Xiang Xi asked persistently, how can you be so sure he'd be willing to go to a cold place like Jilin with us?
Chen Lan asked Xiang Xi how many children in his family were currently attending school.
Xiang Xi replied, confused, "Three. One just started high school, one is in junior high, and one is in elementary school. What's wrong? Does this have anything to do with inviting him?"
Chen Lan replied, "It has a lot to do with it!"
Seeing Xiang Xi's continued confusion, Chen Lan explained.
"The current wage standards set by the state are: ministerial level 2400 jin of millet, bureau chief level 1800 jin of millet, and university professor 950 jin of millet. The wage of a winery director is 400 jin of millet."
"Zhou Jicheng is currently a full-time lecturer at Didu University. We'll calculate his salary based on the director-level wage of 400 jin of millet. This should be fine, right?" Chen Lan asked Xiang Xi.
Xiang Xi replied, "No problem!"
Chen Lan continued to ask Xiang Xi.
"Classmate Xiang Xi, what are the current semester tuition fees for high school, junior high, and elementary school in Didu, measured in jin of millet?"
"Let's assume average academic performance," Chen Lan added.
Xiang Xi quickly replied, "Currently, high school tuition is between 320-400 jin of millet per semester. Let's take the average of 360 jin of millet.
"Junior high tuition is between 200-300 jin of millet per semester, averaging 250 jin of millet.
"Elementary school tuition is between 120-180 jin of millet per semester, averaging 150 jin of millet."
Chen Lan continued to calculate, "With his monthly salary of 400 jin of millet, paying tuition for three children for two semesters, plus the rations for a family of six, at 45 jin of millet per person per month for 30 days, they might not even be able to eat their fill. They also need clothes, coal, firewood, oil, salt, vinegar, and so on..."
"When we break it down like this, his salary is just enough for the family's daily expenses. That's why his family has to sell their assets when his mother falls ill."
"Little Watermelon, think about it. If it were you, without betraying the country or violating principles, would you prefer to work in a place where your family can barely eat, or a place where your family can have abundant food and clothing?"
Xiang Xi immediately answered, "Of course, a place with abundant food and clothing!"
Chen Lan shook her head, "That's not the main point. I don't think this alone is enough to sway him, given his personality. If he agrees to come for this reason, I wouldn't keep him and cooperate with him long-term."
Xiang Xi asked Chen Lan, confused, "Then, what is the main point?"
Chen Lan explained, "A few days ago, you mentioned he studied abroad in Country D for six years. Because Country D is a highly developed industrialized nation, and he could study there for six years, specializing in physics and chemistry, it indicates he wants to do industry, meaning he wants to open a factory. Sudan Novel Network."
"Our country was just founded, and everything is in ruins. We don't even have a decent manufacturing plant or chemical plant. You could say he's a hero with no place to use his talents, let alone conduct scientific experiments. Experiments require money, and without experiments, there are no results. Empty theories are useless; theories need verification. This is a vicious cycle."
"Our country is currently most lacking in money. However, I can provide him with the most advanced technology, the most advanced products, and the most substantial funding. He can verify anything he wants, conduct any experiments he desires."
Xiang Xi gave Chen Lan a thumbs-up and praised, "Little Lan is awesome! Brother is impressed!"
Chen Lan proudly raised her head and said to Xiang Xi, "Of course!"
The next day, Chen Lan woke up early. Before breakfast, she bought five 15kw solar and wind hybrid generators at wholesale price, which she had scouted days earlier. In the morning, she took one from the system's warehouse. Taking them all out would take up too much space and wasn't necessary.
At 9:30 AM, Zhou Jicheng arrived at Chen Lan's house, accompanied by Agent Qian.
Chen Lan observed Zhou Jicheng. He was lean with bright eyes, of medium build, dressed neatly, and exuded an inherent scholarly air. He truly embodied Su Dongpo's famous saying, "A person with poetry in their heart naturally possesses an air of refinement."
Introduced by Agent Qian, both parties met each other. Uncle Fu, Xiang Dong, Xiang Xi, and Chen Lan warmly welcomed the two guests.
Seeing that Zhou Jicheng seemed impatient with pleasantries, Chen Lan stood up and led the two to the front courtyard, pointing to several large packages. These packages contained solar and wind hybrid generators.
Zhou Jicheng stared at the pile of boxes in disbelief, remaining silent for a long time.
Seeing this, Chen Lan handed a pair of scissors to Xiang Xi. Both of them squatted down, each holding a pair of scissors, ready to open the packages. Xiang Dong immediately took the scissors from Chen Lan and squatted down to help open them.
Chen Lan found a product manual in one of the opened boxes, stood up, and handed it to Zhou Jicheng, saying, "Mr. Zhou, please take a look!"
Zhou Jicheng took the product manual from Chen Lan and flipped through it eagerly. The more he read, the more his brow furrowed, and his eyes showed disbelief. As Zhou Jicheng looked up, about to speak, Chen Lan quickly stopped him with a hand gesture.
Chen Lan gave Uncle Fu a look. Understanding, Uncle Fu hurried over to Agent Qian, who was watching Xiang Xi open the packages, and said.
"Agent Qian, thank you for your help today. Please take this for your tea money. I know you're busy, and we don't know how long it will take to unpack these. I won't delay your fortune-making," he said, handing Agent Qian a cloth bag. Agent Qian, seeing the bulging bag, happily accepted it, even giving it a light shake. He said, "You're too kind!"
Chen Lan watched Uncle Fu escort Agent Qian out and close the door. She then turned to Zhou Jicheng and said, "Mr. Zhou, please speak if you have something to say?"
Zhou Jicheng didn't know how to begin. Although he had a dozen questions in his mind, his upbringing told him not to ask.
Seeing that Zhou Jicheng hesitated but still didn't speak, Chen Lan didn't press him and acted as if she knew nothing.
She looked at Xiang Dong and Xiang Xi, who had already unpacked all the components. She then gestured to Zhou Jicheng and said, "Mr. Zhou, please."
Zhou Jicheng began assembling the generator according to the manual. At first, he was looking for parts and referring to the manual alone, which was very inefficient.
Chen Lan then asked Xiang Dong and Xiang Xi to help with the assembly. Zhou Jicheng, following the manual, directed them. Soon, the generator set was assembled. The only remaining step was to find an open space to install and run it.
This presented a problem for everyone. Such a space was impossible to find within Didu city; it would have to be in the suburbs. But if it were installed in the suburbs, who would guard it? What if it got stolen?
Seeing everyone struggling, Zhou Jicheng quickly said, "There's no need to test it. Just looking at the generator principle diagram in the manual confirms its authenticity. These lightweight materials and heat-generating materials are unheard of. Being able to produce these materials means building a generator set would be a piece of cake."