Reborn in 1982: I Became the Richest Man by Repairing Cars

Lin Yuanwu never imagined that he would one day have the opportunity to own a bicycle.

Even if he only assembles one car at the beginning, it will take a relatively long time before it's his turn.

That's something to look forward to.

Therefore, they actively purchased various parts.

"Late Autumn, today Jiang Hui and I went to the Jianguo Hotel and repaired an imported Crown sedan that no one else dared to repair."

"I earned 140 yuan in less than a day."

Lin Yuanwu went to buy bicycle parts today, and it was already past 7 p.m. when he got home.

It was late October in the capital, and it was already dark by then.

However, Lin Wanqiu and her daughter were waiting for him to come back for dinner.

Although the family was poor, they didn't have too many worries.

"That amazing?"

"Just now at the shop, Jiang Hui only briefly mentioned that he had repaired another car today."

Lin Wanqiu was overjoyed.

Life is getting better and better.

"Jiang Hui is becoming more and more mature. If it were anyone else, they would definitely praise him to death."

"However, the Jianguo Hotel, which is said to be the first Sino-foreign joint venture hotel in China, does have a very different atmosphere."

"When I first went in, I felt very uncomfortable."

"But Jiang Hui seemed completely unfazed, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary."

Lin Yuanwu ate his meal while discussing the car repairs with Lin Wanqiu.

Dinner was simple: stir-fried tofu and cabbage with white rice.

There was also a small dish of pickled garlic on the table.

This was already a very good meal for the Lin family.

"Yuanwu, you must study driving diligently under Xiaojiang's guidance, and you absolutely cannot slack off."

Lin's mother gave a word of advice from the side.

During this period, her mental state has noticeably improved.

"Xiao Jiang has indeed changed a lot recently."

Lin Wanqiu thought about Jiang Hui's behavior in the past two months, and it seemed that he was very different from the Jiang Hui she knew before.

It's the same person, but he suddenly seems much more mature.

Sometimes it makes me feel like the younger sister.

……

The next day, Jiang Hui and Lin Yuanwu were squatting on the cement floor of the repair shop assembling bicycles.

The wrench made a crisp sound as it tightened the axle, and the gleaming parts—rims, frame, chain—were laid out on the ground.

As soon as Fan Chengtian's footsteps and voice reached the door, the two looked up.

Fan Chengtian was carrying something wrapped in kraft paper and had a square pastry box tucked under his elbow.

Jiang Hui paused for a moment, holding the wrench in his hand, and then stood up with a smile: "Master Fan, what brings you here? Please come in and have a seat."

Lin Yuanwu also stood up, grabbed a rag from the side of his feet to wipe his hands, and moved aside to make room for the father and son.

Fan Chengtian put the things on the wooden table in the shop, pulled the young man next to him over, and pushed him in front of Jiang Hui.

The young man looked to be about twenty-two or twenty-three years old. He had a solid build, his head was bowed low, and he was clutching the hem of his clothes with both hands, exuding a shyness.

"Master Jiang, this is my son, Fan Weimin. He has loved tinkering with machinery since he was a child. Now that he has returned to the city, he runs a tea stall with the local collective."

As he spoke, he pointed to the things on the table, a sincere smile on his face.

"I know you're young, but skills don't discriminate by age; true skill is what matters."

"I brought my child here today because I sincerely want him to become your apprentice and learn real car repair skills from you."

"Don't worry, this kid isn't good with words but he's hardworking, can endure hardship, and is observant. From now on, he'll do whatever you ask him to do, and he'll never be lazy or try to shirk his responsibilities."

This wasn't the first time the idea of ​​becoming an apprentice had been brought up today, and neither Jiang Hui nor Fan Chengtian found it abrupt.

As he spoke, Fan Chengtian opened the brown paper package, revealing two packs of Daqianmen cigarettes, two bottles of Hongxing Erguotou liquor, and a box of Daoxiangcun pastries.

Clearly, this is a ceremony to formally become an apprentice.

"This is just a small token of my appreciation, done according to old customs. It's not worth much money; it's just a courtesy from a junior."

"Don't think it's too little. I know your shop has just opened and you need manpower right now."

"Weimin came here not only to learn the trade, but also to do all the odd jobs and errands in the shop. He will never be a freeloader."

Jiang Hui's gaze swept over the gifts on the table, and he understood everything perfectly.

This was the proper procedure for BJ to become an apprentice in 1982. The cigarettes, alcohol and snacks were served in even numbers. It was not about being expensive, but about being sincere. Fan Chengtian really put his heart into it.

He turned to look at Fan Weimin, who was still looking down, but secretly glanced at the tools and the unassembled bicycle in the shop.

His eyes held a fascination with car repair, and that eagerness was unmistakable.

Lin Yuanwu chimed in with a smile, "Jiang Hui, Master Fan is a very honest man, and Weimin looks very reliable; he's got the makings of a skilled trade."

"Our shop has been getting more and more work lately, so having an extra hand is really convenient. I can also learn a skill from them, so it's a win-win situation."

The job at the Jianguo Hotel yesterday was arranged by Fan Chengtian.

There will definitely be many more similar introductory events in the future.

Therefore, Lin Yuanwu actually knew that Jiang Huixin basically agreed to take Fan Chengtian's son as his apprentice.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken up at this time.

However, Jiang Hui did not agree immediately, but instead walked up to Fan Weimin.

"Weimin, let me ask you this: learning to repair cars isn't about talking big or doing something new. It's dirty and tiring, dealing with oil stains and wrenches all day long."

"Sometimes you have to squat under a car and work for most of the day. Can you endure that kind of hardship?"

Fan Weimin suddenly raised his head, his eyes bright, and although his voice was still a little stuttering, it was exceptionally firm: "Master Jiang, I can!"

"I'm not afraid of getting dirty or tired. I'm willing to clean tools, tidy up parts, or squat under the car."

"I just want to learn how to repair cars well, so that I can fix cars that others can't, just like you."

As he spoke, he seemed to remember something and quickly added, "I learned to recognize tools and change tires from my dad."

"I can help with the simple tasks, and I'll do more of the work in the shop from now on."

"I will remember what you taught me, practice it repeatedly, and never let you down."

Fan Chengtian watched from the side with a relieved smile on his face, and then said to Jiang Hui, "Young Master Jiang, don't worry, I, as your father, here guarantee it for you."

"If Weimin dares to slack off or disobey in the future, you can speak up and take charge as needed. I will not say a word."

"If he doesn't do well in his studies, I'll be the first to take him back home; I won't let him drag you down with me."

Looking at the father and son, Jiang Hui already had an idea in mind.

His auto repair shop was just starting out, and he really needed a reliable helper. Fan Weimin looked honest and down-to-earth, and he had a foundation in the craft, so he was a good candidate to learn the trade.

Moreover, Fan Chengtian can be considered a semi-professional in the industry, and he understands the rules and is reasonable.

The key is that he might bring a lot of opportunities to the repair shop in the future.

So he finally smiled and nodded: "Master Fan, since you are so sincere, and Weimin is indeed so kind, then I will accept this apprentice."