The train driver in the courtyard

"Unified technical standards are conducive to cooperation among members and can better ensure railway safety."

“Now, in accordance with the duties entrusted to me by the organizing committee, I declare the voting to begin. The first round of voting begins, and the voting adopts the two-thirds majority rule.

The technologies voted for will be promoted among internal members.”

“I hope you understand that the choice of standards is related to your own railway safety, so please exercise your voting rights with caution.”

The matter was of great importance, and the Chairman of the Iron and Steel Group, who came from the Egyptian Railways, stood up and made the final speech, announcing the start of the voting.

Finally, his gaze swept over Popov and Li Aiguo, and there was a warning in his sharp eyes.

Popov smiled bitterly in his heart.

He wanted to do something naughty.

The key point is that observers from several companies affiliated with the International Union of Railways, including French National Railways, British National Railways and German National Railways, are also present at the scene.

If things get out of hand, Big Brother will become a laughing stock to the whole world.

But Popov did not completely lose hope.

Under the two-thirds majority rule, the University of Tokyo needs at least two-thirds of the representatives to vote in favor in order to win.

Even if they cannot defeat Tokyo University now, at least they can be evenly matched, and the other side cannot possibly get two-thirds of the votes in favor.

If today's vote has no results, the follow-up vote will be held a week later, and they will have enough time to operate.

"Professor, don't worry, I'm prepared." Fedorov whispered at this time.

Popov was stunned for a moment: "Did you do anything?"

"Don't worry, I've already arranged it." Fedorov clenched his fists tightly and continued, "Even if what I arranged didn't succeed, it's a 50-50 situation now, and the advantage is still on us."

Popov always felt that something was wrong, but seeing Fedorov's confident look, he didn't ask any more questions.

At this time, the staff of the Iron Group had already begun organizing the vote.

Li Aiguo's eyes were fixed on the small ball in the hands of the Russian secretary of the organizing committee.

According to regulations, each delegation was given two types of plastic balls, one red and one white.

Among them, the red ball represents the Russians, and the white ball represents the University of Tokyo.

The rules are simple and clear. Delegations only need to throw the plastic balls corresponding to their selected technical solutions into the paper box.

However, the key to the problem lies precisely in that seemingly ordinary white ball!

The color white appears in such an important venue and also represents us. Does it have any other meaning?

Li Aiguo's heart skipped a beat, and he stood up immediately and said loudly: "Dear comrades of the organizing committee, white symbolizes the enemy to us. You use white balls to represent us, which is a slander on our achievements."

The old Russian officer in charge of voting still had a smile on his face as he explained, "Dear comrade, the color of the ball is completely randomly chosen, you can rest assured.

We, the Iron Group, have absolutely no intention to slander you, nor do we discriminate against you.

Besides, the voting is about to start, and there is no time to make new plastic balls. Please respect the decision of the organizing committee."

"I suggest that we change the color of the ball with the Russian delegation now, what do you think?" Li Aiguo was so angry that he almost laughed.

He never expected that things would turn out like this.

Li Aiguo originally thought that this was just an unintentional "accident", but after hearing the explanation from the Russian officer, he understood in his heart that this was clearly a trick used by the other party.

"Dear comrades, this is the decision of the organizing committee and it can never be changed. I hope you can understand and stop making unreasonable demands." The old Russian official spoke humbly, but his tone was extremely tough.

The other delegations seemed to have noticed something was wrong at this time. The scene suddenly became silent, and everyone's eyes were cast on Li Aiguo like a spotlight.

You know, there is no trivial matter in foreign affairs.

Once the white ball is used, it is very likely to cause a serious foreign affairs accident due to the deliberate instigation of people with ulterior motives.

However, on one side is the powerful Iron Group, like a towering mountain, the powerful big brother that everyone looks up to;
This is just a relatively weak delegation, like a small boat in the ocean.

Can this little train driver really withstand such tremendous pressure?
The air at the scene suddenly became heavy.

Under the focus of everyone's attention, Li Aiguo clenched his fists tightly. His eyes were like torches, looking directly at the Russian official, and he said word by word: "If you don't change the color of the ball now, we will withdraw from this meeting."

As soon as these words were spoken, a trace of panic flashed across the eyes of the Russian official.

He said hurriedly: "Dear comrade, you should know clearly what it means to withdraw from the meeting. You alone cannot bear such a heavy responsibility. I hope you can think twice before acting."

"The patriotic comrade is not just one person, he represents our entire delegation." Liu Guozhang stood up suddenly.

Immediately afterwards, Deputy Chief Engineer Wang, Chen Dong, Secretary Zhang, Secretary Wang... comrades from the delegation stood up one after another.

They stood tall in the conference room like a Great Wall of Steel.

At this time, beads of sweat were already appearing on the Russian officer's forehead.

The representatives of the University of the East have always been easy-going and believe in keeping things peaceful and harmonious, so the Russian officials agreed to Fedorov's request.

I didn't expect their reaction to be so big this time.
The Russian officer couldn't help but look at Fedorov.

Popov didn't think much about it at first, thinking it was just an accidental accident. But when he saw the looks of the Russian officer and Fedorov, he finally understood.

"Is this your method?" Popov asked in a low voice.

Fedorov was a little proud, his lips curled slightly: "Professor, you don't have to thank me, I just did what I should do."

"You are such an idiot!"

If they hadn't been at the meeting, Popov would have definitely pointed at Fedorov's nose and cursed him out.

"Professor, if the delegation from the University of East China gives in, we will spread the news that they are using white balls. You should know what will happen to the delegation from the University of East China when they return home."

Fedorov didn't understand why Popov was so angry, and a sinister look appeared on his face. "If they really withdraw now, then victory will belong to us. No matter what the result is, we are the winners."

Popov looked at Fedorov who thought he was smart, and shook his head helplessly: "You think that the people of Dongda are weak, that's a big mistake, they are a sleeping lion, they look harmless, just like a gentle kitten. When this lion wakes up, the world will tremble for it."

At this time, in the ministerial area on the west side of the rostrum, a figure in a Zhongshan suit stood up resolutely.

"I support the decision of our patriotic comrades! If the Iron Team does not change the color of the ball, we will withdraw immediately."

His tone was flat and his voice was not loud, but it caused a sensation and the expressions of the railway organizing committee members on the rostrum gradually became solemn.

"If the University of East delegation withdraws, then this conference will be meaningless and we will also withdraw."

At this time, Becker from the Iraqi Railway delegation stood up and said: "Some people resorted to such shameless tactics to get others to choose their technology, and the organizing committee turned a blind eye and turned a deaf ear. I think there is no need to hold this meeting anymore."

Yi Tie suddenly stood up and supported him, which was beyond Li Aiguo's expectation, but he understood it after thinking about it carefully.

Although Yitie's territory is not large, he has a very bad temper. Not only does he have a bad relationship with the Americans, he also often quarrels with Big Brother.

Otherwise, he would not have offended both parties at the same time in later generations and was severely punished.

Of course, Li Aiguo just wanted to give Becker a thumbs up at this time: He is worthy of being a member of Yi family’s organization, so manly.

Becker's attack changed the nature of the incident from a simple accident to a conspiracy, which aroused the fear of various delegations.

If the Russians can use such despicable means to harm the delegation of the University of Tokyo today, they may harm them in the future.
"Everyone, please don't worry, this is a complete misunderstanding."

The Russian officer wanted to explain, but another person stood up.

"Railway technology is just technology. It should not be mixed with too many regulatory factors, and it should not use despicable means." The representative of Hungarian Railways stood up and said loudly: "On behalf of Hungarian Railways, I declare that if the delegation of the University of East Asia withdraws, we will also withdraw."

Then, the representative of Hitie stood up and said, "On behalf of Hitie, I declare that if the Dongda delegation withdraws, we will also withdraw."

Afterwards, four or five more representatives stood up.

"On behalf of Egypt Railways, I declare that if the East China University delegation withdraws, we will also withdraw."

"On behalf of Gutie, I declare that if the Dongda delegation withdraws, we will also withdraw."

"On behalf of Yugoslavia, I declare that if the East University delegation withdraws, we will also withdraw."

As delegations stood up one after another, the atmosphere in the conference hall suddenly became like a lit powder keg, so anxious that it was suffocating.

Although Popov had anticipated that Fedorov's tactics might cause dissatisfaction among other "little brothers", he never expected that these guys, who usually only followed the lead of their big brother, would have the courage to stand up and support Dongda at this moment.

This sudden situation caught Popov off guard, and beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead.

In this critical and tense situation, Popov could only look at the Russian minister frequently, his eyes full of urgency and requests for help.

The Russian minister originally had no intention of intervening in these trivial matters concerning the railways. In his opinion, these were just minor matters and not worth his personal involvement.

However, the situation is different now. This matter involves Big Brother's authority. If we sit idly by, the consequences will be disastrous.

So he had to stand up slowly and prepare to speak.

"I think..." The Russian minister's voice just sounded, and before the deep voice could fully spread in the meeting room, the French railway representative who had been sitting quietly in the observer seat suddenly stood up.

The French Railway representative looked at the organizing committee calmly and said in a humble but unquestionable tone: "Dear Chairman of the Organizing Committee, can we make a few small suggestions?"

The timing he chose was extremely clever, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly disrupting the original rhythm.

The Russian minister was interrupted just as he opened his mouth. If it were another representative, he would still be able to continue speaking.

However, the status of French Railways is rather special. The members of the organizing committee and the representatives on site have all turned their heads to look at the French Railways representatives.

The old Russian minister was left alone for a moment and could only stand there with his mouth shut and look unhappy.

"Professor Fred, you are an observer sent by the Iron Alliance to our Iron Group. Naturally, you have the right to speak on behalf of the Iron Alliance." A member of the Iron Group said with a seemingly gentle smile on his face.

However, these words seemed ordinary, but actually contained a mystery, as if to remind the French Railways representative: Although you have the right to speak, you represent the Union Railways, so you should speak with caution and not easily interfere in our internal affairs. The French Railways representative smiled and puffed out his chest: "We, the Union Railways, hope to see that the technology selected today is the best signal technology."

After saying this brief sentence, he sat down calmly.

But now the expressions of the members of the Iron Group Committee became even uglier.

Popov's face instantly turned ashen and bloodless.

If it was just an internal affair of the Iron Group, they could still use their status as the big brother to find ways to shut others up.

Now, with the clear statement made by the UIC observers, the impact has expanded from within the UIC to the whole world.

If things go wrong, things will get out of control.

Under such pressure, even if the minister wanted to help, he would think twice.

Sure enough, the Russian minister also realized this.

He knew there was no need to say anything further, so he slowly sat down.

With the Russian minister's concession, the situation could not be more clear.

At this moment, everyone can clearly see that the east wind has overwhelmed the cold wind from Siberia. Those "little brothers" who once seemed weak have given a heavy punch to the arrogant big brother today.

The OSJD Chairman took the opportunity to make the following decision:
"Everyone, what happened just now was a mistake made by our OSJD Committee, which hurt the feelings of the Tokyo University delegation. On behalf of the OSJD Committee, I apologize to the Tokyo University delegation."

"Replace the ball now and continue the voting."

If it were in the past, the members of the Iron Group would definitely jump out to oppose the chairman's decision, and they would argue to protect their own interests and the authority of the big brother.

But now, the situation has become one-sided. They looked at each other, and although there was reluctance in their eyes, they could only nod their heads in agreement helplessly.

Minister Teng looked at Li Aiguo with satisfaction.
In such a complex and delicate situation, Li Aiguo was able to be the first to keenly perceive the problem and successfully avoid a foreign affairs accident that could have caused serious consequences. This is undoubtedly a great achievement.

This train driver is really impressive.

After the iron group decided to replace the plastic balls, they soon ran into big trouble.
The plastic balls prepared this time are only red and white, and there is no time to purchase plastic balls of other colors.

If other items are used to replace the two delegations, if we are not careful, we may repeat the red and white ball incident and cause similar troubles.

For a moment, the committee members sat together, frowning, but they still couldn't come up with a proper solution.

At this time, Li Aiguo, who had just sat down, stood up again: "Since there are no plastic balls, we can use rice and corn to represent both sides. Rice is abundant in our side, so we can use rice to represent us. Corn is abundant in the Russian side, so we can use corn to represent the Russians."

These words are reasonable and fit the regional characteristics of both sides, while also cleverly resolving the current difficulties.

Even the Russian minister nodded: "Indeed, our commander-in-chief particularly likes corn. I agree that corn should replace us."

Minister Teng had no objection to using rice instead of his own. After all, white rice is a good thing.

Rice and corn were not rare items, and the organizing committee staff acted quickly and soon found two large full bags.

Afterwards, each delegation was given a grain of rice and a grain of corn.

Then, the secretary of the organizing committee walked up to the heads of the delegations one by one, holding a tightly sealed box.

The group leaders only need to throw the rice or corn in their hands into the box, and the voting process is completed.

Because rice and corn are relatively small, even if people nearby stare intently, it is difficult to tell what the leader is throwing.
In this way, this vote can be regarded as an anonymous vote.

There were a total of fourteen delegations with the right to vote. The entire voting process was quick, and twenty minutes later, the box was placed on the podium.

The Iron Group Chairman opened the box and began counting the votes.

"One grain of rice."

"One grain of corn."

There were special staff recording the votes, and with so many delegations watching below, there was no room for manipulation during the entire counting process.

"Eight grains of rice and two grains of corn"

As the vote count was announced, Popov's fists clenched unconsciously, the veins on his forehead throbbed slightly, and his eyes revealed tension and unwillingness.

There is only one vote left. Once the University of Tokyo reaches the corresponding number of votes, they will win this crucial vote.

Although he had previously predicted that the University of Tokyo had a great chance of winning, at this moment, he still held on to the last glimmer of hope in his heart.

How can a weak little brother defeat a strong big brother!

In his opinion, how could a "little brother" who has always been regarded as weak defeat such a powerful "big brother" like them?

Once upon a time, the Beijing Railway Research Institute needed help from others even to manufacture locomotives. How could such a weak existence possibly defeat the Railway Transport Science Research Institute, which is famous all over the world and is regarded as the pinnacle of railway scientific research?

In his opinion, this is absolutely impossible!

A miracle will definitely happen.

There will definitely be.
As the Iron Group Chairman reached into the box again, the atmosphere in the entire conference hall suddenly became like a fully drawn bowstring, so tense that it almost froze.

The Iron Group Chairman slowly stretched out his hand, and in his palm was a crystal clear grain of rice.

"Nine grains of rice."

"Now that the rice has exceeded two-thirds of the quantity, the subsequent vote counting is meaningless. I announce that the Railway Group will adopt the railway automatic signal of the Gyeongseong Railway Research Institute as the railway signal standard for the members of the Railway Group."

The Iron Group Chairman stood up and announced the voting results, and nodded towards the area where the University of Tokyo was located: "Congratulations, you have won this through your own efforts."

Wow!
There was warm applause.

Liu Guozhang, Deputy Chief Engineer Wang and the technicians rushed over and lifted Li Aiguo high up.

Minister Teng was so excited that he stood up and applauded.

Although this victory was only a victory on the railway, its significance far exceeded that of an ordinary victory.

For the first time, it broke the monopoly of the United States and Big Brother in the field of science and technology, made breakthroughs in their areas of advantage, and proved to the world that our Southeast University is also capable of developing first-class technology.

The conference then methodically elected the next organizing committee members, and after completing this series of agendas, it adjourned the meeting.

Bobo stood up with a gloomy look and walked outside without saying a word.

As I walked to the door, I unexpectedly saw Li Aiguo standing there, as if he was waiting for someone.

"Is this guy waiting for me? He can't be so stingy?" Popov frowned slightly, muttered a few words in a low voice, then pretended not to see Li Aiguo, deliberately turned sideways, and prepared to leave quietly from the side.

It turned out that Li Aiguo was really waiting for Popov.

He extended his hand to Popov and said, "Comrade Professor, my previous suggestion is still valid. You can immediately send someone to our East China University to learn about railway automatic signaling technology. I will give priority to imparting the technical standards to you, but you need to prepare your own food and travel expenses."

You have to know that those who participate in international conferences are all well-known, educated and capable figures.

Even if they want to stab each other in their hearts, they will still put on a warm smile when they meet, and look like real brothers.

This kind of social etiquette has long become an unwritten rule. Who would stop someone and "provoke" them in person so directly?

It was the first time that Popov met someone who held such a grudge. He rolled his eyes in anger and almost fainted.

Fortunately, Fedorov quickly stepped forward and supported him, so he did not fall.

Popov is indeed a cultured man, as he still maintains his composure until now.

"Dear train driver comrade, the single-track DC track technology of our Railway Transport Science Research Institute is sufficient to meet the needs of railway safety. There is no need to introduce other people's technology." He gritted his teeth and spoke word by word, his tone full of arrogance and disdain.

"Really? I just meant well. Since you don't need it, I can't force you. If you change your mind, you can contact us at any time." Li Aiguo left a word and smiled.

"We will never need it!" Popov was a little out of control at this time, and yelled at Li Aiguo's back, but in return he only got the back of Li Aiguo's head hit.

Minister Teng, Liu Guozhang and several comrades from the foreign affairs department have already begun to arrange follow-up matters.

Seeing Li Aiguo's actions, the comrades in the foreign affairs department whispered: "Comrade Aiguo is indeed a capable person who is loyal to the organization, but he is a little too narrow-minded.

We have achieved an unprecedented victory, and as the victors, there is no need to provoke the Russians any more."

"You guys still underestimate Comrade Aiguo." Minister Teng saw that the foreign affairs comrades were puzzled, looked at Liu Guozhang and said, "Comrade Guozhang, Aiguo is your student, you know him best, please explain it to everyone."

Liu Guozhang nodded and said, "You should also realize that the main reason why we were able to defeat the Russians and obtain the right to formulate technical standards this time is because we adopted the method of letting everyone eat the meat."

"What does this have to do with the barbaric behavior of patriotic comrades?" A young female comrade frowned.

Liu Guozhang glanced at her and continued, “There is meat for everyone to eat, and as the initiators, we should be able to eat the biggest piece.

But if a powerful big brother comes in and shares the meat, we will have less meat to eat.”

The female comrade suddenly realized: "So the best way is to make the powerful Big Brother unwilling to gather around the pot to eat meat!"

"The intention of patriotic comrades is not just as simple as eating meat, there are deeper considerations." Minister Teng pondered for a moment and added:

"Popov is an authority on the Russian side. If he strongly opposes the introduction of automatic railway signals into the Russian country and insists on using single-track DC track technology, then the Russian railway standards will be different from those of our brothers, and there will inevitably be a gap in the future.

Although we cannot take advantage of this opportunity to replace the Russian railway, the Russians' refusal to adopt automatic railway signals is a win-win for us. "

If Liu Guozhang's analysis just now was only based on technical considerations, then Minister Teng's views have risen to the level of the overall situation.

The comrades from the foreign affairs department were all stunned.

"Tsk tsk, what a shady train driver this is!"

"Yes, he looks like an honest man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, but he is so naughty."

(End of this chapter)