Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 762 What was supposed to come has come!
The next day.

Li Kailang changed into a new set of work clothes and went to work.

"Hey, Xiao Li's become a technician."

"Hey, you can't just call me 'Little Li' like that. From today onwards, you should call me Technician Li."

"Yes, yes, Technician Li, you're really amazing. You became a technician at such a young age. Studying really does pay off."

Everyone had mixed feelings as they looked at Li Kailang in his new work clothes.

Becoming a technician is a different story; there are quite a few people working in the workshop in the yard.

Technician Li Kailang's status was subtly three points higher than theirs.

Even if we don't need them, it wouldn't hurt if they made things difficult for us.

Fortunately, Li Kailang had only recently taken office and his power base was not yet deep, so it didn't really matter.

Sha Zhu was fearless; the people in the workshop couldn't control his canteen.

Ignoring what everyone was saying, Li Kailang headed straight for the steel rolling mill.

Technical Department.

One by one, everyone came to work.

Director Wang approached Li Kailang and said, "Xiao Zhao, today you take Xiao Li to the workshop to take a look at the machines."

"Yes, Director." Zhao Guoqiang nodded in response.

"Let's go, Brother Li."

"It's troublesome."

Xiao Zhao led Li Kailang to the workshop: "Brother Li, shall we start by looking at the fitter's workshop?"

"It's all up to you."

Although he had visited some of the workshops, there might be parts of each workshop that he was unaware of.

I visited several workshops, but they were all the same.

Finally, the two arrived outside a workshop.

This workshop was the very secret workshop that Li Kailang hadn't dared to look at much before.

"Brother Li, there are some confidentiality requirements for this workshop. You can't tell outsiders after you see it," Zhao Guoqiang reminded him, and then mentioned some of the confidentiality issues related to the workshop.

"Don't worry, I'm very tight-lipped." Li Kailang nodded emphatically.

Upon entering the workshop, the workers saw that the two men were dressed as technicians, and one of them was a familiar face named Xiao Zhao. They didn't pay much attention and continued to work diligently.

Li Kailang observed that the work atmosphere in the workshop was roughly the same as in other workshops.

While I was browsing, a machine suddenly started making irregular clicking sounds.

"Stop the machine! Stop the machine!"

The workers immediately stopped the machine and surrounded the malfunctioning machine.

"Damn it, it's broken again. Why does this machine have so many problems? It's going to delay our work again."

"Sigh, stop talking nonsense and hurry up and find someone to fix it. Someone go to the technical department."

"I'll go right now," someone replied, heading straight for the technical department to find someone.

As for Li Kailang and Xiao Zhao, who were on site, the workers didn't think they could solve the problem.

The workers spent a long time inspecting the machine, ruling out common factors such as roller wear and bearing problems, but couldn't find the cause for the time being.

An atmosphere of anxiety permeated the workshop; the delivery deadline for this batch of orders was very tight.

Li Kailang was about to go over and take a look when Xiao Zhao grabbed his arm.

"Brother Li, let's go. This is not something we can handle."

"Huh? Why? We're already here, why not just take a look?" Li Kailang asked, puzzled.

Xiao Zhao explained, "What's there to look at? We're just starting out as interns. Even if we could understand it, could we really cure it?"

"Even if it's truly cured, every important machine in the factory has a designated technician for maintenance. Aren't we just taking away their work by doing this?"

"If it's cured, that's fine; if it's not, who's responsible? It's best to mind your own business."

"I see." Li Kailang suddenly realized.

Heeding advice and having a good meal, he didn't try to be clever and followed Xiao Zhao to visit other workshops.

After visiting several classified workshops, the two finally finished touring all of them and returned to the technical department.

Director Wang was busy, so Li Kailang continued looking at the documents.

I was a little distracted while watching, my mind preoccupied with Kim Geon-hyun's transfer.

"Go ask Director Yang."

I acted on my idea immediately, but before I even got close to the door, I heard Director Yang's signature voice, though this time it carried a clear hint of displeasure:
"Director Bao, that's not fair! What do you mean by 'the factory can't do without him'?"

"Comrade Jin Jianxian is just a repairman in your parts factory, not even a team leader! We can't do without him."

"Those who come to me are key personnel that the technical department is focusing on developing! Our steel rolling mill needs this kind of talent for its development! The ministry's directive also encourages the rational flow of talent."

Upon hearing this, Li Kailang stood at the office door without moving, listening carefully to what Director Yang was saying.

"The archives? What could be wrong with the archives? Explain yourself, Director Bao. Let me tell you, the top leader personally oversaw this matter."

"If you keep holding me back like this, you'll delay my steel mill's key project. Can you take responsibility for that? Humph! I'll be waiting for your response!"

Without needing to worry about Wan Shen's concerns, Li Kailang knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Factory Director Yang's voice still carried a hint of anger. Seeing it was Li Kailang, his expression softened slightly, but his brow remained furrowed. "Oh, it's Xiao Li. Sit down. What is it?"

"Factory Manager, I came over to ask, I overheard you on the phone." Li Kailang asked with some concern, "Is there a problem with Jianxian's transfer?"

Factory Director Yang sighed and rubbed his temples: "That Factory Director Bao is a real sly old fox! He promised everything at first, but when it comes to actually going through the formalities, he starts making excuses."

"One minute he's saying Jin Jianxian's project isn't finished, the next he's implying there's a flaw in the file that needs time to verify. What does a repairman need to verify? I think he just doesn't want to release him, he wants to control him, to get some benefits or ask for a favor!"

"Is there a flaw in the file?" Li Kailang's heart skipped a beat.

"Hmph!" Factory Director Yang sneered, "Nine times out of ten it's all nonsense! It's just a way to stall for time."

"You don't need to worry about this. Comrade Jin Jianxian has already submitted his resignation. If he dares to cause any more trouble, I will really report him to the Ministry of Metallurgy!"

Factory Director Yang changed the subject and looked at Li Kailang.

"However, this incident also serves as a reminder that attracting talent is not easy."

"Xiao Li, work hard and master the technology. Talented people like Jin Jianxian are exactly what our steel rolling mill needs, and we must do everything we can to get him! Your friend, the factory will definitely find a way!"

Li Kailang felt a surge of warmth in his heart: "Thank you, Factory Director! I will definitely work hard! As for Jianxian..."

"Don't worry," Director Yang waved his hand, "I'll keep an eye on this personally. You can relax, and don't neglect the work in the technical department either."

"Director Wang values ​​you highly, so don't let him down. Remember, ability is fundamental; show us what you can, and that will be more important than anything else!"

"Yes, Factory Manager!"

As Li Kailang left the factory director's office, he felt both heavy-hearted and happy.

Back in the technical department, Li Kailang refocused on reviewing the documents.

The whole day was the same as yesterday; he was just looking at documents and no one asked him to do anything.

Just before the end of the workday, Director Wang finally approached Li Kailang and took a look at his notes.

"Your notes are very detailed. I heard you accomplished something big yesterday? Director Yang is very pleased."

Li Kailang immediately understood that he was referring to Jin Jianxian: "Yes, Director, it's my classmate from night school, Jin Jianxian."

"He was willing to come to our factory, and Director Yang was very supportive, promising to help him resolve the transfer procedures from his original unit."

"Yes, such talent is rare. Director Yang has always had a good eye." Wang Shouye put down his notebook, his tone calm but his words carrying a profound meaning.

"The technical department is, in the end, a place where ability speaks volumes. A degree is a stepping stone, but once you get through this door, how many technical problems you can solve depends on your true skills."

"Work diligently and hone your skills; everything else will fall into place. Go back now."

These words contained both admonition and a hint of expectation.

"Thank you for your guidance, Director. I've got it in mind," Li Kailang replied solemnly.

Wang Shouye waved his hand and handed him a document and file.

"When you're off work, please give this document to Director Yang. Take the information back and take a look."

"Okay." After receiving the documents, Li Kailang left.

"Director Yang, this is a document that Director Wang asked me to deliver."

"Thank you for your help." Director Yang took the document and said as he read it, "You don't need to worry about Comrade Jin Jianxian's matter. Director Bao will definitely release him when the time comes."

Upon hearing this good news, Li Kailang naturally couldn't hide his joy.

Suddenly, Director Yang remembered something and smiled mischievously, "By the way, Xiao Li, do you really not want the factory to worry about your girlfriend? Sister Qi from the union is known for her helpfulness, and she has plenty of good girls in her line of friends!"

"How about I set things up for you and take care of your worries? You're not getting any younger."

Li Kailang waved his hands repeatedly: "Factory Director, really no need! Really no need to trouble Sister Qi! I have my own plans."

"Haha, alright, alright, young people are shy! It's good that you have a plan! Go on, go on, get some rest." Director Yang laughed heartily and stopped teasing him.

Return to the courtyard.

As soon as I stepped into the yard, I saw Yan Bugui watering the flowers, his small eyes behind his glasses gleaming with a sharp light.

"Hey! Little Li's back! I heard you officially started working in the technical department today? College graduates are something else! How's it going, getting used to the new environment?"

Li Kailang gave a few perfunctory replies: "It's alright, thank you for your concern, Uncle San."

"Hey, Xiao Li, don't rush off!" Yan Bugui hurried a few steps to catch up.

"Look at you, you've already graduated and got a job. You're a grown man, shouldn't you be thinking about settling down? Your uncle knows a lot of people, there are good girls in the textile factory, the printing factory, and the school! Why don't you..."

Li Kailang felt a chill run down his spine and quickly declined, saying, "Uncle, I just started working. This isn't urgent. Let's talk about it later!"

After saying that, Li Kailang strode home.

However, the trouble was far from over.

As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, I saw a woman standing at my door.

She was none other than Wang, the matchmaker, who was famous throughout the courtyard and even the surrounding alleys.

"Oh my! Isn't this Comrade Li, our newly promoted technician at the steel rolling mill? Aunt Wang has been waiting for you!"

Matchmaker Wang's voice was loud and clear, radiating an irresistible enthusiasm.

"Look at you! You're good-looking and have a respectable job. Tsk tsk tsk, you're a rare find! No wonder Director Yang praised you!"

Matchmaker Wang learned that Li Kailang had transferred to the technical department, and most importantly, he had finally graduated.

In previous years, she tried to introduce him to potential partners, but Li Kailang always declined, saying he was focused on his studies. In recent years, she hasn't introduced any to him.

We've finally waited for Li Kailang to graduate, so we can't let this hot commodity slip by.

Li Kailang felt a chill run down his spine, and knowing the answer already, he asked, "Matchmaker Wang, what's going on?"

"Oh dear! What else could it be? Good news!" Matchmaker Wang smiled and pulled Li Kailang along: "Little Li, you're not getting any younger, it's about time you found a partner, right?"

"You can't refuse this time! It's only natural for a man to marry when he's of age and a woman to marry when she's of age! You don't have any elders in your family to help you arrange things, so why don't you ask Aunt Wang to help you?"

Matchmaker Wang finished speaking in one breath, not giving him a chance to interrupt, and added at the end: "College students should find someone of equal social standing! Aunt Wang knows what she's doing, so you can rest assured!"

Li Kailang felt a buzzing in his ears.

Several people are trying to set him up on blind dates.

It's like having too many lice and not being afraid of being bitten. I've already rejected several others, so one more won't make a difference.

"Thank you for your kindness, Matchmaker Wang, but I've only just started working in the technical department, and my immediate priority is to get started."

"I really have no interest in dating. How about this, let me settle down at work first."

But how could Wang the matchmaker give up so easily?

"What you said makes sense, but no matter how busy you are with work, you can't let it interfere with your wedding. You're not getting any younger; you're 21 this year, or 22 by the Chinese age reckoning."

"You're almost 30, how can you not be anxious? Look at your peers, aren't they all married? Cui Yuan across from you, Bai Xiuwen in the back room."

Several real-world examples were cited in succession.

"Going back a bit, when Jia Dongxu was about your age, Bang Geng had already been born. You have to compare yourself to the better ones!"

Of course, we cannot cite examples of Sha Zhu, Xu Damao, and Yan Jiecheng.

One is not married, and the other two are married but have no children. They've been married for over a year and a half, and there's still no sign of pregnancy. They're really 'impotent'.

Matchmaker Wang's quick wit left Li Kailang speechless and powerless to refute her.

Finally, Matchmaker Wang made the final decision: "How about this! Let's compromise. I understand you've just started working, so I won't introduce you to anyone this month."

"But next month, you'll have to make time for me to bring the girl to you. You can't refuse!"

Matchmaker Wang pointed at Li Kailang's mouth, her face serious: "Aunt Wang understands you, and you should also understand Aunt Wang."

She'd already said all the nice things, so what could Li Kailang say? "Fine."

When Li Kailang agreed, Wang the matchmaker beamed with joy, and the wrinkles around her eyes smoothed out.

"Then it's settled. I'll introduce you to someone next month. Don't worry, Aunt Wang will definitely find you someone from a similar background. She won't do you any harm!"

“You’re a college graduate from our alley, so I’ll definitely introduce you to the best one, someone you can settle down with.”

After saying that, Matchmaker Wang left with a smile.

"Sigh!" Li Kailang sighed and opened the door to go home. "Finally, it's my turn to be pressured to get married."

Their conversation was heard clearly by everyone.

Yan Bugui watched Wang the matchmaker's retreating figure, gritting his teeth in hatred.

"This is great news! No way! I have to give Xiao Li my advice too."

Li Kailang is a college student and the most popular guy in the courtyard. Yan Bugui's original intention was to use the matchmaking as an opportunity to rekindle their relationship.

With this bond in place, who knows, if Yan Jiecheng encounters any problems at work in the future...
In short, this is a "business" that's guaranteed to make a profit.

Other residents also started to have their own ideas.

"Is Xiao Li looking for a partner too?"

Qin Huairu had just returned when this matter came up, and she immediately started thinking about it.

(End of this chapter)