Chapter 567 Meeting of Several People
After lunch, the nurse came in and cleared the dishes, and the ward became quiet again, with only the occasional bird calls coming from outside the window.
Secretary Dong leaned against the bed, looking a little better. He took out a thick notebook and a pen from the bedside table, his eyes showing seriousness and concentration:
"Come on, let's hurry up and continue talking about the brick factory."
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo immediately sat up straight, leaned forward, and stared at the pen in Secretary Dong's hand.
In the next few hours, the ward seemed to have become a small conference room, with the three of them talking to each other and discussions going on one after another.
Starting with the site selection of the brick factory, Secretary Dong asked in detail about the local soil conditions, whether it was suitable for brick making, and whether there was sufficient water nearby for mixing the clay.
Talking about the introduction of the production line, Wang Jianguo introduced several brick-making machines they had inspected and analyzed their respective advantages and disadvantages. Secretary Dong recorded key points in a notebook from time to time and put forward some professional insights, such as the energy consumption and maintenance costs of the machines.
As for the recruitment and training of workers, Zhao Shuzhuo suggested recruiting some experienced craftsmen from the surrounding rural areas and at the same time setting up short-term training courses to help novices get started quickly.
Secretary Dong nodded in agreement, and added that they also had to consider issues such as workers' treatment and labor security, and ensure that everyone could work with peace of mind.
Every detail was repeatedly scrutinized and discussed in depth. The sunlight shone through the window onto them, illuminating three focused and longing faces.
Unconsciously, the sky outside the window seemed to be slowly stained by a huge piece of ink cloth, gradually changing from bright blue to deep dark purple, and finally being completely shrouded in darkness.
The lights of the city lit up in the distance, pouring into the house through the windows, adding a dim glow to the ward.
Zhao Shuzhuo inadvertently looked out the window and saw the darkening sky. Suddenly, a flash of lightning flashed through his mind, and he remembered the agreement between them and Cheng Hai and the other two.
He was slightly startled, then hurriedly stood up, straightened his wrinkled clothes, a slightly apologetic look appeared on his face, and he walked to Secretary Dong's bed and said softly:
"Secretary Dong, it's really too late today. You've only just recovered. We've been talking here for so long, and we must have disturbed your rest. Please take a good rest. We will go back first. Don't worry, we will come to see you another day."
As he spoke, Zhao Shuzhuo's eyes were full of concern and respect. He bent slightly and folded his hands in front of him, his posture appearing particularly respectful.
Hearing this, Secretary Dong put down the pen in his hand, raised his head, and showed a trace of reluctance on his face. He gently waved his hand and said:
"You two young people have come all the way here and have worked hard all day, and now you're leaving after just sitting down and talking for a while. My health is fine, so it's okay for you to stay a little longer."
Although he said this, Secretary Dong could not hide the fatigue in his eyes. Talking for several hours in a row really took a lot of energy for him, who had just undergone surgery and was still recovering.
Seeing this, Wang Jianguo also hurriedly stood up, walked to Zhao Shuzhuo's side, and echoed:
"Secretary Dong, we appreciate your kindness, but we really can't cause you any more trouble. To be honest, we came here with our colleagues from the supply and marketing cooperative. They went to the director to purchase goods."
"We have agreed to meet at the entrance of the supply and marketing cooperative in a while, and then go to the guesthouse together. If we are delayed, they will be anxious. You don't have to worry about us anymore. Don't worry about us, just have a good rest."
Wang Jianguo's voice was low and sincere, and his words showed his consideration for Secretary Dong.
Secretary Dong listened to their explanation and then nodded slowly, with an understanding smile on his face, and said:
"I see. Well, be careful on your way and don't let it delay your business. If there's any new situation, feel free to contact me."
Zhao Shuzhuo and Wang Jianguo were filled with gratitude when they heard this. They bowed to Secretary Dong again and said goodbye. Then they turned around and walked out of the ward with brisk yet steady steps.
The ward door closed gently behind them, temporarily isolating the warmth inside the room from the cold outside.
The two walked along the long corridor, their footsteps echoing in the silent space, but their mood was particularly excited because of Secretary Dong's support and trust, and they were full of confidence in the upcoming brick factory construction.
As they walked out of the hospital gate, a gust of cold wind blew in their faces, making the corners of their clothes rustle.
In the city nights of the 60s, the streets were not as brightly lit as they are today. There were only a few dim street lamps swaying in the cold wind, casting dim light and shadows.
The two of them wrapped their cotton coats tightly, quickened their pace, and walked towards the supply and marketing cooperative. Along the way, they occasionally met a few passers-by in a hurry, either workers returning home from get off work or people rushing to work the night shift.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo were thinking about the agreement with Cheng Hai and the other two, so they walked in a hurry and soon arrived at the door of the supply and marketing cooperative.
The dim street lights shivered in the cold wind, trying their best to cast a weak light on the ground. The sign of the supply and marketing cooperative seemed a little blurry in the dim light.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo saw the figures of Cheng Hai, Cheng Erhua and Liu Erzhu from afar. They were standing in front of the gate of the supply and marketing cooperative like three sculptures, their shadows elongated by the street lights swaying on the ground.
Cheng Hai stood tall and straight. Although his cotton coat was a little worn, it was neatly dressed. He raised his head slightly and glanced in the direction where Wang Jianguo and the others came from from time to time, with a bit of anxiety and expectation in his eyes.
Two young men, Cheng Erhua and Liu Erzhu, stood close together, stamping their feet. The white breath they exhaled instantly dissipated in the cold air. From time to time, they whispered to each other, as if they were joking with each other and trying to dispel the boredom of waiting.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo's hearts were excited, and they quickly quickened their pace, making the stone road under their feet "clacking". After a few steps, the two of them walked quickly forward and came to them.
Wang Jianguo looked apologetic. He reached out and patted Cheng Hai on the shoulder. That pat seemed to carry a thousand words. He said:
"Brother Cheng Hai, Er Hua, Er Zhu, you must have waited for a long time! We are all exhausted after all this journey. Let's go to the guesthouse and have a good sleep."
Cheng Hai raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a relieved smile, shook his head and said:
"It didn't take long. We just got here a while ago."
Cheng Erhua and Liu Erzhu were like two lively children. Their eyes lit up all of a sudden, and they nodded repeatedly, agreeing:
"Yeah, yeah, let's go."