Chapter 13: Fire in the Forge
The factory buzzed with the low rumble of machines and the clatter of tools, but it wasn't the sound of productivity — it was the sound of barely-controlled chaos.
Parts were scattered. Workbenches were cluttered. Tools were always missing.
"We've been working like this for years," said Old Zhang, one of the shop veterans. "Not much you can do. That's just how it is."
Chen Rui didn't reply immediately. He simply looked around — eyes scanning the disarray with clinical calm.
"This is how you build bikes… if you want to fail like last time."
Old Zhang blinked.
SYSTEM ANALYSIS: FACILITY EFFICIENCY – 38%
Detected Issues:
Excessive tool search time
Unsafe wiring layout
Poor parts inventory tracking
Layout not optimized for workflow
Chen Rui gathered the workers. Even his father stood in the back, arms crossed.
"I know you all think I'm just a student who learned a few tricks overnight. But if we want to survive what's coming — if we want Ruihua to stand tall — we need to stop being a garage and start being a factory."
He tapped the chalkboard.
"We're implementing S5."
Some scoffed. One whispered, "What's that? Communist slogan?"
Chen Rui grinned. "Close. But this one works."
S5 SYSTEM – INITIATED BY USER CHEN RUI
1. Sort – Remove all unnecessary tools, broken machines, and scrap.
2. Set in Order – Arrange tools and materials logically, by process step.
3. Shine – Clean the workshop thoroughly. Repair broken lights and wiring.
4. Standardize – Mark areas for tools, install visual workflows.
5. Sustain – Daily maintenance, checklists, and weekly reviews.
SYSTEM TASK: S5 Implementation – Progress 0% → 5%
Reward: Unlock "Mini Management Module" if task exceeds 70% success in 2 weeks.
Chen Rui didn't just bark orders — he worked alongside everyone.
He hauled scrap. Labeled shelves. Drew color-coded maps for storage and part flow. With Li Wei's help, he even designed a simple tool-tracking board from plywood.
After two days, they'd cleared out nearly 500kg of useless waste from the factory floor.
By day four, a visitor from a nearby supplier asked:
"Did you guys renovate?"
SYSTEM UPDATE
Factory Efficiency: 38% → 52%
Tool Search Time: -43%
Accident Risk: -27%
Chen Rui's father watched it all from his office window. Slowly, he turned and pulled out the old company ledger.
"That boy… he might actually pull this off."
But change brought resistance.
On day six, someone deliberately left the machine oil scattered across the freshly cleaned walkway.
A worker nearly slipped.
Rui caught the bottle just in time.
"Some people don't like change," Li Wei muttered.
Chen Rui narrowed his eyes.
"Then they'll hate what I'm about to do next."
SYSTEM NOTICE:
⚠️ Uncooperative Behavior Detected
Would you like to assign strike policy to factory workforce?
Yes / No
Chen Rui hovered his hand over the interface.
He didn't press anything yet.
"No need to rule by fear. Not yet. First… I'll earn their respect."