In the 90s, you could acquire max-level skills every 14 days.

"Payment for articles in 'October' is never delayed."

"Because it's a top-tier national literary journal, the royalties come from the State Administration of Press and Publication's financial allocation. It's much more secure than a guaranteed job."

Zhang Yong picked up his enamel mug, took a sip of beer, and found the hop flavor to be very rich and delicious.

"Also, congratulations to Sun Lei for getting into teacher's college. My mom was just talking about it the other day."

He put down the cup.

"If Sun Lei wants to pursue a career in literature in the future, and submits a manuscript or writes a paper, you can bring it to me for review, and I'll give you some advice."

After he finished speaking, the room fell completely silent.

Sun Jian's smile faded.

He came prepared with a lot of things to say, such as "Young people shouldn't be too ambitious" and "You still need to have a proper education." He even planned to pat Old Zhang on the shoulder and give him a pack of cigarettes.

Because the meaning of Zhang Yong's last sentence was all too clear—

Your son got into teachers' college and will be a teacher in the future, which is naturally amazing.

But I signed a contract with a national-level journal, so my work will be studied by others in the future.

Are you submitting a manuscript? Or do you want to get guidance from someone like me who works at a national-level journal?

I am just one level above your son.

Sun Jianqian chuckled twice and pulled his wife, who was about to explode, to her feet.

"Well... alright, alright, we still need to go for a walk, so we won't bother you anymore. You guys keep eating."

The door closed.

From the stairwell came Sun Jian's wife's hushed complaint: "Why did you have to come up with this! I've heard of that national-level journal they signed with, the October issue, and you—"

"I'm just trying to give you a friendly reminder..."

"What kind of reminder is this! You're just jealous of other people's success!"

"Shut up! You're the only one with a mouth!"

The sound faded into the distance.

Zhang Defa sighed and looked at his son with a complicated expression.

"Well done, kid, you've got a sharp tongue now."

"Son, when we become successful, don't let us end up like this family. They're a disgrace to us."

Li Guilan didn't say anything, but lowered her head and took a big gulp of beer.

"Eat! Son, eat!"

Zhang Yong picked up a piece of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar and chewed it twice.

"Dad, Mom, let's ignore people like that from now on. Let's just live our own lives."

"Yes!" Zhang Defa slammed his fist on the table. "Who cares what they say! Let's do it!"

Three enamel mugs clinked together, splashing beer foam all over the table.

……

It was late at night.

The light illuminated the desk, where Zhang Yong was still writing plans.

The first column lists short-cycle skills. My writing skill is level 4 and still AFK, while my driving skill is level 5 but temporarily idle.

The second column lists the medium-term goals: auto repair, electrician, and accountant.

The third column is about long-term planning. This section covers mechanical manufacturing and materials science, as well as computer programming.

Zhang Yong stared at the third column for a long time.

In 1990, computers were still a rarity in China.

The Great Wall 0520 is a relatively new chip with a 286 processor, which is very slow.

Zhang Yong knew that in five years, the Internet would become widespread.

In ten years, the IT industry will develop rapidly. In twenty years, mobile internet will be ubiquitous worldwide.

But in his current environment, he cannot access these things.

Currently, the only skills available are those in the intermediate planning section.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Yong circled the words "auto repair".

Auto repair is a fundamental entry point into the field of mechanical manufacturing.

An engine can be disassembled into many parts. The crankshaft and connecting rod need to be matched with the piston rings, and the valve springs need to be matched with the timing chain. Each part involves materials, processing, and assembly.

Once you understand one engine, you've essentially entered the entire industrial system.

Zhang Yong suddenly thought of a name.

In 2026, a motorcycle mechanic surnamed Zhang helped Huaxia's motorcycles achieve top rankings in the competition.

Zhang Yong wrote the person's name at the bottom of the blank paper.

He wrote with great force, leaving marks on the paper.

Zhang Xue.

Zhang Yong put down his pen, looked at the name, and had an idea.

Learn how to repair cars first.

Then learn how to build cars.

He began to plan his timetable.

There are five days left until the special driving test.

During these five days, Zhang Yong spent his days practicing driving with Chen Yongjian at the Transportation Bureau, and his nights practicing on the parking gear to improve his proficiency, thereby ensuring he passed the test.

After the assessment, the driving skills certificate can be obtained, freeing up the parking space for auto repair.

My writing level is currently fixed at level 4, which is sufficient for now.

Zhang Yong plans to contribute one article to "October" magazine each month to maintain his income, and will continue to put his writings on the magazine for practice when needed in the future.

As for learning the basics of auto repair.

Zhang Yong felt there was no need to ask for help.

Zhang Defa drove a large truck in a cotton mill for more than ten years. Although he was not a professional mechanic, long-distance drivers knew a little about emergency repairs.

Long-distance drivers usually change tires, adjust clutches, or unclog fuel lines; they can handle most simple auto repairs.

Ask your dad to take you to the factory garage, let you touch the engines of those Jiefang trucks, and learn from a few experienced workers. That should help you get the basics down.

Then just toss it into the AFK spot—

14 days.

He is yet another master in his field.

Zhang Yong folded the white paper and carefully stuffed it into the drawer.

I turned off the lights and lay back in bed, the blue light from the control panel floating in the darkness.

[Writing Lv.4: Progress 8%]

[Driving Lv.5: Progress 21% (fixed)]

He closed his eyes.

His breathing gradually became steady.

The numbers on the panel continued to jump.

……

"Dad, after I pass my special driving test, can you take me to see the factory's parking garage?"

"Why are you looking at the garage?"

"I want to learn car repair."

Zhang Defa almost choked on the steamed bun in his mouth. Why did his child suddenly want to learn how to repair cars so early in the morning?

"Didn't you want to be a writer? Why do you need to fix the car again?"

Zhang Yong took a sip of porridge and said very seriously, "Before writing about engines, you have to touch an engine first, right?"

Zhang De immediately understood: this was an attempt to depict the working class!

This is fantastic news! Maybe I'll even get my name on the list!

"Alright! You wait! Hand it over to your father! I'll have Old Zhao keep that scrapped 130 diesel engine for you!"

"Old Zhao has been repairing cars for thirty years! He's in charge of all the engines in the factory!"

"If you could learn a few skills from him, it would be better than going to any university!"

"Oh, car repair is great! It's reliable. More dependable than writing articles!"

Li Guilan came out of the kitchen laughing and said, "Didn't you just say your son is doing well as a writer? What happened, did a steamed bun choke you?"

"That's different! That's about making money! Car repair is a skill!"

"You're talking nonsense!"

Listening to his parents bickering, Zhang Yong smiled and brought up his skill panel.

[System notification: User career plan update detected; AFK queue can be optimized.]

[Recommended next AFK skill: Car Repair (Requires unlocking Beginner Proficiency first)]

One day, he will surely do more than just write stories.

Instead, we create reality with our own hands!

After he passes the highest level driving test, it will be another 14 days!

The person in China who knows the most about engines.

His surname is Zhang!