Siheyuan: Returning to 61 to collect waste

When it was time to get off work, Ye Chuan left the factory on time at five o'clock and saw Mr. Xu's HQ car parked on the side of the road.

The driver came down to greet me immediately and said with a smile: "Xiao Ye, it's time to get off work. The boss sent me to pick you up."

Ye Chuan ran a step closer, not letting the driver stop, and opened the door first and got in, saying in a friendly manner: "I'm sorry to bother Master Ma to pick me up."

Master Ma smiled and responded politely, then drove away, leaving a group of people with surprised expressions.

Looking at the back of the car going away, Deputy Director Tan couldn't help but ask: "Brother Tan, did I see it right? Was it the HQ car that Ye Chuan was riding in?"

Deputy Director Tan remained silent, staring at the car with mixed feelings.

For someone like Ye Chuan, what else is lacking? With outstanding business ability, would such an outstanding person choose to work in the recycling industry?

Director Tang, who also witnessed everything, had some foresight, but he still remained curious and was eager to know the details.

So he adjusted the direction of his bicycle and headed straight for the street office.

In the street office, Director Wang finished his busy work and was preparing to go home.

Before closing the door, I saw Director Tang riding a bicycle in, so I asked with a smile: "Director Tang, why are you here?"

Director Tang was holding a bag of oranges he had just bought from the supply and marketing cooperative and said, "We just got some new oranges. They're good, so I thought I'd send some over to you."

Director Wang was also very clear-headed and knew that the other party must have something to ask for, so he opened the door and welcomed him in. "Xiao Tang, why are you so polite? Please come in."

Deputy Director Tang followed Wang into the office, put the oranges on the desk, and skillfully poured two cups of hot tea from a thermos and handed them to the two. "Sister Wang, you look so busy and you get off work so late. I thought someone was waiting for you at home," said Deputy Director Tang. "The work of the street is complicated and there is no rest all day long." Wang smiled and explained, "People with strong abilities naturally have heavy tasks. Sister Wang can manage our street so well, but I can only stay in the office reading newspapers and drinking tea. I can't do that well."

Wang felt comfortable with the flattery, so he responded, "Don't praise me! Seriously, how is Ye Chuan doing with you guys?"

Seeing that the topic shifted to Ye Chuan, Deputy Director Tang hurriedly said: "Ah, thanks to Director Wang for recommending an excellent candidate! Once Xiao Ye joined, the performance of our branch station has improved by more than a few levels."

This time it was Wang's turn to be surprised. She had thought it was just a polite remark, but she had never expected Ye Chuan's performance to be so outstanding. And from Director Wang's expression, it did not seem like he was exaggerating.

Tang continued, “Xiaoye personally processed fifty tons of waste materials last month, which is almost equal to our entire station’s output in March.

What surprised me even more was that Xiaoye had a strong background, but he was low-key and humble, and was very respectful to us, his superiors.”

However, Wang was even more surprised: "Xiao Tang, I don't know this background. Ye Chuan's family should not have any special status, right? His parents are ordinary loaders in the steel factory, and they are also housewives. They are a typical rural family."

Hearing this, Director Wang looked puzzled: "Xiao Tang, you are not mistaken, are you? With Ye Chuan's family, what kind of remarkable background can he have?"

Deputy Director Tang smiled and replied, "Sister Wang, we are so familiar with each other, why are you hiding something? One person can handle 50 tons of waste in more than 20 days, and there is a car from HQ waiting for him at lunch time. The driver is also very polite and personally picks up Xiaoye after get off work. Don't you think it's strange?"

Director Wang was stunned by these words. These things that she had no idea about now seemed extraordinary.

Sitting in the HQ car driving towards Mr. Xu's house, Master Ma drove steadily. At that moment, Ye Chuan felt as if he had returned to the old days.

When he was driving on the road in a car, people around him looked at him with envy and awe. It was not easy to own a bicycle, and a car was a dream luxury at that time.

After arriving at Xu's house, the house was more lively than the last time. In addition to several familiar factory managers, Ye Chuan also met two people he had never met before. "Ye Chuan is here?" Mr. Xu, who was writing, saw Ye Chuan appear and greeted him happily. "Hello, Mr. Xu." After Ye Chuan greeted Mr. Xu, he also greeted several strangers.

Mr. Xu put down the brush in his hand and pulled Ye Chuan in front of the others, "This is my young friend Ye Chuan who I have a good relationship with.

Xiao Ye, this is Mr. He Xiangdong, deputy director of Jingji Material Recycling Company, and Director Luo Tengfei, who manages the equipment in the department. "

"Hello, Director He, Director Luo." Ye Chuan responded politely.

He Xiangdong smiled and said, "Mr. Ye is very generous. Where does he work?"

At this time, Director Yang interrupted and said with a hearty smile: "Director He, there is actually some fate between you two."

He Xiangdong was stunned for a moment, then asked: "Oh? What do you mean?"

Director Yang explained: "Ye Chuan also works at the material recycling company."

Hearing this, He Xiangdong was even more surprised. He looked at Ye Chuan carefully several times and then asked, "Which branch is he in? Why have I never seen you before?"

At this time, Ye Chuan stated his identity: "Director He, I am a salesperson in a residential area in the district, and my direct supervisor is Deputy Director Tang Qingming."

At this moment, Chen Xiangdong was no longer surprised, but deeply astonished. The small salesman in front of him had actually become the favorite of Mr. Xu.

Salesmen, in the work position of waste material recycling companies, are people who walk around the streets and alleys to buy and sell waste materials. "Tang Qing, I remember that your business volume has increased several times recently, is that right?" Director Yang smiled even more brightly, and he turned to Luo and said, "Old Luo, these changes are thanks to Xiaoye. Don't you notice that some of the recycled waste seems a little familiar?"

Chen Xiangdong realized it now. "It turns out that those discarded materials came from your factory. I was wondering how a single residential business point could generate so much waste."

Faced with everyone's praise, Ye Chuan quickly declined modestly: "It all depends on the support and help of all the leaders."

However, when Director Sun of the Second Factory in Beijing heard the news, he could not help but complain. He said loudly, "Xiao Ye, don't you think that we are a country bumpkin? Why did you go to those three companies but not come to visit our Second Electronics Factory?"

Ye Chuan hurriedly explained: "Director Sun, don't be angry, I just want to give Director Tang some time to adapt so as not to disturb him."

Old Xu smiled kindly and said, "Okay, if there are any waste products in the future, remember to take care of Xiaoye." Then he picked up the brush again, "Come on, Xiaoye, look at what I wrote. Those are rough people who only know how to praise!"

Ye Chuan took a closer look and saw the outline of the four characters "天道礼勤" (God rewards hard work) on the paper, with only the character "勤" (diligence) left to be written.

Old Xu ignored him, picked up the brush and dipped it in ink, and wrote the last word with great ease. The characters were extremely smooth. "Good!" Seeing the last word, Ye Chuan couldn't help but praise.

Chen Xiangdong and the others laughed: "Mr. Xu, you are so happy for nothing. Xiao Ye just praised you, right?"

Old Xu seemed helpless and a little playful, and warned: "You little brat, if you don't tell me what's wrong, I'll make you drink three cups of wine later."

Carefully examining Mr. Xu's four characters, Ye Chuan's appraisal skills had already reached a high level. He immediately saw that these characters had steady brushstrokes and proper structure, which met the standards of classical calligraphy.

Mr. Xu was obviously very proud of his calligraphy. Ye Chuan knew that he couldn't speak directly, so he just complimented him. "Mr. Xu's calligraphy has sparse and dense lines, and they are connected smoothly. It is really exquisite.

Calligraphy emphasizes vivid spirit and full appearance first, and only when both are possessed can one be compared with the ancient masters.

These four words of yours absolutely match this kind of praise."

Hearing the praise, Mr. Xu couldn't help but laugh heartily. Although he knew that Ye Chuan was exaggerating, he was still very happy to hear such words of praise.

The rest of the people were a little confused. Everyone understood the words, but when they put them together, they seemed unable to understand their deeper meaning.

Old Xu tapped the six people's fingertips, frowned and said: "Compared with Xiaoye, your virtues are so different. It's really vulgar!"

Among all the factory directors, only Director Yang was probably educated. His eyes were full of surprise when he looked at Ye Chuan. This kid could even quote classics when flattering others. He was really rare. No wonder he could make Mr. Xu so happy.

At this time, Mr. Xu handed the brush to Ye Chuan and said, "Xiao Ye, show me what you can do." Ye Chuan took the brush and was stunned.

Others laughed, wouldn't this embarrass Xiaoye?

Old Xu smiled expectantly, believing that Ye Chuan was very knowledgeable and his calligraphy must be outstanding.

Ye Chuan secretly thanked his lucky stars that his calligraphy skills improved during the system update, otherwise he would have had a hard time standing still today.

However, he has never actually applied this skill since he acquired it, so he has no idea what it would look like.

Secretary Chen carefully collected the words written by Mr. Xu and then prepared them on new rice paper.

Ye Chuan held the brush and dipped it in ink, stood in front of the desk, closed his eyes and concentrated.

Seventeen calligraphy-related memories flashed through his mind, as if all this knowledge and experience were something he had personally experienced.

After a moment, Ye Chuan wrote thirteen characters in one breath:

Recalling the past, we were armed with swords, spears, and armor, and we were as fierce as tigers.

Old Xu stood beside Ye Chuan, and his expression suddenly turned serious as he stared at the thirteen words.

Although his calligraphy may seem ordinary, he by no means fails to appreciate it.

He was once hailed as an elegant general who won many victories on the battlefield and made great contributions to the liberation of the Chinese nation.

After the founding of New China, he switched to civilian work, but those days of war and battle were a topic he always talked about with relish, and he often returned to that burning time in his dreams.

Ye Chuan's handwriting is vigorous and powerful, and whether it is the brushstrokes, structure, or connotation, it reveals the style of a master.

What makes Mr. Xu particularly happy is these thirteen words, which accurately depict his majesty on the battlefield in the past. "Spears, spears, and cavalry" are grand ambitions, as if vividly presenting the fierce battlefield scene.

These words are actually part of Xin Qiji's poem. Ye Chuan made some changes to change the mood from regret to aftertaste. "Wonderful! Great! It really shines with the pen!" Mr. Xu was so moved that his eyes were slightly moist.

Although others may not be able to fully understand the essence of calligraphy, they all clearly see that Ye Chuan's calligraphy is indeed excellent, with a smooth and uninterrupted flow, and a momentum far exceeding that of Mr. Xu's works. "Thank you for the compliment, old sir. How can my calligraphy compare to yours?" Ye Chuan smiled faintly.

Old Xu laughed gently, "Don't be modest, little guy, I'm just trying to please the old man.

How about you add a few more words to sign it?" He then asked.

Ye Chuan happily picked up the brush, changed it to a thin brush, and wrote: I wish Mr. Xu a long life. This is presented to you by Ye Chuan, your junior.

Old Xu nodded in satisfaction. He was not surprised that Ye Chuan knew his birthday. With so many people around, someone must have told him. "What a nice handwriting! So is the sentiment! Xin Qiji's story is so fascinating! I will hang it in my study in the future!"

Ye Chuan spoke slowly and continued, "Mr. Xu, how can Xin Qiji be as lucky as you? In his later years, he could only retire to the countryside, watching his children grazing, and could only climb up to the small building to look into the distance and taste the sweetness of life.

In contrast, you are a man of both civil and military talents. You can pacify the world with your pen, pacify the country on horseback, and still serve the people after retirement!"

Hearing these words, Mr. Xu's heart was moved, and even every strand of his skin felt extremely comfortable. "Haha, Xiaoye, your words are too flattering!"

When everyone saw Mr. Xu's reaction, they realized that Ye Chuan's compliment really touched his heart.

There are different ways to praise and compliment. Ye Chuan's use of classical poetry as the background is obviously a high-level way of complimenting.

At this time, Ye Chuan took out a small wooden box and handed it to Mr. Xu with both hands. "Mr. Xu, this is a small gift from me. It's not a sign of respect."

This wooden box was later selected by him. Although it looks ordinary, its material is extraordinary.

Old Xu took the box with a smile. When he opened it, he was surprised and couldn't help but say, "It's actually a Taohe inkstone!"

After exclaiming in amazement, he sighed again: "You really have a keen eye for jade, Xiaoye!"

The more he picked up the inkstone and examined it carefully, the more shocked Mr. Xu's expression became.

This Taohe inkstone from the Daoguang period, which comes from Chaotiankeng, is a fine choice. It is very valuable both from a collection and aesthetic point of view. "Xiaoye, I can't accept such a valuable thing. It's too heavy!" Mr. Xu pushed the inkstone back to him with a reluctant look on his face.

Nowadays, this good inkstone that would have been valued at hundreds of thousands of yuan in the future is now worth at most a few dozen yuan.

Even experts can only understand it if they know the real price.

What Mr. Xu understands as precious refers to the cultural value of the collection itself. Only insiders can recognize its preciousness.

Ye Chuan gently pushed the inkstone back and said with a smile: "Mr. Xu, even if it has value, in your eyes, it is just an inkstone after all.

Only when it is given to those who truly need it can its true value be revealed.

Just as a fine horse is given to a hero, only by giving it to a scholar-general with both talent and integrity like you can the value of this Duan inkstone be fully demonstrated."

"Xiao Ye, I appreciate your kindness, but this is a rare Chaotiankeng Duan inkstone, a treasure that you can only encounter by chance." Old Xu said with emotion.

Ye Chuan responded jokingly: "Mr. Xu, the ruler you gave me last time is also a treasured item, and I gladly accepted it.