Courtyard House: A Carefree Life Begins with a Lottery of Wish Power

"Don't you have eyes..." Jia Dongxu said halfway, then looked up and saw Liu Haizhong, so he swallowed the rest of his words.

"Second, Second Uncle."

Although Jia Dongxu relied on his eldest uncle being his master and didn't take his second uncle seriously.

But Liu Haizhong was, after all, the second uncle, and a significant figure in the courtyard. It was ultimately not very polite to speak ill of him behind his back.

Jia Dongxu looked at Liu Haizhong guiltily, wondering if Liu Haizhong had heard what he had just said.

Liu Haizhong glared at Jia Dongxu and snorted coldly:

"I wouldn't dare be your second uncle."

Jia Dongxu pretended not to hear and ran away without looking back.

Seeing that there was no more show to watch, Lin Zhuo went back to his room.

Liu Haizhong couldn't help but sigh, "This Jia Dongxu is a real scoundrel. He doesn't even respect me, his second uncle."

"+3 from Jia Dongxu's wish power."

"+3 from Liu Hai's wishes."

"+3 from Jia Dongxu's wish power."

The willpower from Jia Dongxu is easy to understand; he had just been criticized by himself.

But what's with the wish power coming from Liu Haizhong? I didn't have any conflict with Liu Haizhong just now. I guess Liu Haizhong thinks that I and Jia Dongxu were talking badly about him.

Arriving at the workshop early in the morning, Lin Zhuo and several apprentices cleaned up together.

Now most of the workers in the workshop know this amazing young man.

Soon, the workers entered the workshop one after another.

As soon as Liu Haizhong entered the workshop, someone said:

"Old Liu, why did you come empty-handed? Where are the sunflower seeds?"

Liu Haizhong said angrily:

"You only get two jin of melon seed coupons during the New Year. Where am I supposed to get you three jin of melon seeds now?"

These days, everything is in short supply. Even if you have money, you can't buy things like sunflower seeds and peanuts without coupons.

During holidays and festivals, tickets are distributed in quantities of one or two kilograms per person.

Ordinary families wouldn't normally be willing to eat this.

As he spoke, Liu Haizhong reluctantly took a small paper packet out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"This is all we have. Take it or leave it."

Everyone rushed forward, opened the paper package, and found a small bag of broad beans.

Those who were quick got one or two, while those who were slow didn't get any.

The matter was dropped amidst everyone's laughter and jokes.

Knowing that work could improve his proficiency, Lin Zhuo worked with extra care.

Huang Fusheng was also very satisfied with Lin Zhuo's attitude and skills.

Lin Zhuo had been working for a while and was just about to catch his breath when Liu Haizhong walked over and said:

"Lin Zhuo, the director wants to see you."

Lin Zhuo wiped his sweat and followed Liu Haizhong into Director Zhou's room.

Director Zhou gestured for Lin Zhuo to sit down, then turned to Liu Haizhong, who was still standing to the side, and said:

"Old Liu, you go ahead with your work."

Liu Haizhong then left reluctantly.

Director Zhou smiled and said:

"Xiao Lin, are you settling in well in our workshop?"

Lin Zhuo nodded and said:

"I adapted very well. Everyone was very kind to me, and Master Huang taught me very diligently."

Director Zhou nodded and said:

"You'll adapt quickly. I think your skills are quite good. I heard from Lao Huang that you used to work as a blacksmith back in your hometown?"

Lin Zhuo replied:

"I helped out at the village blacksmith's shop and learned a little bit."

Director Zhou said with a smile:

"Xiaolin, you're too modest. I've seen what you've done; it's at least at the level of a third-grade craftsman."

"Even some fourth-level workers might not be as good as you."

"However, our forging workshop is different from the blacksmith shop in the commune."

"Using a hammer well is a basic skill, but the key is also knowing how to use a machine."

"After all, machining large workpieces requires machines. I'll talk to Lao Huang later and ask him to teach you how to use a steam hammer."

A steam hammer uses steam to drive a piston, and the piston rod drives the hammer head to work.

Even the smallest ones have a force of several hundred kilograms, while the largest ones can easily weigh tens of tons.

It is an essential tool for forging larger workpieces.

Lin Zhuo had already mastered the basic usage of the steam hammer thanks to his [Junior Blacksmith] skill.

However, these things can't be shown all at once; it has to be done gradually.

"Thank you, Director. I will definitely learn from Master Huang."

Director Zhou then changed the subject, saying:

"There's a skills test at the factory in a few days, and I'd like you to participate."

Director Zhou then provided an explanation.

The factory organizes skills tests every year, and those who pass the tests can be promoted.

In those days, there were no piece-rate wages or bonuses; wages were only linked to rank, so the importance of rank was self-evident.

Lin Zhuo was somewhat tempted by what he heard, but still couldn't help asking:

"Master, I'm just an apprentice now. As far as I know, it takes at least two or three years of apprenticeship before I can be ranked."

"I just started working, am I eligible to take the exam?"

Director Zhou said:

"Normally, what you said is indeed true."

"However, there are always exceptions. Newly hired workers who already have skills can also have a chance to be directly graded."

"For example, some are demobilized soldiers, and others are workers from the public-private partnerships of a few years ago; many of them are in the same situation."

Although Director Zhou spoke lightly, Lin Zhuo knew that this opportunity was definitely not as easy as Director Zhou made it out to be.

Lin Zhuo was somewhat moved and said:

"Don't worry, Director, I will definitely practice my skills and won't let you down."

Director Zhou waved his hand, signaling Lin Zhuo to go back to work.

Lin Zhuo's spot was indeed obtained by Director Zhou personally going to Factory Director Yang and spending a lot of time persuading him.

Director Zhou felt that Lin Zhuo was a truly promising talent and didn't want him to be overlooked. Moreover, Lin Zhuo had entered the forging workshop by chance because of him, and Director Zhou also felt a little guilty.

Therefore, Director Zhou swallowed his pride and went to Factory Director Yang, insisting that Lin Zhuo get such an opportunity no matter what.

Huang Fusheng had obviously received instructions from Director Zhou.

As soon as Lin Zhuo came out of Director Zhou's office, he gave him a look that spoke volumes.

Without further ado, he pulled Lin Zhuo directly to the steam hammer.

He demonstrated and explained to Lin Zhuo at the same time.

First, the precautions for safe operation were explained, and then the operating methods were explained.

Lin Zhuo listened attentively, occasionally taking out his notebook to jot down notes.

Although Lin Zhuo already possessed the skill of [Beginner Blacksmith], Huang Fusheng was, after all, a Level 5 Blacksmith, and there was still a lot of experience that Lin Zhuo could learn from him.

Under Huang Fusheng's guidance, Lin Zhuo used large pliers to pick up the red-hot workpiece and placed it on the anvil. He stepped on the pedal, and the hammer began to clang.

As Lin Zhuo turned the workpiece on the anvil, it slowly transformed into the desired shape.

After a morning of practice and getting used to it, Lin Zhuo has become familiar with using the steam hammer.

This was actually Lin Zhuo deliberately slowing down to avoid causing a sensation.

Huang Fusheng, who was giving instructions from the side, looked at the young man working diligently in front of him and felt a mix of emotions.

I can't tell if I'm excited or moved.

Everyone hopes that their apprentices are skillful and can learn quickly.

But when you see your apprentices, who have reached the level that you have worked hard to achieve for many years, you can't help but feel a mix of emotions.

As soon as the lunch break bell rang, Lin Zhuo grabbed his lunchbox and went to the canteen with his coworkers.

He Yuzhu and Ma Hua, along with a few others, were serving the food.

He Yuzhu didn't say much to Lin Zhuo, just collected food coupons and served him food as usual. Fortunately, he didn't stir-fry Lin Zhuo's food.

Lin Zhuo had just sat down at the dining table when Jia Dongxu came over with a rice bowl in his hand.