Leveling Up With My Pet



In the grip of Han Guang's calloused hand, the object's weight nestled with surprising gravity. A raised brow, laden with amazement, punctuated his words. "Is it truly this weighty?"

Liu Yong, the benefactor of this metallic marvel, met Han Guang's astonishment with an understanding smile. "The density of this black alloy registers at a staggering 12.5, a mere fraction of the conventional alloys."

Han Guang's nod conveyed a silent acknowledgment, yet his heart surged with an inexplicable vigor. In his hand, the metal seemed more akin to a bar of solid gold, rather than a mere alloy.

After a prolonged appraisal, gratitude couldn't be withheld any longer. "Brother Yong, your generosity leaves me indebted. I'll hasten back to my workshop and set to work fashioning blades with this extraordinary material."

Liu Yong, ever the beneficent soul, offered further support. "Forge away, and do not forget to share your findings after the test. I possess a trove of this alloy, and should you desire more, a reduced price awaits you."

"Very well, then I shall make my way," Han Guang beamed, accepting the black alloy rod with a newfound lightness in his heart. The burdens of his mind seemed to lift, replaced with boundless hope.

Back at the foundry, Han Guang orchestrated a meticulous production process. Two versatile alloy blades—the 35-degree and 80-degree variations—began their transformation. In tandem, an array of general-purpose drills and milling cutters were brought to life.

Through an annealing process, the formidable hardness of the black alloy yielded to greater machinability. The foundry hummed with ceaseless activity, and within a mere two days, a formidable arsenal of knives emerged.

Han Guang himself paid a visit to the alloy tool workshop, his keen eye assessing each blade with the scrutiny of an artist appraising his masterpiece. Satisfied, he mused on the true measure of their worth—the crucible of application.

Taishan Alloy Cutting Tool Group, fortified by a subsidiary company in Huahai City, possessed a comprehensive array of facilities. It was under Han Guang's meticulous stewardship that two all-purpose alloy blades—the 35-degree and 80-degree variants—began to take shape. Further, a suite of general-purpose drills and a selection of milling cutters soon joined the chorus of creation.

After an annealing process, the once formidable hardness of the black alloy yielded to a more cooperative malleability. It was a testament to the relentless dedication of the workers that, within the span of just two days, a formidable arsenal of knives emerged.

Han Guang returned to the foundry, his presence a testament to the significance of this endeavor. His gaze lingered upon the newly forged blades, a master surveying his creation. But the ultimate test lay in their application.

Taishan Alloy Cutting Tool Group, fortified by a subsidiary company and factory in the thriving metropolis of Huahai City, boasted a comprehensive array of facilities. Guided by Han Guang's unerring hand, the manufacture of two all-purpose alloy blades—the 35-degree and 80-degree variants—was set into motion. Additionally, a suite of general-purpose drills and a selection of milling cutters soon joined the chorus of creation.

Following a meticulous annealing process, the once implacable hardness of the black alloy yielded to a more pliant malleability. It stood as a testament to the relentless dedication of the workers that, within the span of just two days, a formidable arsenal of knives emerged.

Han Guang returned to the foundry, his presence a testament to the magnitude of this endeavor. His gaze lingered upon the newly forged blades, a master surveying his creation. Yet, the ultimate test of their mettle lay in their application.

His visage now suffused with satisfaction, Han Guang turned to the workshop director, Feng Xuesong, for an appraisal. "How fare their quality, Director Feng? The true measure of their worth, I believe, lies in the crucible of application."

Feng Xuesong, a seasoned hand in these matters, reassured Han Guang. "Rest assured, Mr. Han. Our longstanding partnership with several major processing and manufacturing enterprises ensures a thorough and rigorous evaluation."

Taking a cue from Han Guang, Feng Xuesong and his team set forth to a renowned manufacturing company in Huahai City. "Director Feng," Han Guang addressed Feng Xuesong, "I present to you a fresh batch of our latest knives, eager to put them to the test."

Feng Xuesong, the workshop director, received Han Guang with warmth. "Your timing couldn't be more opportune. We're on the cusp of processing an extensive run of high-temperature alloy parts, and the demand for alloy tools is considerable."

"I was contemplating inviting you for a trial, but it seems you've come to us," Feng Xuesong added, a glint of camaraderie in his eye.

Han Guang's spirits soared. "Then fortune truly favors us. Let us proceed with the knife test."

Feng Xuesong, ever the conscientious director, hesitated. "While it is feasible to commence the trial at once, there's a minor matter."

"Director Feng, what concern is there?" Han Guang inquired.

"It's a trifling matter, but Santak is also engaged in knife testing. I fear you may feel undue pressure," Feng Xuesong explained.

Santak—Han Guang knew them well. Internationally acclaimed and a formidable competitor to Taishan Tool Group, especially in the realm of high-end alloy tools.

In days gone by, Han Guang might have wavered, opting to evade Santak. However, today was a different day.

"If Brother Yong spoke true, this black alloy is a force to be reckoned with. The knives we forge from it should rival those of Santak," Han Guang affirmed. "Director Feng, we shall proceed with the knife test without delay."

Feng Xuesong was taken aback. "Is that so?"

"Indeed. Let us commence," Han Guang insisted, his resolve unwavering.

With a nod, Feng Xuesong assented. "Very well, I shall take you to the processing site."

Han Guang expressed his gratitude, and, under Feng Xuesong's guidance, he and his team arrived at the bustling heart of the workshop—the production and processing site.

Here stood an expansive workshop, brimming with an array of sophisticated machinery, predominantly CNC equipment like lathes and machining centers, many of which were imported.

Not far off, a group was gathered around an imported CNC machining center, including workers, technicians, and representatives from Santak.

They, too, were in the midst of a knife test.

Approaching, Feng Xuesong inquired, "Fan Gong, how fares the knife test?"

Fan Gong responded, "We've conducted over half of the trials, and the results are promising. Santak's tools manage three to four parts on average, but their price quotes are steep."

Imported alloy tools often commanded a premium, typically in the range of three to four thousand yuan per piece.

Feng Xuesong mused, "Once all trials are complete, we'll make a comprehensive assessment. We'll deliberate then."

With that, he beckoned Fan Gong over, and with Han Guang and his companions keeping watch, they monitored the activity of Santak's contingent.

Tension simmered between the two groups, palpable and charged. Two fair-haired foreigners, blue-eyed, and unmistakably long-time residents of Yan Country, addressed Han Guang and his team in Mandarin.

"Your knives leave much to be desired. We stand head and shoulders above you," one asserted in a less than fluent manner, punctuating his point with a thumbs-down gesture—clearly implying Han Guang's team was lacking.

This elicited a swift response from Han Guang's subordinates, one of whom was poised to retort, until Han Guang intervened. Now was not the time for verbal sparring.

"Director Feng, kindly arrange for us to commence the test," Han Guang redirected.

Feng Xuesong nodded, dispatching instructions to Fan Gong. However, to Han Guang's chagrin, Fan Gong hesitated and voiced a somewhat contradictory sentiment.

"Director Feng, Taishan's knives hold their own among domestic brands, but this time we're dealing with high-temperature alloy parts. I recommend utilizing imported knives rather than domestic ones."

Han Guang registered a disconcerting pang, mirrored by his subordinates' faces which now wore discontent. If they hadn't been in need of assistance, sparks might have flown. It stung that, as a technician, Fan Gong held such low regard for our domestic alloy knives.

Fortunately, Feng Xuesong stood firm, asserting, "Fan Gong, your assertion is problematic. How can we know if we don't try? Proceed with the test at once."

Muttering under his breath, Fan Gong relented. Was it truly necessary to conduct the test? Domestic alloy knives, after all, perennially lagged behind their imported counterparts by at least a grade.

But Han Guang was undaunted. He recognized this moment as an opportunity to showcase the potential of the black alloy. "Director Feng, let us not delay. The knives we have forged hold the promise of excellence."

With unwavering determination, Feng Xuesong granted Han Guang's request. "Very well, Fan Gong, prepare the tools for the trial."

Despite Fan Gong's initial reluctance, the knives crafted from the mysterious black alloy were carefully assembled, ready to be put to the test. The stage was set for a confrontation of metallurgical prowess between domestic and imported blades.

Amidst the clattering of machinery and the anticipatory hush of onlookers, Han Guang's heart raced with excitement. The fate of the black alloy rested on this trial, and he was determined to prove its worth.

As the first part was positioned for machining, Han Guang's eyes remained fixed on the tools forged from the black alloy. The test had begun, and the journey to validate the excellence of this remarkable material was underway.