Chapter 67

Regardless of whether one is willing or not, everyone has to go through the 24 hours of a day. Chen Ke felt that there were too many things to do and not enough time. Finding a house, Wu Xingchen personally took care of it. Teaching, Chen Tianhua took over Wu Xingchen's role. Chen Ke took Xie Mingxian to lecture at the Imperial University of Peking, and after returning, he started preparing for the honeycomb coal project, which took up the entire day.

The next day, early in the morning, the He family came to buy medicine, followed by Bu Guanshui inviting Chen Ke and the others for dinner. After finally settling these matters, he continued teaching in the afternoon. After the lecture, Wu Xingchen took Chen Ke to look at a house.

On the third morning, Chen Ke prepared to receive the people He Ruming had found. The gathering place was a teahouse not far from the Beijing railway station. People's sense of time was not strong in those days, and by 10:30 AM, only 13 out of the 20 people had arrived. Despite this, He Ruming still felt it was quite good.

Chen Ke couldn't say much and could only continue waiting. He recalled Chairman Mao's early experiences, where he had failed in business and did not last long in the military. Some accounts say that Chairman Mao used the money from his father-in-law for his marriage to pay the party membership fee, thus joining the party. But by the time of the First National Congress, there were already a dozen or so representatives, and the number of party members nationwide was in the hundreds. Chairman Mao had enough comrades to work with.

Starting from scratch, Chen Ke currently had only eight party members. Some of them were not even real party members but just clerks. Not to mention, there was also Wu Xingchen, whose revolutionary stance was unclear. Who should he learn from to open up the revolutionary situation? After much thought, he couldn't find a model. Li Dazhao was already a renowned scholar when he helped form the party, and Chen Duxiu was a famous writer. Their calls to action always had great appeal. Chen Ke had also tried to emulate them, but the early party organization was unpredictable, with a large number of anarchists even leaving the party en masse. Compared to the later party with its iron discipline, the early party organization was like a children's game.

The party's growth was completed through trials of blood and fire, and the prerequisite was having enough people. Chen Ke reflected on the initial purpose of his trip to Beijing, which was to gather enough people. These people must be dissatisfied with the existing system. If they just wanted to come here to eat and drink or work for money, they would scatter like birds and beasts or even turn against the People's Party at the first sign of government troops.

Thinking about this, Chen Ke's gaze became more critical.

He Ruming didn't pay attention to Chen Ke's expression; he just sat there with an official demeanor. Although he was no longer an official at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau, he didn't want to change his ways and always maintained his "official authority." Seeing that the people below were sitting at the table and not daring to speak, and that they were all young, ranging from their twenties to their thirties, Chen Ke didn't want to attract He Ruming's accumulated dissatisfaction. He stood up and poured tea for everyone.

Doing things requires attention to detail. Even in the 21st century, the rules for pouring tea are significant. Pouring tea for the most senior and oldest person first is a common practice. Chen Ke started pouring tea in a clockwise direction. He Ruming was not the last, but he received ordinary treatment. Although Chen Ke was particularly respectful when pouring tea for He Ruming, saying, "Mr. He, please have some tea," He Ruming's expression was already quite displeased. Chen Ke knew that He Ruming had noticed this detail, and he wasn't sure if others had noticed, but those who were observant should understand the meaning of this action.

As expected, He Ruming didn't drink the tea, and his expression became unhappy. He had already told Chen Ke that he wouldn't stay for lunch. Around 11:00 AM, He Ruming got up and left. Chen Ke didn't try to retain him, watching as the angry He Ruming left. He then continued pouring tea for everyone in the same order.

After He Ruming left, the atmosphere in the room became lively. Some people sighed in relief, and some even smiled, the previously suppressed atmosphere dissipating. Many people looked at Chen Ke with a slight sense of kindness and respect.

"My name is Chen Ke, and I am a disciple of Mr. Yan Fu, the chief instructor at the Naval Academy." Chen Ke stood up and introduced himself.

"You are Mr. Yan's disciple?" someone asked.

"Are you also a student at the Naval Academy?" another asked.

The Tianjin Machinery Bureau and the Beiyang Naval Academy had deep ties. Hearing that Chen Ke was Mr. Yan's disciple, everyone immediately showed great respect. Seeing this, Chen Ke regretted offending He Ruming. However, what's done is done, and unless Chen Ke could travel through time again, he couldn't change what had happened.

"Are you all from the Tianjin Machinery Bureau?" Chen Ke asked.

"My name is Xu Tianqi, and I work in the steel workshop," one person said.

"My name is Xu Erba, and I work in the mechanical workshop, and these three are also from there," another said.

Some introduced themselves, and some introduced others after introducing themselves. Surprisingly, all 13 people were from the Machinery Bureau. This was far beyond Chen Ke's expectations. He had not trusted He Ruming's abilities, but he hadn't expected the people he found to be qualified.

Although people in the 21st century might lack the skills to make friends, they were excellent at treating everyone equally. Chen Ke treated everyone the same, and these young people, impressed by Chen Ke's background and his lack of "official authority" like He Ruming, became more enthusiastic.

While Chen Ke was chatting with everyone, more people arrived. Some were from the East Bureau, and some were from the West Bureau, naturally sitting on opposite sides, forming two camps. The large private room was soon filled with people.

During the conversation, Chen Ke learned that among the 18 people, 11 were workers, 5 were technicians, and 2 were engineers, all previously involved in steam engines and firearms at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau. Most were from the north, with only Xu Tianqi and Xu Erba from Anhui.

Chen Ke continued, "We are all from different places, gathered here for a common goal. What is this goal? Who can say?"

Everyone looked at each other, unsure of the goal. Since the Gengzi Year, when the Tianjin Machinery Bureau was destroyed, most of them had been in a semi-unemployed state. They relied on the Tianjin Machinery Bureau for their livelihood, and when it collapsed, they lost their source of income. When He Ruming called them, they came to Beijing to find a way to make a living.

"I'll go first," Xu Erba said. "I'm a poor scholar who couldn't pass the imperial exams, so I came to Beijing to seek an opportunity. I only worked at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau for a short time before it collapsed. I came here to earn money, so when I return home, I can have some savings and not have to lower my head in front of my fellow villagers."

Hearing this, the atmosphere became more lively. A worker named Yin Ergou said, "I don't think about making a lot of money. I just want to be able to eat and get married."

Such a simple goal made many people laugh.

"I'm already married and have no plans to marry again. But seeing my wife live frugally makes me feel bad. I want to earn money," said Xiao Qi, who came from a small landlord family.

In the end, the consensus among the young people was "making money." Just as they were talking, a person appeared at the door. Xiao Qi saw him first and immediately turned pale, like a mouse seeing a cat. The others, seeing Xiao Qi's reaction, all looked at the door. The people from the East Bureau stopped talking, followed by the people from the West Bureau. The young people stood up, but no one spoke. The lively welcome meeting suddenly became silent, as if it had turned into a memorial service.

The young man at the door was about 30 years old, tall, with a long face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. His expression was stern, and his pale complexion made Chen Ke think he might be possessed by a ghost.

Seeing a group of familiar faces, the man stepped into the courtyard. Yin Ergou was already trembling, "Mr. Qin," he said timidly. From their expressions, everyone recognized him as a high-ranking official at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau.

The man walked up to Chen Ke, "May I ask which one is Mr. Chen Ke?"

"I am," Chen Ke replied.

The man looked at Chen Ke and said, "My name is Qin Tongren, and I was sent by Mr. He to join Mr. Chen's factory."

With Qin Tongren's arrival, the atmosphere changed. The young people, who had been getting along well, now became nervous. It seemed that Qin Tongren had considerable influence and ability.

Chen Ke couldn't let an outsider dominate the situation. He had to follow the necessary procedures. Qin Tongren also had to introduce himself. This request didn't surprise Qin Tongren, and he calmly recounted his background. He started reading at five, attended a Catholic school at ten, went to Germany for middle school at twelve, and graduated from Humboldt University in Berlin with a degree in mechanical engineering at twenty. He returned to China the same year and started working at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau.

Hearing this, Chen Ke couldn't help but ask, "Do you know You Gou and Wang Bin?"

At this, Qin Tongren's expression changed slightly. "They entered Humboldt University the year I graduated. Do you know them, Mr. Chen?"

"They are my friends," Chen Ke replied.

Qin Tongren didn't seem to care and continued his introduction. He worked as an engineer at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau and eventually became the deputy chief engineer. After the Gengzi Year, he was forced to leave and had been idle for the past two years.

"Mr. Qin, we are all from different places, gathered here for a common goal. What do you think this goal is?" Chen Ke asked.

Qin Tongren looked around and said, "It should be to accomplish something and earn some money."

Chen Ke had expected Qin Tongren to speak in high-minded terms but was impressed by his straightforward answer.

Chen Ke counted the people. Now there were 19, plus Chen Ke, making 20. He didn't want to wait any longer and directly started explaining the factory plan. He had explained it many times, emphasizing the benefits of honeycomb coal and its social significance. The purpose was to show that this was a business that would benefit the country and the people and make a lot of money. Chen Ke was calm and confident. The people present, having worked in factories, especially military factories, were impressed by Chen Ke's clear and logical explanation.

Yin Ergou wanted to speak but didn't. He glanced at Qin Tongren, who remained calm and didn't express an opinion. Seeing this, Yin Ergou kept quiet. The others also didn't dare to speak.

Seeing the silence, Chen Ke knew that if Qin Tongren didn't speak, no one else would. He directly asked Qin Tongren, "Mr. Qin, what do you think?"

Qin Tongren thought for a moment, "Mr. Chen, you haven't finished explaining the key points. I can't form an opinion yet."

This was a reasonable point, and several people nodded in agreement.

Chen Ke nodded, "How much does the coal cost? Does anyone know?"

No one answered.

Chen Ke placed a piece of paper on the table and explained the retail price of coal, the common usage methods, and the actual cost of a honeycomb coal. After the calculation, it turned out that using honeycomb coal was half the cost of coal briquettes. Everyone sighed in unison, feeling that this business would definitely be profitable.

Only Qin Tongren frowned.

Seeing this, Chen Ke was secretly pleased. If Qin Tongren's frown meant the same as his, it would be great.

Chen Ke smiled and started listing new data on the paper. A strong laborer could produce 1,000 honeycomb coals a day. If they delivered the coals personally, the price could be very low. A person could earn 50 coins a day, enough to live on. As long as the coal-making machine was widespread, the honeycomb coal factory could close. Of course, Chen Ke was exaggerating, as no laborer could produce 1,000 coals a day. But this was to set the stage for the next step.

Hearing this reasonable explanation, the previously relaxed expressions turned serious. Qin Tongren, however, looked more relaxed.

"To compete with and win against those who make their own coal, there is only one way," Chen Ke said, but didn't continue. He wrote "machine production" in large letters on the paper.

Several people nodded in agreement. Qin Tongren, trying to remain calm, finally smiled.

"We will use machines to produce honeycomb coal. With 20 of us, we can produce 100,000 to 200,000 coals a day. We will establish a honeycomb coal distribution system for the entire city of Beijing. It will be cheaper and of better quality than those who make their own coal. Even if we only earn 20 coins per 1,000 coals, with 100,000 coals a day, each person can earn nearly 1,000 coins a day. No one can compete with us. This way, the honeycomb coal factory can survive."

This naked modern competitive mechanism relied on efficiency and price to outdo all competitors. Yin Ergou, being quite smart, was breathing heavily. "Mr. Chen, I will follow you," he said, ignoring the others' gazes. "Mr. He said clearly that I have to do any hard work here. Hearing your words, I feel I can do it. I will work hard for you."

To everyone's surprise, Qin Tongren, with his calm tone, said, "This can be done." Everyone's attention turned to Qin Tongren, and they all followed his lead, stating they would work hard here.

Although Wu Xingchen had been away from Beijing for a long time, he still had connections. After the Gengzi Incident, many people in Beijing were killed or fled. Surprisingly, Wu Xingchen managed to rent a large house. It was originally a carriage shop outside the city, occupied by the Eight-Nation Alliance during the invasion. The owner and his two sons were killed, and the carriages and horses were stolen, leaving only the courtyard. Wu Xingchen rented it for 130 silver taels for two years, which Chen Ke thought was a good deal.

Leading everyone there, they saw that the place was quite dilapidated. Apart from its size, it had nothing else to offer. The walls and houses were in ruins, and it was a problem to live there.

Chairman Mao once said, "Self-reliance leads to a prosperous life." Chen Ke firmly believed this. Pointing to the dilapidated house, he smiled, "Do you all believe we can quickly restore this place?"

Although they had only met recently, everyone could see that Chen Ke had no airs and was approachable. Xu Erba, emboldened, said, "Mr. Chen, I have built houses in the countryside. It would take at least ten days to restore this place."

"Besides Xu brother, has anyone else built houses?" Chen Ke asked.

Technician Gao Huaide stepped forward. He was from a wealthy family in Tianjin, had attended a private school, and later joined the Tianjin Machinery Bureau. "Mr. Chen, I have also built houses."

Others didn't know if they had similar experience, but Chen Ke saw a few people exchanging glances, unwilling to step forward. Ignoring them, Chen Ke asked, "If these two lead 20 people to repair the house, how long do you think it will take?"

"About five to six days with 20 people," Gao Huaide said.

"About the same," Xu Erba agreed.

"Then it's simple. We have 20 people here. You two lead, and we all work together to repair the house."

Chen Ke's words caused a stir in the group.

"Mr. Chen, are you going to repair the house yourself?"

"I don't know how to build houses."

Some were surprised by Chen Ke's actions, and some didn't want to participate. Opinions varied.

Chen Ke stood at the front of the group, scanning everyone. Seeing his determined gaze, those who were speaking stopped.

"Mr. He should have told you the rules here. Everyone must work. This will be our future factory, so everything must be done by us. If you only want to do what you're good at, I can't support you. I declare that I don't know how to build houses, but I can and am willing to put in the effort." After saying this, Chen Ke scanned the group again. Some were intimidated, some were indifferent, and some were不服气 (unwilling to accept it).

"Mr. He invited you here, and I can't let him down. I also can't let you come here for nothing. If you think you can't accept my rules, you can leave now. I will give you five silver taels as travel expenses." Chen Ke took out a money bag from his bag, which was heavy with silver taels, making a dull clinking sound.

"Don't worry, I said I will give you five silver taels, and I will keep my word."

Seeing Chen Ke's determination and the real silver taels, many were convinced. However, two people still wanted to leave. Chen Ke publicly gave