Courtyard Houses: The Great Masters of a Nation Hidden Within

Early in the morning, Gao Jianguo walked towards the factory.

I started thinking to myself that I really needed to get a bicycle.

While walking on two legs can be good exercise, it takes a lot of time, and he doesn't lack that kind of physical activity right now.

When we arrived at the factory gate, a crowd had gathered in front of the bulletin board.

He remembered that Section Chief Wang had mentioned it yesterday, asking him to take a look at the bulletin board.

Back then, Section Chief Wang was acting mysteriously, and I had no idea what he was up to.

Gao Jianguo squeezed in and took a peek.

The large red paper pasted on top reads "Notice Regarding the Establishment of a Core Militia Team in Our Factory".

The gist of the text is that, in order to adapt to the needs of the struggle, and in accordance with the requirements of the district's People's Armed Forces Department, the factory established a core militia team. After research by the Security Department and approval from the factory leaders, the list of commanders is as follows.

The captain's name was listed as Li Jianguo, head of the training section of the security department.

The vice-captain lined up three people.

Gao Jianguo's name was listed, followed by a description: Level 10 Technician of the Technical Department, Combat Hero, First-Class Merit Recipient.

So that's what happened.

Section Chief Wang is quick and efficient; he gets things done without any hesitation or pretense.

He was the captain himself, and there were three vice-captains, one of whom was Gao Jianguo.

To avoid gossip, he even added the words "combat hero" to the end of his profile.

Gao Jianguo looked on, feeling a little embarrassed and ashamed.

The chatter at the beginning of the announcement was mostly from female workers expressing their opinions.

All the firepower was focused on Gao Jianguo.

"Who is Gao Jianguo? I've never heard of him before."

"I don't know, but I heard there's a young man surnamed Gao in the technical department who was assigned here. A level 10 technician? A deputy team leader? He doesn't seem capable for his age."

"That might be it. He's a legitimate university graduate, so a higher professional title makes sense."

"So young to be the vice-captain, must have been pushed into that position by some powerful family."

"Are you blind? It says so on the back: combat hero, first-class meritorious service recipient. If you're so capable, why don't you bring one back yourself?"

"What does he look like? Is he handsome?"

"I heard she's pretty, like a student."

"You brat, are you thinking about men again? Have you no shame?"

"It's a new society now, is dating illegal? I'm just thinking about it, so what? What if she really likes me? I just joined the factory and became a deputy team leader, what will my future be like?"

Hearing this, Gao Jianguo remained silent, but felt very pleased.

What the female worker who said this looks like is one thing, but having someone praise her like that behind her back makes anyone feel flattered.

There was a man nearby who probably had designs on the female worker; he snorted.

"Come on, didn't you see it says 'combat hero'? He's definitely a big, strong guy, with broad shoulders and a muscular build, the kind where you can put a table on your shoulders and ride a horse on your arms."

Gao Jianguo couldn't hold back any longer.

This bastard is deliberately trying to ruin my image; he's killing me by destroying my spirit!

It is tolerable and unbearable.

He raised his hand and patted the old man on the shoulder.

"Hello comrade, I am Gao Jianguo."

The man froze on the spot.

The awkward situation of "speak of the devil and he appears" is not something you encounter every day.

Especially when they're saying something offensive.

He opened his mouth for a long time, only managing to say "ah ah ah," his tongue tied in knots.

The female worker who had just been talking about freedom of love screamed, her face turning bright red, and she turned and ran away.

She was left standing there, surrounded by a group of middle-aged women who pointed at her retreating figure, stomping their feet and laughing until their stomachs hurt.

Gao Jianguo vented his anger, his wicked pleasure had been satisfied, and he felt cheerful all morning.

I also took some time to visit the Training Section of the Security Department to thank Section Chief Wang in person.

At 2 p.m., music started playing, and the voice of the publicity department announcer filled the air above the factory area.

At that time, Yu Haitang had not yet joined the factory as an announcer; she was still studying at school.

Good news! Good news!

"Responding to the call, our factory's technical department thought of what the masses thought and was anxious about what the masses were anxious about. We raised funds and organized manpower. Under the care of the factory leaders, Deputy Director Zhao Lei, Technician Gao Jianguo, and Technician Yu Xiaofeng worked hard to develop a new type of stove. This stove can save more than 10% of coal and has the following characteristics..."

"The birth of this achievement is a testament to the deep commitment of our factory's employees to serving the people, and a manifestation of our dedication to serving the people..."

"To recognize the outstanding contributions of the three comrades, the factory leadership has decided to award them the title of 'Advanced Worker' for this year, and to award Zhao Lei and Gao Jianguo each a bicycle ticket and a cash prize of 5 yuan, and Yu Xiaofeng a bicycle ticket. Furthermore, this achievement will be submitted to the municipal industrial authorities along with other research projects of our factory for consideration in science and technology awards."

"We hope these three comrades will continue their efforts... and we also hope that all colleagues in the factory will take them as role models... and in our future work, better serve the people and contribute to the construction of our motherland."

The good news was broadcast three times in a row over the loudspeaker.

The number three is indeed strange. When you encounter something that needs to be done repeatedly and you're unsure how many times, it will most likely be done three times.

Gao Jianguo listened intently.

Just when you're feeling sleepy, a pillow is delivered to your door; things are looking up regarding the bicycle.

He also realized that he had underestimated the importance of original inventions in this day and age.

Not to mention that this is something that is tied to the daily lives of thousands of households, saving money and reducing costs, so that everyone can benefit.

Energy and food are always two ropes that choke society.

Even if any one of your heads takes a tiny step forward, it's enough for people to gossip about it for ages.

With the technological foundation of this era not being solid, Gao Jianguo's use of future standards to measure the present is somewhat misguided.

He recalled something his mentor had boasted about in his past life.

My supervisor has reviewed high-tech enterprises and has seen a company that assembles the most basic thermally broken aluminum alloy doors and windows, yet it still managed to get into the re-examination despite being labeled as an energy-saving enterprise.

That company ultimately failed to overcome the obstacle.

However, this incident illustrates one point: as long as you're associated with the word "energy conservation," you'll be looked up to everywhere.

You have to get close to see that piece of paper on the bulletin board.

But the good news coming from the loudspeaker was heard by everyone in the factory, down to the smallest fly.

The name "Gao Jianguo" left its first real mark on the minds of the factory workers.

Leaving aside the gossip and idle chatter from various departments and workshops, those who personally witnessed the militia's announcement this morning were all chuckling to themselves.

"Militia deputy captain, level 10 technician, advanced worker. If Gao Jianguo were my boyfriend, that would be wonderful."

"Look, there's a basin of water up ahead. Go and see your face reflected in it."

"This guy is really weird. He's good at martial arts, and he's also good at academics. Where did this monster come from?"

"What monster? That's a star spirit descended to earth! You can't even flatter properly, no wonder you'll be a third-rate fitter your whole life!"

"You, a mere second-level lathe operator, dare to talk back to me? Stop right there!"

In Gao Jianguo's office, the room was filled with congratulatory voices.

Deputy Section Chief Zhao and Yu Xiaofeng even came all the way from their own rooms to express their gratitude in person.

In the small vacuum induction furnace laboratory, several people who were preparing electrodes and working on thermocouple projects kept their hands busy, their eyes shining.

There is hope for the days ahead.