Li Jianjun was stunned by the workshop director's words. He had never imagined that he would be asked to take on an apprentice.
For the past few years, he had been working alone. When had he ever taken on an apprentice? However, he considered that he was now a Level 6 Fitter. Surely, taking on an apprentice wouldn't be such a big deal? After all, many Level 4 fitters at the Rolling Mill were already training apprentices, and he was already at Level 6.
Furthermore, he felt that having an apprentice could actually be beneficial. For instance, when there was a heavy workload, he could have his apprentice assist him, which might effectively lighten his own burden. There were errands to run, as well. Thinking this over, Li Jianjun decided that taking on an apprentice didn't seem like a bad idea after all.
He then looked at the young man the workshop director had brought over. He was tall and burly, but he looked honest and simple-minded. He shouldn't be a bad person, right?
With that thought, Li Jianjun agreed immediately.
"Director, I agree."
Upon hearing this, the workshop director was delighted. Nothing could be better than having Li Jianjun take him under his wing. In the workshop, Li Jianjun was the one he valued most. In just a few short years, to go from a temporary worker to a Level 6 Fitter—that was truly impressive. Under normal circumstances, it would take others a dozen years, or even twenty or thirty, to reach such an achievement.
"Very well, Li Jianjun, this lad is in your hands now."
With that, he walked away, looking quite pleased.
Once he had left, Li Jianjun turned his attention to Zhou Dashan, who really did look like a mountain of a man.
"Zhou Dashan, is it?" Li Jianjun asked.
"Yes, Master," Zhou Dashan replied quickly.Before arriving, his uncle had told him that Li Jianjun was the most promising Level 8 Fitter, and since he was still young, his future was bound to be limitless.
Following him would certainly lead to learning a great deal of skill.
"How old are you?" Li Jianjun asked.
"I’m nineteen this year," Zhou Dashan replied.
"Good. I started working at the Rolling Mill at about that same age. As long as you study hard and don't try to slack off or cut corners, I guarantee you’ll learn a trade," Li Jianjun said.
Although the boy looked honest and simple, a warning was still necessary. If he studied diligently, he would teach him well; if not, he would have no choice but to dismiss him as an apprentice.
"I will definitely work hard," Zhou Dashan nodded quickly.
"Good. Let’s get to work!"
Li Jianjun began working while teaching Zhou Dashan some of the basics. In truth, work in the workshop was quite grueling, especially for fitters and blacksmiths like them; Li Jianjun had once been in the same position.
But things were better now. With an apprentice, he could feel that his workload had lightened significantly.
"It seems having an apprentice is for the best; the work is much easier indeed."
"Sigh!"
"I regret it now. If I’d known, I should have taken on an apprentice back when I was a Level 4 Fitter. I wouldn't have had to suffer through so much hard work back then."
Li Jianjun thought to himself.
...
In the afternoon, Li Jianjun gave Zhou Dashan some instructions, telling him to focus on practicing what he had been taught that day, while he himself went to request leave.
"Li Jianjun? You want to take leave? Where are you going?" the workshop director asked, puzzled.
He knew that in the past, Li Jianjun rarely ever asked for time off."I’m thinking of buying a bicycle so I won't have to spend so much time commuting," Li Jianjun explained with a smile.
"A bicycle?"
"You really should get one."
"Oh, that’s right—I happen to have a bicycle voucher here. I’ll give it to you." The workshop director seemed to recall something, then took the bicycle voucher and placed it into Li Jianjun's hands.
He had received this voucher from Director Yang back when he had first been promoted to workshop director. Now, it was perfect to pass on to Li Jianjun.
"Director, is this really necessary?" Li Jianjun quickly declined.
"Just take it. My good-for-nothing nephew still needs your help and guidance, which is such a bother for you," the workshop director said. "Alright, go on now!"
"..."
Hearing this, Li Jianjun had no choice but to go buy the bicycle. Still, he felt a sense of gratitude; the director was a decent man. He left the workshop shortly after.
Arriving at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, Li Jianjun saw three brands of bicycles: Permanent, Er-ba, and Phoenix. They all looked quite impressive. He chose a Permanent bicycle, which cost him 165 yuan and the bicycle voucher.
He then went to get it registered. In this era, registering a bike was just like registering a car in the future; it had to be officially recorded, and there was even a three-yuan annual maintenance fee.
An hour later, Li Jianjun finally finished all the paperwork. Everything was set.
"Phew! That wasn't easy! After all these years, I finally have a bicycle of my own," Li Jianjun thought, feeling a thrill of excitement.
He spent the afternoon cruising around on his bike. He instantly became the most stylish guy on the street; the bike was so eye-catching that he could feel the envy of everyone he passed.
"Look at that! This young man actually bought a brand-new bicycle? And it’s a Permanent, too!"
"Tsk, tsk! It’s truly beautiful."
"He must be the son of some high-ranking official. Otherwise, how could someone so young afford to buy a bicycle?"
"..."
People whispered and chattered as he passed. Li Jianjun heard them, and to his surprise, he actually felt a sense of satisfaction. He didn't know if it was because he’d been here so long that he was starting to internalize these values, but he felt quite pleased.
Seeing that it was still early, Li Jianjun decided to visit the palace ruins and a few parks. He never used to have time for leisure, but since he had the time today, he figured he should see the sights.
By late afternoon, he bought some groceries and headed back to the Courtyard. It was a day worth celebrating, so buying a bit extra food was only fitting.
It didn't take long before Li Jianjun rode his bicycle back to the Courtyard. His arrival caused an immediate sensation—this was a bicycle, after all! It was the first bicycle in the entire Courtyard. One had to realize that even Yi Zhonghai, a Level 8 Fitter, hadn't bought one yet, yet here was Li Jianjun, who had.
News of Li Jianjun's purchase spread through the Courtyard in an instant. Residents poured out of their homes, all eager to catch a glimpse of the bike.
"Li Jianjun? You actually bought a bicycle?"
Yan Bugui was the first to speak. Since he lived in the front courtyard, he was naturally the first to see it, but his eyes were wide with disbelief as he asked the question.
"Of course," Li Jianjun replied with a smile. "I happened to come across a bicycle voucher, so I bought it. Now I won't have to spend so much time getting to work."