Chapter 72

Chapter 28: Computer Room Malfunction

Fang Bin quickly scanned through the inspection report, which listed at least seven or eight shortcomings of the Fang family restaurant, such as the cabinets for storing kitchen utensils being somewhat old and the doors not closing properly; the lack of clear markings on several sinks; a few stains on the staff's uniforms in the kitchen; the ventilation outlets not being cleaned, leaving oil stains on the inspector's hands; water stains all over the floor; and a fly found in the kitchen, among other issues.

"Mr. Fang, your restaurant is a flagship of the Hai Zhuang town's catering industry. You must maintain high standards and strict requirements. I hope you will rectify these shortcomings as soon as possible," Director Sun said with a smile.

Fang Bin twisted his mouth inwardly, thinking this was nitpicking. During the busiest time of the day for the restaurant, it would be impossible to keep the kitchen spotless. If that were the case, one might as well go to a high-end restaurant in the capital. However, he did not show his dissatisfaction on the surface. "Director Sun is right. We will immediately rectify these shortcomings and ensure that we meet the hygiene standards."

"That's good, that's good!" Director Sun stood up and led everyone out.

At this moment, Fang Mingyuan was unaware of what had happened at the restaurant. He was excitedly waiting for Zhao Jianguo to take him to the computer room of the Qinxi Pressing Equipment Factory. He had just learned that the factory had received three 386 computers from the Ministry of Mechanical Industry at the beginning of the year. The factory leadership took this matter very seriously, specifically renovating a computer room, installing dust-removal and insulation equipment, and assigning dedicated personnel. This was a rare thing in Pingchuan County and even throughout the entire Qinxi Province. It was said that each computer cost over 100,000 yuan, equivalent to an ordinary person's lifetime salary.

However, these were not what Fang Mingyuan was concerned about. He just wanted to relive the feeling of using a computer. Having been reborn for four years, he had also been offline for four years. For someone who used to spend at least one to two hours online every day, he had secretly longed for computers to enter China and households as soon as possible. Even 386 or 486 computers would do. If he couldn't enjoy the internet, at least he could familiarize himself with computers. This was the golden industry of the future, which would permeate every corner of society. Shouldn't computer education start from childhood? He was now... barely a child, and to a 60-70-year-old, what was the essential difference between a 12-13-year-old and a 7-8-year-old?

"Old Zhao, why are you here?" A man in his fifties suddenly called out to Zhao Jianguo as they approached the computer room door.

"Isn't it because we heard that the factory has those... computers? This kid insisted on coming to see them and even skipped his afternoon class!" Zhao Jianguo pointed at Fang Mingyuan, looking helpless.

The man then noticed Fang Mingyuan and was taken aback. "Old Zhao, is this your eldest child? He's grown so much, when did he come back?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Zhao Jianguo laughed. "Mingyuan, come and meet your grandpa Lei. If you want to come to the computer room in the future, you'll have to find your grandpa Lei, who is in charge of this area. I don't have the time to accompany you every time. Grandpa Lei, this is the Fang family's child, a classmate of my daughter Xiaoya."

"Hello, Grandpa Lei!" Fang Mingyuan quickly greeted, knowing that this man was the key to his entry into the computer room and he couldn't afford to offend him.

Lei Xin finally understood and said with a strange smile, "The Fang family's child? That Fang Mingyuan? Your daughter Xiaoya's classmate..."

"Ahem, Old Lei, give me a break. Between us... how can you make me lose face in front of the child?" Zhao Jianguo quickly said.

Lei Xin frowned and pulled Zhao Jianguo aside. "Old Zhao, it's not that I don't want to give you face, but the factory leadership is coming to inspect this afternoon..."

"He'll come when he comes. Wouldn't he notify you in advance? He won't be doing any incognito inspections. Once you get the news, just have the child leave," Zhao Jianguo said dismissively. "Old Lei, you're not being fair, deliberately making me lose face in front of the child. Right?"

"Hey! Old Zhao, let me finish!" Lei Xin said irritably.

"Go on, go on..." Zhao Jianguo said impatiently, wanting to hear what Lei Xin had to say.

"The leadership is coming this afternoon, but one of the three computers just won't display anything when turned on. Our colleagues, Zhang and Li, are currently troubleshooting. If the child goes in now, it will disturb them," Lei Xin said softly.

"There's a problem?" Zhao Jianguo was also taken aback. Each computer cost over 100,000 yuan and was issued by the ministry. If there was a problem, it would be a significant responsibility, especially with the leadership coming to inspect.

"Yes! Otherwise, I would have given you face, Old Zhao! Look at my forehead, all sweaty from worry!" Lei Xin pointed to his forehead. Zhao Jianguo looked and indeed saw a thin layer of sweat.

Zhao Jianguo thought for a moment. Taking Fang Mingyuan there at this time was indeed not appropriate. "How long has it been like this?"

"It's been over an hour, and they still haven't found the cause. Zhang and Li are about to go crazy," Lei Xin said in distress. If he had known how difficult it was to maintain these things, he wouldn't have taken on this responsibility. There were only a few such computers in the entire province, and if they needed repairs, they would have to be sent to the province or even the ministry. This was like poking a hornet's nest.

"Grandpa Lei, you mean the computer won't display anything when turned on?" Fang Mingyuan suddenly interjected. "When you turn it on, can you hear a 'beep' sound?"

"What 'beep' sound?" Lei Xin looked puzzled. "And what is a computer?"

Fang Mingyuan scratched his head. It seemed that at this time, computers were not yet commonly referred to as "computers." "A computer is a computer. When you turn it on, the main unit should make a sound, and from that sound, you can infer the possible fault."

"You know about this?" Lei Xin's eyes widened.

"Yes, I know a bit, but without seeing the machine, I can't make a judgment," Fang Mingyuan said, spreading his hands. In his previous life, he had assembled at least four computers and spent over ten years using them. He was very familiar with the process of diagnosing computer faults, which was certainly better than those who were just starting to use computers.

Lei Xin pondered for a moment, then bit his lip. He decided to treat a dead horse as if it were alive! Fang Mingyuan was a well-known smart child in the factory, who had designed a simple shower for his family a few years ago. He was willing to take this chance. After all, the leadership would be inspecting in the afternoon, and there was no way to hide the problem. Whether he faced it head-on or tried to avoid it, it would be the same.

"Mingyuan, come with me!"