Courtyard House: The Road to an Industrial Power

This assessment covered all job categories, and even the canteen cooks had a special rating assessment.

Sha Zhu had been holding back for a long time, wanting to pass the assessment to get promoted and earn more money so that Qin Huairu could live a better life.

He used to be an eighth-level cook, earning 38 yuan a month. But because of his impulsive nature, he had several disagreements with the canteen director. Feeling uncertain, he came to ask Lin Weidong, "Weidong, do you think I can pass this assessment? It seems like the director has always disliked me."

Lin Weidong thought for a moment and then advised, "Brother Shazhu, the assessment is about cooking skills, but you also have to satisfy the boss. Don't always go against the director. Buy some cigarettes and alcohol and send them over. Put on a softer attitude, and he definitely won't make things difficult for you."

Sha Zhu suddenly realized, "That's right! How come I didn't think of that! Wei Dong, you're so smart!"

That evening, Sha Zhu took his hard-earned wages and went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy two bottles of liquor and a carton of cigarettes. He then delivered them to the canteen director's house under the cover of darkness.

The director already thought that Sha Zhu's cooking skills were good, but he was too stubborn. Seeing that he took the initiative to make amends, his anger subsided. He patted his chest and said, "Zhu Zi, don't worry, the assessment will be based on real ability. I won't make things difficult for you."

Early on the day of the assessment, the entrance to the steel rolling mill was crowded with people. The workers, dressed in neat work clothes, wore expressions of tension and anticipation.

Yi Zhonghai wore a newly made blue cloth jacket, his hair was combed neatly, and he carried a cloth bag containing his fitter's tools. He was determined to pass the assessment and become an eighth-grade worker, hoping to get a raise and surpass Lin Jianjun.

Sha Zhu also changed into clean work clothes, carrying the prepared ingredients in his hands, and walked confidently into the cafeteria assessment area.

His culinary skills were already superb, and coupled with the fact that he had smoothed things over with the supervisor beforehand, he performed exceptionally well during the assessment. His braised fish was bright in color, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and his stir-fried vegetables were crisp and refreshing, winning unanimous praise from the judges.

As an assistant engineer, Lin Jianjun no longer participates in the ordinary worker-level assessment. Instead, he is responsible for the technical review of the agricultural machinery modification group. Sitting on the judges' panel, he looks serious and professional, a stark contrast to his previous role as a technician.

However, Jia Dongxu failed to be promoted during the forging group's assessment due to his lack of solid skills and frequent operational errors, and remained at the level of first-grade worker.

His salary remained at 32 yuan. He walked out of the assessment area dejectedly, and bumped into Sha Zhu, who was beaming with joy. His face turned even uglier.

"Silly Zhu, what are you so smug about? You're just a lousy cook, aren't you?" Jia Dongxu said sarcastically.

Sha Zhu raised an eyebrow and smiled: "At least I've been promoted to a level six cook, and my salary has increased to 65 yuan, more than double yours! Unlike some people who, after passing all those exams, are still only level one workers, earning only 32 yuan a month. They can't even support themselves, let alone get married!"

Jia Dongxu was furious, his face turning ashen, but he was powerless to refute. He knew that Sha Zhu was telling the truth; at that time, a salary of 32 yuan was barely enough for his family to make ends meet, let alone save money to get married. Thinking of this, his resentment towards the Lin family and Sha Zhu deepened.

Xu Damao watched with envy. He was a projectionist at the factory, earning 58 yuan a month, which he thought was better than Sha Zhu's salary.

Unexpectedly, Sha Zhu's salary suddenly jumped to 65 yuan. Feeling envious, he leaned over to Yi Zhonghai and whispered, "Uncle Yi, Lin Jianjun has become an assistant engineer, and his salary is higher than yours. Sha Zhu has also been promoted. They are the most successful people in our institute."

Yi Zhonghai's face was gloomy. Although he had passed the test and obtained the qualification of an eighth-level fitter, his salary had increased to 92 yuan, which was lower than Lin Jianjun's 98 yuan. Even Sha Zhu's salary was almost half of his. He was filled with resentment.

He glanced at Lin Jianjun and the jubilant Sha Zhu on the judges' panel, and sneered, "Too smug. There's still a long road ahead."

After the assessment results were announced, Sha Zhu grabbed Qin Huairu's hand, as excited as a child: "Huairu, I got promoted to level six! My salary increased to 65 yuan, so our family can save a lot more money every month. Once we've saved enough, we'll buy some more furniture and make the house look even nicer!"

Qin Huairu's eyes were full of smiles as she nodded and said, "I knew you could do it. With your salary and my needlework at home, our lives will definitely get better and better."

After dinner.

Lin Weidong sat at his desk, copying the first few chapters of "Bright Sword" by the light of a kerosene lamp.

The complete novel rewarded by the system was already etched in his mind. He deliberately imitated the narrative style of vernacular Chinese at the time, cutting out some overly modern expressions while retaining Li Yunlong's iron-blooded heroism and the deep camaraderie of the Independent Regiment.

"Dongzi, what are you writing so late? Go to sleep." Zhao Xiulan walked in with a glass of warm water.

"Mom, I'll write something and try submitting it to the People's Daily." Lin Weidong didn't even look up, his pen still moving.

Zhao Xiulan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "My son is really capable; he even submits articles to the newspaper. Whether it succeeds or not, he deserves encouragement."

She said that and went out, gently closing the door behind her.

A few days later, Lin Weidong put the copied manuscript into an envelope, affixed a stamp, and solemnly dropped it into the post office mailbox. He was confident that the core of "Bright Sword"—patriotism and the indomitable spirit of the military—was extremely moving in this era, and the editors had no reason not to value it.

In the editorial office, veteran editor Zhang Qiming held Lin Weidong's manuscript, his hands trembling with excitement.

In his more than 20 years in the industry, he had never seen such a powerful work: Li Yunlong's domineering spirit of "the brave win when paths cross" and the heroic struggle of the Independent Regiment soldiers. What shocked him even more was that the signature read "Lin Weidong, Grade 5, Hongxing Primary School".

"Genius! Truly a genius!" Zhang Qiming slammed his hand on the table and immediately took the manuscript to find the editor-in-chief.

"This article from 'Bright Sword' must be published with special emphasis; its spirit and energy are exactly what we need right now!"

After reading the manuscript, the editor-in-chief praised it highly and immediately decided to serialize "Bright Sword".

Within two days, Lin Weidong received a reply from the People's Daily and a 35 yuan payment for his work. In the letter, editor Zhang Qiming enthusiastically praised his work, invited him to continue writing subsequent chapters, and said that they would be published as soon as possible.

Holding the hefty sum of royalties and a reply, Lin Weidong ran home. "Dad, Mom, my submission was successful! The People's Daily is going to publish my story and even sent me the royalties!"

Lin Jianjun and Zhao Xiulan quickly gathered around, took the reply, and read it carefully. Seeing the editor's high praise for their son, and looking at the crisp 35 yuan in royalties in their hands, the couple beamed with joy.