The Fitter Master in the Courtyard: Surrounded by Dead Men

This means that Yang Ping will receive five yuan less in technician allowance each month, which amounts to a real loss of thirty yuan over six months.

These days, thirty yuan is no small sum.

"Master, it's ready."

Yang Ping's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Yang Ping turned off the machine tool, took the newly polished level four part from the jig, and handed it over.

The metal surface is smooth and has a cold, faint gleam.

"Okay, I'll take your measurements."

Xie Quancai took the parts, took out a precision measuring tool from his pocket, and began to test them with a focused expression.

Xie Quancai already had a plan in mind, but he still wanted to find out just how good Yang Ping's skills were.

He took the measuring tools and measured carefully.

His gaze fell on the perfectly accurate markings, and he was stunned, a hint of disbelief flashing in his eyes—it was actually a top-grade mark.

Workpieces are classified into four grades: lower, middle, upper, and special.

Reaching the highest grade means achieving impeccable perfection, which is equivalent to the entry-level quality of a level four part.

In other words, Yang Ping has already mastered the basics of a fourth-level fitter. With a little refinement, he can solidify his skills and pass the assessment to become a true fourth-level fitter.

"hiss--"

Thinking of this, Xie Quancai couldn't help but take a deep breath.

I thought it was amazing enough that he had reached level two in one go after completing his three-year apprenticeship, but little did I know that he actually had the foundation of a level four fitter.

Such talent is truly indescribable.

He looked at his apprentice and couldn't find the right words to say.

Yang Ping saw his master's expression and the corners of his lips curled up slightly.

He knew his own limitations perfectly well.

Xie Quancai probably had never seen a twenty-year-old Level 4 worker before.

There's something even more surprising coming up; I wonder if Master's heart can bear it.

"Master, is it alright?"

He asked softly.

"--ah?"

Xie Quancai suddenly came to his senses, coughed twice, and said in a serious tone, "It's...it's alright."

But the road ahead is long, so you must remain calm and not waste this talent.

He was ultimately afraid that his apprentice would become arrogant and waste this rare talent.

"Don't worry, Master."

Yang Ping smiled; he understood the concern in her words.

"I need to go to the restroom first."

After saying that, he turned and walked outside.

Xie Quancai watched that figure disappear into the distance, a smile he couldn't suppress slowly spreading across his face.

He glanced at Yi Zhonghai not far away and muttered something smugly.

Yi Zhonghai, what kind of real skill is that Level 8 fitter certificate you have? Being able to train an apprentice to be a Level 8 fitter, that's real ability!

They had engaged in several open and covert struggles in the workshop before, but Yi Zhonghai, with his title of Grade 8 worker, always gave him an advantage, leaving them at a disadvantage.

Now things are great. The apprentice he's mentoring is only in his early twenties, but he's already reached the level of a fourth-grade worker. He's definitely a promising candidate for an eighth-grade worker.

Thinking of this, the pent-up frustration in my heart finally began to dissipate.

Yang Ping didn't go straight to the toilet.

He slowly walked around most of the workshop, finally stopping next to machine tool number eight. He gave one of the middle-aged workers a look before turning and walking towards the end of the corridor.

The middle-aged man understood and followed at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

This man was named Lin Dahai, the very same person Yang Ping had noticed when reviewing the list of assassins—a level six fitter, and the only high-level technician on the list.

I specifically called him out today so that I could take over his complete metalworking skills through memory sharing.

In just a few words, the two went into the restroom one after the other.

"Owner."

Lin Dahai made sure no one was around before lowering his voice to speak.

"Da Hai, from now on, just call me by my name when you see me, don't call me 'Master'."

Yang Ping reminded him.

He himself didn't think much of it, but if others heard it and misunderstood it as a rehash of old-fashioned practices, he would be in big trouble.

"Understood, Yang Ping."

Lin Dahai responded.

This is the characteristic of suicide squad members: absolute obedience.

No matter what Yang Ping says, they will do it.

"I'm contacting you this time because I want to share all your memories about being a fitter."

You're ready.

"It's all prepared."

Yang Ping nodded, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings once more.

After confirming that the entire corridor was empty, he raised his hand and gently pressed it against Lin Dahai's forehead.

A faint five-pointed star light emerged from his palm and silently enveloped the other person's head.

Memories condensed into crystal-clear water droplets, floating above the pentagram magic circle.

Each drop reflects the joys and sorrows of Lin Dahai's life, like a silent film reel, quietly unfolding his ordinary yet profound years.

"The skill of a fitter..."

Yang Ping's gaze quickly locked onto one of the drops.

In that drop of water, the same image repeatedly appeared: Lin Dahai bent over the workbench, his hands steadily and attentively polishing metal parts, day after day, year after year, his movements gleaming with the luster of sweat.

"Copy".

He read it in a low voice.

The magic circle shimmered and quietly condensed into another identical crystal bead next to the water droplet.

"shared."

Yang Ping whispered again.

The replicated memory droplet leaped gently, detaching itself from its original position along with the pentagram array.

The remaining water droplets, like birds returning to their nests, slowly flowed back to Lin Dahai's forehead and sank into the depths of his consciousness.

The next moment, the pentagram, carrying a replica of the water droplet, disappeared into Yang Ping's brow.

A familiar throbbing pain washed over me, just like the feeling when I first traveled back in time and merged with the memories of my predecessor.

This time it was much milder—after all, what flooded in was only a fragment of fitter skills, not the weight of an entire life.

The rich experience and muscle memory of a level six fitter surged and spread in his consciousness, eventually becoming completely integrated into his perception.

The technical difficulties that had once troubled him suddenly became clear, like a clear path appearing after the fog had cleared.

It was at this moment that his "comprehension enhancement" occurred.

His talent quietly took effect.

Lin Dahai was originally at the middle level of a level 6 fitter, but after this integration and sublimation, he has climbed to the level of an excellent level 6 fitter.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Yang Ping's lips.

At this rate of progress, forging top-grade level 6 parts is not far off, and even reaching the level 7 threshold is only a matter of time.

"That's enough, you can go back now."

He spoke calmly.

"Yes."

After responding, Lin Dahai turned and walked away.

After tidying up briefly in the restroom, Yang Ping headed straight for the first workshop.

Yi Zhonghai was still giving instructions over there, but Yang Ping pretended not to see him and turned back to her workstation.

"Why did it take you so long?"

When Xie Quancai saw him return, he casually asked a question.

"My stomach was a little uncomfortable just now."

Yang Ping came up with an excuse.

"OK."

Xie Quancai didn't ask any further questions.

Anyway, Yang Ping's skills were already there; a level four fitter was more than enough to make level two parts, so he wasn't in a hurry.

"master,"

Yang Ping suddenly spoke up, "Actually, my fitter skill level is already the same as yours."

Xie Quancai was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief.

But then I thought, how could this be? Not to mention the steel rolling mill, there has never been such a genius in the whole of Xia Kingdom, or even the whole world.

"You little rascal, stop teasing your master."

He waved his hand with a smile, "Reaching level four at twenty is already quite impressive."

Clearly, he took it as a joke.

"Then...shall we try again?"

Yang Ping's tone was relaxed, yet firm.

Xie Quancai's heart stirred slightly.

"How about we start with level four parts?"

He pondered for a moment and then made a suggestion.

"Master, why beat around the bush?"

Yang Ping smiled and said, "Let's try the Level 6 exam directly."

If this attempt fails, consider it a loss caused by my own improper operation.

He had made up his mind to take on the responsibility alone, and he figured that workshop director Lü Shuitian wouldn't pursue the matter too much.

He turned and walked to the warehouse, where he retrieved a batch of parts and materials marked as Grade 6.

According to the original plan for today, he was supposed to handle a batch of level 5 parts.

But for Yang Ping's sake, he decided to make an exception this time.

When Yang Ping saw Xie Quancai return carrying a stack of materials, his eyes swept over the clear specifications markings on them, and he immediately understood—his master had brought him level-six parts.

A warm feeling quietly welled up inside, silent yet heavy.

Putting everything else aside, this master certainly treated him well.

He actually went and brought it back just because his apprentice said he wanted to try polishing a level 6 part.

"Master, I'll help you with some of this batch of level six parts."

Yang Ping spoke up.

He understands the principle of reciprocity.

Xie Quancai treated him this way, and he naturally had to repay that kindness.

"It's enough that you have the intention."

Xie Quancai felt much better after hearing this.

Of course, he still didn't dare to have too high expectations as to whether Yang Ping really had the skills of a level six fitter.

This is so unusual that, in the words of later generations, it would probably be described as "outrageous."

Two characters.

"These are the blueprints for a Level 6 part. Take a look."

If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me, and I'll explain it to you.

Xie Quancai handed over the blueprints.

He thought that even if Yang Ping didn't reach level six in the end, it would still be a rare opportunity for training.

"it is good."

Yang Ping accepted it without hesitation.

As the blueprints unfolded before my eyes, the related memories surfaced clearly in my mind.

He grasped the key point almost immediately, and there was no need for Xie Quancai to explain further.

It should be noted that Lin Dahai's craftsmanship was no less than Xie Quancai's, and what he has inherited now is all of Lin Dahai's fitter skills - which is tantamount to standing directly on the shoulders of giants.

About five minutes later.

"Master, I'm almost ready to give it a try."

He put down the blueprints and said calmly.

"Nothing you want to ask?"

Xie Quancai couldn't help but speak up.

He had prepared a whole host of answers, but Yang Ping remained as silent as a stone, making him somewhat uneasy.

"No need."

Yang Ping simply shook his head.

"Shall we... ask a couple of questions?"

Xie Quancai hesitated for a moment, then offered further advice.

When he first encountered a Level 6 component, he was extremely nervous and kept asking his master a barrage of questions until his master got annoyed and he received a good scolding.

When it was the apprentice's turn, he remained completely silent.

Xie Quancai, on the contrary, panicked for no reason.

"Master, don't worry."

Yang Ping had already bent down to measure the wheelbase of the lathe, his fingertips brushing against the cool metal handle, beginning to position it for the next grinding operation.

Seeing his apprentice's composed expression, Xie Quancai immediately fell silent, holding his breath and standing beside him, afraid that the slightest movement would disturb his peace of mind.

Before long, the machine tool was properly adjusted.

Yang Ping took the part, inserted it into the chuck, and turned the handle.

For some reason, this machine always feels a bit stiff and awkward to hold.

But the lathe that Lin Dahai operated in my memory clearly looked just like this.

He suppressed the strange sensation and continued turning the crank.

He was already talented, and now with the experience of a level six fitter, plus the comprehension given by the system, his movements became as natural and smooth as flowing water, almost approaching the skillful demeanor of a master craftsman.

Xie Quancai watched from the side, a look of surprise gradually appearing in his eyes.

An expert can tell a lot just by looking at their work.

He himself was a level six fitter, and had already reached the middle level. At this moment, he could clearly see that his apprentice's technique was extraordinary—not only extraordinary, but had actually surpassed his own.

This talent... is simply terrifying.

It's rare to find a level 4 fitter at 20, but who knew he also possessed level 6 skills?

Xie Quancai gazed at that focused profile, feeling as if he were in a dream.

Twenty minutes passed in the blink of an eye.