Chapter 78: No Such Person!

Speaking of the future profits of the diatomite factory, Chen Shuli's enthusiasm clearly soared, his eyes brightening. He said joyfully, "In the first year, a conservative estimate would be over a hundred thousand, and from the second year onwards, it could reach several hundred thousand!"

"Then after two years, the diatomite factory will be the largest profit-making enterprise in the township, right?" Zhu Daodong asked with a smile, though he had some doubts, he did not want to dampen Chen Shuli's enthusiasm, as that would be questioning his decision. Zhu Daodong was not very familiar with diatomite, and without sufficient confidence, he would not say such things. A year ago, Zhu Daodong might have directly expressed his true thoughts, but now, especially when speaking to a leader, he would carefully consider his words before speaking.

"In theory, that should be the case," Chen Shuli said with a smile. The thought of the profits the diatomite factory would bring was like an electric current coursing through his body, making him radiant. Profits were political achievements, and political achievements were the stakes for promotion. Running the diatomite factory well would pave the way for his own advancement.

When Chen Shuli first heard of such high profits, he was so excited that he raised Dai Zhengjun's待遇 (treatment) another notch. Originally, Dai Zhengjun only required the Shulin Township to make up for his annual salary, but after hearing about such significant profits, Chen Shuli was generous. He promised that the township would provide an additional thousand yuan per month to Dai Zhengjun, and cover his accommodation, meals, and travel expenses to and from Shulin Township.

"Where will the diatomite factory be located?" Zhu Daodong asked.

"A few years ago, the city commerce bureau set up a warehouse in the township, which was later withdrawn, but the storage area is still vacant and can be used as a factory and laboratory. There are also a few rooms inside that can be cleaned up for Dai Zhengjun and the technicians to stay in. The county funds have not yet arrived, so everything must be frugal. You can borrow some laboratory equipment from the middle school for now," Chen Shuli said. At the moment, he could only use the township's funds, and he was well aware of the financial difficulties in Shulin. Before the county funds arrived, everything had to be done frugally. "Actually, Secretary Wang also promised to run around in the city after the election to try to secure more funds."

"Good. Will the factory's accountant also be handled by the finance office?" Zhu Daodong asked. "Additionally, I think Ma Kai should be appointed as the deputy factory manager for production. He should be given something to do as the director of the enterprise office."

"The accountant should be a separate person, but Ma Kai can be appointed as the deputy factory manager for production," Chen Shuli nodded slightly. Having the finance office also serve as the factory's accountant could lead to misunderstandings. However, appointing Ma Kai as the deputy factory manager for production would not be a problem, as the director of the enterprise office was not too busy.

"Secretary, these preparations can be completed in a few days. When will the experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences arrive?" Zhu Daodong asked again. Although he would be the factory manager, without these experts, the factory could not operate.

"About a week from now. They are very busy, so we need to have everything ready before notifying them," Chen Shuli said. It would be a joke if the experts arrived and the factory and dormitories were not ready.

Zhu Daodong's efficiency was very high. In just two days, the factory and laboratory were set up, and the experts' and technicians' dormitories were cleaned. A batch of experimental equipment was borrowed from Shulin Middle School, and three technicians were hired. Sufficient workers were also recruited from nearby villages. Everything was ready, except for Dai Zhengjun.

After completing the preparations, Zhu Daodong went to report to Chen Shuli, but unfortunately, Chen Shuli was in a meeting in the county. Zhu Daodong had been spending most of his time at the diatomite factory and was not as well-informed about Chen Shuli's movements as before.

Zhu Daodong knew that Chen Shuli was very concerned about the diatomite factory and had repeatedly instructed Zhu Daodong to notify Dai Zhengjun immediately once everything was ready. It would take two days to travel from Beijing to Shulin. When borrowing the experimental equipment from Shulin Middle School, Zhu Daodong had spoken to Dai Zhengjun on the phone, so he wanted to notify Dai Zhengjun directly.

However, Zhu Daodong had forgotten to ask Chen Shuli for Dai Zhengjun's contact information. The last time he called, it was from Chen Shuli's office, and he had not paid attention. Shulin had already upgraded to a digital telephone system, and now all township party members, deputy township heads, and the township government office had telephones.

But this did not stump Zhu Daodong. Dai Zhengjun was an expert from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. If his office phone number was unknown, surely the Chinese Academy of Sciences' phone number could be found. He called the Beijing inquiry service, and soon, the phone number for the Chinese Academy of Sciences' office was found. With a mix of excitement, Zhu Daodong dialed the number, feeling his fingers tremble as he connected to the highest academic institution in China.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences did not discriminate against Zhu Daodong because of his low status. After explaining his purpose, the person on the other end was very enthusiastic and helped him look up Dai Zhengjun's phone number. However, after waiting for a while, the response was: "No such person!"

"How is that possible? Our township has already signed an agreement with him to guide our diatomite production. Could there be a mistake? Could you please check again?" Zhu Daodong asked in surprise, hoping it was a mistake on the part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

However, a fine layer of sweat had already formed on Zhu Daodong's forehead. He had always been worried, even though he had only spoken to Dai Zhengjun once. Dai Zhengjun's condescending tone over the phone had made him very uncomfortable. This person did not seem like a genuine scholar, but rather very worldly. Hearing his voice always gave Zhu Daodong a prickling sensation.

"Let me check again in half an hour. Please call back then," the person on the other end said.

"Thank you very much. If I ever have the chance to come to Beijing, I will definitely thank you in person," Zhu Daodong said sincerely. Dai Zhengjun's identity was now crucial, affecting Shulin Township, Chen Shuli, and Zhu Daodong himself. Just think, a salary of 60,000 yuan a year, which was almost like robbing money.

Half an hour later, Zhu Daodong called the Chinese Academy of Sciences again, but the response was the same: "No such person." After thanking the person and asking for their name, he hung up the phone.

This was a serious matter and needed to be reported to Chen Shuli immediately!

The township's jeep had taken Chen Shuli to the county, and the bus to the county had already left. Zhu Daodong had to ride his motorcycle to the county. After being promoted to deputy township head, the township had given him the motorcycle originally assigned to Deputy Township Head Wang, which was about 80% new but well-maintained.

When the dusty Zhu Daodong appeared before Chen Shuli, he almost did not recognize him. It was only when Zhu Daodong called out "Secretary Chen" that Chen Shuli confirmed that this "gray person" with yellow-dusted hair was indeed Zhu Daodong.

"Comrade Daodong, you shouldn't ride a motorcycle to the county. The road is dusty and unbearable," Chen Shuli said with a smile.

"Secretary, there is a very important matter I must report to you immediately. I called the Chinese Academy of Sciences to notify Dai Zhengjun that everything is ready at the factory. Their response was: 'No such person!'" Zhu Daodong wiped the sweat from his face, which mixed with the dust and turned into a ball of mud when he rubbed it.

"What?!" Chen Shuli was shocked, his face turning pale.