As the new semester began, the younger brother packed his bags and headed to a prestigious university in a major metropolis.
Meanwhile, the older brother asked his frail father to return home from the town-run cement factory to recuperate. He stepped into his father's role, standing by the rock crusher and wielding a heavy steel pick. The machine bore traces of blood.
Many workers had previously had their fingers crushed by this very machine, making it extremely hazardous.
From the very first day on this job, the older brother harbored a beautiful dream (often referred to today as 'becoming CEO and marrying a beautiful, rich woman'). He spent three months modifying the machine, which not only improved the quality of crushed stone but also significantly enhanced safety standards.
The factory director transferred him to the firing workshop, where dust hung heavily in the air, causing many workers to develop silicosis.
Together with several technical experts, he devoted himself to improving the workshop's environmental protection facilities. Subsequently, the director moved him to the research and development laboratory. There, he read extensively, visited various factories to learn best practices, and conducted repeated experiments. Through continuous innovation, he greatly improved the quality of the cement, creating a new brand product for the factory that became a best-seller in several provinces in South China.
Eventually, he became a well-known figure in the provincial building materials industry.