Chapter 31 (2/2)

Xia Lei stepped up to the machine and saw German words. It had been imported from Germany and was worth tens of millions.

Importing equipment from Europe and America was, in fact, still considered all right. The import of precision machining parts was the real rip-off. One precision bearing cost tens of thousands and the price was non-negotiable. This was the result of being behind in manufacturing – you knew you were being taken advantage of but can only smile as you hand over your money. As soon as any international disputes or conflicts of interest occur, Europe and America would limit trade in this industry and high precision manufacturing became impossible. If they continued to lag behind Europe and America in terms of precision machining, this problem with no solution would persist.

“Young man, have you used this sort of lathe before?” an engineer questioned Xia Lei doubtfully.

It was not just him – the engineers of East Wind Heavy Industries who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the ‘mysterious Master’ were disappointed when Xia Lei turned up. In their eyes, a young man such as Xia Lei couldn’t possibly have great workmanship. They were still standing around only because Ning Yuan-Shan was present.

Xia Lei was calm and spoke mildly, “This is a DMG precision lathe imported from Germany with an accuracy of 0.0001mm.” After a pause, he added, “Though I have never used such a high-end lathe, I think I wouldn’t have any problems. I can process parts with an accuracy of 0.0009mm with my Golden Pheasant.”

The engineer who spoke earlier voiced his thoughts again, “It’s not good to blow your own horn, young man. We know the limits of our locally-produced lathes. You can process parts with an accuracy of 0.0009mm with your Golden Pheasant? I don’t believe you. Nobody in this country has been able to reach that standard.”

Xia Lei was still polite and courteous even though he was under suspicion and doubt. “I did not lie. Wouldn’t we know if I just try?” he said.

“That’s right,” said Ning Yuan-Shan, “Let him try. You people just won’t change your way of thinking. Young people nowadays are quite capable. Won’t the future masters of the world be the young people of today?”

With Ning Yuan-Shan speaking on Xia Lei’s behalf, who would dare voice their doubt now?

The engineer who spoke against Xia Lei changed his tune. He pointed at the imported lathe and said, “We have an imported bearing but it lacks a shaft so you can process that. The lathe has the bearing data and the shaft accuracy and damping coefficient requirements. You can start after you take a look.”

Processing a shaft to connect to the bearing seemed like a simple task but this had the added difficulty of an imported bearing and damping coefficient requirements. This was like asking a chef to prepare tofu. If you only needed him to cube it and add it to the pot, any chef would do. However, if you wanted the chef to carve a picture of two dragons searching for a pearl on the tofu, then cook it, you would be hard pressed to find a chef skilled enough.

He knew it would be difficult but Xia Lei did not hesitate. He walked to side of the lathe and looked through the information and materials which the engineers had placed there.

The group of engineers talked among themselves at one side.

“Who’s this young punk? A nobody dares to come knocking here for work at his age?”

“No, one look and I can tell; I don’t believe he has any real ability.”

“I hear this punk was brought in by Chairman Ning’s niece. Chairman Ning’s son perished on the battlefield so he dotes on Ning Jing like his own flesh and blood. He got in through connections?”

“So that’s how it is. No wonder.”

Some spoke of their doubts while others passed negative remarks and none of the words were complimentary to Xia Lei.

Chi Jing-Qiu stood close to the group of engineers and eavesdropped. A faint mocking smile appeared on her lips, then she folded her arms and gave Xia Lei a measured look, thinking ‘Xia Lei must be lying. When did he go to the College of Engineering? Never. He’s just a high school graduate. He must have used his looks and his sweet-talking mouth to seduce Chairman Ning’s niece. But isn’t he overreaching? This isn’t his flirting-grounds – these engineers are the elite, the best in this country. Every one of them is a skilled Master. How can he pull the wool over their eyes? Ha! He’s going to make a fool of himself. Good thing I was smart back then and didn’t get fooled by him. He wanted to be with me? Paired with him? Humph. He’s just a nicer-looking toad.’

Xia Lei naturally became the focus of attention in the workshop. Every engineer had his own opinion of him and everyone had different ways of thinking. No matter who it was, and what they thought, it did not affect Xia Lei now.

After reading the bearing information and requirements for the shaft, Xia Lei started the lathe. He said he would do it and he did, with no hesitation and no fear – because his left eye was the greatest precision existence in the world!

The imported DMG precision lathe was indeed advanced; there was barely any loud sound when in use. This machine was actually a precise existence – every bearing, every screw, every part was most precise. Germany’s reputation for precision was not for show; it was very real. Under Xia Lei’s hands, the german precision lathe was like a tamed beast, following his every command meticulously. The turning tool spun in a blur and the alloy parts fixed on the machine quickly changed shape. Every step was smooth and skilled.

“Is this really the first time this punk is using a lathe like this?” An engineer in the group could not help asking.

“One look and I know that this guy has used this sort of lathe before, or he couldn’t be so skilled. We hired professional translators and slowly got the hang of using this. How can he just read a while and be able to use it?” said one.

“Yeah, this is a sly young punk. He said it was his first time using it on purpose so he could surprise us, didn’t he?” said another.

“Maybe he knows German,” said yet another.

“Even if he does know German, this machine uses technical jargon. Who would learn this sort of German? This specialised German has to be translated by professional translators. Regular fluent German-speakers wouldn’t understand it either,” said one.

“Huh. What a strange guy,” exclaimed another.

Amidst their chatter, Chi Jing-Qiu’s brows slowly wrinkled up.