"A thermos? And it has a tail?"
Almost everyone was stunned.
Initially, everyone had heard that the secretary had arranged for a factory to donate a batch of gifts to various government departments.
They were all guessing what it might be, especially with Labor Day approaching, it was likely some kind of welfare.
But they never expected it to be such a strange-looking thermos? And it was a limited supply too, with each department only getting one, and some departments that rarely had any official business only getting one electric kettle for the entire section.
Wang Yu decided to donate 200 electric kettles, which was no small expense.
Especially for the county thermos factory, which was handling the processing of the kettle bodies. It was already on the verge of bankruptcy. Although they quoted a low price, they still required advance payment of wages.
This made the financial situation even tighter. Although the factory's accounts had a considerable amount of funds, good steel should be used on the blade, and it couldn't be used carelessly!
"This peculiar thermos with a tail, doesn't it look a bit like those people in historical dramas with queues?"
A young man in a certain department chuckled, which immediately drew everyone's agreement.
It really did look like it.
But... why do we need a thermos? Who doesn't have one at home?
"This is our donation to the various government departments. You can check the instruction manual for details. I have to go to other departments to distribute them, so I won't stay long."
Wang Yu said with a smile, then took out a piece of paper with a brief explanation of how to use the electric kettle and precautions.
This was a simple instruction manual he had commissioned the county high school to print.
That's right, the county high school.
In those days, some schools had their own printing equipment. Although it was crude and the effect was average, it was cheap!
"Uh, an instruction manual? Add water and plug it in, and it can boil water directly? You must be kidding!"
The young man stared blankly at the instruction manual,
"Why don't you try it and see if it's a joke?" The young man's superior slapped him on the back of the head. "Hurry up and get some water, plug it in, and try it."
"Alright!"
Soon, a kettle was filled with water and plugged in as per the instructions.
Before long, the sound of hissing steam could be heard from the kettle. Then the sound grew louder, and after a short while, a buzzer on the kettle lid rang.
"According to the instruction manual, when the alarm on the lid rings, it means the water has boiled, and we should immediately unplug it."
Said the young man holding the instruction manual.
"Nonsense, then hurry up!" The superior yelled.
The young man quickly unplugged the kettle, found his enamel mug for drinking tea, and poured.
"Pfft!" The boiling water poured out, surprising everyone.
How amazing, it actually boiled!
"That's great, with this, it'll be much more convenient, no need to go to the boiler room to fetch water anymore."
The superior grabbed the enamel mug and looked at the boiling water inside. "Moreover, water boiled on the spot is much fresher than the repeatedly boiled water from the boiler."
The superior's words were met with continuous nods from everyone.
Only those who had drunk boiler water knew that the water in the boiler, after continuous cooling, boiling, cooling, and boiling again.
After repeatedly boiling, the water had an indescribable taste.
That kind of water was commonly referred to as "hundred-boil water." While it was not unbearable, it was not exactly pleasant.
In the past, there was no choice but to drink the hundred-boil water from the boiler. Now that there was an electric kettle, who would still drink that stuff?
"So, that's how the electric kettle got its name." The superior nodded and took out his glass tea mug.
"Quickly fill the water bottle and boil another kettle. Make me some tea."
...
Similar scenes were unfolding in various government departments. As everyone drank the fresh boiling water, they not only marveled at the magic of this new invention but also remembered a name.
Jiangyang Automobile Factory, Wang Yu.
Wasn't this the young factory director who was rumored to be neglecting his proper duties and dabbling in other things?
Now it seemed he was indeed quite neglectful of his proper duties! He had actually tinkered with such a strange kettle.
But... this neglect of proper duties was a good thing!
...
In a little over half a day, Wang Yu completed the distribution of the electric kettles.
Then, without delay, he rushed directly to the bicycle factory.
According to previous arrangements, the bicycle factory had already prepared 100 fuel-assisted bicycles.
"So many good vehicles, that's a lot of money!" Huang He looked at the row of fuel-assisted bicycles lined up, his face full of distress.
100 fuel-assisted bicycles, even with Wang Yu's advanced design technology and repeated cost optimization, each vehicle still cost several hundred yuan!
Giving away these 100 vehicles meant throwing tens of thousands of yuan into the water!
Although he had been persuaded by Wang Yu, seeing so much money being spent still made the old factory director Huang He feel his heart pounding.
And they had originally agreed to donate 60 vehicles to the post office. How did a fight last night result in another 40 vehicles being sent to the Public Security Bureau?
Even though the automobile factory had heard that its profits were good recently, it shouldn't be messed with like this!
Even Shen Wansan couldn't afford such extravagance!
"It's okay, these are all necessary initial promotional investments, and also a small contribution I'm making to society."
Wang Yu's expression was calm, which made Huang He curse inwardly.
"It's your money anyway, so do whatever you want with it."
Huang He pouted.
That's right, he had re-signed an agreement with Wang Yu. Since Wang Yu insisted on making donations free of charge, all these expenses would be borne by the automobile factory.
Originally, they were partners, sharing profits and losses in a six-four ratio, with the automobile factory taking sixty percent and the bicycle factory taking forty percent.
Now that Wang Yu wanted to be a philanthropist, Huang He withdrew. He didn't want any profit anymore and instead charged a fixed processing fee of 100 yuan per vehicle, ensuring a steady income regardless of profits or losses.
Whatever profit or loss remained was Wang Yu's automobile factory's business.
Wang Yu, this kid, wanted to contribute to society and dragged the old man along.
Heh, we lose money to enhance your reputation.
Bah, what a beautiful thought!
Huang He's eyes flashed with cunning. Since that was the case, he would simply withdraw. How the automobile factory would mess around after that was their business.
As for the so-called profits, he didn't want them either.
After Wang Yu, who was so eager for fame, ruined himself,
Perhaps the product and market for fuel-assisted bicycles would fall into his hands in the future.
Tsk tsk, this is a cash cow! What a silly boy, Wang Yu!
Thinking of the beautiful future, Huang He couldn't help but reveal a smile.
Under the arrangement of the staff, batches of fuel-assisted bicycles were sent to the post office and the Public Security Bureau in installments.
Meanwhile, in the government departments, the superior held his exclusive glass tea mug, looking at the fragrant tea leaves steeped inside, and pondered.
"Hmm, this electric kettle is indeed quite convenient. Little Li!"
"Boss, you called me?"
The young man quickly stepped forward.
"After work, go to the automobile factory and inquire about how much they sell these electric kettles for. Help me buy two or three."
"Alright, boss! Honestly, I also think this thing is really convenient, and I need to buy one for myself."
Hearing Li's words, the others in the department chimed in, "That's right, ask for me too."
"I want one too."
"My wife is in confinement, it's perfect timing."
...
A group of people spoke up, and the young man could only nod repeatedly, taking down everyone's requests.
As soon as work ended, he rushed towards the automobile factory.
When he arrived at the main gate of the automobile factory, he was stunned by what he saw.
In front of the original small iron gate, a long queue had formed.
And among those in line, many looked familiar?