eurekapd Chapter 130 The Anvil Bears a Heavy Responsibility, The Warm Courtyard Melts the Ice
Chapter 130 The Anvil Bears a Heavy Responsibility, The Warm Courtyard Melts the Ice
The north wind of December, carrying snowflakes, lashed against the corrugated iron roof of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, producing a dull rumble. Lin Chen stepped into the precision forging workshop as the work bell rang. He had just changed out of his work clothes when the workshop director, Zhou Jianguo, hurried over with two technical staff members, clutching several crumpled blueprints in their hands. Their faces were even more somber than the winter chill outside the window.
"Team Leader Lin, something's happened." Zhou Jianguo slammed the blueprints on his desk, pointing to the overlapping tolerance markings. "This batch of breechblock forgings, which were rushed to be manufactured for military units, was designed to have a tolerance within 0.02 millimeters. All three pieces produced in the trial run yesterday exceeded the tolerance. The main factory has given a strict order: we must produce qualified samples within three days, or our workshop's annual advanced rating will be ruined."
Lin Chen picked up the blueprints and examined them carefully, his fingertips tracing the alloy composition parameters marked on them, his brows gradually furrowing. He had worked in a military enterprise in his previous life with this kind of high-chromium alloy steel forging. The temperature control and forging rhythm during forging were extremely demanding; even a slight deviation would result in uneven internal stress, causing tolerances to exceed the limits. He looked up at the old-fashioned steam forging press in the corner of the workshop; the machine was still slightly warm, clearly indicating that it had undergone trial production overnight.
"The equipment isn't precise enough." Lin Chen strode over to the forging press and tapped the worn guide rail with his fingertip. "The gap between the guide rails is more than 0.05 millimeters, causing the slide to shift during forging. Moreover, the temperature measuring instrument is slow to react, making it difficult to accurately control the alloy's critical point, which inevitably leads to deformation of the forging after cooling."
Zhang, the technical staff member, frowned and retorted, "We replaced the guide rails last night, and the temperature measuring instrument was calibrated last week. Team Leader Lin, this is equipment imported from the Soviet Union. Could it be that you've misjudged it?" Just as he finished speaking, the forging press suddenly made a "click" noise, and the operator who was adjusting it exclaimed in surprise as the slider got stuck in mid-air.
Lin Chen ignored Zhang Gong's questioning, bent down and took out a self-made precision feeler gauge from his toolbox, inserting it into the gap in the guide rail. The 0.06 mm mark on the feeler gauge was completely inserted. He stood up and looked at everyone: "The parallelism of the guide rail was not calibrated during installation, and the gap will be even larger after the heat expands. Now is not the time to argue. Disassemble the machine head immediately, and I will change the assembly process."
Zhou Jianguo made a decisive decision: "Listen to Team Leader Lin! Engineer Zhang, your technical department will assist with the disassembly and inspection, and the tools team will bring over the spare guide rails. Lin Chen, just let me know if you need anything, I'll carry it from the main factory!"
The workshop instantly sprang into action, the sounds of hammering, wrenches turning, and the hissing of leaking steam drowning out the wind outside. Lin Chen took off his coat, leaving only a blue overall, and squatted below the machine head, sketching improvements. He marked the new positioning points of the guide rails on the ground with chalk, proposing to add wedge-shaped compensation blocks at the joints to automatically adjust the gap using the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. This solution impressed the veteran technicians present—in the past, when encountering such problems, they could only rely on repeatedly grinding the guide rails, which was both time-consuming and lacked precision.
"Team Leader Lin, will this method work?" Old Wang, the assembler, handed over a bottle of hot water. "Even when the Soviet experts came before, they didn't dare to make this change. If the equipment gets stuck, it'll be ruined."
Lin Chen took the hot water, drank a sip, and pointed to the sketch, explaining, "The wedge block is made of No. 45 steel with a tempering process, making it two levels harder than the guide rail, so it won't wear out. I've calculated the coefficient of expansion; for every 100-degree increase in temperature, the compensation block can automatically move 0.03 millimeters, perfectly offsetting the gap." He paused, then added, "Old Wang, when we're assembling later, please keep an eye on the verticality for me. Use a dial indicator to measure it; the error can't exceed 0.01 millimeters."
Master Wang nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration. When Lin Chen was first transferred here, he thought the young team leader was too inexperienced. It wasn't until he saw Lin Chen repair the forging press with a self-made wrench and develop wear-resistant molds that he was completely convinced. Now, all the veteran technicians in the workshop are willing to work with Lin Chen, not only because of his excellent skills, but also because he never holds back. Every time he improves a process, he explains the principles in detail, and even his apprentices benefit from it.
Working until noon, the guide rail modification was finally completed. Lin Chen personally operated the forging press, feeding the alloy steel billet heated to 1200 degrees Celsius into the mold. The red-hot billet emitted a dull thud under the forging pressure, and steam gushed out from the mold gaps, condensing into white mist in the cold workshop. As the slider slowly returned to its original position, he immediately shouted, "Temperature reading! Prepare for water quenching!"
"1180 degrees, meets the requirements!"
The steel billets were quickly thrown into the quenching pool, sizzling and sending up plumes of steam. Lin Chen stood by the pool, his forehead covered in sweat, the back of his work clothes soaked through. Zhou Jianguo handed him a piece of dry rations: "Have something to eat first. Judging by your energy, you're just like when we were rushing to produce artillery shells for the Korean War."
Lin Chen took a bite of his dry rations, his eyes fixed on the quenching tank: "Director Zhou, this batch of forgings is related to a military order, so we can't be careless. We'll send them for inspection immediately after they cool down. If the precision meets the standards, we can start mass production."
At 3 PM, the inspection report arrived. When the words "Tolerance 0.015 mm, meets design requirements" appeared, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted in the workshop. Engineer Zhang, blushing, walked over and handed over a pen: "Team Leader Lin, I'm impressed. Our technical department needs to study your improvement plan carefully and write it into the process manual."
Lin Chen smiled and accepted the pen: "Mr. Zhang, you're too kind. It's all for the sake of production. By the way, I've changed the parameters for the heat treatment process of this batch of forgings. I'll give you the data later; it can improve wear resistance by 20%."
Zhou Jianguo patted Lin Chen on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear: "Good lad, you've done a great job! I'll report to the head office, and your appointment document as a key technical worker will be issued soon, with your salary set at level eight! I'll treat you to dinner tonight at the state-run restaurant!"
As Lin Chen stepped out of the workshop after get off work, he saw Liu Guangtian and his brother waiting at the door. Liu Guangtian was carrying a cloth bag and his face was full of excitement: "Master Lin, I passed the exam for the precision group! This is a scallion pancake made by my mother, please have a taste."
Lin Chen took the cloth bag, which was warm to the touch. He opened it and saw a dozen or so golden scallion pancakes neatly stacked inside, wrapped in two sheets of oil paper to prevent them from getting greasy. Liu Guangfu scratched his head beside him, saying embarrassedly, "My mother said that without you, Guangtian wouldn't have been able to pass the exam. My brother and I will definitely study hard to learn a skill so as not to embarrass you."
"It's all thanks to your own hard work." Lin Chen patted the two on the shoulders. "Guangtian, report to the precision group tomorrow and learn assembly from Master Wang. Guangfu, are you still working at the scrap yard? If you want a change of environment, I'll talk to the workshop logistics department and have him come to our group as an apprentice."
Liu Guangfu's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously: "Really? Master Lin, I've wanted to learn forging from you for a long time! I spend every day at the scrap yard studying scrap parts, and I've memorized the manual you taught Guangtian."
Lin Chen smiled and nodded, feeling very gratified. He had written a basic manual specifically for Liu Guangtian because he saw his talent, but he hadn't expected Liu Guangfu to secretly study it as well. Although Liu Haizhong had been somewhat muddle-headed before, his two sons were indeed promising; with proper training, they would definitely become key technical personnel in the future.
By the time I returned to the courtyard house, it was already dusk. The central courtyard, however, was unusually lively. Qin Huairu's sewing shop was still lit, and several neighbors were gathered around the entrance, admiring the newly hung signboard. The signboard read "Qin Huairu Sewing Shop" in red paint, the characters delicate and graceful, with a small plum blossom painted beside it.
"Brother Lin is back!" Qin Huairu greeted Lin Chen as soon as she saw him, holding a newly sewn cotton-padded coat in her hand. "Look, this was made according to your design, with a lining. It's warm and fits well. All the neighbors have ordered it; my orders are booked until after the New Year."
Lin Chen took the cotton-padded coat and examined it. The stitches were fine and even, and the lining was made of warm camel hair. It was indeed better made than ready-made clothes on the market. He nodded approvingly: "Not bad, the craftsmanship is getting better and better. I've already talked to my friend at the textile factory, and I'll reserve a batch of fine cotton fabric for you next time. It'll be perfect for making spring clothes."
"Really? Thank you so much!" Qin Huairu's eyes lit up with excitement. Ever since Lin Chen helped her get the work uniform order from her workplace and introduced her to the fabric supplier, her sewing shop business has been booming. Now, not only do her neighbors patronize her business, but even people from the next alley come to order clothes. She's busy every day, but she feels much more at ease than when she was scheming to sell Sha Zhu's lunchboxes.
Jia Dang ran out of the shop, holding a rag doll in her hand, and handed it to Lin Chen shyly: "Uncle Lin, this is what I made for you. Thank you for helping my mother." The rag doll was pieced together from scraps of fabric. Although simple, it was very well made. The eyes were sewn on with black buttons, giving it a clever look.
Lin Chen took the doll, feeling a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, Dangdang, it's really beautiful. Study hard in the future, and if you like design, you can go to a textile college and become a fashion designer when you grow up."
Jia Dang nodded vigorously, her eyes full of anticipation. Before, she always had to watch her grandmother and mother's expressions, but since the sewing shop opened, the neighbors all praised her for being sensible and capable. She became more and more confident, helping her mother with chores after school and studying much more diligently than before.
Just then, Sha Zhu came back from outside carrying a lunchbox. Seeing the commotion in the courtyard, he came over and said, "Qin girl, business is good. You must be making more than I do at the canteen." He opened the lunchbox, which contained two meat dishes and one vegetable dish. "I brought this back from the guesthouse to help the kids get some nutrition."
Qin Huai didn't accept it immediately as before, but smiled and said, "Brother Shazhu, thank you. But we can earn money now, so we don't need to trouble you anymore. If you don't mind, I'll mend your clothes for you next time, free of charge."
Sha Zhu paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Good, well done! Qin girl, you've really made something of yourself now. Alright, I'll trouble you next time. I just happened to have a button missing from my coat." He handed the lunchbox to Jia Geng, "Here, take this and eat it. You're growing."
Jia Geng took the lunchbox and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Uncle Shazhu, thank you. I will never steal again. When I grow up, I will work in a steel mill and earn money to support my mother and sister."
Sha Zhu patted Jia Geng's head, his eyes filled with relief. Before, this child used to follow Jia Zhangshi in stealing chickens and dogs, which gave him a headache. Now, not only is he sensible, but he also knows to work hard; the change is tremendous. He looked at Lin Chen and offered him a cigarette: "Brother Lin, you really have a way with people in this yard."
Lin Chen took the cigarette but didn't light it: "Everyone has figured it out themselves. You can't live by scheming for long. Working hard is the right way. By the way, Brother Shazhu, if the guesthouse needs any sewing work, just let me know. Sister Qin's sewing skills are good and her prices are fair."
"No problem!" Sha Zhu patted his chest and assured him, "I'll talk to the director tomorrow and tell him that all the bed sheets and blankets in our guesthouse need to be changed. Qin Yatou can do it."
Just then, Yan Bugui coughed from the front yard. He stood at the door, holding an arithmetic notebook, hesitating whether to come over. Ever since he was caught tutoring and Lin Chen exposed his lie about being poor, he had felt ashamed in the yard and rarely interacted with the neighbors.
When Lin Chen saw him, he walked over and said, "Teacher Yan, are you here to take a look? Sister Qin's sewing skills are quite good."
Yan Bugui looked a little embarrassed and rubbed his hands together. "Team Leader Lin, I... I came to ask you, my youngest son, Jie Kuang, is graduating next year. Could... could he become an apprentice in your workshop? He's good at math, quick at accounting, and hardworking."
Lin Chen thought for a moment. He had met Yan Jiekuang before. Although young, he was very sensible and always helped his mother with chores after school, unlike his older brothers who often clashed with their father. Moreover, although Yan Bugui was calculating, he was indeed good at math, so his son would definitely be successful. He nodded: "Okay, let him come find me after he graduates next year. However, our workshop requires an exam for apprentices, so he needs to prepare in advance and master basic arithmetic and physics."
Yan Bugui was surprised that Lin Chen agreed so readily, and his voice trembled with excitement: "Thank you, Team Leader Lin! Thank you! I will definitely make sure he studies hard and won't cause you any trouble!" He quickly pulled a cloth bag from his pocket, inside which were several boiled eggs. "These are homemade pickled eggs, please have a taste."
Lin Chen accepted the cloth bag without hesitation, saying, "Teacher Yan, you're too kind. If any neighborhood children want tutoring in the future, you can teach them openly and honestly. As long as the fees aren't too high, the neighborhood committee won't say anything. It's always good for children to learn more."
Yan Bugui's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly, "I understand, I understand! Thank you for your guidance, Team Leader Lin!" He took his arithmetic book and walked home with light steps, the worry on his face gone. He used to think about making money by tutoring, but he ended up making a mistake. Now Lin Chen had enlightened him. If he could teach the neighborhood children well, he could not only restore his reputation but also accumulate some good karma, and the children would remember his kindness in the future.
When the neighbors in the courtyard saw that Lin Chen had helped Yan Bugui solve his son's job problem, they all praised him for his generosity. Before, the people in the courtyard were always scheming against each other, causing chaos and disorder. But since Lin Chen came, not only has no one dared to steal anything anymore, but they also help each other out, becoming more and more like true neighbors.
Just then, Liu Haizhong's voice came from the backyard: "Team Leader Lin, are you home?" He was carrying a bottle of liquor, followed by Liu Guangtian and his brother. "I heard you made a great contribution, so I specially bought a bottle of liquor to have a couple of drinks with you."
Lin Chen greeted him with a smile: "Master Liu, you're too kind. Please come in and have a seat."
Liu Haizhong walked into the room, looking at the technical drawings hanging on the wall, his eyes full of admiration: "Team Leader Lin, I was foolish before, always thinking of taking advantage, and even had conflicts with you. Please don't take it to heart. Guangtian was able to get into the precision team entirely thanks to your help. As his father, I have to thank you properly." He opened a bottle of baijiu and poured two glasses. "This glass is for you. I want to apologize for what happened before."
Lin Chen raised his glass and clinked it against his: "Master Liu, let's not dwell on the past. Guangtian and Guangfu are both promising talents; with proper training, they'll definitely amount to something. From now on, we're neighbors, so helping each other out is only right."
Liu Haizhong downed his drink in one gulp, his eyes reddening slightly. "I used to favor Guangqi and treat Guangtian and Guangfu badly. Now that I think about it, I really regret it. I will definitely treat them well from now on and never beat or scold them again." Ever since Liu Guangtian was admitted to the precision group, he has been like a different person. He not only quit drinking but also took the initiative to help with housework and became more and more attentive to his two sons.
That night, Lin Chen's house was bustling with activity for a long time. Liu Haizhong and Sha Zhu got carried away with their drinks, chatting about the workshop and finding themselves getting along very well. The Liu brothers helped tidy up the table, occasionally chiming in with a few words, creating a particularly harmonious atmosphere. The snow was still falling outside the window, but the house was warm and cozy, filled with a long-lost sense of homey warmth.
As night deepened, the neighbors gradually dispersed. Lin Chen stood by the window, watching the lights in the courtyard. Qin Huairu's sewing shop was still lit, and he could vaguely see her and Jia Dang busily working; Yan Bugui's light was also on, and he could hear the sound of him teaching his youngest son to write; laughter came from Liu Haizhong's house, probably from telling the children about the fun things that happened in the workshop.
He recalled the time when he was first reborn, a time filled with scheming and indifference. Jia Zhangshi was a petty thief, Yi Zhonghai was biased and protective of his own, Liu Haizhong beat and scolded his children, and Yan Bugui plotted against his family. But now, everything had changed. Qin Huairu had made a living by sewing, Jia Geng had reformed, Liu Haizhong and his son had reconciled, and Yan Bugui had begun to reflect on his own behavior.
Lin Chen opened the system panel, looking at the 1500 points and the "Technical Backbone" notification, a smile appeared on his lips. He knew that all these changes were not only due to the system's help, but also to the awakening of everyone's hearts. People's hearts are not ledgers; calculation cannot buy warmth. Only by working hard with one's own hands can one live a secure life; only through mutual tolerance and help can neighbors be filled with warmth.