Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 760 When Two Stars Shine

Even from some distance away from the courtyard house, Li Kailang could see a number of figures gathered indistinctly at the entrance.

The first few looked particularly familiar.

Zhang Fen paced back and forth, Cui Yuan crossed his arms and craned his neck to look around, and Bai Xiuwen also stood on tiptoe, looking left and right as if searching for something.

"They're back! They're back!" Zhang Fen, with his sharp eyes, was the first to shout.

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

"You're back!"

"How did it go, Kailang? Did it work out?"

"Did you get it? Let us see it!"

A cacophony of voices erupted as everyone swarmed around, blocking Li Kailang at the courtyard gate.

Master Zhang Jinwu, Master's wife Han Xiaohui, Zhang Ya, Cui Yuan, and a host of other people Li Kailang knew flocked over.

Faces were filled with eagerness, curiosity, and anticipation, their eyes fixed on Li Kailang.

The air seemed to freeze because of this shared suspense.

Li Kailang even saw people continuously pouring into the courtyard.

Yan Bugui, Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, and even Sha Zhu and the deaf old lady came over and watched from the corner.

Seeing this, people from other courtyards assumed there was something interesting to see and flocked over to watch.

Looking at the scene before him, Li Kailang felt a surge of pride.

He knew what he was waiting for, and what the whole courtyard was waiting for.

Without further ado, Li Kailang slowly and solemnly pulled out the dark red graduation certificate from his bag.

The bright red and golden words on the graduation certificate looked like a small sun under the dazzling light!

"Whoa—!!!" The crowd erupted in a unified gasp and gasp.

"It's real! Let me see!" Zhang Jinwu couldn't sit still any longer and squeezed to the front.

Li Kailang handed over the certificate in a very generous manner.

Zhang Jinwu held the book as if it were a priceless treasure, his fingers trembling slightly as he almost reverently turned the pages.

Lu Wenjiang, Zhang Fen, Han Xiaohui, and others couldn't resist their curiosity and came over.

Zhang Jinwu read out each word with deliberate intonation: "Li Kailang has completed his studies in the Mechanical Manufacturing major at this school and is hereby granted graduation with satisfactory grades!"

"Hahaha, good! Good, good, good! I've made something of myself, raising a college student! Amazing! Amazing!" Zhang Jinwu couldn't help but laugh loudly.

In Beijing, he was the only driver who had become an apprentice to a college student, which made him incredibly excited.

Teacher's wife Han Xiaohui gently stroked the school seal and the Education Bureau's official red seal on the certificate. The textured surface made her beam with joy, a hundred times more excited than if her own son had received an award.

The certificate was passed around among acquaintances.

Zhang Jinwu, Lu Wenjiang, Cui Yuan, Bai Xiuwen, and others took turns stroking the smooth, hard cover, looking at the words and seals inside, their eyes filled with envy and heartfelt blessings.

"Brother Li! That was awesome!" Bai Xiuwen excitedly pumped his fist. "I knew you could do it!"

"Yeah, Li, you've really made us proud! Now we can brag about this to everyone!" The mature and steady Lu Wenjiang couldn't help but pat Li Kailang's arm.

"Little Li, you're awesome!" Cui Yuan didn't know how to describe it, so he could only give a thumbs up.

"They've brought honor to our compound!" The other residents of the compound were equally pleased to see this.

They produced a college student from such a place! The news spread like wildfire, without even needing to be relayed, and people from other courtyards in the area knew about it.

When you chat with people from other courtyards in the future, you'll have something to talk about with pride!

In this courtyard, there is only one college student, Li Kailang.

Jia Zhangshi stood on the outer edge, arms crossed, her triangular eyes glancing sideways at the bright red certificate and the jubilant crowd, muttering something offensive under her breath:
"Tch, it's just a night school certificate, what's with the attitude? If my son Dongxu were here, or Banggeng were here... hmph!!!"

Sha Zhu leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed, watching Li Kailang being surrounded by the crowd. He had to admit defeat; he couldn't beat them in a fight, and he was also less cultured than them.

"I made a mistake, I made a mistake." The deaf old lady shook her head and sighed. She never expected Li Kailang to be so successful.

He shook his head and went home.

Liu Hai felt the worst. His son, Liu Guangqi, originally had the highest level of education in the neighborhood, but now that Li Kailang's college degree certificate had been revealed, Guangqi's "highest level of education"—his vocational school diploma—was suddenly diminished.

No matter how unhappy these people are, it doesn't matter to the courtyard or the surrounding courtyards.

If one person becomes a college student, it's not impossible for others to become college students as well.

After all, once it happens, it will happen again.

"Little Li, you're so happy today! Come to your master's house tonight, and we'll celebrate with you and have a good time!"

"Oh!" Zhang Fen cheered immediately.

"We definitely need to celebrate," Han Xiaohui said with a smile. "I'll go back and make some preparations now."

“Master’s wife, I’m going too!” Sister-in-law Luo Ruiyun and Yu Xuewei immediately followed.

Such a big thing happened in the courtyard, so everyone had a nice dinner to celebrate.

During the meal, he even used Li Kailang as an example, demanding that his own son also get into university.

The next day.

Steel rolling mill.

As soon as Li Kailang entered the materials department, he was told to go directly to the factory director's office.

Factory Director Yang was also getting anxious. Seeing Li Kailang knock on the door and come in, he asked, "Little Li, how did it go? Have you graduated yet?"

Li Kailang handed over his graduation certificate and transcript: "Director Yang, you've graduated. Here are your certificate and transcript."

Director Yang practically snatched it away, his movements so fast they were unlike his usual composed demeanor.

He quickly flipped through the pages, his sharp eyes scanning the name, school, graduation certificate, transcript, and the official seal and stamp at the bottom.

Especially after seeing the scores of "97 in theory" and "95 in practice," a smile instantly bloomed on his face, and he slammed his hand on the table:
"Great! Excellent! First place in both subjects! I knew you were capable! You've really brought honor to our steel mill!"

"I think there's no better time than today, so I'll assign you to the technical department as an assistant technician!"

"You'll start from the bottom, but don't worry, if you have real skills, there will definitely be room for promotion! How about it? Are you satisfied with this arrangement?"

"Of course, the salary and benefits will also change accordingly, but don't worry, you won't suffer any losses."

Although promotion is now closed, becoming a college student represents a change in status and position, and therefore promotion is not applicable.

It's impossible for college graduates to work in factories and still receive the same benefits as college students.

Factory Director Yang's eyes were bright with anticipation. The factory was facing a shortage of technical talent, with senior and intermediate engineers leaving without replacements.

The technicians are still stuck in the same place. Apart from the two engineers who were promoted at the beginning, the other technicians have not been moved in the past few years.

With Li Kailang ranking first in both subjects, once he enters the technical department, he will have a greater chance of solving those long-standing technical problems that have plagued production.

More importantly, there is the demonstrative effect of Li Kailang's prestigious reputation and the potential for technological innovation.

He had previously instructed Wan Shen to find suitable promising students in the factory and send them to night school; now there's a ready-made example for that.

Let's wait another three to five years and try to train more college graduates. With more talent, the potential for technological innovation will be unlocked.

No more repeatedly asking the Ministry of Metallurgy for personnel, only to be turned away each time.

Li Kailang took a deep breath, looked at Director Yang's eager eyes, and nodded emphatically.

"Director Yang, I'm willing to go to the technical department! I'll definitely do a good job!"

The blueprints inside the ring can finally be put to use!

"Great! That's wonderful!" Director Yang beamed with joy, as if a major worry had been resolved.

"I'll have the personnel department and labor protection department process your paperwork right away! Next week? No, tomorrow! No, report to the technical department today!"

Factory Director Yang had forgotten what he had said before. He patted Li Kailang on the shoulder, his tone full of encouragement.
"Go for it! If you encounter any difficulties, just come to me! The steel rolling mill's development depends on fresh blood like you who have knowledge and technical skills!"

"Please rest assured, Director Yang, I will do my utmost to contribute to the steel rolling mill!"

"Good! Good!" Factory Director Yang nodded emphatically, satisfied, and let Li Kailang leave.

Materials Science.

As soon as he returned, Section Chief Qian, Zhao Xiaohai, Zhang Wei, and others immediately surrounded him, their eyes full of curiosity.

Seeing this, Li Kailang immediately pulled out his graduation certificate and other materials. Section Chief Qian patted him on the shoulder forcefully: "First in both subjects! Well done!"

"They really got it?! My God!" Zhao Xiaohai exclaimed in shock.

"I knew Deputy Section Chief Li would be able to do it, and now it's settled."

"Stop being so hindsight. Whether Deputy Section Chief Li is capable or not is up to you to decide."

Everyone chattered excitedly, looking at each other's graduation certificates.

"Deputy Section Chief Li, what are your plans for the future?" Section Chief Qian asked.

Li Kailang explained Director Yang's arrangements.

"Congratulations! I wish Deputy Section Chief Li a bright future and continued success!" Section Chief Qian sincerely wished.

"Thank you."

Everyone offered their congratulations.

Not long after, people from the Labor Protection Department and the Personnel Department came to the Materials Department to process special paperwork for Li Kailang.

"Deputy Section Chief Li," the two section chiefs called out in unison, giving Li Kailang ample face.

Logically speaking, Li Kailang, a deputy section chief, shouldn't command such respect from the two men, but since Director Yang had spoken, they had to give him some face.

The two quickly completed the formalities for Li Kailang.

Li Kailang is currently a college student intern, a level 14 assistant technician, earning 48.5 yuan a month, which is 10.5 yuan more than his previous salary of 38 yuan as a deputy level 5 driver.

Even with the allowance for going out, it's still less than the 48.5 yuan salary.

However, if you include extra income, the two are about the same.

One is a high salary earned while sitting in an office, while the other is a high salary earned through a month of hard work.

Sit down!

"Congratulations, Deputy Section Chief Li. Oh no, I mean Technician Li," the head of the personnel department said with a smile.

"Thank you!" Li Kailang said, bowing with his hands clasped in thanks.

"The formalities are all done. Shall we head over to the technical department now? Should we pack up our things?"

"No need, let's go now. There's nothing left in this office."

There wasn't much to collect from the materials department; everything had been packed a few days ago, so there was nothing to bring.

After saying a final goodbye to everyone in the Materials Science Department, I joined the department.

at the same time.

The Third Parts Factory.

Kim Geon-hyun came to work as usual, but instead of wearing his greasy work clothes, he changed into a neat, dark blue suit that was ironed perfectly.

This unusual attire drew quiet glances from everyone in the office.

People whispered among themselves in twos and threes.

Why is Kim Geon-hyun wearing this outfit today?

"Is that even a guess? I heard they picked up their diplomas at night school yesterday. They must have gotten their diplomas and are feeling confident now."

"I've graduated! After three years of hard work, I've finally made it through."

In the office, the most feared people were Wang Lixing and Mu Guangfu, who had always been the least polite to Jin Jianxian.

Jin Jianxian got his certificate, which means he will soon be their boss. If Jin Jianxian wants to retaliate, they will have no choice but to put up with it.

"Boss, what should we do?" Mu Guangfu was scared and hurriedly sought advice from Wang Lixing.

But what could Wang Lixing do?

He's now trembling with fear, thinking about how to repair the relationship.

Despite his fierce words before, he was afraid when faced with imminent death.

Jin Jianxian didn't think too much about it; he calmly began his day's work.

I looked at the documents first, but there wasn't anything to process, so I looked down and started working on something I didn't know.

Factory director Bao Daxing went to his office as usual.

Her gaze habitually swept across the various workstations, and she quickly noticed Jin Jianxian's attire. Her heart skipped a beat, and she had a vague premonition of something bad.

Bao Daxing asked in a gentler tone, "Jianxian, how's it going? Did you get your graduation certificate?"

Upon hearing Bao Daxing's words, Jin Jianxian did not immediately look up, but instead slowly finished what he was doing.

Only then did he look up at Bao Daxing, his gaze meeting his without flinching for the first time.

"Director Bao, this is my graduation certificate."

"A certificate? Congratulations, congratulations on graduating!" Bao Daxing laughed heartily and reached out to take the certificate to confirm it.

Jin Jianxian looked at the hand he was offered, hesitated for a moment, and then handed it over.

Looking at the bright gold characters for "graduation" and then at the contents inside, Bao Daxing finally confirmed that Jin Jianxian had graduated.

"Great! That's wonderful! Congratulations! The factory will put up a big red banner to honor you as our factory's first college graduate! Now you'll be even more motivated, right?"

"We just received a new batch of precision lathes in the workshop and we're short of someone who knows how to debug them. You're a college graduate, so I think you're the most suitable person for this job! You're the only one who can do it!"

Seeing that Bao Daxing still wanted to entrust him with important responsibilities, Jin Jianxian showed no excitement at this moment.

He shook his head: "No, Director Bao, I'm here today to resign!"

After saying that, he handed over the resignation letter he had written.

Bao Daxing's heart skipped a beat when he saw the three big characters of the resignation letter.

There isn't a single college graduate in the factory; they're all vocational school graduates. Even the most skilled engineer isn't a college graduate.

It was only after working in this field for a long time that I became an engineer.

He's incompetent, but has a whole host of flaws.

Bao Daxing forced a smile, still trying to persuade him to stay: "Jianxian, you're not joking, are you? You're doing just fine at the factory, why are you thinking of resigning?"

“I was planning to give you more responsibilities, and have Wang Lixing and Mu Guangfu work under you. Why do you suddenly want to leave?”

"It's really hard to find a job these days. Maybe you should reconsider?"

When Wang Lixing and Mu Guangfu heard that Bao Daxing was really going to transfer them to Jin Jianxian's command, they were heartbroken.

Her eyes were fixed on Kim Geon-hyun, desperately hoping he wouldn't stay! She wanted him to leave quickly!
Jin Jianxian glanced at the two of them and smiled slightly: "No, no need for Director Bao to worry, I've already decided where to go."

Upon hearing this, Bao Daxing lost his temper: "Jin Jianxian, the factory has nurtured you for so many years, and you just leave like that? Isn't that a bit shameless?"

"It wasn't easy for the factory to train you. Now that you're a college graduate, you're just looking down on the poor and wanting to leave. Aren't you afraid of being criticized for this behavior?"

Bao Daxing's roar echoed in the small office, making the windowpanes vibrate.

Wang Lixing and Mu Guangfu, who were in the corner, shrank back in fear and dared not breathe.

Hearing Bao Daxing's incompetent rage, Jin Jianxian's resolve strengthened: "Director Bao, I am grateful to the factory for providing me with a job, but I am truly unworthy of the word 'training'."

"As a technician, instead of looking at blueprints and designing in the office, I'm forced to repair machines in the workshop like a maintenance worker, enduring inexplicable exclusion. Is this the treatment I deserve?"

"You...you didn't get your night school spot from the factory?"

"The spot at the night school was secured for me by my master. What does it have to do with the factory?"

"You! You ungrateful wretch! You heartless ingrate!" Bao Daxing trembled with rage, pointing his finger at Jin Jianxian's nose and shouting:

"Without the factory, what are you?! Do you think you can find a job so easily outside?! Don't think you're so great just because you have a night school diploma! Let's see what kind of splash you can make without the parts factory!"

"There's no need for Director Bao to worry about that. My destination has already been decided. I'm here today simply to inform you, as is customary, that I will be leaving in thirty days, regardless of whether you approve it or not."

“The extra burden during this period.” He glanced at Wang Lixing and Mu Guangfu, whose faces were ashen.

"Let's leave this to the people you really want to train, Director Bao. My handover checklist is already on the table, please check it."

After saying that, Jin Jianxian took the graduation certificate and left the office to go check out the workshop.

Bao Daxing watched Jin Jianxian walk away, and could only grit his teeth in hatred.

(End of this chapter)