There was no other way, their large convoy was simply too conspicuous.
In this era, cars were rare commodities. Didn't everyone see that at the disaster relief site, many people were relying on handcarts and manual labor to move debris and rubble?
"I am the director of the Jiangyang Automobile Factory, Wang Yu."
Wang Yu quickly introduced himself to the middle-aged man. Although he was covered in dirt and his tired, dispirited look was hard to conceal, this middle-aged man carried an air of authority, clearly not an ordinary person.
"We heard on the radio about the severe damage in Jianglin City and immediately organized some people to come and help, to do our small part. We've also brought our factory's vehicles."
Wang Yu gestured to the long line of cars behind him, "If you need anything, just tell us!"
"You're saying these vehicles are all here to help?" the middle-aged man exclaimed with joy.
Jianglin City had suffered severe damage, and everyone was overwhelmed with disaster relief efforts. The provincial authorities had already begun dispatching personnel and supplies from other cities. To think that before the provincial rescue efforts were fully in place, there was already spontaneous support from the private sector! Seeing Wang Yu and his team dust-covered and weary, how could he not know how quickly they had arrived?
While Wang Yu's group might be a drop in the ocean for Jianglin City, so many vehicles were a significant assistance! How much efficiency could be gained with so many cars? Clearing debris, rescuing residents trapped under buildings – how much help would that be? It might even save several lives!
Lin Chunfeng sighed inwardly, this young man was remarkable, rushing to the rescue the moment he received the news. Jiangyang County Automobile Factory? He had never heard of it before.
"Furthermore, I have our newly produced fuel-assisted vehicles here."
Wang Yu had people quickly unload a number of the fuel-assisted vehicles that had been prototyped and put into small-scale production. In confined spaces where cars couldn't enter, these could be useful. He had also arranged for temporary welding and assembly of metal crates and boxes, to be attached to the fuel-assisted vehicles for debris removal and material transport.
"These are the latest self-unloading models, capable of directly hauling and dumping gravel and debris, saving time and costs!"
"We also have experienced electricians, plumbers, and other repairmen who can assist the professional personnel. We also have welders and cutters who can process simple tools on-site using local materials..."
Wang Yu's continuous narration made Lin Chunfeng's eyes shine with admiration. This young man had thought of everything! This was wonderful!
"Quickly, make arrangements!" Lin Chunfeng ordered those around him. Soon, professional personnel arrived, leading the people from the automobile factory to various locations to begin their work. Especially the more than thirty agricultural vehicles, they were on standby to support any corner. They would transport relief supplies, clear debris, and work at full capacity with everyone else!
...
The next day, Jiangyang County.
The severe earthquake in Jianglin City had drawn the attention of the entire province, with disaster relief supplies being requisitioned from all surrounding cities and counties. The county authorities dared not delay, directly issuing a mobilization order, and almost all factories were present, gathered together.
"There's no need for lengthy speeches. The earthquake disaster in Jianglin City is severe. Perhaps if we delay any longer, more innocent lives will be lost. Therefore, we must rescue with all our might," Secretary Yang Xiaoqing said directly and concisely to the representatives of the various factories gathered in front of the county's central building. "In addition to all the relief supplies from our county, we hope that each of your factories can also contribute."
"The Secretary is right!" As soon as Yang Xiaoqing finished speaking, Zhao Tao, the director of Jiangyang Agricultural Machinery Factory, stood up and said. "When one place is in trouble, help comes from all sides. Our agricultural machinery factory has an obligation to contribute our meager efforts." Zhao Tao spoke righteously, then produced a list. "Last night, I initiated an emergency mobilization. All employees made emergency donations, and combined with our factory's support, we have raised donations of fifty thousand yuan, along with various food, clothing, and equipment."
"This is our list!" As Zhao Tao spoke, he handed the list to his secretary, Du Yujuan. Yes, she was the former class beauty who had caught everyone's eye at Wang Yu's class reunion. Her current external work identity was temporarily Zhao Tao's secretary. Of course, on such a solemn occasion, Du Yujuan was not dressed provocatively but appeared dignified, directly submitting the list.
"Hmm, Director Zhao is quite generous," Yang Xiaoqing nodded. Although he had heard that this fellow's personal conduct had always been improper and his character was not very good, he couldn't deny that he seemed reliable in the face of major issues! Not only had he prepared in advance with foresight, but he had also taken the lead.
"Our Metallurgy General Factory donates two hundred thousand yuan, along with various equipment and supplies." The representative from the Metallurgy General Factory also spoke. As a key unit supported by the province, they were naturally wealthy and generous.
"Yes, our Hardware Factory donates thirty thousand yuan and a batch of production tools."
"Gear Factory donates 15,000 yuan and miscellaneous supplies."
"Electric Rice Cooker Factory donates 10,000 yuan and 100 electric rice cookers."
"Toothbrush Factory donates 8,000 yuan and 1,000 toothbrushes..."
Other smaller factories also spoke up. Even though some of them were facing business difficulties and were on the verge of bankruptcy, they did not shirk their responsibilities in the face of such a grave situation. Those with money donated money, those without donated supplies. Various contributions were made. Soon, everyone had spoken, leaving only the representative of Jiangyang Automobile Factory, old director Li Ming, with Feng Daochun supporting him.
"How much is your automobile factory donating?" Zhao Tao asked maliciously. Others might not know, but he did! The automobile factory had all its funds tied up in current production orders. He doubted they could even scrape together a thousand yuan in their account right now!
"We..." Old Director Li Ming was about to speak when Liu Jinsong from the Metallurgy Factory interjected sarcastically, "Your automobile factory struck it rich a few days ago, a big order of a hundred units, and you generously increased the prices of all the supporting parts by thirty percent. You must think that mere small change is no problem for you!"
Hearing Liu Jinsong's words, everyone was taken aback. That was right! It was rumored that under the young factory director Wang Yu, the automobile factory had been thriving and had gained quite a reputation. They wondered how much they could donate now.
"Our automobile factory has no money or supplies to donate." Feng Daochun suddenly stepped forward.
"What!"
"Are you kidding me?"
"Are you doing this on purpose?"
For a moment, the crowd erupted. Secretary Yang Xiaoqing's expression also slightly soured. Although donations were voluntary, the automobile factory's lack of responsibility was a bit excessive.
"Where is Wang Yu? Why did he send you?" Seeing that Wang Yu was nowhere in sight, Yang Xiaoqing became even more displeased. After all, this was a public occasion, and Jianglin City was in ruins. Yet Wang Yu wasn't present, only sending two representatives? This was going too far!
"Heh, perhaps Factory Director Wang feels that the earthquake in Jianglin City won't affect him anyway, so it doesn't matter," Zhao Tao remarked from the side in a seemingly casual tone.
"No, no. I saw him going out with a very beautiful young lady every day. Perhaps he hasn't woken up yet," Lu Fangquan from the Hardware Factory chimed in. Following Lu Fangquan's double entendre, the crowd burst into laughter. This made Yang Xiaoqing frown even tighter. This young man didn't seem very reliable!
"Our factory director really can't come." Disregarding all the sarcasm and ridicule, Feng Daochun stepped forward and said loudly, "Because he is already in Jianglin City!"