The train driver in the courtyard

Wuuwuwu, eating, eating, eating, eating, the train drove along the black rails towards Bulgaria.

On the 20th day of the Lunar New Year, the delegation finally arrived at the Sofia Railway Station and was warmly welcomed by Bulgarian comrades.

Minister Teng was picked up by the Railway Organization Committee in advance because he was attending a ministerial meeting, while Li Aiguo and others needed to go to the Railway Organization Committee’s headquarters.

The fifth specialist sent by the Railway Organization Committee to receive Li Aiguo and others was a short Bulgarian named Slavchev.

Slavchev had the unique enthusiasm of Bulgarians and seemed particularly active. As soon as he got on the minibus, he began to introduce Sofia's scenic spots with gestures and excitement.

Sofia has been deeply influenced by Western Europe in history, and many churches have been built.

After joining the big family, many Russian-style buildings were built in the city. The two look a bit out of place when standing next to each other, but they also have a unique flavor.

Comrade Slavchev explained the lecture with great passion and enthusiasm. He also particularly liked to use gestures, and his left and right hands were almost like playing an accordion.

It’s just that the delegation was burdened with heavy responsibilities and had no mood to appreciate the so-called scenery.

On the minibus, Liu Guozhang asked directly: "Comrade, when will the technical meeting of the Fifth Specialized Institute be held?"

"Dear comrade, please don't be anxious. The comrades from Moscow have not arrived yet. We need to wait a few more days." Slavchev said with a smile.

"Moscow?" Liu Guozhang pretended to be surprised: "Are you from the Moscow Institute of Railway Transport?"

Slavchev suddenly shook his head when he heard this.

Liu Guozhang was shocked and thought that there was something wrong with the intelligence provided by his comrades in Moscow.

Slavchev went on to say, "It is said that the team leader is Professor Popov, the vice president. He is a big shot."

Then why are you shaking your head? Liu Guozhang thought it was just a communication problem and didn't pay attention to it. He asked again: "Are we going to the base now?"

Slavchev shook his head again: "That's right, let's go to the villa in the suburbs first, and then go through the relevant procedures."

Slavchev said the affirmative words but made the opposite gestures, which attracted the attention of the delegation members.

Liu Guozhang pointed at Slavchev and asked Li Aiguo in Beijing dialect: "Aiguo, what's wrong with this comrade? Why are his actions and words reversed?"

Li Aiguo said: "Teacher, in Bulgaria, nodding means 'no' and shaking your head means 'yes'."

Liu Guozhang finally understood and nodded, "No wonder, I thought this young comrade had a problem with his brain."

Deputy Chief Engineer Wang was surprised: "There is such a weird country."

"Every mile apart, the winds and customs are different. The world is big, so it's normal for the rules to be different. Ah San nodded his head for 'no' and shook his head for 'yes'."

While they were discussing quietly, Slavchev noticed that several distinguished guests from the University of the East looked strange and was startled.

You have to know that in those days, the relationship between Bulgaria and us was "comprehensively friendly".

It is the second small family in the world to establish diplomatic relations with us.

Our new family was only 4 days old at that time!
The two sides signed a trade agreement a few years ago.

In 1955, the two sides signed the first official scientific and technological cooperation agreement and later established an official scientific and technological cooperation committee.

Bulgaria is one of the few countries where news about the University of Tokyo can be seen in newspapers. It has also followed the University of Tokyo’s example by merging “small companies” into “big companies”.

The relationship between the two sides is so good that it even makes Big Brother jealous.

Slavchev was a special officer selected from the Science and Technology Cooperation Committee to welcome the distinguished guests from the University of East China.

"Comrade driver, is there something wrong with my introduction?" Slavchev asked in a low voice, seeing that Li Aiguo could speak Bulgarian and was a 'gentle' person.

Li Aiguo explained the situation to him, and Slavchev breathed a sigh of relief: "It turned out to be a misunderstanding."

"Don't worry too much. We are all teammates in the same trench. There are no so many rules." Li Aiguo saw that Slavchev was too nervous and comforted him.

Slavchev shook his head: "Thank you very much. Dear driver comrade, you are much easier to get along with than those old Russians. Because I am fluent in Russian, I am often responsible for reception."

Li Aiguo interrupted him: "Can you tell me how you play the accordion? Are there any techniques?"

Slavchev wanted to tell the story of the Russians, but he suddenly came to his senses after hearing this and shook his head quickly: "Of course, Driver Li, when we return to the base, I will give you an accordion."

The car moved slowly along the beautiful street. Slavchev turned his head to look out the window and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Fortunately, the train driver stopped him just now.

Otherwise, if word gets out about talking about international friends behind their backs, the leader will have to talk to him again.

This train driver is a very nice person.

The OSJD meeting can be considered an international meeting, and Bulgaria has arranged a manor in the suburbs as a place to receive guests from various countries.

When Li Aiguo arrived at the manor, most of the railway representatives from various countries had already arrived.

Railway organizations such as Deutsche Bahn, FSN, HNK, SFRY and Serbia also sent representatives to join OSJD as observers.

Although the Russians had not yet arrived, the Railway Group's First Special Committee (Special Committee on Transport Policy and Development Strategy) still held several technical meetings.

The meeting discussed international railway affairs such as the settlement standards of international passenger transport agreements and international freight transport agreements, the unification of the width of railways in various countries, and the unification of international railway direct transport rates for passengers, luggage and parcels.

Li Aiguo also attended several meetings.

I only have one feeling, that is, these meetings are just nonsense meetings and it is almost impossible to achieve any results.

Just think about it, each country has its own interests, the railway transportation costs of each country are different, and the customs and habits of each country are different. It is not easy to unify the standards.

Li Aiguo’s favorite meeting is the Second Special Committee (Transportation Law Committee).

These meetings mainly mediated disputes between railways.

For example, the protagonists of today's meeting are Polish Railways (PKP) and Argentinian Railways (the little brother with the most bunkers).
The specific case is rather old-fashioned. Bo Tie helped A Tie deliver a batch of flour.

As a result, after the flour was transported to the destination and handed over to A Tie, A Tie used the excuse that the flour was damp. Not only did he refuse to pay the transportation fee, he also seized the Polish Railway's train and even pulled off the wheels.

In order to transport this batch of flour, Bo Tie paid a lot of tolls to his brothers who were passing by.

Now I haven’t received the freight and my train has been detained. It’s a huge loss.

Bo Tie will definitely not be convinced.

However, they are all brothers from a big family and they cannot fight over such a small matter. They can only ask the government to judge the case.

The Transport Law Special Committee within the Second Special Committee of the Railway Group is the official body responsible for adjudicating cases.

The case is clear and straightforward.

Bo Tie produced evidence such as the waybill and photos of the wheels being removed. Representatives from various companies accused A Tie of being dishonest.

Let A Tie return the train from PT. Polska and pay the freight.

A Tie was also tough and said that he had no money to pay for the freight, but he could let Bo Tie take it back by train.

However, the wheels of the train were gone at this time, leaving only the iron frame, and there was no way to drive it back.

If the Polish railway wants to take it away, it needs to bring a set of wheels and a locomotive, preferably the latest model of patriotic train.

Bo Tie was deceived because he was naive, not because he was a fool.

One train is gone, and if we drive the second one now, it might also be gone.

So the Polish railway company said it no longer wanted the train and asked the Italian railway company to pay compensation.

A Tie insisted on his own opinion on how to deal with the matter.

If you want a train, you don't have the money. If you want a train, just send another one.

The two companies started a verbal battle in front of dozens of representatives.

Li Aiguo was so amused watching this, isn't this much more interesting than watching the aunties quarreling in the vegetable market? !

There are many international railway disputes these days, such as your train crushing my railway, or his company secretly engaging in smuggling without paying customs duties, etc.

Our Li Aiguo squatted in the "small court" of the Second Technical School, happily eating melons.

Happy days are fleeting.

On the third day of arriving at the Iron Group, Li Aiguo was about to go to the Second Technical School to watch other people's verbal fights when Liu Guozhang knocked on the door.

"Aiguo, the IRR people have arrived. Vice President Zhang and several technicians are ready. However, the meeting place chosen by IRR is in the city. We need to find a good excuse to leave the manor."

Because the contact with IRR is a private matter of Tatung Locomotive Works and it is a private contact. It cannot be brought to the stage, otherwise it will be criticized by others.

IRR also had this consideration and chose the meeting place in the city because of this concern.

The delegation came to Sofia with only one purpose and mission, which was to attend the Iron Group meeting. They could not leave the manor without a suitable reason.

This is also the reason why Liu Guozhang was in trouble.

Li Aiguo thought for a moment and said, "I'll go talk to Slavchev. Didn't this guy say his son's birthday was coming up the day before yesterday? We can use this as an excuse to go into the city."

"That's a good idea." Liu Guozhang breathed a sigh of relief.

He admires Li Aiguo's ability to make friends, not anything else.

After only a few days in Sofia, he became friends with Slavchev. Slavchev even invited Li Aiguo to his home many times.

However, Li Aiguo declined the offer because he considered that it was not in compliance with organizational regulations.

Slavchev's daily job is to be responsible for the liaison between the delegation and the Iron and Steel Group, and he arrives at the manor on time at eight o'clock every morning to work.

After Slavchev arrived, Li Aiguo said with a smile, "Old Che. Is your son's birthday today?"

"Ah, dear driver, you want to attend the birthday party?!"

After receiving a positive answer, Slavchev shook his head heavily and said, "That's great. The birthday party will be held at noon. I will borrow a car to take you there."

"It's only a few hours until noon, and we still want to buy some gifts for your little one. Otherwise, you can ask for leave now."

Slavchev thought about it carefully and realized that it was indeed the case.

Later, Li Aiguo said that Deputy Chief Engineer Wang and Chen Dong in the delegation also wanted to visit beautiful Sofia.

Without thinking much, Slavchev asked for leave for Li Aiguo, Deputy Chief Engineer Wang and Chen Dong on the pretext of inviting Li Aiguo and others to a banquet.

Liu Guozhang also wanted to attend the meeting with IRR, but was rejected by Chen Dong.

Liu Guozhang is the deputy director of the Railway Research Institute and an old comrade with a special status.

Although Sofia is safer than the Middle East, their actions this time did not have the approval of the Bulgarian authorities.

If something went wrong and Liu Guozhang was involved, the impact would be extremely bad.

Liu Guozhang also knew that entering the city this time would be very dangerous. Before leaving, he shook hands with the three people and said, "You must be careful."

"Don't worry, teacher. When I go back, I will eat the fried dough sticks made by your wife." Li Aiguo said.

Deputy Chief Engineer Wang, who looked frail, showed no fear at all: "Old Liu, before liberation, I was only concerned with studying and left. I didn't participate in activities with you, and I regretted it for most of my life. Now I finally have the opportunity to show my skills." Chen Dong's face was calm, and he raised his wrist to check the time: "The people from Moscow haven't arrived yet, so I don't think there is any danger. However, in order not to attract other people's attention, we should set off as soon as possible."

Li Aiguo and others returned to the room, and Chen Dong gave Li Aiguo and Vice President Wang each a pistol.

The pistol was a Makarov pistol, which was packed in a leather suitcase that was always with Chen Dong.

Chen Dong has the status of a foreign affairs officer, so he is exempt from inspection whether traveling by train or plane.

Li Aiguo took the pistol and keenly noticed that the serial number of the pistol had been rubbed off and the rifling was also damaged.

It looks like this is a special-purpose pistol.

Chen Dong warned:
"The pistol is just a precaution."

"Don't shoot unless you have to."

"Always keep the last bullet for yourself."

Li Aiguo often played with a pistol. After checking the bullets, he put it into his waist.

It was the first time for Deputy Chief Engineer Wang to hold a gun. After getting the gun, he put his finger on the trigger and wanted to try it out.

Fortunately, Chen Dong was prepared and snatched it back.

Chen Dong looked at Deputy Chief Engineer Wang in silence for a moment, then said, "Comrade Wang, I think it's more dangerous for us if you carry a pistol than if you don't."

Chen Dong handed Deputy Chief Engineer Wang's pistol to Li Aiguo: "Driver Li, you take it."

"What about me? What should I do if I encounter danger?" Although Deputy Chief Engineer Wang felt a little guilty, he still argued for his own treatment.

Chen Dong: "Driver Li can shoot you first."

"Ah" Deputy Chief Engineer Wang shrank his neck.

Chen Dong turned and walked towards the door. Deputy Chief Engineer Wang touched Li Aiguo's arm and asked in a low voice: "Aiguo, he must be joking, right?"

"Do you think someone like Lao Chen would joke?" Li Aiguo laughed.

"." Deputy Chief Engineer Wang's face turned pale.

Half an hour later, Slavchev completed the formalities and drove a GAZ Beetle to the gate of the manor.

He showed his credentials and the letter of certification from the organizing committee to the staff of the manor, and then Li Aiguo and others walked out.

"This car is very beautiful." Li Aiguo exclaimed. The appearance of this car is very similar to the Beetle of later generations, but it is one size larger.

"This is a GAZ-Victory M20 sedan, which I borrowed specially from the Science and Technology Committee." Slavchev opened the car door with a smile and invited several people to get in.

The GAZ Beetle drove out of the manor and headed towards the city of Sofia.

A staff member who had just checked several people's IDs suddenly looked at his companion and said, "Sorry, I feel a little uncomfortable in my stomach and need to go to the toilet."

"Just go quickly, we'll be guarding here."

The staff member walked into the yard holding his stomach. He did not go to the toilet, but turned left and right and came to a room.

He knocked on the door rhythmically, but there was no movement from inside.

The staff member said to the crack in the door: "The guests from Dongda University just now suddenly left the manor and took a car that looked like a Beetle. The license plate number was "20LR3" and it was heading into the city.

After speaking, the staff member covered his stomach again and staggered towards the toilet.

After a while, the door of the room opened.

An old Russian man wearing a woolen Zhongshan suit came out.

If Li Aiguo were here, he would definitely recognize him. This person is Popov from the Scientific Research Institute of Railway Transport.

Fedorov from the People's Railway Department followed him out and praised him in a low voice: "Professor, nothing happened as you expected. The people from Dongda University really took action."

As he spoke, Fedorov felt a sigh in his heart.

This time, the Railway Transport Science Institute is determined to make single-track DC track the signal technology standard for the railway group.

Logically speaking, Popov's visit to Sofia should have been a grand event, and according to his level he should even have been received by local leaders in Sofia.

But Popov and his technical team arrived in Sofia quietly by train.

After entering the manor, Popov never showed his face. Instead, he observed the every move of the Tokyo University team through his comrades who were arranged in advance in the Iron Group and inside the manor.

Fedorov originally thought that Popov's behavior was just a futile effort.

After all, as long as the Tokyo University delegation proposes its own technical standards this time, it will have accomplished its mission. There is no need to create unnecessary trouble, and it is even more impossible for Popov to find an excuse.

They didn't expect that the Tokyo University delegation was so bold as to play tricks right under their noses.

"I got the news this morning that the IRR people have also arrived and are hiding in the city. They should be preparing to meet and discuss the purchase of the train."

Popov smiled bitterly: "If the performance of the trains modified by the Luhansk Voroshilovgrad Steam Locomotive Factory could exceed that of the Patriot steam engine, we wouldn't have to resort to such a desperate measure."

Fedorov nodded and said, "Professor, you have devoted yourself to the development of our railway. Your superiors will surely notice this. Perhaps by next year, you will be able to make further progress."

"Personally, I don't want to make progress. I just don't want to see some children disobeying." Popov put his hands behind his back and sneered, "If children don't obey, they should be spanked."

A cold wind blew, blowing up the fallen leaves.

Fedorov couldn't help but shudder.

Sofia is a famous garden city. Even though it is winter now, bright flower beds and neat lawns are still everywhere in the city. Vibrant flowers and plants are planted in front of and behind every house, in front of and under windows.

Most of the buildings are white or light yellow, which contrasts with the colorful flowers and trees, making them look particularly quiet and elegant.

"Comrade driver, there is no need for you to bring any gifts to the birthday party. We are all friends." On the way, Slavchev felt a little embarrassed.

"It's okay. We also need to buy some gifts to bring back."

Li Aiguo gave Slavchev a look that said "you know what I mean."

Slavchev was also a member of the foreign affairs agency, so he naturally knew that everyone going abroad had a foreign exchange quota. He nodded in understanding.

"Our largest shopping mall in Sofia is not far ahead. I can take you there." Slavchev felt that he needed to help his good friend.

Li Aiguo looked at Chen Dong, and Chen Dong nodded slightly.

The IRR appointment location is located in a hotel near the city center.

Slavchev drove his Beetle into the city, crossed the Eagle Bridge, and came to St. Nedelya Square.

This is the city center of Sofia. The Central Department Store, the Old Palace and the Central Building form a Chinese character "品" (a character in Chinese) and are located in the square.

People were coming and going on the square. The Beetle slowly drove to the front of the Central Department Store and slowly stopped.

Li Aiguo got out of the car, walked to the driver's seat, raised his wrist to check the time, and said to Slavchev, "Old Che, we have to go in now. How about you pick us up in two hours, that is, half past eleven?"

"Of course." Slavchev nodded excitedly.

He was originally feeling depressed about having to go shopping with Li Aiguo and others.

After all, today is his son's birthday, and as the host he should entertain guests at home.

After the few people agreed on a meeting place, Slavchev drove away in a Beetle.

Chen Dong watched Beetle disappear in the crowd, threw away his cigarette butt, turned his head and looked at Li Aiguo: "Driver Li, you are a soft-hearted person."

"Slavchev is an outsider and a good man. There is no need for us to cause trouble for him." Li Aiguo smiled.

Chen Dong: "So, you have a way to deal with those people?"

Li Aiguo: "Are you confident in letting me deal with them?"

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang stood by and stared at the two of them with wide eyes, sensing something was wrong: "What's wrong? What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Chen Dong ignored Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang and looked at Li Aiguo and said, "You are a train driver now, not a driver comrade. It is indeed not appropriate for you to take action. Just wait."

After saying that, Chen Dong suddenly turned around and walked across the street.

"What is Chen Dong going to do?" Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang was about to shout when he heard Li Aiguo whisper, "Pay attention to the nine o'clock direction. Don't turn your head, look with the corner of your eye."

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang was startled at first, but quickly calmed down. He looked in the direction Li Aiguo indicated with the corner of his eye.

Just one look and I couldn't help but gasp.

I saw two middle-aged men wearing local traditional costumes standing at the intersection and looking over here. After seeing Chen Dong leave, they talked for a few words and one of them walked towards the direction Chen Dong was going.

"When were we followed?"

"When we first entered the city." Li Aiguo said.

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang no longer had the initial arrogance. He wiped the cold sweat from his face and said, "This is too dangerous."

"We just need to wait here. Chen Dong will take care of them."

Li Aiguo turned and walked towards a shop, chatting with the old man in Bulgarian.

When the old man in the shop learned that he was from Dongda University, he seemed very happy and offered him two chairs.

"Thanks."

Li Aiguo took the chair and sat down.

"Please sit down, Lao Zhang. We are being watched now and cannot go anywhere. We might as well take a good rest." Li Aiguo said in a low voice when he saw Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang still standing there.

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang was confused about Li Aiguo's idea: "If we do this, won't the other party find out that they have been discovered?"

"Sit down if I ask you to!"

"Yes"

When Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang saw Li Aiguo getting angry, he couldn't help but shiver and quickly sat down.

He felt that the train driver in front of him seemed to have become like Chen Dong.

After Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang sat down, he cautiously used the corner of his eye to look at the follower.

Li Aiguo suddenly waved at the other party and shouted in Russian:
"Friend, would you like a bottle of vodka?"

The stalker's face was covered by his windbreaker, so his expression couldn't be seen, but it was obvious that he was stunned.

After reacting, the tracker suddenly looked up in the direction where his companions and Chen Dong left, and ran quickly into the alley on the street.

Deputy Chief Engineer Zhang also understood it now: "So this is what you and Chen Dong planned long ago."

(End of this chapter)