Courtyard Houses: Starting with Li Yunlong's Comrades-in-Arms

Liu Erhe scratched the back of his head, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face, with a self-aware honesty: "Dad, to be honest, I'm not very confident. I've only been working on the Level 6 worker exam for about half a year. There are some of the Level 7 jobs that I haven't really touched yet, and I don't fully understand the process standards. If I pass this exam, great; if I don't, I'll just consider it practice. Anyway, there will be other opportunities next time."

Hearing this, Liang Cheng nodded, took the cigarette from behind his ear and twirled it between his fingers, his tone carrying the calm of someone with experience: "That's true, I was too hasty. You just passed Level 6 at the end of last year, so you should have at least another year or two of experience to be proficient. Level 7 work is much harder than Level 6, with higher precision requirements and more selective materials. It's really hard to pass without some prior experience. So take it easy, practice this time, memorize the questions, and think about them slowly later. You'll be more confident next time you take the exam."

Liu Erhe nodded, put down the jar, turned to look at Liang Cheng, and asked with a serious concern, "Dad, what about you? Are you confident about passing the Level 8 exam this time? With your skills, who in the workshop doesn't admire you? If you can't pass, then the standard for Level 8 workers is too high."

Liang Cheng paused, his hand holding the teacup still, and his expression changed slightly for a moment. He was fifty years old this year, and the white hair at his temples was much more than it had been two years ago, while the lines at the corners of his eyes and mouth were deeper.

He put down his teacup, remained silent for a couple of seconds, and then shook his head: "Who can say for sure? The assessment for an eighth-level craftsman isn't just about skills, it's also about theory. I've been doing this for so many years, and I'm not afraid of the skills, but as for the theory, you know, I didn't have much formal education when I was young, so my foundation is weak. Those blueprint symbols, material parameters, and process calculation formulas, I figured them out myself little by little. Compared to those who have formal training, I'm always a step behind."

He paused, then finished the water in his teacup. "But I can only try my best. I'm fifty this year. If I don't pass the Level 8 exam in the next two years, my eyesight will be failing and my hands will be shaking after I turn fifty-five, and I'll have no chance of passing. I'm gambling my life on this one shot. If I pass, great; if not, I'll accept it. At least I tried."

Hearing this, Liu Erhe's heart stirred. He wanted to say something encouraging, but looking at Liang Cheng's calm yet somewhat resentful face, he felt that the words would sound weak and unconvincing. He thought for a moment, and finally just said, "Dad, your skills are so good. Over the years, all the apprentices you've trained have passed the certification exams. You can definitely do it yourself. Even if your theory is a little weak, you're better than anyone else in practice. The Level 8 worker certification isn't just about theory; it wouldn't be surprising if you got full marks in the practical part."

After listening, Liang Cheng smiled and waved his hand at him, saying casually, "Alright, alright, don't flatter me. Whether you pass or not, we'll see in the exam tomorrow. Just worry about yourself now. The Level 7 worker exam isn't easy; it'll be good for you to see it for yourself."

As the two were talking, their three young apprentices listened intently.

Liang Cheng turned to look at the three of them, put down his teacup, and said in a more serious tone, "You three have been working for me for over three years, right? You've learned the skills pretty well, and I'm not worried about your practical abilities. This time, try to pass the Level 3 worker exam. If you pass, you'll earn almost ten yuan more a month. Aren't you all looking for partners? If you pass the Level 3 exam, you'll earn over forty yuan a month. Supporting a family won't be a problem, will it? And you'll have a better chance of getting married."

The three young men looked at each other, their faces showing a hint of embarrassment, and nodded vigorously.

The oldest, round-faced young man spoke first: "Don't worry, Master, we'll definitely do our best on the exam. We've remembered all the moves you've taught us these past few months. We'll review our notes when we get back and try to pass on the first try."

The two people next to him echoed his sentiments. One said he had already memorized all the blueprints, and the other said he had practiced the practical exercises several times and was just waiting to take the exam.

Liang Cheng nodded without saying anything more, but his eyes held a look of satisfaction. He never held back when teaching his apprentices, imparting all his knowledge without reservation, which was well-known in the workshop. Every apprentice he taught passed the exams and became a proficient, which was his proudest achievement in the factory.

Not far away, Master Zhao was also talking to his apprentices: "Do your best on this exam, don't embarrass me. I know how much you've learned from me these past few years. If you can get promoted, then do so. Each promotion means a ten-yuan raise. Think about how much more meat and grain you can buy for your parents, wives, and children. Don't think ten yuan is a small amount. Ten yuan a month, that's one hundred and twenty yuan a year, enough to buy a bicycle in a year and a half."

He paused, then added, "If you pass the exam, your master will be proud; if you don't, come back and keep practicing, but don't slack off."

Master Zhao's apprentices quickly nodded in agreement, straightening their backs as if they were about to take an exam the next day.

Then Master Zhao stood up from his toolbox, took two steps forward, and approached Liu Erhe, looking him up and down: "Erhe, you're a level six worker now. According to our factory's rules, level five workers can take on apprentices. Why don't you take on a few? Don't be like some people who hold onto their skills like treasures and treat taking on apprentices like charity."

As he spoke, he gestured slightly toward Jia Dongxu at the other end of the workshop, his meaning crystal clear.

Liu Erhe waved the enamel mug he was holding, his expression one of helpless honesty. There was no anger in his voice; he was simply stating the facts: "Master Zhao, you know my situation. These junior apprentices of mine are supposed to be my father's apprentices, but in reality, I'm the one who did all the work that I was taught step by step."

"Besides, as you've seen, over the past two years, countless people have come to me wanting to become my apprentices. But look closely, how many of those people are truly interested in my skills? How many genuinely want to learn fitter work? Aren't they all after my brother?"

"The factory leader's nephew and the workshop director's nephew used their connections to ask Erhe to help them out. If I accepted, wouldn't that just cause trouble for my brother? What would I get out of it? I'm not some hot commodity; there's no need for me to take on that kind of thing."

After listening, Master Zhao clicked his tongue, his expression shifting from a joking tone to one of understanding and agreement. He nodded, his tone carrying a seasoned wisdom gained from seeing this kind of thing many times before: "That's true. With your brother's position, there's bound to be a lot of people wanting to get close to you."

As he spoke, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and added, "But then again, your skills are among the best in the workshop. You're a level six worker, and all the examiners nodded in approval during the practical assessment. It's a real shame you don't take on apprentices."

Liang Cheng, who had been listening the whole time, smiled as he picked up his teacup and continued, "Alright, alright, Master Zhao, stop trying to persuade Erhe. He's right; those people who come for his brother's name will only cause trouble if we take them in."

"If there are any students he takes a liking to in the future who genuinely want to learn the craft, he can just register them under my name. They'll be my apprentices in name only, but Erhe will actually teach them. I've been teaching for so many years already, so having a few more names on their names isn't a big deal."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhao was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, pointing at Liang Cheng with a laugh that shook his shoulders: "Old Liang, you've really said something brilliant! If word gets out, won't you, Liang Cheng, become a hot commodity? Won't people wanting to become your apprentices wear down your doorstep?"

Liang Cheng's smile deepened at his words, but he waved his hand, picked up his teacup, gave a wry smile, and shook his head: "Come on, what's so special about it?"