Courtyard Houses: The Great Masters of a Nation Hidden Within

Liang Jianguo noticed at the other end of the corridor that Chief Engineer Chen was leading two deputy section chiefs toward room 203.

When he saw the commotion, he became suspicious, thinking that something important must be going on.

Without making a sound, he slowly crept to the door and pressed his ear against it.

After listening for a few moments at the door, Lao Liang's heart started pounding.

Although his skills are not outstanding, he has a broad perspective after decades of working in the technical field.

Just by listening to it, you can tell that "thermocouple" is a good thing; if you can make it work, it will definitely be outstanding.

Even that thing called the "returning wind furnace" can be a highlight if handled properly.

Then look at how Old Chen personally brought two deputy section chiefs over to make arrangements. One deputy section chief took the lead, while the other was even more impressive, with Old Chen himself in charge. Isn't it obvious that the department treats these two as treasures?

Is the person leading this a newcomer? He's a legitimate full-time undergraduate from Wudaokou.

Judging from what Old Chen said, it was this kid who started both jobs.

Even if we take a step back and assume that this young man was brought in by Old Chen to gain experience, how could the job of giving someone experience be anything less than excellent?

Seeing that the person in charge of "Thermocouple" had almost decided on the candidate after a few words, Lao Liang didn't care about saving face anymore and hurriedly shouted at the door to ask for work.

Chief Engineer Chen heard the voice, turned his head, and exclaimed, "Oh, it's Lao Liang!"

Old Chen had a good impression of this hardworking ox that had worked diligently for so many years.

He smiled and said to Lao Liang, "Lao Liang, what are you doing getting involved, you engineer? This job could be done by a few technicians. It would be a waste of your talent to let you do it."

After hearing what he said, Lao Liang became even more reluctant to let go.

If only technicians are needed, what does that mean? It means that this matter is very stable and can be handled without experts.

He didn't know why Corey had so much confidence in Gao Jianguo, a newcomer, but Liang Jianguo felt more at ease knowing he could do the job.

He hurriedly and frantically replied, "Then just treat me like a technician, Mr. Chen. You know me; I may not have much capital, but I can get things done exactly where I'm told, and I've never messed up a single thing."

After hearing this, Chief Engineer Chen's mind raced.

Old Liang is pretty much as he described himself: he listens to instructions, doesn't fight or compete, and is reliable in his work.

He's not very skilled, but he's got plenty of experience.

According to Lao Chen's own assessment, Gao Jianguo was enough to handle this matter at its core, and no one else could get involved in the most important matters.

If we bring in an experienced engineer to mentor a few technicians and help them out, the work can be done much faster.

Furthermore, having an engineer who's willing to do anything for Gao Jianguo is a good thing for him too.

But Old Chen didn't want to agree to it himself. He planned to save the favor for Gao Jianguo, so that others would think more highly of the young man.

This master is so considerate of his disciple; he's so kind of warm-hearted.

Having made up his mind, Chief Engineer Chen pretended to be hesitant: "Old Liang, this project was initiated by Gao Jianguo through his research and investigation; he's also in charge of the specifics. You see…"

Old Liang is honest, but he's not blind.

Look at how this stall was set up. Old Chen set up the stage, and Deputy Section Chief Wu helped out. They're all favoring this young man.

He immediately turned to Gao Jianguo and patted his chest, saying, "Deputy Team Leader Gao, you can rest assured. You can tell me what to do, and I'll do my best to get everything done properly. I've accumulated some experience, so I can assist you and save you a lot of worry."

Who said Lao Liang is bad at talking?

The research group hadn't even had its nameplate yet, and Deputy Group Leader Gao had already called it out. If Old Chen hadn't been standing right in front of him, he probably would have ripped off the word "Deputy."

Gao Jianguo stood to the side watching, his mind clear.

Thinking about the work itself, he was on the same page as Lao Chen; with Lao Liang around, they could definitely speed up the work.

From a human perspective, judging from Old Chen's words, this person speaks frankly and is reliable.

He had heard about Lao Liang's family troubles from others, and he wanted to lend a hand so that he could help him more in his work in the future.

Gao Jianguo didn't put on airs; he immediately smiled broadly and reached out to shake Liang Jianguo's hand: "Oh, with an old general like you willing to step in, I feel even more confident in handling this task."

Liang Jianguo grasped her hands tightly, repeatedly saying, "Thank you! Thank you!"

After all this, what else is there for others not to understand? This job is a lucrative opportunity.

Unfortunately, I spoke too slowly, and the seats were already full.

Seeing Gao Jianguo's decisiveness in making a decision on the spot, General Manager Chen felt pleased and waved his hand with satisfaction: "Then our thermocouple research project team is officially established. Looking forward to hearing the sound soon!"

He then patted Gao Jianguo on the shoulder: "Jianguo, put in your strength, don't let your master down, haha."

These words elicited various reactions from those around him. Was this a blatant, no-holds-barred move?

Gao Jianguo looked at President Chen, his eyes practically saying, "How could you say something like that?"

Mr. Chen smiled with narrowed eyes, his expression conveying the message, "What's there to be afraid of? It's the old rule to mentor the new, there's nothing that can't be said."

Gao Jianguo stood on his tiptoes: "I guarantee I'll get the job done!!"

-

After dinner, Gao Jianguo picked up two cans of malted milk powder and headed towards Yi Zhonghai's house in the middle courtyard.

Taking some things has little to do with getting Yi Zhonghai involved in the thermocouple matter.

It was my first time visiting, and the couple was quite old; it wouldn't be right to come empty-handed.

Besides, Gao Jianguo has plenty of these resources. You have inexhaustible energy wherever you go, so you have to learn to let it pave the way for you, not let it become a rope that binds your legs.

Knocking on the door and entering the house, Yi Zhonghai greeted him warmly: "Jianguo, you're a rare guest! Sit down, please sit down."

He turned around and called to an older woman to pour him some water.

Gao Jianguo sat down: "Master Yi, I just started working at the factory recently and haven't had a moment to spare, so I haven't had a chance to visit you. That's why I came today. It's my first time visiting, so I don't have much to offer, but these two cans of malted milk powder are good for you and your husband to nourish yourselves."

Yi Zhonghai has seen it all these days; this young man is really busy since he started working at the factory.

I come home every day with a lot of things on my back, I'm so busy, but I still managed to find time to visit the old lady in the backyard.

This young man is a hard worker, a decent person, and has impeccable manners. He is also generous with his money.

"Hey, we live in the same courtyard, so just come over, no need to bring anything."

After exchanging a few casual words, Gao Jianguo steered the conversation to business: "Master Yi, besides visiting you two, I also have something to ask you to help with at the factory."

Then he went on to recount the events of the thermocouple research group.

After saying all that, he said, "Master Yi, I'm here today to formally invite you to join this group and oversee the machining and assembly work when the parts are manufactured. You're a senior fitter, so I'll feel much more at ease if you're in charge of such important matters. Don't worry about the paperwork; Chief Engineer Chen will take care of the borrowing of personnel during this period, and the group will also receive some subsidies."

Although Yi Zhonghai was a worker, his title of Level 8 fitter was well-deserved.

It's obvious; this is a great thing that will make us look good.

Although he was important inside, he wasn't the kind of person who couldn't function without him.

Gao Jianguo came to us partly because he wanted to get the job done properly, and partly to help out his neighbor.

Yi Zhonghai did not push it out.

When younger generations have good jobs, they should think of you and give you face. You can't put on airs or act superior.

He readily nodded: "Oh, to be involved in such an important task, it's because Jianguo thinks highly of this old man. No problem, I'll do it."

Gao Jianguo was delighted: "That's wonderful, Master Yi. I'll welcome you over on behalf of the team."

Yi Zhonghai pondered for a moment, then opened his mouth again: "Jianguo, I have a small matter to discuss, do you think you could help me with something?"

Gao Jianguo smiled and said, "Master Yi, just tell me. If I can do it, I will. If I can't, I'll tell you frankly, so you won't have to worry about it."

Yi Zhonghai was a little embarrassed: "Look at my apprentice, Jia Dongxu, who lives right across the street, could we also put him in the group?"