Siheyuan: Buyers get rich from hunting

At noon the next day, the warm and bright sunshine seemed to have a gentle power, penetrating the thin but tenacious clouds, and cleverly projected patches of light and shadow into the canteen of the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill, which was full of traces of time. The light danced on the old wooden tables, mottled walls, and the workers' faces, some young and some old, adding a bit of liveliness and vitality to this ordinary lunch time.

Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong, two old workers who hold important positions in the factory, sit side by side at an old wooden table that has been weathered and has a slightly uneven surface. In front of them is the carefully prepared meal in the canteen. Although it is extremely simple, it is sufficient to meet their physical needs after hard work. The two eat attentively and contentedly, occasionally exchanging glances. Without saying much, they can feel the deep tacit understanding between each other.

Inside the cafeteria, the atmosphere was lively and noisy. Workers sat in groups of three or five, or in pairs, talking to each other. The topics they discussed were all about the evening training course that was about to begin. This was not only an opportunity to learn, but also a reflection of their desire for progress and growth.

“I heard that this night school was run at a huge cost, and all the teachers invited are top professionals hired from outside the factory. The courses they teach are very practical and go straight to the heart of the job!” A young man wearing a safety helmet and with a vibrant face was munching on a steamed bun in his hand while excitedly sharing his gossip, his eyes sparkling with infinite longing and expectation for the future.

"That's right. I also heard that after completing the training, you can take an exam. With a certificate, you can be more confident whether you stay in the factory for further studies or go out to try your luck!" Another worker took over the conversation, adding a few large spoonfuls of free pickles to his own bowl. His thirst for knowledge and plans for the future were fully displayed in his every move.

Yi Zhonghai looked up and looked around, with a faint but meaningful smile on his face. He knew that for these workers who dedicated themselves to their jobs day after day and year after year, the opportunity to study at night school not only meant the improvement of their professional skills, but also a kind of spiritual comfort, a deep yearning and unremitting pursuit for a better future life. In this rapidly changing era, one more skill means one more choice and one more possibility.

Liu Haizhong, on the other hand, expressed his attitude in a more restrained way. He stood quietly aside, listening to the lively discussions of his fellow workers, but silently calculating in his heart. Although time is unforgiving, he firmly believes that learning is endless, and more knowledge means more strength. Perhaps, through this night school training, he can not only improve his skills, but also cultivate more outstanding successors in the workshop and contribute to the development of the factory.

Just as the two were immersed in their beautiful visions of the future, a co-worker suddenly turned around and broke the rare tranquility. "Hey! You two, have you decided which shift you want to sign up for?" This sudden question was full of curiosity and expectation for working together in the future.

Yi Zhonghai smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with determination and confidence. "I plan to apply for the mechanical maintenance class. The old machines in our workshop always have problems. If I can learn to repair them myself, I won't have to wait for the maintenance department to come all the time, and my efficiency will be greatly improved." His answer is not only a requirement for himself, but also an expectation for the future, and a cherishment of this rare learning opportunity.

"I heard that if you get good training, you can become an official when you come back." This sentence was like a gust of wind that instantly blew away the noise in the cafeteria and focused everyone's attention on this topic.

"Hey, are you serious? Can I be promoted to a cadre after completing night school training?" Liu Haizhong swallowed the food in his mouth and asked anxiously, his eyes flashing with anticipation, as if he had already seen himself wearing a cadre uniform in the future.

Yi Zhonghai smiled, put down his chopsticks, and said slowly: "That's right. I heard from Mr. Zhang in the factory that some of those who participated in the night school training last year are now in the technical department, and some have become team leaders. Not only have their salaries increased, but they are also more confident in what they say and do. This night school training is a good opportunity for us to improve ourselves."

The workers around him nodded in agreement, and some even added: "Besides, this training also invited outside experts to give lectures. What we learned are practical technical and management knowledge, which will be of great benefit to our future development. It would be a pity if we missed this opportunity."

Liu Haizhong was excited when he heard the news. His eyes widened, his face filled with excitement and anticipation. He seemed to have seen himself standing in the position of a leading cadre, with more power and status, making suggestions for the development of the factory, and being respected and admired by everyone. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel his blood boiling and full of energy.

However, Old Li on the side said like a basin of cold water: "Come on, with Liu Haizhong's two tricks, he still wants to be an official? He can't even be a team leader of four teams, how can he be an official!" This sentence was like a basin of cold water poured on Liu Haizhong's head, instantly shattering his just-ignited hope.

Liu Haizhong glared at Lao Li and muttered in dissatisfaction: "Lao Li, what do you mean by this? Why can't I be an official? As long as I study hard, I will definitely be able to do it! Don't underestimate me!"

Yi Zhonghai watched the two quarreling and shook his head helplessly. He knew that Liu Haizhong was arrogant but lacked practical ability; and Lao Li was a little smart but too selfish. Neither of them was suitable for important positions. However, as an old worker, he still hoped that they could get along well and make progress together.

So Yi Zhonghai comforted him, "Okay, okay, stop arguing. We are all neighbors, we should help each other and make progress together. It's a good thing that Liu Haizhong wants to study safety management. As long as he is willing to work hard, he may really make some achievements. Lao Li, don't be too discouraging. Everyone has their own potential."

Liu Haizhong looked at Yi Zhonghai gratefully, and then said firmly: "Thank you for your encouragement, Lao Yi. I will study hard and live up to everyone's expectations. I believe that as long as I work hard, I will be able to prove myself!"

Seeing this, Lao Li didn't say anything more and just ate in silence. Yi Zhonghai continued, "In fact, I think we can attend night school training together, so that everyone has the opportunity to improve themselves. We are all a team, and only when everyone improves can our team become stronger."

The workers nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere in the cafeteria became warm and harmonious again. Everyone was full of expectations and longing for the upcoming night school training, as if they saw their bright future waving at them.

Liu Haizhong nodded in agreement, his face filled with unconcealable joy: "Yes, we can sign up together, and then we can take care of each other and make progress together. This night school training is simply a promotion opportunity tailor-made for us!"

The workers around him nodded in agreement, and some even waved their chopsticks excitedly, as if they had seen their own glorious future: "Yes, this training is a rare opportunity. I heard that the factory has made great efforts and invited many outside experts to give lectures! What we learn are all practical technical and management knowledge. For workers like us, it is like timely rain after a long drought! Maybe after participating in this training, we can get a promotion and a raise, and reach the peak of our lives!"

Liu Haizhong's eyes were shining with excitement and anticipation. He had always wanted to stand out in the factory, but he could never find a suitable opportunity. Now, this night school training is like a ray of light, illuminating his way forward and letting him see the dawn of hope. He held Yi Zhonghai's hand tightly, his voice trembling with excitement: "Zhonghai, thank you for telling me such important news. I must seize this opportunity, study hard, and improve myself. Do you know how to sign up? I want to sign up now, and I don't want to wait even a minute!"

Yi Zhonghai patted him on the shoulder and consoled him with a smile: "Don't worry, good things take time. The union will issue a formal notice this afternoon, and there will be a detailed registration process and course introduction. What we have to do is to prepare in advance, review carefully, and strive to pass the exam smoothly. As long as we study hard, we will definitely learn a lot of useful things from this training, improve our skills, and contribute more to the development of the factory."

"Yes, yes, let's work hard together!" The fellow workers around also cheered, and the atmosphere became warm for a while, as if everyone has seen their own brilliant future achievements.

After the meal, everyone returned to work with full expectations and motivation. Although they were busy working, everyone had a vision and desire for the future in their hearts. Night school training is not only about improving their personal abilities, but also a step towards a better life and a stage for them to realize their self-worth.

Liu Haizhong secretly made up his mind to seize this rare opportunity and study hard to make his future brighter in the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill. He believed that as long as he worked hard, he would be able to change his destiny and realize his dream.