Material Empire

Lu Jingrong gave a detailed introduction to Rajimov about his intentions for coming, and finally proposed: If Rajimov thinks his health is okay, he is welcome to go to China to guide the work; If you are a student or colleague of yours, ask him to recommend you, the more the better.

All that needs to be said has been said, Qin Hai and his party come here to see what they want, and they are waiting to see Rajimov's reaction. Qin Hai in the previous life knew that before and after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, many technicians went to work in China through various channels, but when it came time to operate the matter himself, he was still a little apprehensive. What will be the attitude of the invitation.

Do you also think that the Soviet Union is dead? Rajimov asked hoarsely, and it could be heard that he was not in a happy mood. The country is like this, and people everywhere are emotional, and Rajimov is not ignorant. Now even the Chinese are running over to beat the autumn wind, this feeling is really bad.

Lu Jingrong turned his head to look at Qin Hai, waiting for him to speak. Regarding the future of the Soviet Union, Lu Jingrong really didn't dare to make a judgment. Everything he knew came from Qin Hai's narration. Of course, this trip to the Soviet Union also confirmed Qin Hai's previous point of view, but Lu Jingrong was still unwilling to believe it.

Mr. Rajimov, how long do you think the Soviet can last? Qin Hai didn't answer directly, but threw the question to the other party. As he said this, he smiled and looked at Rajmov with candid eyes, and many hints were left unsaid.

After listening to Qin Hai's words translated by Lu Jingrong, Rajimov was silent. After a while, he said slowly: Young man, your question is very sharp. Yes, the Soviets have come to an end. If things go on as they are now, I worry that it will be difficult for the Soviets to last another year.

You mean...less than a year? Lu Jingrong asked with his eyes wide open, ignoring the translator.

Rajimov smiled miserably, nodded and said, Yes, not more than a year.

And then? Lu Jingrong asked.

People like Lu Jingrong's generation had very complicated feelings about the Soviet Union. On the one hand, after the Sino-Soviet confrontation in the 1960s and 1970s, they believed that the Soviet Union would be a great threat to China. On the other hand, the propaganda of comrades and brothers in the 1950s left a deep imprint on them, making them identify with the Soviet Union in terms of values.

Hearing that such a giant can't last another year, Lu Jingrong's mind was completely messed up.

And... who knows? Rajimov said in a helpless tone.

If my prediction is not wrong, once the Soviet Union disintegrates, all the original economic relations will be cut off, the situation of enterprises in the West will be better, and these enterprises in the Far East will all be in trouble. At that time, the state will not have the strength to take care of so many workers. , and the factory can’t earn enough money to pay everyone wages, the life of workers in Far East enterprises will be ten times more difficult than it is now.” Qin Hai said alarmistly.

And then? Rajimov followed what Lu Jingrong said, and continued to ask.

Then...you can only wait for financial capitalists to come and buy up these remaining enterprises and transform them into capitalist factories, and the original workers will become wage workers under the capitalist system. Then the economy will gradually recover, and society will gradually recover. Return to normal. This process is estimated to take more than 10 years. Qin Hai said.

Are you sure? Rajimov looked into Qin Hai's eyes and asked.

I'm sure! Qin Hai bravely met Rajimov's eyes and said, although he is not a Soviet, but as a time traveler, he does know what the future of the Soviet Union will look like better than any Soviet. In later generations, many cities in Far Eastern Siberia became ghost towns due to the decline of industries. Many factories either fell into the mouth of financial giants, or silently grew overgrown with weeds. What Qin Hai said to Rajimov These are definitely not sensational wild words.

Rajimov and Qin Hai looked at each other for a while, and finally lowered their eyes. He said, Young man, I completely believe what you said. In fact, our factory has already shown signs of this. The chief engineer has no intention of organizing production at all, they only know how to frantically steal the equipment and raw materials in the factory to fill their own pockets. If the Soviet really disintegrates one day, they will sell the entire factory as private property.”

So, here we are. Qin Hai said with a smile.

But you are not here to help us, you are going to give another kick to an already dilapidated house. Rajimov commented unceremoniously.

Even if we don't give it a kick, this house is going to collapse. Before it falls, if we kick it and rescue the people who are still alive inside, it's a kind of help, right? Qin Hai and Rajimov hit the machine forward.

Rajimov thought for a while and said, I'm old, so I'm of no use to you. However, my son-in-law Victor, who is my favorite student, has some insights of his own in the research of low-temperature materials. Maybe you can talk to him, if he is willing to work with you, I will support it. As for the others, I don’t know much about them, maybe Victor will help you contact some people.”

Are you talking about Mr. Victor Tsereteli? Lu Jingrong asked speculatively. There was a Soviet engineer named Victor among the materials he studied, but he didn't expect him to be Rajimov's son-in-law. .

Yes, that's him. Rajimov didn't feel surprised. Since the other party could find his home, he would naturally notice his son-in-law. This point can be understood casually. Since the Chinese know Victor's name, maybe they are really interested in him.

Where does he live, let's go back and visit him. Qin Hai said.

He lives not far away, let me call him, Rajimov said.

Rajimov went back to his room to make a phone call. Lu Jingrong watched Rajimov go away and whispered to Qin Hai: Boss Qin, you are really good. You convinced the old man with just a few words.

Qin Hai smiled lightly and said, I'm just following the trend. Look at the old man's current living conditions, and his son-in-law probably won't be much better. At this time, it's useless to talk about doctrines, and only real money is real. .As long as the conditions we offer are good enough, there will definitely be people who are willing to work in China.”

This feeling is really bad. Lu Jingrong said without any concealment.

After Rajimov made the phone call, he returned to the living room and chatted with everyone. About ten minutes later, there was the sound of kicking footsteps outside, and then the door opened, and a young man broke in, shouting as he walked, Grandfather, what do you want from my father? Come and have a look, he'll be there soon.

It's nothing, my little Seryozha. Ragimov's face showed a loving light, Sit down quickly, and I will introduce you to some friends from China.

Seryozha?

Qin Hai and the others were stunned for a moment, and looked closely, only to find that the young man who came in was clearly the little Soviet policeman who made trouble for them at the train station. It really caused a flood to wash away the Dragon King Temple.

Thank you, why are you at my grandfather's house? Xie Liaosha also saw Xie Qijin sitting in the living room, and couldn't help asking strangely, and then he recognized Qin Hai and the others, with embarrassment on his face, hesitating Said: It turns out that you are my grandfather's friends... I really didn't expect it.

I'm glad we met again. Qin Hai stood up and extended his hand to Seryozha. Instead of looking at the face of the monk, he looked at the face of the Buddha. When he was asking Rajimov, he should not have any grievances with Seryozha. Besides, this Seryozha was quite a man of measure. When he was at the train station, as soon as Xie Qijin came forward to intercede, he walked away. Now that he saw everyone at this meeting, he didn't become angry from embarrassment, but looked a little embarrassed. As for this, Qin Hai didn't want to embarrass him.

Welcome, guests from China. Xie Liaosha shook hands with Qin Hai. In his own home, he didn't have the face of a policeman at all, and looked like a good boy.

Xie Qijin briefly introduced his group's intentions to Xie Liaosha. Xie Liaosha was very happy and shouted: Go to China to work? Great, I am very willing.

... Qin Hai and Lu Jingrong looked at each other, the person we want to recruit seems to be an engineer, okay, you little policeman who only knows how to blackmail foreigners, what are you doing in China?

Seryozha didn't feel that there was anything wrong with his words at all. He ran to Rajimov and said with a smile: Grandfather, do you know that China is much richer than our Soviet Union now. This Mr. Xie is mine. Good friend, he opened several shops in the Soviet Union, and I often drink with him, drinking Chinese Erguotou. By the way, grandfather, I have heard of this wine from you.”

Rajimov patted Serezha's hand and said: You will not be of much use if you go to China. These gentlemen from China want to hire some technicians from us. Your father is a very suitable candidate. .”

Oh, what a pity. Seryozha patted his head dejectedly, but then smiled again and said, It's good if my father goes to China, at least he can earn more money. No, I don’t need to think of ways to earn money to support my family.”

Speaking of this, he suddenly remembered the scene where he met Qin Hai and the others at the train station. In fact, that was exactly how he usually made money. He turned his head and cast an apologetic look at Qin Hai, who returned a polite smile.

At this time, Seryozha's father had also arrived. He opened the door and looked at the people in the room, and couldn't help but be stunned.