At this moment, Li Xiaofeng felt a little like the cow in this idiom, since he made that suggestion to his mentor, his good days were over. There are endless files to read all day long, God knows how many people have submitted applications to join the party during this period of time, anyway, every day the organization department will send a special car to his office to send files, rain or shine!

Li Xiaofeng used to think that the days of making a cup of fragrant tea and reading a small book should be very pleasant. But now, he's suffering from a phobia of words, and the thought of millions of files still to review sends chills down his shoulders.

"Ho ho," Victoria's voice suddenly drifted into Li Xiaofeng's ears, "It seems that you are very busy and fulfilling!" Looking at the hill-like file, Victoria snickered.

Of course, Li Xiaofeng could sense what Victoria was laughing at, and when he thought that this tragedy was caused by his own hands, he had the urge to hit the wall. At that time, he said angrily: "What are you doing here?" Could it be, you still want to convince me to give up NORINCO? ”

"Of course not, based on your stubbornness and incomprehension. We've given up on convincing you to get back on track. Victoria said nonchalantly.

"In that case, what are you looking for me for?" Li Xiaofeng asked coldly.

"Don't keep a straight face!" Victoria replied nonchalantly, "It's simple, it's a good thing! After our unanimous agreement and decision to meet your requirements, NORINCO will receive the highest priority. ”

"Very good," Li Xiaofeng nodded, but he didn't believe that Victoria came to the door specifically to say such a trivial matter, "And then?" ”

"Well," Victoria smiled slightly, "to prevent our investment from going down the drain, we decided to hire a professional to be the chief designer and chief engineer." ”

Li Xiaofeng did not reject inviting an expert to guide the work, but he wanted to know who this person was in Lu Dao: "Very good, who is he?" ”

"Vladimir. Grigorievich. Federov. Erikson has invited him to the company! Victoria said nonchalantly. I mean, you go and meet him. After all, you are the most enthusiastic in NORINCO. ”

As soon as he heard the name Federov, the nonchalant expression of a certain immortal immediately turned into preoccupation. Others don't know the way, he doesn't know the way? Federov is a well-known master of small arms design in Russia and the former Soviet Union, and is known as the father of Russian automatic weapons.

Born in St. Petersburg to a family of law school administrators, the master entered the Mikhailovsk Artillery Academy in 1897 and graduated in 1900. After graduation, Federov began to work in the Ordnance Section of the Artillery Committee. At the same time, he carried out scientific research and design of weapons (according to the system of the Russian and Soviet periods, the development of small arms was carried out by artillery), starting with the improvement of the Mosin-Nagan rifle, and ending with the development of the gun family on the basis of the M1916 automatic rifle, he developed more than 20 kinds of weapons.

Federov's most important firearm design was the M1916 automatic gun. He believed that the standard 7.62×54mmR (with bottom edge) M1891 bullet was too powerful as ammunition for automatic rifles, so in 1916 he developed an automatic rifle based on the 6.5×50.5mm SR (half bottom edge) caliber. And gave it a new name - automatic gun (Russian Автмат).

At that time, Federov personally supervised the construction of a small batch of M1916 automatic guns produced by the arsenal and distributed them to a company of carefully selected officers and soldiers belonging to the 189th Infantry Regiment to be tested at the front.

In contrast to the weapons of its contemporaries, the design ideas of the Federov M1916 automatic gun were quite advanced. The automatic rifles that appeared at the beginning of the 20th century were very bulky, for example, the M1918BAR of another master, Browning, was directly used as a light machine gun, while the Federov M1916 weighed only 4.4kg and had a total length of 1045mm. Magazine capacity 25 rounds.

April 21, 1921. The Ministry of Industry of the USSR reported that "mass production of Federov automatic guns has become a reality." This is true in the sense of mechanized production. However, the production batch was actually very small, because at that time it was the Mosin-Nagan single-shot magazine rifle that was produced in large quantities. Moreover, Federov's automatic weapons production requirements are high, so in the 5 years from the start of production to the end of production, the total production of Federov M1916 is only 3200 pieces, which has little impact on the war.

However, when the Russian army was equipped with the M1916, Federov said something half a century ahead of his time: the future evolution of individual weapons could lead to two types of firearms: a submachine gun and a light carbine, using new cartridges (i.e., the concept of a modern short assault rifle), and a light automatic rifle, which should use a more powerful cartridge (i.e., the concept of a modern assault rifle).

Li Xiaofeng has been coveting this father of Russian automatic weapons for a long time, and if he can be pulled into his own company, he will basically not have to worry too much about the design and production work of NORINCO. Moreover, maybe the assault rifle can be born in advance, and the thought of allowing the Soviet Red Army to enter the era of assault rifles decades earlier, this guy full of evil fun can't help but start to get excited.

"Federov!" Li Xiaofeng couldn't wait to ask, "Where is he?" ”

Federov was sitting in Victoria's conference room at the moment, looking down and thinking about something. He didn't know why the company, which had only been established for a few months, invited him to the company, he had never heard of the company, and he didn't know what products they had.

Looking at the thin product manual in his hand, the official product of NORINCO was only a rifle that Federov had never heard of, a machine gun with quite unnatural performance on paper, and then a so-called portable machine gun (submachine gun), and he had no impression of these three weapons.

More importantly, he doesn't believe that the data on paper is real and credible. As an expert in light weapons, he had no idea that weapons of this kind would exist in the world.

So, Federov thinks that this so-called NORINCO company is nothing more than a leather bag company, or that it is simply a scam. This company is trying to deceive the War Department with flashy fake data, and is ready to make a big profit.

This kind of thing is not uncommon, and not long ago, someone swore to the War Department's weapons bureau that they had invented something new that could change the course of the war, and asked for investment. But the so-called new weapon drawings were a complete joke, and he unceremoniously threw them in the trash.

Could it be that these guys are not dead set on and are ready to contact me first. Or bribe me? While Federov was bowing his head in contemplation. The door to the conference room opened, and Li Xiaofeng and Victoria walked in together.

Federov asked, "Mr. Nobel, who are these two?" ”

"Allow me to introduce you, Mr. Federov." Erickson said, first pointing to Victoria, "This is the general manager of NORINCO, Miss Victoria." Then he pointed at Li Xiaofeng. This is the director and one of the company's chief designers. Mr. Petrovich. ”

Federov was completely stunned by his introduction, the general manager of the company was a beautiful young lady who looked only in her twenties, and the director and designer was a young hairy child, how did this company start in the name of God?

Federov's eyes widened and he exclaimed, "Mr. Nobel." You're not kidding, are you? ”

"Most people will be amazed to learn about the leadership of our company, Mr. Federof." Erikson smiled, "But I can say responsibly that Miss Victoria and Mr. Andre are quite remarkable. ”

"I just thought it was incredible." Federov shook his head and said in surprise: "I have never heard of a female general manager, nor of a child who is only old enough to be an apprentice...... The YMCA knows how to design firearms. With all due respect, this is child's play! ”

"There are many things that happen every day in this world that make us feel incredible. Mr. Federov. Li Xiaofeng took over with a smile. My personal opinion is one thing. No matter how small the probability of it happening, as long as the probability is not zero, it is possible. ”

"Well, probably." Although he still didn't believe that a certain immortal knew about firearm design, Federov nodded, "So, Miss Victoria and Mr. Andrew, what is the purpose of you inviting me to your company?" I don't think you just want to talk to me, do you? ”

Federov asked very directly. Firstly, the Russian was accustomed to being straightforward, and secondly, having learned about the leadership of NORINCO, he felt that he had better end this pointless meeting as soon as possible. He didn't want to have anything to do with a company where a woman was the general manager and the hairy child was the designer. But Federov didn't expect that Li Xiaofeng's purpose was to keep him in NORINCO.

"Actually, Mr. Federov, I would like to invite you to work in our company."

Federov did not speak, perhaps the future father of Russian automatic weapons was too surprised by this proposal. As a result, Li Xiaofeng had to repeat his speech: "Mr. Federov, I would like to invite you to work in our company. ”

This time, the master finally answered: "Mr. Andrei, I cannot serve your company. Of course, for the sake of the Nobel family, Federov refused the invitation on the most tactful reasons as much as possible, "I am now in the service of the Russian government, working at the Tula Arsenal (the largest and best manufacturer of small arms and light weapons in Russia), and at the moment, the government is unlikely to let me leave my job." ”

"Of course I know that." Li Xiaofeng said to him openly and honestly, "But I don't think it's a big problem, and we are sure to persuade the government or the Tula factory to release the people." Provided, of course, that you agree to our invitation. He looked at Federov sincerely, "I repeat that we hope to work with you. ”

Federov really wondered, he didn't expect the other party to release such a big talk, but whether it was a big talk or not, he understood a little bit, the other party was not a liar who opened a leather bag company, they were real.

"This ......"

Federov was a little embarrassed for a while, to be honest, even if the other party came to the real thing, he was not interested in joining this somewhat childish NORINCO company, and now he still had many problems to solve with the Type 1916 automatic rifle on hand, and he had put a lot of effort into this weapon, and he didn't want to give up just like that.

So Federov asked with some consideration: "Forgive me for taking the liberty of thinking that the three weapons of your general department are a bit ambitious, and I personally prefer to work in a down-to-earth manner!" ”

Li Xiaofeng smiled, he knew what the problem was, but he didn't bother to explain verbally, he pretended to walk out of the office, quickly bought three weapons from the cornucopia, and handed them to the gunsmith with an embarrassed face.

"You can take a look at my work first."

In fact, when I first came into contact with the Uzi submachine gun, the SKS semi-automatic rifle, and the PK general-purpose machine gun. Federov was already looking straight in the eye. It can even be said that he has been completely petrified, although he has not yet been demonstrated by live ammunition, but as a master of small arms, he can easily find that there is no problem with the mechanics of these weapons.

"Genius design!" Federov murmured as he fell in love with the three weapons.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Li Xiaofeng asked very sincerely: "My sincere hope." You can be the company's chief firearms designer, Mr. Federov. ”

"You designed these weapons?" Federov ignored the invitation of a certain immortal at all, and asked with great interest.

"Yes!" Li Xiaofeng touched his nose a little embarrassed.

"It's incredible!" Federov exclaimed, "If you're not lying, then I have to admit that you're a genius." Mr. Andrey! ”

Li Xiaofeng replied shamelessly: "I'm just a flash of inspiration!" I was inspired by your 1916 rifle! So I would like to invite you to come to our company and continue to refine your design and make the 1916 rifle an epoch-making product! ”

"I admit to being interested in the weapon you invented, Mr. Andrey, but I don't think your company needs me at all with you."

"No, you misunderstood!" Li Xiaofeng said with a smile. "I'm not a professional weapons designer. These three weapons are just child's play in my spare time. And my focus is not on weapon design. Therefore, NORINCO is desperate for design talents. And you are the one we need the most! ”

Federov still wanted to refuse: "But ......"

"If you have any requests, Mr. Federof." Victoria suddenly interjected. She had already discussed it with Li Xiaofeng. Li Xiaofeng is in charge of talking about technical issues, and she is in charge of talking about economic issues. So, now it's her turn to speak. "As long as you are willing to join our company, the company is willing to provide you with the best salary package."

"Miss Victoria, money is not an issue."

But Victoria didn't care about his statement at all, and said to herself: "As long as you are the company's chief gunsmith, the company can offer you a monthly salary of 10,000 rubles......"

"Miss Victoria!" Federov interrupted her, "I've already said it, money is not an issue. ”

"What's the problem then?" Victoria asked rhetorically with a smile.

Federov said bluntly: "I don't plan to leave Tula for the time being, there are ...... there"

"It's simple, Mr. Federoff." Li Xiaofeng suddenly interjected: "We will prepare the best studio for you in Tula, where you can complete the design work according to our requirements." You can even continue to work at the Tula plant! Of course, for every weapon you design, under the same conditions, we at NORINCO have the right of first refusal...... Finally, for every weapon sold by the company that uses your patent, you can also get a 1 percent royalty. ”

"What do you think of this, Mr. Federof." Victoria continued Li Xiaofeng's words with a smile on her face, "Of course, these are only the initial conditions proposed by the company, if you feel dissatisfied, we can also modify them according to your requirements." Everything is negotiable. ”

Federov looked at Li Xiaofeng and Victoria dumbfounded, apparently they had made up their minds to make him the chief gunsmith of NORINCO. However, he didn't understand what it was for.

Yes, he was only a small designer, and although he was well-known in Russia, his achievements were limited in Europe and even in the world. With such good conditions, he was able to hire better designers abroad, yes, Federov did not feel that he was worthy of such good conditions. He didn't see any need for Li Xiaofeng and Victoria to hire him with a high salary.

However, he also admits that his conditions did tempt him, although a monthly salary of 10,000 rubles is nothing, but a 1% royalty ...... It has to be said that such conditions are very attractive.

Federov secretly swallowed a mouthful of saliva: "Mr. Li Xiaofeng, may I ask why you have to hire me as the chief firearms designer with a high salary?" Although he was already tempted, he decided to find the answer to his question first, and he was very curious about the other party's purpose.

"Because I believe that your design will usher in a new era. You will bring huge profits to NORINCO! Li Xiaofeng continued to smile, "Mr. Federov, do you think this answer is appropriate?" ”

The answer, of course, was appropriate, but Federov was not satisfied: "Why do you think so?" ”

"For what?" Of course, Li Xiaofeng can't say that Lao Tzu is here through time, and you know that your old man is a big treasure, if it weren't for the restrictions of this era, there would be no other gun king Kalashnikov behind him, "Mr. Federov, you just need to know a little bit about it, you don't need any reason to be optimistic about a person!" ”

Federov stared at him for a moment, then shook his head: "This reason...... Well, it amazes me. What a strange person you are, Mr. Andrey...... However, I have to admit that your conditions are very impressive, but please forgive me for my stubbornness, please let me think about it carefully, and in a few days I will give you the most rebellious answer! ”

"No problem."

Li Xiaofeng happily agreed to Federov's request. He was confident that Russia's most eminent gunsmith would accept his invitation. It's just a matter of sooner or later, even if it fails this time, after the Bolsheviks take power, he will once again use administrative means to bring Federov under his command! (To be continued.) )

PS: Bow and thank the three comrades Kuzhu, Haoshan * Tiancheng and Spartan Wisdom for their support, thank you!