Chapter 11: Steel, Sweat, and Strategy
For the next week, Chen Rui became a ghost in the factory — always moving, always watching, rarely speaking.
He sat in corners scribbling sketches, followed line workers with a notebook in hand, and even timed how long it took bolts to be tightened on different models.
Most thought he was wasting time. A few thought he'd gone crazy.
But Chen Rui wasn't just observing.
[SYSTEM FUNCTION: EFFICIENCY OPTIMIZER – ACTIVE]
"Current production line efficiency: 61.3%"
"Predicted improvement using alternate workflow: +18.9%"
"Suggested layout change: Move Frame Assembly to Station 2"
In his notebook, Chen Rui outlined a new factory layout that would:
✔ Remove redundant worker movements
✔ Optimize tool placement
✔ Reduce assembly time by over 20%
He waited for the right moment to present it.
Evening – Factory Office
His father sat slumped at his desk, rubbing his eyes. The paperwork was mounting. The latest part shipment had been delayed — again.
"We're losing money every day we wait on those damn suppliers," he muttered.
Chen Rui stepped in, papers in hand.
"Then let's stop waiting."
He laid out a new proposal. Flowcharts. Efficiency metrics. A list of parts they could replace in-house over time. And at the top: "Chen Rui's Production Line Restructure Plan."
His father blinked.
"You're serious about this?"
"Yes. If we don't move now, Ruihua will stay a second-rate assembly plant forever."
He hesitated — then finally said:
"Fine. You get three days. Show me this works."
Day 1 – Trial Run
Workers were skeptical, annoyed at being told to change their routines by a high schooler. But when the changes actually worked — when the frames moved smoother, when fewer mistakes were made — doubt began to shift into quiet admiration.
Day 3 – Review
The assembly floor was buzzing.
"We finished twelve more units today," Old Ma muttered. "Same crew. Same hours."
"No reworks," another worker added. "None."
Chen Jianzhong walked the floor in silence. Then he turned to his son.
"You win. This works."
"Then let's go further," Chen Rui said. "Let's stop waiting for suppliers and start producing key components ourselves."
His father raised an eyebrow.
"You want to build our own supply chain?"
"Not just that," Chen Rui said with a glint in his eye. "I want Ruihua to be the supplier one day."
SYSTEM UPDATE
✅ Subtask Complete: Increase monthly factory output by 10%
✅ Subtask Complete: Reduce assembly defects by 30%
🔓 New Subtask Unlocked:
Design a new component from scratch
Build a prototype
Convince factory to begin low-volume trial production
📦 Reward: Control Rights + Local Reputation Boost + Talent Summon Ticket
"I've learned the rules of the game… now it's time to play it better than anyone else."