, with a sudden thought, said, "We don't really know what these people from the power plant are like. We can let them help, but we can only trust our own people to be the core personnel."
Li Hongfeng nodded, and Yang Xiaotao glanced at Yang Youning. Their eyes met briefly, and they immediately understood each other's thoughts.
Then Yang Youning continued, "I do have a suggestion."
Yang Xiaotao nodded at the right moment, and everyone listened to what Yang Youning was saying.
“Our Ninth Department has a ready-made power sector that has been working diligently over the years and has participated in the research and development of new projects many times, and has also solved many difficulties. This time, we have just encountered this arduous task, and I think it is a good opportunity for our comrades to get some experience!”
After Yang Youning said this, Xu Yuanshan and Wang Guodong both glanced at Yang Xiaotao, and then remained silent.
Li Hongfeng, Lao Hong, and Zhao Gang were puzzled, but when they heard Yang Youning say this, they all fell into deep thought.
Finally, Li Hongfeng nodded and said, "Since Director Yang has suggested it, let's give it a try."
Yang Xiaotao nodded, "I have no objection!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Yuanshan and Wang Guodong both nodded in agreement.
So the power supply problem was temporarily resolved, and Yang Xiaotao then brought up the matter of purchasing machinery and equipment from the United States.
"I've taken a look at these machines, and they're not very advanced; they're basically the same as what's used locally!"
"My suggestion is to distribute these machines to strengthen the infrastructure."
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Zhao Gang, Li Hongfeng, and the others all agreed.
Thus, this matter can be considered completed.
Yang Xiaotao chatted with Li Hongfeng, Zhao Gang, Lao Hong, and others for a while longer before leaving the Ninth Department.
Arriving at the courtyard house by car, I saw a group of people sitting inside as soon as I entered the courtyard.
Yang Xiaotao returned without prior notice, and his family was unaware of his return.
So just as Yang Xiaotao passed through the hanging flower gate and entered the central courtyard, he saw Dudu riding on Wangcai's back and running towards him.
It must have been Wangcai who heard the noise.
Miaomiao and Duanwu, who were playing in the yard, rushed over to Yang Xiaotao as soon as they saw him return.
Yang Xiaotao picked up Dudu. The little guy had taken off his cotton-padded jacket, and you could pinch the flesh under his armpits. So he twisted his body and laughed in Yang Xiaotao's arms.
After putting Dudu down, Yang Xiaotao picked up the two children, one in each arm. The two of them together were quite heavy, but it was a piece of cake for Yang Xiaotao.
Then she asked, "Where is Mom?"
Duanwu pointed to the backyard, "Mom is chatting with Aunt Cuiping."
Yang Xiaotao put the two children down, then picked up his two daughters who had run over, and they walked home together.
Back home, Yang Xiaotao placed the things he had brought back on the table.
Miaomiao and Duanwu were very curious.
They knew Yang Xiaotao had gone on a business trip, but they didn't know where he had gone. Now that Yang Xiaotao was back, the children immediately surrounded him, asking him what had happened.
Xiao Tao didn't go into details, only saying that he went to Dengzhou.
Then a million questions popped up.
Why go to Dengzhou? Where is Dengzhou located? What are some good places to eat in Dengzhou? What are some fun things to do in Dengzhou…?
Yang Xiaotao couldn't explain in detail because he didn't have much fun either.
However, when it comes to food, there is quite a bit to say.
Yang Xiaotao then took out bag after bag of sea cucumbers, shrimp, and canned fish from his backpack. Many of these were obtained from the exchange counter, while a small portion was purchased from Dengzhou.
The children's eyes widened immediately when they saw the food. Dudu had never seen a shrimp before and was poking at it with his finger.
Yang Xiaotao had only been sitting at home for a short while when Ran Qiuye, who had received the news from the backyard, ran back.
The two were naturally delighted to see each other, but they didn't want to show it in front of the child.
For dinner, Yang Xiaotao prepared a seafood feast to treat his family.
Old Master Ye wasn't a big fan of seafood. After eating a little, he inquired about the situation in Dengzhou. Yang Xiaotao gave him a brief explanation of the situation there, and the two of them didn't say anything more after that.
After dinner, the two went for a walk together.
Yang Xiaotao played with the children for a while, then asked about cleaning the house.
Ran Qiuye talked about how the village was busy with spring plowing, the school's construction progress, and that her father hadn't returned yet, at which point her mother started nagging again.
Yang Xiaotao recounted what he had seen along the way, and the two grew closer as they talked. Before they knew it, Ran Qiuye's hand was in Yang Xiaotao's grasp. That night, after the children fell asleep, Yang Xiaotao embraced his wife, and amidst some awkwardness, they continued to pour out their hearts to each other.
The next day, Yang Xiaotao left the courtyard house early in the morning, feeling refreshed, and took a car to the Ninth Department.
The first thing I did upon arriving at the office was to call Mr. Chen and give him a brief report on the situation in Dengzhou.
After learning about the situation in Dengzhou, Mr. Chen didn't say much, but inquired about the follow-up arrangements for the helicopter.
Yang Xiaotao then said, "Sir, what I mean is to hand over these design drawings to a professional research institute so that they can be responsible for the design research."
"Of course, if you need any help, our Ninth Division will definitely cooperate fully."
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Old Chen on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment, then said in a heavy tone, "I have reported this matter to my superiors. After learning about this matter, the higher-ups, considering the international impact, felt that it was not appropriate to spread it further!"
"After careful consideration, we've decided not to trouble two different people with this matter. In the end, it will fall to your nine departments!"
Yang Xiaotao was somewhat surprised, yet felt it was normal, since such operations were common in the past.
But the squeaky wheel gets the grease; if you take on a task, you have to give someone something in return.
Seeing that Yang Xiaotao remained silent, Old Chen then said, "The fact that the task has been assigned to you does not mean that we do not value it; on the contrary, it shows that the higher-ups attach great importance to this matter."
"If you have any difficulties, you can tell me, and I will try my best to help you solve them!"
"But you need to produce results!"
Upon hearing what Old Chen said, Yang Xiaotao reluctantly agreed.
At the same time, he thought to himself that he could now bring those people who kept records of work under his command.
Afterwards, Yang Xiaotao reported the relevant arrangements to Mr. Chen.
When it came to the nuclear power plant, Old Chen agreed to step in and resolve the generator set issue. As for the internal management of Department Nine, Old Chen didn't interfere much, but simply told Yang Xiaotao to keep a close eye on him and not to cause any trouble.
Finally, let's talk about this small electronic computer.
Immediately afterwards, Old Chen's voice came, "I have a basic understanding of what happened yesterday. This matter is indeed somewhat unfair to your Ninth Department."
"But you also need to understand that revolution and construction are needed everywhere now. We can't just focus on one corner; we need to consider the big picture. I hope you understand."
Yang Xiaotao scratched his head, pondering what to say next.
After Old Chen finished his remarks, Yang Xiaotao interjected, "Leader, I'm talking about something else this time."
Upon hearing this, Old Chen was taken aback.
Then Yang Xiaotao said, "Yesterday I talked with Professor Song from the Chinese Academy of Sciences about computer research."
"We are prepared to collaborate and develop an even better computer based on this one."
"Of course, your support is needed, especially financially. You know, this experiment costs money like water, it's endless."
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, it took Old Chen a while to react. Then, looking shocked, he asked, "What did you say? What are you going to do? A better computer, what kind of computer?"
Old Chen's barrage of questions left Yang Xiaotao speechless for a moment.
I've said so much, but the most important part is these last few sentences. Why did you only listen to the beginning and then ignore the end?
Having no other choice, Yang Xiaotao had to explain his plans again.
Only after Yang Xiaotao explained it clearly did Old Chen say "Oh," and then "I understand."
Without waiting for Yang Xiaotao to speak, the call ended.
Hearing the buzzing sound from the phone, Yang Xiaotao's hand froze in mid-air, momentarily stunned.
understood.
what does this mean?
Yang Xiaotao hung up the phone, looking suspicious.
In the office, Liu Lixue and Lou Xiao'e immediately lowered their heads and smiled when they saw Yang Xiaotao's expression.
A moment later, Yang Xiaotao suddenly smiled, then lowered his head to start processing the documents.
Liu Lixue and Lou Xiao'e were stunned again.
It seems like Yang is smiling more often since he came back.
In the afternoon, Yang Xiaotao went to the research institute to talk to Professor Ye and Han Sanfeng about the Dawn-1 satellite.
When I arrived at the office, I found a group of people gathered together.
The two people in the middle are studying a miniature computer. Who else could it be but Han Sanfeng and Lu Tao?
As the surrounding people began to talk, Yang Xiaotao could hear what was happening inside.
"Minister Yang!"
Yang Xiaotao heard a shout behind him and turned around to see Xiao Pang standing to the side, with Ran Hongbing following behind him.
Upon seeing Yang Xiaotao, Ran Hongbing didn't dare call him brother-in-law, but instead called him Minister Yang.
Yang Xiaotao nodded, then noticed that everyone in the room was looking at him, so he went into the office.
Then I saw that the mini machine in the middle was connected to a paper tape with small holes in it.
This simple storage method is also the most practical one available today.
"How about it? This computer is pretty good, isn't it?"
Yang Xiaotao asked with a smile, and everyone around him nodded, their faces full of envy.
Lu Tao said from the side, "Minister Yang, this mini-computer is just as good as our mainframe computers in terms of memory."
"The key is that this one is so small, it's much simpler than our big cabinets."
After Lu Tao finished speaking, Han Sanfeng exclaimed, "Minister Yang, we've been living in a well and looking at the sky from the bottom of a well."
"I never imagined that computers in the United States had developed to this extent."
The people from the surrounding research institutes all nodded in agreement.
Without comparison, there is no gap.
In the past, they benchmarked against the Chinese Academy of Sciences and felt that their own computer's speed of 200,000 operations per second was quite good, at least better than that of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
But now?
They're only tough on their own.
Hearing everyone say this, Yang Xiaotao nodded, then touched the computer and said, "What you said is very true, but not entirely true."
"Do you know what year this computer you see here was made?"
Everyone looked at each other, then shook their heads in unison.
Finally, Yang Xiaotao said softly, "This computer was made by them in 1965."
"Year 1965?"
The people around gasped.
Many people don't believe it, but they have no choice but to believe it.
Han Sanfeng stared intently at the computer, which was working swiftly, her expression turning helpless.
"Is it uncomfortable?"
"Don't you feel that after all these years, we can't even catch up with what others produced five years ago?"
Are you feeling discouraged? Are you thinking of giving up entirely?
Yang Xiaotao continued to speak with a smile, but the people present could not laugh.
Glancing at everyone's faces, Yang Xiaotao patted the running computer again and said softly, "It's precisely because there's a gap that we need to catch up and surpass it."
"The gap is what motivates us."
"Only then can we demonstrate our value when we catch up with the other side."
After saying that, Yang Xiaotao spread his hands and looked at everyone with a smile, "Am I wrong?"
A moment later, everyone burst into laughter.
Then, the whole room was filled with laughter.
Nobody spoke, and nobody cared, right?
Because they don't need to know the final result; they are always just people running on the road.