Xie Changning quickly pushed through the crowd, walked out of Workshop No. 5, and went to the entrance to greet Director Wang and Director Zhao. "Mr. Wang, Director Zhao, what brings you here?"

It was a question she already knew the answer to.

What else could it be? Of course, it was for the printer that Xie Changning had just successfully tested!

"Quick, take us to see the printer. We want to see how it prints." Mr. Wang might have made some pleasantries, but Director Zhao was different. All he wanted was to see the printer.

He didn’t want to look at Xie Changning right now.

Seeing Director Zhao’s impatient eagerness, Xie Changning couldn’t help but smile. "This way, Directors."

At the leaders’ arrival, the workers instinctively cleared a path, allowing the two men to enter Workshop No. 5 unimpeded.

As soon as the two leaders stepped into Workshop No. 5, the members of the R&D team inside instantly grew tense.

Seeing this, Xie Changning couldn’t resist speaking up. "The directors are here to see the printer. Whether it succeeds or not will determine whether you get praised by them. And you all want that, don’t you?"

The moment they heard they might be praised by the leadership, the R&D team members were instantly energized, as if they’d been given a shot of adrenaline.

After all, being praised by leaders from the industrial bureau—especially provincial and municipal leaders—was an incredibly rare honor!

It would make them happier than any cash bonus!

And so, the R&D team began a new round of test typing.

Just as Xie Changning had said, the typing process was rather long. The team member at the keyboard wasn’t very proficient and stumbled along haltingly, but fortunately, he managed to finish in about two hours.

Once he finished typing, the machine began the printing process.

And then—

In less than a minute, a neat, clearly printed sheet of A4 paper emerged from the output tray.

An impatient Director Zhao rushed forward, snatched up the A4 paper, and after glancing at the text, hurried back to Mr. Wang’s side. "Mr. Wang, take a look!"

Both men could see that the machine’s overall speed was dependent on the operator doing the typing.

Mr. Wang’s brow furrowed slightly.

Noticing their concern, Xie Changning spoke up. "Don’t worry, Directors. I’ve designed it with an expansion interface. We can customize it to connect with other manufacturers’ machines, so it will be able to print without a manual operator, and it’ll be much faster."

Hearing this, Mr. Wang’s brow relaxed slightly.

"As it stands, it can be used as a standalone device. Even companies without other compatible machines can purchase one. I’ll set up training classes later specifically to train the operators."

Typing is a skill that can be practiced and improved.

With Xie Changning’s assurance, the expressions on both leaders’ faces brightened considerably.

"However, I need an assistant, so I’m going to need your help, Directors."

Mr. Wang and Director Zhao shot her an exasperated look.

’We’re here for an inspection, not to run errands for her! She really knows how to pick her moments. Bringing this up at a critical juncture like this... could we possibly say no?’

’No!’

"Tell us your requirements later. We’ll help you find someone," Director Zhao said.

As the higher-ranking official, Mr. Wang wouldn’t speak on this matter directly, so Director Zhao had to act as the spokesperson.

With Director Zhao’s promise, a hint of a pleased smile appeared on Xie Changning’s face.

"Then I thank you both, Directors!"

With the official business out of the way, the two leaders approached the printer, touching its buttons and admiring its fine craftsmanship.

Even Mr. Wang couldn’t help but nod. "One can tell a great deal of hard work went into this."

’If this machine were exported, it would fetch US$50,000 at a minimum!’

"Of course," Xie Changning said, sharing her thoughts with the two leaders. "We have to excel in every aspect so that we can fetch a good price at the Autumn Trade Fair."

Her words fired up the two leaders with excitement.

Seeing that the time was right, Xie Changning pressed her advantage. "So, we need your help, Directors. With our current manual production methods, even with this successful prototype, it would take us two or three months to build a single machine. Our efficiency is far too low."

Xie Changning laid out her current predicament for the leaders.

What they needed now wasn’t just materials, but a way to increase production volume!

Even at one machine a month, that was only twelve a year. If a foreign client placed an order for several thousand units, how could their production possibly keep up? They’d be forced to default on the contract.

Xie Changning’s words caught Mr. Wang’s serious attention.

Previously, support had been limited. After all, without a tangible, working printer, no one knew for sure if Xie Changning could actually pull it off.

Now that the machine was a reality, he could go and ask his own superiors for real support.

Even if the province had to foot the bill itself, this project had to be supported!

"Some of the machines in the factory are usable, but we don’t have the equipment to manufacture electronic components, especially the high-precision machinery..." Xie Changning explained her needs to Mr. Wang.

Mr. Wang nodded as he listened.

"Fax me a list of your requirements later. I’ll handle the application."

With Mr. Wang’s promise, Xie Changning’s smile grew even brighter. She quickly turned to Xiao Liu, a junior staffer from the propaganda department waiting nearby, and called out, "Quick, get a photo of the directors with the machine!"

No sooner had she spoken than the camera’s shutter clicked.

The two leaders didn’t even realize what was happening before one of Xie Changning’s people had taken their picture.

Hearing the shutter, it dawned on them—Xie Changning’s factory actually had a camera!

"I’ll be sure to send the photos to Mr. Wang and Director Zhao."

Almost instantly, Mr. Wang understood what Xie Changning was doing. She was giving him more leverage.

The working machine, the sight of him and Director Zhao inspecting it, and the printed page—all of it would serve as powerful bargaining chips.

He refused to believe his own superiors wouldn’t be tempted by the prospect of massive foreign exchange earnings!

After all, he certainly was!

That evening, the two leaders stayed at Wang Guofu’s home, which made Wang Guofu a nervous wreck.

At the dinner table, Mr. Wang laughed as he teased Wang Guofu. "Don’t treat us like officials. Just think of us as friends staying the night! If you’re this formal, you’ll make us feel too awkward to impose on you!"

"No, no, no! It’s my honor to have you stay here, sirs. I’ll drink a glass to penalize myself!"

Just as Xu Xiumei came out with another dish, she saw Wang Guofu downing a drink. Before she could stop him, he had already finished the glass.

Xu Xiumei put a hand to her forehead. "Sirs, you don’t know this, but our Old Wang... his personality changes when he drinks!"

’How embarrassing is this going to be!’

But the leaders didn’t mind. They were in high spirits today!

Everyone at the Anong County Machinery Factory was a hero in their eyes, and they had plenty of patience for heroes!

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Xu Xiumei helped a tipsy Wang Guofu back into the house, leaving the two leaders at the table with Xie Changning and the deputy factory director of technology.

Mr. Wang spoke with deep sincerity. "Ah, Xiao Xie, you are a true talent. The Anong County Machinery Factory is too small for you; it’s limiting your potential!"

"No, I think this is perfect. My starting point is already much higher than most."

’Normally, with my level of experience, I would never have been able to reach my current position.’

Xie Changning was very grateful to Director Zhao.