The Fitter Master in the Courtyard: Surrounded by Dead Men

He then had his wife lead him to the kitchen.

The leader's wife got up to lead the way, but before they had taken more than a few steps, a commotion was heard outside.

Li Chengde led Xu Damao through the door and announced loudly, "The projectionist has arrived."

"Chengde, you go with my wife and have her take the projectionist inside to prepare the film."

The top leader gave the order.

Li Chengde responded and gestured for Xu Damao to follow.

Xu Damao glanced at Yang Ping sitting to the side and was secretly startled—he hadn't expected the big leader to make such a show of things today, not only inviting Yang Ping but also specially calling him, the movie projectionist, which showed how much he valued this young man.

He remained expressionless and silently followed the others to the backyard.

Factory Director Yang then jokingly said to Yang Ping with a smile, "You're really enjoying a feast for both the eyes and the palate today. The big boss has gone to great lengths for you."

Yang Ping quickly expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am truly grateful for the leader's kindness."

He also sensed the grand occasion; even Xu Damao had been brought in to show the movie, which was certainly not an ordinary reception.

The high-ranking leader waved his hand and said in a gentle tone, "You've come all this way, I can't just give you a perfunctory welcome."

He genuinely admired Yang Ping, believing in his heart that he was capable of handling important matters, which is why he made special arrangements for him.

If it were anyone else, they would never have received such treatment.

Yang Ping smiled and said, "It's already an honor for me that the leader is willing to let me visit."

"I heard,"

The senior leader scrutinized him. "You've already been promoted to level eight fitter?"

The big boss's voice rang out in the living room.

The leader's wife returned with a teacup, gently placed a freshly brewed cup of tea beside Yang Ping, and then returned to her seat next to her husband.

"I was lucky to get promoted this time."

Yang Ping bowed slightly.

"To be an eighth-level fitter at the age of twenty is quite remarkable."

The senior leader looked at him and said in a calm tone, "I just talked to Yongwei. The factory's R&D department needs young people to learn and train."

Do you want to go?

Yang Ping's eyes lit up.

"Thank you for your guidance, leader. I will definitely learn from you."

The R&D department is the core of the factory's technology; the blueprints for new parts and new machinery all come from there.

Although there haven't been any groundbreaking results yet, there are two serious engineers in charge.

Learning from them is a clear path to becoming an engineer—a path that many people try desperately to cross.

Engineers are one level higher than eighth-grade fitters, and their salaries and benefits are worlds apart.

Yang Ping already had his own plans: once his skills were firmly established at the top level eight, he would study those engineering books and try to become an engineer.

Now that the top leader is directly sending him in, with a mentor guiding him step by step, it's naturally much better than trying to learn on his own.

"Then it's settled."

The senior leader turned to Factory Director Yang and said, "Yongwei, make the arrangements when we get back to the factory tomorrow."

"Don't worry, boss."

Factory Director Yang immediately agreed.

At this moment, Xu Damao poked half his body in from outside the door and respectfully reported, "Sir, the projector is all set up and ready to start at any time."

"it is good."

The senior leader stood up, waved to the crowd, and said, "Come on, let's go see a movie."

Yang Ping and the others followed closely behind into the screening room and found seats to sit down.

"Let's begin then."

Xu Damao quickly started the machine, and the sound of the film reel turning was faint.

He stepped back against the wall, standing with his hands at his sides, but his gaze secretly swept over the group of people.

On the leader's sofa, the leader had already turned his attention to the snow-white curtain in front of him.

Factory Director Yang and Deputy Factory Director Li also straightened their posture and looked solemn.

Yang Ping's gaze lingered on Xu Damao for a brief moment before shifting away.

He remembered that in the original timeline, Xu Damao had offended the leader by spreading rumors and was asked to leave on the spot.

Now that the MCA is in charge, this drama hasn't happened.

However, given Xu Damao's gossipy nature, he'll inevitably stumble sooner or later in front of this leader who detests backbiting.

His gaze also fell on the screen where the light and shadow were gradually rising.

The layout of this private viewing room reminded him of the past, except that back then, the girls sitting next to him were always different.

This is the first time I've ever watched a movie in a small room full of middle-aged men.

The film began; its title was "The Surprise Attack."

The story tells of a reconnaissance detachment that, under the command of its company commander, penetrated deep behind enemy lines and, with a daring raid, cut off reinforcements and turned the tide of the battle.

As the leader watched the screen, he would occasionally whisper and interject, recounting how scarce resources were and how harsh the conditions were back then.

When she got emotional, her voice even choked up a little.

As Yang Ping gazed at the figures moving through the smoke on the screen and listened to the heavy memories beside her, her chest felt as if something was blocking it, and her nose tingled with emotion.

In such a desperate situation, our forefathers managed to find a way to survive and ultimately win the victory. The hardships they endured are truly unimaginable.

Director Yang and Deputy Director Li also had solemn expressions and sorrowful eyes.

Only Xu Damao, sitting in the corner, tried hard to put on a sorrowful expression, but he just couldn't get into character. His face twitched and his expression was strangely distorted.

As the light and shadow flickered, the story came to an end.

The projector beam went out, and the room returned to silence.

The leader took a slow breath, wiped his eyes, and calmed himself down.

We ultimately triumphed, striking fear into the hearts of those northern visitors, who never dared to underestimate us again.

This country will surely become even stronger in the future, so that those people will tremble at the mere sight of us.

"Exactly!"

Yang Ping responded loudly.

He recalled the despicable face of a certain great power in later generations, and a surge of indignation welled up in his heart.

He secretly resolved to make the land beneath his feet stand firm and never fear any threat again.

"good!"

The high-ranking elder was particularly pleased, and he admired Yang Ping, such a spirited young man.

"Let's go have a meal together!"

The elder stood up and walked towards the dining room.

Yang Ping and the others followed immediately.

As for Xu Damao, he did not have this honor.

He packed up the projection equipment and was about to leave.

Although he was unwilling, he dared not say anything and could only silently pick up the machine and turn away.

During the banquet, the elders praised Ma Hua's culinary skills and commended his kind and honest nature.

Director Yang and Li Chengde both chimed in agreement.

Yang Ping simply smiled faintly.

This was exactly what he expected.

No one understands better than Ma Hua how exquisite his skills are—after all, he was the one who personally taught him those skills.

Before long, the banquet ended.

Yang Ping bid farewell to the elder and boarded the car that drove away from the simple building.

"Yang Ping, congratulations."

Li Chengde offered his congratulations.

Yang Ping naturally knew what he was referring to, and simply replied, "Deputy Factory Director Li is joking."

Whether I can be promoted to engineer is still unknown.

"What may be difficult for others is not difficult for you."

Li Chengde had full confidence in Yang Ping.

Yang Ping smiled faintly and did not reply.

As dusk deepened.

As dusk settled, Yang Ping pushed his old bicycle into the courtyard.

The wheels rolled over the stone slabs, making a soft, rustling sound.

After returning from the leader's place, I had to detour to the factory to pick up the car. By the time I finished all this, it was already quite dark.

"Yang Ping, you're back?"

A greeting came from the side.

Yang Ping looked up and saw Yan Fugui standing on the steps in front of his house, his face full of smiles, the smiles almost overflowing from the corners of his eyes.

As dusk fell, that face, which usually carried a hint of calculation, now radiated a rare, genuine joy.

Yang Ping smiled faintly in return.

It's true that people are in high spirits when they have good news.

Judging from Yan Fugui's appearance, his marriage to Yan Jiefang is most likely settled.

What could possibly make this meticulous and thrifty "Third Uncle"...

This is a big deal, and it's something that can be done with such joy.

Congratulations!

Yang Ping offered his congratulations casually, his tone ordinary, yet carrying a hint of understanding.

"Hey!"

Yan Fugui slapped his thigh, his wrinkles deepening with a smile, "You, Yang Ping, have such sharp eyes, you noticed it right away."

He took a half step forward, lowered his voice, but couldn't hide his smugness, "It's all settled with Jie Cheng's wife's family. They'll get their marriage certificate in three days and bring her over."

"When the time comes, we'll distribute wedding candy to the whole hospital so everyone can share in the joy!"

"Hey, Third Uncle,"

Yang Ping's smile deepened, tinged with a hint of teasing. "This is a momentous occasion. According to tradition, we should at least have a few tables set up to celebrate, right?"

This sounds familiar.

Yan Fugui's smile froze for a moment, then a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face.

He coughed lightly and waved his hand, "Yang Ping, our Yan family won't be making any arrangements for this banquet."

We have to follow the call from above, keep everything simple, save resources, ah, save resources.

He used to say these things to other people.

What do you mean by "a promotion means a banquet should be held"?

"You have to treat others to a meal if you receive an award."

One set after another.

Now that it's their turn, it's become "keeping everything simple."

.

Seeing his slightly embarrassed expression, Yang Ping smiled without fading: "That won't do."

"Third Uncle, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Brother Jiecheng, so it should be done properly, in a grand and glorious way. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Yang Ping, stop teasing me..."

Yan Fugui shook his head helplessly, his embarrassment becoming even more obvious.

These words, which he used to say all the time to persuade others, were now being thrown back at him, as if he had dug a hole for himself.

He opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing more. He just smiled awkwardly, turned around, lifted the curtain, and went inside.

Yang Ping gazed at the swaying curtain and softly murmured, "Hey."

He made a sound, pushed the cart, and walked slowly toward his house.

The bicycle chain made a regular, soft clatter, blending into the gradually quieting twilight.

A faint smile appeared on Yang Ping's lips as her gaze swept over the corner where flowers usually sat, but it was empty.

He then remembered that it had been cold lately, and he was afraid that the flowers and plants would freeze, so he had already moved all the pots and jars indoors.

"Uncle, the daffodils you gave me the other day are blooming beautifully."

Yan Fugui's expression stiffened slightly.

"Okay... wait here, I'll get it for you."

His steps were somewhat heavy as he turned to go inside.

Before long, two pots of lush and elegant daffodils were brought out, with water droplets still clinging to the leaves.

"I went through a lot of trouble to find this again."

Yan Fugui handed over the flowers, his voice filled with heartache, "Take them back and be sure to take good care of them, don't waste them."

"Don't worry."

Yang Ping took the flowers and turned to leave.

The daffodils in his arms exuded a refreshing fragrance, and he felt pleasantly relaxed—he had once again gotten a good deal from this shrewd and calculating third uncle.

Watching that receding figure, Yan Fugui stood in front of the door and sighed silently.

Throughout his life, he firmly believed that "you won't go poor from eating or dressing, but you will go poor from not planning ahead."

In the courtyard, who hadn't been tricked by him on the abacus? Even the usually steady Yi Zhonghai had suffered a loss at his hands.

He always thought that no one in this courtyard could outwit him.

But ever since he met Yang Ping, this "number one schemer in the compound"...

They made a series of mistakes, and had already given away four pots of excellent daffodils for nothing.

Whenever he thought of this, he felt a sharp pain in his heart.

Yan Fugui gritted his teeth inwardly: Next time, I will never fall for Yang Ping's tricks again.

This thought became his only solace at the moment.

As for plotting against that young man again? He dared not do it again, fearing that he would lose more than he gained.

Yang Ping returned to the backyard with the flowers in her hands.

"Oh, Yang Ping, you bought daffodils again?"

Ma Xiaoling was coming out of the house when she immediately noticed the celadon flowerpot in his arms.

"It wasn't bought."

Yang Ping smiled and said, "It was a gift from my third uncle."

"Then remember to move it inside."

Ma Xiaoling looked at the gloomy sky and said, "Judging from this, it will snow in a few days. It would be a pity if the snow froze."