Era: A college student came to the courtyard house

I heard a noise.

The window of the mailroom was opened from the inside, and an elderly man with gray hair and a buzz cut poked his head out.

"It's you, kid."

"What's wrong? You went out for a trip and now you've become so disrespectful?"

Steel mill managers come and go, but the gatekeeper remains a constant.

Fang Yuan would never easily underestimate or offend someone like Grandpa Jiang.

Often, the more inconspicuous a person is, the less capable they are of helping you succeed, but when it comes to ruining things, they are more than capable of doing so.

Fang Yuan took out the peony he had previously borrowed from his brother-in-law, pulled out one, and handed it over.

When they first met, he noticed that Grandpa Jiang's index and middle fingernails were a waxy yellow, clearly indicating that he was a heavy smoker.

"Heh, you're something else, smoking such good cigarettes."

As expected, Grandpa Jiang did not refuse.

He took the cigarette, smelled it under his nose, and then tucked it behind his ear, saying, "Come in and sit for a while? It's so hot, and there's still plenty of time."

Fang Yuan didn't stand on ceremony and shamelessly entered the house, plopping down on the floor.

Just two days after the Great Heat, even in the morning, the air was already filled with heat.

Grandpa Jiang then sat down at the table by the window, took out a pack of tobacco leaves and a piece of white paper from the cabinet, smeared some saliva on it, rolled it up, and said, "Since you're so generous, young man, I'm not stingy either. Want to try one?"

This whole saliva-drenching process was completed right before Fang Yuan's eyes. Even though he was a man of many tastes, he found it hard to accept at this moment and was wondering whether he should take it first.

To his surprise, the cigarette paper curled up again. Grandpa Jiang frowned, took a hard "tui" at the curled-up corner, and then finally stuck it firmly.

"Holy shit!"

Fang Yuan's Adam's apple bobbed. He immediately took out the remaining Peony cigarettes from his pocket, popped one into his mouth, and then put the rest on the table: "Uncle Jiang, it's so early in the morning, your cigarettes are too strong. You should smoke mine first."

After handing it over, he quickly took out a matchbox and lit it with a "snap," giving Grandpa Jiang no chance to refuse.

Grandpa Jiang took a deep drag, exhaling thick smoke, and then glanced at Fang Yuan a few more times before saying, "You're a clever one. I knew you were a good kid the first time I saw you, and sure enough..."

"You're complimenting me."

Fang Yuan replied with a smile, and while the match was still lit, he lit one for himself as well.

"Uncle Jiang, my name is Fang Yuan. You can call me Xiao Fang from now on."

Whether it was the effect of the peony or not, the old man and the young man sat there chatting very congenially. During the conversation, Fang Yuan told many interesting stories about Qin Family Village, which evoked many memories for Grandpa Jiang.

The two chatted idly for a while, and after their second cigarettes were finished, fewer employees in work uniforms were coming and going, and more people in shirts and skirts were gradually appearing.

Fang Yuan noticed that most of these people would greet Grandpa Jiang when they passed by the mailroom.

It made him realize that the old man was actually quite popular.

"Second Uncle, Second Aunt said you forgot to take your medicine yesterday, so she asked me to bring it over. Take it as soon as possible."

A middle-aged man wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, black-rimmed glasses, and a Shanghai brand watch walked in. After placing the medicine on the table, he looked at Fang Yuan with a puzzled expression.

"The third son is here. This old woman won't die if she misses a day of her medicine, she's just causing trouble for everyone."

Grandpa Jiang grumbled, then pointed at Fang Yuan and said, "Fang Yuan, this kid is not bad, he was just assigned to work in the factory office."

"Hello, Director Jiang."

"Xiao Fang, what are you doing here?"

Compared to their previous meeting at the guesthouse, Jiang Bo's tone of voice now clearly revealed a sense of closeness.

"Do you two know each other?"

Jiang Bo didn't answer Grandpa Jiang's question directly, but instead smiled and said, "A fire-fighting expert, huh?"

Upon hearing this title, Fang Yuan knew that Director Jiang in front of him must already know something about the newspaper.

"Uncle Jiang, I'll be going now. I'll come back to visit you again when I have time."

"Go on, go on." Grandpa Jiang, having just taken his medicine, waved his hand and said, "Hey, I really didn't expect this kid to be so skilled."

The well-informed Grandpa Jiang naturally sensed something unusual in Jiang Bo's tone, but he wasn't interested in asking.

And so, Fang Yuan followed behind Jiang Bo, the two chatting casually as they walked, mostly Jiang Bo asking questions and Fang Yuan answering.

Good morning, Director.

Good morning, Director Jiang.

......

We arrived inside the administration building.

Many people stopped to greet Jiang Bo, and also glanced at Fang Yuan who was following him.

Jiang Bo responded to each of them while also introducing them to him.

Fang Yuan secretly memorized the names and appearances so that he could greet the right person immediately the next time they met.

Don't underestimate this small gesture; it can often easily create a good first impression.

Just as Fang Yuan was about to say goodbye to Jiang Bo, Jiang Bo called out to him.

"Xiao Fang, come to my office with me, so I don't have to look for you again later."

Fang Yuan was puzzled. What could he, a member of the General Affairs Department, possibly have to talk to about so early in the morning?

Jiang Bo had just entered the personnel department office when he arrived.

The people inside seemed to hold their breath for a second, then immediately lowered their heads and went about their own business.

"Xiao Li, come here."

Jiang Bo's office was a small cubicle. As soon as he entered, he turned around and called out, his voice soft but clearly reaching everyone's ears.

A middle-aged woman with short hair appeared in the house as if by magic.

"Director, you wanted to see me?"

Her voice was very clear and crisp, and she looked exceptionally capable.

"Did you complete the onboarding procedures a few days ago?" Jiang Bo asked, pointing to Fang Yuan as he spoke.

Without hesitation, Li Jufang replied, "Yes, Director, I handled it personally."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Bo nodded slightly and said, "Alright, I won't trouble you with two people at once. Go and help Comrade Fang Yuan with his official appointment procedures, and then transfer him to the position of Section Chief of the Third Section of the Supervision Department."

Upon hearing this, Li Jufang froze on the spot.

Getting a permanent position?

Chief of the Third Section of the Inspection Department?

No wonder the position of section chief has been vacant for the past two days since the three supervisory sections were separated; they were waiting for Fang Yuan to return.

She handled all of Fang Yuan's registration procedures herself. She knew he was a college student and she knew he was a staff member, but he had only been at Red Star for a week, and he had already become a full-fledged employee?

Such speed would surprise anyone.

Jiang Bo glanced at Li Jufang, who remained motionless, and asked, "What's wrong? Is there anything else?"

Li Jufang quickly regained her composure and hurriedly said, "It's alright, I'll go and take care of the formalities right away."

After Li Jufang left, Jiang Bo warmly greeted Fang Yuan, "Fang Yuan, come and sit down."

Although Fang Yuan was not at peace with himself, he maintained his usual smile and sat down with his eyes level.