Siheyuan: Starting from a Truck Driver

The sunlight illuminates the incense burner and purple smoke rises. We chat for half a day.

Nowadays, almost all drivers are serious smokers.

On the one hand, drivers are paid well enough to afford the habit;

On the other hand, driving requires a high level of concentration, and smoking can help relieve tension.

...

The experienced drivers gathered here. When they heard that Li Xiaodong was going to take a driving test as soon as he joined the team, they all came here with curiosity.

Hearing the footsteps, they all stood up, and three of them strode towards Li Xiaodong.

"Uncle Bai, Uncle Zhang, Uncle Liu, why are you here?"

They are all old friends of my father.

The three old drivers with dark skin and gray hair looked at Li Xiaodong with satisfaction.

"I just came back from a trip and heard that you joined the team. Brother Zhen is not here, so we old brothers should help you out."

"Just now, Lao Zhang mentioned that you punished those two cans of barley wine in public. If Brother Zhen was here, he would be so happy."

"Hey, today is your day, don't mention that!"

During the conversation, an inspiring voice suddenly rang out over the factory radio.

"Good news, good news. Today we are giving a special commendation to Comrade Li Xiaodong from our factory team."

"As soon as he joined, he solved many of the team's car problems and obtained five boxes of spare parts from the FAW factory."

"In order to reward Li Xiaodong, the factory office specially approved 50 kilograms of national food coupons, hoping that he can remain humble and continue to contribute to national construction."

The reward of fifty kilograms of food coupons was not a small amount, and the three elders widened their eyes in surprise.

Li Xiaodong narrowed his eyes slightly. He decided to report the credit immediately and did not forget to seek benefits for his subordinates. This Niu Yong was indeed extraordinary.

In the cheerful atmosphere, he did not notice that Niu Meng's eyes turned green.

...

...

In the fitter's workshop, Yi Zhonghai was patiently instructing Qin Huairu in her work. Suddenly, he heard the broadcast and was stunned.

It was not until today that Li Xiaodong reported to the motorcade.

How could he achieve such great success so quickly?

It seems that this young man is no longer the young and reckless man he used to be.

He was indeed confused for a moment about the fight over housing.

But his original intention was just to help his apprentice solve the housing problem. Was there anything wrong with that?

Well, let my wife invite Li Xiaodong to our house for dinner tonight to ease the relationship.

However, Qin Huairu's mind was on the fifty kilograms of food coupons.

How could Li Xiaodong possibly finish all these food coupons by himself?

Do you want to borrow some from someone at night?

But thinking of the painful experiences of the previous two times, she had to keep this little thought deep in her heart.

Because Li Xiaodong can really eat an amazing amount.

In this era, women followed the principle of obeying their husbands when their father was alive and obeying their sons when their husband was dead.

It’s okay to flirt with men, but if Qin Huairu really wants to benefit others, even if she wants to, it’s difficult for her to overcome the obstacles in her heart.

At this moment, the director's voice came from the workshop door.

"Master Yi, the team has a mission. Please bring your tools with you."

"Okay, let's go immediately."

The mission is an order. Yi Zhonghai responded and then told Qin Huairu to pack up the tools.

Qin Huairu was also happy to go out to work with Yi Zhonghai.

She spent the whole day dawdling around.

Liu Haizhong, a welder who also received the order, did not need to bring any tools because the repair shop had welding equipment. But for the sake of face, he still brought an apprentice with him.

The two men came to the repair shop and saw Li Xiaodong surrounded by drivers.

They were a little surprised and were thinking about how to greet him when Li Xiaodong walked out of the crowd and said, "Don't worry! The two masters are here to modify the water tank. The quality is absolutely reliable. Captain Niu really has a unique vision."

Yi Zhonghai raised his head slightly and said modestly, "Thank you for the compliment."

A bright smile like a chrysanthemum bloomed on the fat on the cheek among the bangs.

When Niu Yong heard this, he was also proud of his own vision and asked, "Do you guys know each other?"

Yi Zhonghai replied: "Xiaodong and I lived in the same compound. I watched him grow up since he was a child. I remember that I felt he was extraordinary when he was a child."

Liu Haizhong agreed, "Yes, one time he peed on my face while I was sleeping. How could an ordinary child dare to do that?"

Niu Yong: “…”

Old drivers: "......"

Oh, he got beaten up by his dad that time! Li Xiaodong waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk about the past glory, let's focus on the future!"

"Yes, the workshop can't do without me, so start working!"

"Captain Niu, what are the specific requirements for the water tank renovation? Do you have a design drawing?"

Niu Yong handed him the design drawing and said, "Just modify it according to the instructions on the drawing."

Yi Zhonghai was an eighth-level fitter who knew the blueprints very well. He was stunned after just one look.

Liu Haizhong frowned and asked in confusion: "Who drew this picture? It's as accurate as a print."

Niu Yong pointed at Li Xiaodong and said, "That's the guy who peed on your face."

Oh my god, this is embarrassing, isn't it?

Twenty minutes later, Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong started to work, and it was Li Xiaodong's turn to admire their skills.

The skills of an eighth-level fitter are no joke. The circular holes cut out by hand are as precise as if they were drawn with a compass.

Although Liu Haizhong, a fat man weighing nearly 200 pounds, looks clumsy, he is very decisive when doing his work. His welding skills are superb. Dazzling white light flashes, and his welding effect is like fish scales, far surpassing the "Welding Emperor".

After the water tank modification was completed, Mr. Bai couldn't wait to drive the car for a test drive.

Naturally, Li Xiaodong also had to do it himself.

Repairing the car and taking the field test are a piece of cake for this experienced driver with tens of thousands of driving experiences.

Getting off the truck, Niu Yong gave a thumbs up and said, "Not bad, kid. Your skills are better than mine. Tomorrow, I will take you to take the driver's license test."

Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong and Qin Huairu were watching on the sidelines in amazement. Li Xiaodong was about to take a driving test and become a master just after joining the team. Is he really a genius?

On the way back to the workshop, the three of them were no longer in the mood to chat, and there was no jealousy.

Because the premise of jealousy is that the strength of both parties is almost the same, and you envy me because I am stronger than you. Once the gap is too big, all that is left is admiration.

Would an ordinary person be jealous of Jack Ma? Would an undergraduate be jealous of Wei Shen?

Then, Niu Yong recounted his experience of taking the driving test in detail.

Sometimes, driving tests depend largely on luck, and even an expert driver may fail if he or she is drawn to a car with problems.

Niu Yong often takes students to take tests and is familiar with the test vehicles.

For example, car No. 3 will slide briefly after braking, so you need to predict it in advance; car No. 10 has a problem with the shifter, and the reverse gear is often not in place, so you need to try twice before you can engage it.

Li Xiaodong listened very attentively, as this concerned his career future and he could not afford to be careless.

In the blink of an eye, it was lunch time and most of the drivers went to a canteen to eat.

A canteen is close to the motorcade, so you can save time by taking a short rest in the lounge.

Remembering what Zhuzi said in the morning, Li Xiaodong decided to go to the second canteen.

Just as I was about to leave, someone grabbed the corner of my clothes.

Looking back, Niu Meng was looking at him expectantly.

"Comrade Niu Meng, what's the matter?"

"Comrade Li Xiaodong, can you be my master?" Niu Meng went straight to the point.

Li Xiaodong was in a difficult situation now.

"Your master is Captain Niu Yong, and how can I accept an apprentice when I don't even have a driver's license?"

Niu Meng's dark eyes sparkled with wit: "With your skills, getting a driver's license is a piece of cake. My brother is the team leader, but he rarely drives himself now. We drivers don't practice on the road often, so our skills can't be improved. I have been in the team for half a year, and I haven't even made a long-distance trip. If this continues, I don't know when I will get my driver's license."

After listening to her, Li Xiaodong felt that what she said made sense.

However, he was also a little worried. Was it really okay to just accept the captain as his apprentice?

"Will your brother mind?"

Niu Meng waved his fist, as firm as a little tiger: "He wouldn't dare!"

Sensing Li Xiaodong's hesitation, she explained, "You don't know, I'm very strong and can lift a tire. If you accept me as your apprentice, I'll take care of all the chores."

Li Xiaodong has indeed witnessed the power of Niu Meng.

In that era, driving a sports car on the road required a lot of physical strength, and having a strongman really made things a lot easier.

"Okay, if you don't say anything, I'll take it as your consent." Niu Meng rolled his eyes and suddenly knelt on the ground: "Master, I kowtow to thank you.

As drivers, how can we be afraid of big eaters?

With a disciple like Niu Meng, who in the team dares to bully Xiaodong?"

...

-

With a little apprentice in tow, Li Xiaodong understood what the masters felt.

He walked with big strides, and his apprentice followed closely behind him, his pride evident on his face.

The canteen is located on the west side of the steel rolling mill. After turning the corner, Li Xiaodong met Xu Damao.

He was seen staggering, holding his shoulder, and cursing as he walked, "Shazhu, that bastard, one day I will make you pay the price!"

"Da Mao, what's wrong with you?" Li Xiaodong asked.

"Being beaten with a rolling pin by that bastard Shazhu, oops, who is this?"

When he saw Niu Meng, Xu Damao felt the pain in his shoulder disappear instantly, and his eyes sparkled.

He stood in front of Niu Meng and swallowed hard: "My name is Xu Damao, I'm a projectionist at the steel mill. If you want to watch a movie, I can reserve a good seat for you."

Even though his shoulder was almost broken, he still did not forget to chat up girls. He is truly a true lecher, Xu Damao.

Li Xiaodong patted his shoulder heavily: "This is my apprentice, stay away from her."

Xu Damao felt like his shoulders were about to be broken apart, and he shouted, "Be gentle, be gentle."

"No more talking, I have to go to the infirmary to treat the wound."

Xu Damao left in disgrace.

Niu Meng looked at his back and curled his lips: "Master, can I teach him a lesson?"

This girl looks quite quiet, why is she so keen on violence?

It seems that there will be troubles in the future.

Li Xiaodong rubbed his brows and said, "He didn't do anything. If you hit him, don't you have to pay for the medical expenses?"

When it comes to compensation, Niu Meng's clenched fists loosened. She is penniless now.

After thinking for a while, she raised her head, widened her eyes and asked, "If he strikes first, can I fight back?"

Li Xiaodong nodded: "Fight back, hit hard, but don't be too aggressive."

"Okay!" Niu Meng responded excitedly.

Is this girl hoping that Xu Damao will provoke her so that she can find an excuse to teach him a lesson? Li Xiaodong complained inwardly and walked towards the cafeteria.

Suddenly, a dark shadow rushed out from the back of the cafeteria and ran straight towards Li Xiaodong.

The man seemed a little panicked after bumping into someone. Without stopping, he grabbed the canvas bag and ran quickly towards the factory gate.

Fortunately, I am still young and strong. If I were a man in his seventies or eighties, I would have been knocked down by you long ago, right?

He bumped into someone and didn’t even apologize. Does this kid have very poor upbringing?

Li Xiaodong looked at the black shadow and slapped his thigh hard.

Isn’t this the guy Bang Geng?

First Xu Damao was beaten, and then Banggeng escaped from the factory holding a canvas bag.

It seems that the canvas bag of Banggeng should be filled with soy sauce stolen from the cafeteria.

Li Xiaodong laughed secretly in his heart.

In the morning, he was still boasting in the security department that he would fight against any behavior that harmed the interests of the factory.

The opportunity is here.

Besides, the steel mill is everyone’s factory, and the materials for production and life are shared by all the workers.

Li Xiaodong also has a share of soy sauce in the cafeteria.

Now that it has been stolen by Banggeng, he can't just sit back and watch.

If you have an apprentice, you naturally don’t have to do it yourself.

Pointing at Bang Geng's figure, he said, "Disciple, did you see that boy? I suspect he stole something from the cafeteria. Take him to the security department."

"Did he take the buns?"

A sound echoed in the air, and Niu Meng had already rushed out several meters, galloping like a falcon, and pounced straight on Bang Geng.

Li Xiaodong touched his head and said, "This girl seems to like steamed buns very much."

...

At this moment, Banggeng has arrived at the gate.

Facing several guards, he was not nervous at all. He skillfully slung the canvas bag across his chest and strode towards the gate.

Who would have thought a little kid would try to bring something out!

Seeing that he was about to go out, Banggeng's mood fluctuated slightly.

With this bottle of soy sauce, he could catch a chicken and roast it.

However, the next second, a big hand grabbed his neck.

"This kid stole something!"

Banggeng felt like he was flying into the air, the world was spinning around him, and the next moment he was carried into the guard room.

The security officer found a bottle of soy sauce in the canvas bag.

The criminal was caught red-handed and the evidence was solid. Bang Geng had no way to defend himself and could only stand aside with his head down.

How to deal with stick terriers has become a thorny issue.

Although there were no laws to protect children during this era, children who made mistakes were treated with extreme caution.

Besides, it’s just a bottle of soy sauce, worth no more than five cents. There’s no need to make a fuss and ruin the child’s future.

Section Chief Zhang thought for a moment and decided to give a light punishment.

He walked up to Bang Geng, with a serious expression, and asked, "Whose child are you from?"

Bang Geng didn't dare to say Qin Huairu's name, for fear that he would be beaten by her.