Chapter 0001: The Excluded Apprentice

Is it possible to take turns? Qin Zhenhua looked at those people. In fact, they all grew up in the same compound. Qin Zhenhua certainly knew that these individuals were the children of employees. How could he possibly be assigned such heavy and laborious work?

This is a special workshop established by the tank factory. Some of the tanks in service have encountered malfunctions; some can be repaired in the field, while others need to be returned to the factory. The apprentices at the factory all start in the maintenance workshop, where they can first acquire some tank maintenance skills and become familiar with various operations. After a few months of getting accustomed to the environment here, they will be able to join the production line.

Qin Zhenhua has a great passion for tanks; however, he hopes even more to attend university to systematically study mechanical knowledge and learn about the design and manufacturing of tanks. Unfortunately, his father had an accident, and the family lost its pillar of support. As a result, Qin Zhenhua had no choice but to follow in his father's footsteps and take over his father's position, working at the tank factory.

After the liberation, in order to change the military equipment of the international brand, with the assistance of the northern big brother, many factories were established domestically. On this grassland, where the wind blows and the grass is low, revealing cattle and sheep, a machinery factory was also established. By introducing the complete production technology of the northern T-54A tank, the well-known domestic 59 tank was produced. This production took a span of twenty years

As for oneself

Liu Jianzhi temporarily set aside his recent displeasure, turned his body, raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sunlight on the grassland, and squinted to finally see the number on the side of the turret: 520. Indeed, it was the very vehicle he had personally repaired. After completing the repairs, he had taken it out for a test drive, following the vehicle beside him to test the cannon. Everything had been fine when he left, and he returned first while this vehicle came back later. How could it have been functioning well during the test drive, and now that it has returned, it is not working again?

Oh, what is wrong?

As it gradually approached, the clattering noise of the gears became increasingly jarring amidst the roar of the engine. Finally arriving, the tank stopped next to another tank that had just completed its firing test. A head emerged from the driver's compartment in front of the turret, shouting loudly at Liu Jianzhi: "Master Liu, the new transmission has been replaced, but it only lasted for five kilometers. After five kilometers, it started making noise again"

Rumbling, rumbling. At that moment, the roar of the engine from the shooting range grew increasingly closer, as yet another tank returned after completing its test drive

Upon hearing Wang Erzhu's words, Qin Zhenhua quickly reached out with his left hand to pull him back. You have been here for a while, how can you still not recognize the situation? Master Liu is a veteran in our maintenance workshop; offending him like this could lead to trouble

In the distance, several apprentices are walking briskly towards us, some holding cigarettes, while others are carrying water cups with Liu Jianzhi's canned bottles.

What about them?" Wang Erzhu pointed at the apprentices who were nodding and flattering, and said indignantly, "We are all apprentices; if work is to be done, we can take turns.

This idea cannot be expressed openly; let Qin Zhenhua comprehend it on his own, Liu Jianzhi thought to himself, as long as he is given enough cold treatment, that will suffice

The Tank Factory, as the largest tank manufacturing plant in the country, primarily focuses on tank production. The maintenance workshop is located at the outermost edge of the factory, inconspicuous and occupying only a small corner within the vast facility. Furthermore, beyond it lies the shooting range

For Qin Zhenhua, coming to the tank factory was not merely about earning a salary to support his family; it was also for his father! His mind was filled with countless thoughts, and at that moment, the tank stopped beside Qin Zhenhua, and then the engine was turned off

"The newcomer must be tested thoroughly." Liu JianzhI did not even glance at Wang Erzhu, picked up his cup of water, and turned to take a look at Qin Zhenhua, a hint of a special expression flashing in his eyes

"Master Liu, take it easy." A few apprentices rushed over to support Liu Jianzhi. Liu Dajun was the quickest, placing the tea that he was holding for Liu Jianzhi onto the toolbox on the side of the tank, and extended his hand.

Wow. Liu Jianzhi tilted his head to the side, and the water he was drinking was immediately spat out. Upon smelling the cup, there was indeed a peculiar odor!

Oh no! Liu Dajun was caught off guard, unable to evade at all. The glass cup struck him, not shattering, but the impact was quite painful. At the same time, the remaining half cup of water was thoroughly poured over him, flowing down his body. Countless tea leaves clung to his chest.

Inside the turret, a middle-aged man emerged, his hands supporting the edges of the turret hatch as he crawled out. He shouted towards Qin Zhenhua, "During this round of firing tests, we fired three rounds, and the chamber is already coated with copper. Qin Zhenhua, Wang Erzhu, you two, continue to clean this vehicle as well"

It seems that I will have to work overtime again, as the military has repeatedly urged us several times, yet the repairs are still not completed

What? It's us again? When Wang Erzhu heard Liu Jianzh's words, he could no longer hold back: "Master Liu, we have been cleaning the cannon barrel for three days, why is it still us doing it?"

"Uncle, what's wrong?" Liu Dajun was puzzled by Liu JianzhI's behavior. Just as he was about to step forward to pull him back, Liu JianzhI grabbed the half-empty cup of water and threw it at Liu Dajun.

Just as he was testing the cannon, he was already quite thirsty. Liu Jianzh raised his head and gulped down his tea in one go.

Qin Zhenhua, standing to the side, quietly shrank back, as everyone's attention was focused on Liu Dajun. He retreated, holding a water cup made from an identical can, and when he reached the back of the tank, he gently placed it into the trash can

Qin Zhenhua and Wang Erzhu entered one after the other and have been here for three days. As apprentice workers, they have been cleaning the gun barrels after test firings every day. Initially, they were diligent and uncomplaining, but now, Wang Erzhu can no longer endure it.

Qin Zhenhua set down the cleaning rod in his hand and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. This was already his third day at the machine factory. As an apprentice, he had been engaged in the most basic manual labor these past few days: cleaning the cannon barrels

His tea is Tieguanyin sent from the factory, and it has a lot of it, which should impart a unique bitterness. Although it is bitter, it is particularly refreshing when consumed. However, now, the taste of this tea is completely off, as if there is a hint of a urine-like odor in it

Once advanced tanks, after twenty years, have already fallen to the brink of obsolescence. Qin Zhenhua looked at the T-59 tank that was driving towards him, with its rounded cast turret, low chassis, and five pairs of road wheels clearly visible on the side. From its appearance, it was evident that there was a significant gap between it and the main battle tanks of the world's major powers today.

Liu Jianzh felt a constant churning in his stomach, and whatever he drank would not come back out. His gaze was filled with anger as he looked at Liu Dajun, thinking, "Oh, so you dare to scheme against your uncle? Just wait until I gather my strength, and I will vent my anger on you!"

The distant roar of engines echoed thunderously, and with this sound, Qin Zhenhua raised his head, watching as the black smoke drew nearer; another 59 tank returned from its test firing.

Having completed all of this, just sit back and enjoy the show

Everyone's attention was focused on Liu Jianzhi, as if fearing that the protection would be inadequate; no one noticed that Qin Zhenhua's right hand was moving slightly on the toolbox

You brat, don't be ungrateful. Since Uncle Liu has asked you to do it, you should do it well. Come on, Uncle Liu, have some water. Liu Dajun picked up a cup of water from the toolbox and said to Liu Jianzh.

"Don't even mention three days; loading the cannon and attaching the tracks, you all need to work for at least three months. After three months, we can talk again." Liu JianzhI did not even glance at Wang Erzhu, and with the assistance of several people, he ceremoniously descended from the tank

Liu Dajun was bewildered

Liu Jianzhiz stared fiercely at Liu Dajun, while the other apprentices dared not even breathe. They were unaware of what Master Liu found unsatisfactory about Liu Dajun. The surroundings fell silent, leaving only the sound of the tank. Amidst the roar of the engine, the clattering noise sounded so clear.

This minor issue, you still went to test the vehicle, truly commendable. In our repair workshop, Master Liu is the most diligent. One by one, the sycophants continuously praised Liu Jianzhi

Wang Erzhu was recruited into the factory through formal procedures and is not a child of an employee at the factory, so he naturally would not receive such treatment

Hmph, if it weren't for your father's mistakes back then, our entire repair workshop wouldn't have to take the blame. He left and even gave you a chance to take your father's place in the factory, but that was merely out of sympathy from the factory leadership. I have no sympathy at all; my only thought now is to push you out! It's just right that there is this reckless young man, Wang Erzhu, who is well-suited to be your companion.