The Fitter Master in the Courtyard: Surrounded by Dead Men

After everything quieted down, he filled a basin with water to wash up, then turned off the light and went to bed.

……

The next morning, Yang Ping was brushing her teeth at the sink with her enamel mug when she ran into Ma Xiaoling coming out of the house across the street.

When she saw him, a smile immediately spread across her face.

Yang Ping frowned, didn't reply, and walked towards the central courtyard on her own.

"Yang Ping,"

Ma Xiaoling followed, getting water as she said, "You were really something yesterday, you managed to keep those Liu family men completely under your thumb."

"You can't just say that carelessly."

With a toothbrush in her mouth, Yang Ping's voice was a little muffled, "They hit me, I didn't fight back, and I only received compensation after I was injured."

"Yes, yes, I misspoke."

Ma Xiaoling smiled and leaned closer, "But it's a hundred yuan, you're really something."

Yang Ping sensed something was off about those words and glanced at her.

Ma Xiaoling was twisting her body, looking embarrassed.

She was already tall and stocky, and this posture made her look particularly awkward.

Yang Ping's heart skipped a beat. She quickly rinsed her mouth, turned around and left, her steps as fast as if she were oiled.

……

Upon arriving at Workshop 1 of the steel rolling mill, as soon as I stepped inside, someone called out, "Master Yang!"

When Yang Ping stepped into the workshop, the workers around him looked up to greet him, as if they were welcoming a technical leader.

He nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces, and without stopping, walked straight to his workstation.

"Master Yang is here!"

Lin Dahai and Zhao Qiancheng also joined in the greeting.

Yang Ping's gaze lingered on them for a moment—during this time, Lin Dahai had been promoted to a level seven fitter under his guidance, and Zhao Qiancheng had also reached level six.

These two were his trusted confidants whom he had personally trained, so breaking through their levels wasn't too difficult for them; even if they encountered bottlenecks, he had ways to help them by sharing his experience.

But the next task is not so simple.

The other workers in the workshop were not his direct subordinates, and it would take more patience and skill to promote them.

"Su Gui,"

Yang Ping stopped and looked at a younger worker. "You'll try working on a level six workpiece today."

Su Gui, who was tidying up her tools, lit up at the sound and immediately replied, "Yes!"

A murmur of admiration immediately rose from the crowd, mixed with a hint of barely concealed envy.

Everyone knew that the two people Yang Ping had previously mentored had both steadily advanced to the next level.

Now the third opportunity has fallen to Su Gui, and everyone else can only watch helplessly.

"Keep your composure, everyone."

Yang Ping's voice wasn't loud, but it silenced the workshop. "Continue practicing using the methods I taught you before."

Once you've mastered the skills, you'll naturally be able to work with more difficult parts.

Everyone agreed in unison, though somewhat disappointed, they were convinced.

"Su Gui, get the machine tool up."

Yang Ping gestured towards the worktable, "The others can watch from the side."

Upon hearing this, the workers who were scattered around gathered around, and even Xie Quancai, who was always focused on his work, took off his gloves and came closer.

Each time they observe Yang Ping's on-site guidance, they gain new insights, which is much more efficient than trying to figure things out on their own.

Su Gui tidied up the materials and drawings in her hands and sat down in front of the machine tool.

Before long, he silently began to act, without waiting for Yang Ping to give instructions.

This was Yang Ping's prior instruction: once you feel you are ready, you can proceed with the operation; if there are any mistakes, he will provide guidance at any time.

Yang Ping stood quietly to the side, his gaze focused intently on Su Gui's movements.

Seeing that her mentor remained silent, Su Gui gradually calmed down, and her hands moved more and more smoothly.

Soon, a part gradually took shape in his hands.

As he handed the parts to Yang Ping, a hint of unease flashed in his eyes.

"very good."

Even before taking it over, Yang Ping had already mentally acknowledged that this part had reached the lower level of grade six.

Su Gui has indeed acquired the skills of a Level 6 fitter.

He took the part, measured it briefly, and then looked up and announced:

"Meets the standards and belongs to the lower grade of level six parts."

Congratulations, Su Gui, you have officially become a Level 6 fitter.

Yang Ping was somewhat surprised that Su Guineng could succeed on his first try; he had been prepared to scrap the materials, but he did not expect that the other party would complete it smoothly.

"Very good!"

Su Gui was immediately excited and almost jumped up from beside the machine tool.

People around looked on with envy—who wouldn't hope that their job grade could be promoted as soon as possible?

"However, there are a few details that could be improved."

Next, you need to focus on honing these skills.

Yang Ping began to explain each point one by one.

Su Gui immediately suppressed her excitement and leaned closer to listen carefully.

This concerns his future path and may even affect whether he can reach the threshold of becoming a level seven fitter.

The workers who were watching also quietly gathered around, listening intently.

This is the most precious part of the teaching, and many people come for it.

Yang Ping analyzed the problems one by one.

"These are the key points. Practice them carefully when you get back."

Old Chen, you guys also frequently encounter similar problems. Correcting them early is the only way to have a chance of reaching the level seven threshold.

Yang Ping named several people.

"Understood, Master Yang!"

Everyone responded in unison.

Having worked together for some time, they had long since come to admire Yang Ping.

Now they do whatever Yang Ping says, even if it means jumping into a cesspool without batting an eye.

"Go ahead and get busy."

Yang Ping caught sight of Lü Shuitian walking towards them and waved to the crowd.

Everyone quickly returned to their respective machines.

"Director Lü!"

He greeted Lü Shuitian as he approached.

"Master Yang, are you busy?"

Lu Shuitian's face was full of smiles.

"Yes, Su Gui just got promoted to a level six fitter. I told him to hone his skills further and get a firm foothold in the level six position as soon as possible."

Yang Ping's tone was flat.

"Very good!"

Lü Shuitian appeared even more excited than Su Gui herself.

He had just heard a few days ago that Zhao Qiancheng had been promoted to a level six fitter, and now Su Gui had joined the ranks. He was overjoyed, as if he could already see senior fitters emerging one after another.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he opened his arms to give Yang Ping a hug.

"Director Lü, please calm down!"

Yang Ping took a half step back, looking at Lü Shuitian warily—he had been expecting this move.

If the other party were a pretty girl, he might be able to tolerate it, but since the person in front of him was a middle-aged man, he'd better give up.

"hehe."

Lu Shuitian chuckled twice.

He was about to turn back to his post when Yang Ping called him back.

"Director Lü, have you forgotten something?"

Yang Ping spoke up to remind him.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot—Director Yang invited you to lunch in the reception room with your master, don't forget."

Lu Shuitian suddenly slapped his forehead.

I was so happy that I completely forgot about that important matter.

"OK."

Yang Ping responded.

He remembered that Lü Shuitian had mentioned earlier that he wanted to ask Director Yang for a reward, and this time he was being called over, most likely for that reason.

"You go ahead with your work, I'll come find you later."

After saying that, Lü Shuitian turned and left.

Yang Ping returned to her workstation and continued with her task.

The sun gradually climbed higher.

Before we knew it, it was noon.

As expected, Lü Shuitian arrived on time and stood in front of Yang Ping, saying:

"Master Yang, Master Xie, let's go eat!"

"it is good."

Yang Ping and Xie Quancai responded in unison.

Yang Ping had already spoken to his master about this matter.

"Master Yang, I'm really fortunate to be able to eat in the reception room again thanks to you."

Lu Shuitian said with a smile.

"Master Yang, I also benefited from this."

Xie Quancai quickly replied.

"Director Lü, you flatter me."

Yang Ping said politely.

Xie Quancai, however, quietly offered a message: "Master, please don't stand on ceremony."

The way he looked at me made me feel like an outsider.

Before long, the three of them stepped into the reception room of the small canteen.

This wasn't their first time in this place; they knew the area well.

There were already three people waiting inside: one was Director Yang, one was Li Chengde, and the other was a middle-aged man who was unfamiliar with the place.

Neither Lü Shuitian nor Xie Quancai recognized the middle-aged man.

Yang Ping recognized him at a glance—it was a high-ranking leader, the one who had helped Sha Zhu before, and also the one who had bought fish from him a few days ago.

"Comrade Yang Ping, we meet again."

The senior leader greeted him with a smile.

Factory Director Yang and Li Chengde exchanged a glance, both reading unexpected astonishment on each other's faces—this Yang Ping actually knew the top leader.

"You've arrived."

Yang Ping stepped forward, his tone as calm as ever.

Lu Shuitian and Xie Quancai, standing to the side, were stunned.

The person they had often heard of but never seen was now truly standing before them, leaving them momentarily dazed.

Soon, everyone was invited to take their seats.

Yang Ping sat down naturally, and even though he was facing a high-ranking leader, his expression remained calm and unwavering.

"well."

Lu Shuitian and Xie Quancai seemed a little flustered. They moved their chairs almost simultaneously, bumping into each other before hurriedly settling down.

Facing such a person for the first time in my life, I couldn't help but feel at a loss.

The senior leader smiled slightly, indicating that the dishes could be served.

Li Chengde immediately got up, walked quickly to the door, gestured to He Yuzhu who was waiting, and then turned back.

Before long, Ma Hua and the fat man filed in carrying steaming hot dishes.

Given the special occasion, Director Yang had given instructions beforehand, and the kitchen staff dared not be negligent in the slightest. Therefore, the two apprentices were not assigned to serve food at the front.

"Boss, please start eating."

Factory Director Yang greeted him with a smile.

The senior leader nodded and looked around the room.

"Please use them all together."

After saying that, he picked up his chopsticks first—if he didn't start, probably no one at the table would feel comfortable reaching out first.

The sound of bowls and chopsticks lightly clinking gradually filled the room.

"Yang Ping, I heard you've done another brilliant thing this time."

After a moment, the senior leader put down his chopsticks, smiled, and raised his wine glass.

"This first toast is for you."

The reason for my visit was that Director Yang mentioned Yang Ping's achievements—several senior fitters were promoted under his guidance. His teaching ability is truly remarkable and has greatly benefited the overall development of the steel rolling mill.

"My achievements today are all thanks to my mentor's careful guidance and the factory's training."

Yang Ping raised his glass, speaking humbly.

He did not take credit for it.

When facing those in positions of power and authority, it is always beneficial to remain humble.

"Good! Calm and composed, neither arrogant in victory nor discouraged in defeat, this is the kind of demeanor young people should have."

The leader smiled and gave his approval.

He had noticed Yang Ping's unhurried demeanor when he entered the room and had already developed a great admiration for the young man.

"Thank you for the compliment, boss."

Yang Ping replied with a smile.

The leader picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, savored it slowly, and said, "This chef's Sichuan cuisine skills are rare; I rarely have the opportunity to taste them."

"Eat more, don't waste this good food."

"If you like it, boss, I'll have my chef cook a few meals at your house later."

Factory Director Yang took over the conversation.

"No, it's too wasteful of resources to do it all for me alone."

Although the leader was somewhat tempted, he ultimately waved his hand, feeling that such an arrangement was not quite appropriate.

At this moment, Yang Ping had an idea and interjected, "Boss, I do know a cook who is quite skilled. He also works at the factory and is a kitchen helper."

Letting him cook for you won't be a burden at all.

"Oh? Who is it?"

Li Chengde immediately asked.

Factory Director Yang also looked puzzled.

Sha Zhu has always been the best at preparing meals for the factory staff, and no one else can compare to him, which is why he has always been in charge of preparing meals for guests.

"He Yuzhu's apprentice, Ma Hua, is the assistant chef who was brought by the chef who made this meal."