Chapter 54 Unwilling
After a morning of assessment.

More than half of them passed the test, and the results of those level 6 and 7 fitters who took the test were also very good, much better than in previous years.

However, the two who applied for Level 8 all failed because the examination was too difficult.

After returning to the courtyard, Li Jiandong heard the sounds of bowls and basins breaking coming from Yi Zhonghai's house.

When other people in the yard heard the noise, they all ran out to watch the fun.

Yan Bugui blinked and asked, "What's going on? What's wrong with Lao Yi? He even broke the bowl and basin. How much money will this waste?"

Jia Zhang sneered, "What else could it be? I failed the exam today."

Liu Haizhong also sneered: "This old Yi just can't recognize the reality. He is obviously a level 6 fitter, but he really thinks he is level 7 just because he gave people some gifts. I think even if I get promoted to level 7, he may not be able to get promoted."

A few days ago, in order to become the workshop director, Liu Haizhong gave many gifts to his leaders.

As a result, he didn't become the workshop director, and he couldn't get the gift back, so it was all a waste of time.

Now seeing that Yi Zhonghai failed to pass level 7 and couldn't even keep level 6 and had to stay at level 3 for another half a year, Liu Haizhong's heart suddenly felt balanced.

time flies.

In the blink of an eye, it’s July.

Qin Huairu's belly is getting bigger and bigger. These days she has to hold it up even when she walks, otherwise it will sag badly.

Li Jiandong arranged for her to be hospitalized and she waited for her due date in the hospital.

He came to see her every day when he went to and from work, and Qin Huairu's mother Wang Shiyan also came from the countryside to take care of her.

Li Jiandong had just got off work that day.

Xu Huizhen came running from the other side of the street.

"Xu Huizhen, why are you running so fast? Are you going to find Da Qing?"

Xu Huizhen stopped and panted, "Old Li, hurry up and go to the hospital. Your wife has given birth."

Li Jiandong was shocked: "Isn't there still three days left? How come it's advanced?"

immediately,

He said to Jia Dongxu and Yan Jiecheng, "Get out of the car, both of you." Then he stepped on the accelerator and sped away.

When he arrived at the hospital, Li Jiandong trotted all the way to the delivery room.

Almost all the aunties and grandmas in the hospital were waiting outside the delivery room.

Seeing Li Jiandong, the second aunt, the third aunt, Sister Ma, Jia Zhang and others gathered around, those who didn't know would think that these people were relatives of the woman in labor.

"When did you go in? How long has it been?"

Li Jiandong asked nervously.

Before anyone could answer, the door of the delivery room next door creaked open, and the doctor who delivered the baby took off his mask and asked, "Who is the mother's family member?"

"I, I, I am."

Li Jiandong walked over with his hand raised.

"Congratulations, both mother and child are safe. Our people will push the mother to the ward in a while. Please prepare a few more people to help carry her to the bed."

"Okay, thank you, doctor."

When Li Jiandong heard that mother and child were safe, a huge weight of relief fell from his heart.

The group arrived at the ward in a mighty procession. It was a single room that Li Jiandong had arranged for them to be in through his connections.

After a while, the doctor came in pushing a stretcher.
Qin Huairu looked haggard and her complexion changed.

Li Jiandong touched her face and said with some distress: "Huai Ru, you have worked hard."

Qin Huairu curled the corners of her mouth and was in a very good mood.

"Brother Jiandong, it's a son."

"I know I know."

Li Jiandong responded repeatedly.

In fact, he doesn't care whether he has a son or a daughter.

But in this era, the idea of ​​favoring boys over girls is still very serious, especially in rural areas.

Before the child was born, Qin Huairu was very nervous and hoped every day that it was a son.

Now that it has come true, Qin Huairu can finally rest assured.

"I knew it was definitely a boy. Didn't you see how pointed Qin Huairu's belly was when she was pregnant?"

Jia Zhang said with great joy, as if this grandson was her own.

Second Aunt Hu Guiying also laughed and said, "Mrs. Zhang is right. I gave birth to three boys. As soon as Qin Huairu showed signs of pregnancy, I knew it was definitely a boy."

Auntie Wang Chunmei reminded them, "Stop blowing your trumpet and get out of the way and move Huairu to the bed."

The women then stopped talking, made way and pushed the stretcher in.

Then, under the nurse's instruction, they gently placed her on the bed.

After a while, the cleaned child was brought in by the nurse.

The little guy has red skin and looks a bit ugly since he hasn't grown up yet.

Li Jiandong loves his own biological son very much.

He stayed in the hospital until 8 o'clock. Qin Huairu's mother was taking care of her in the hospital. Li Jiandong had to go to work the next day, so he returned to the courtyard.

Yan Bugui and several other men were waiting in the middle courtyard. When they saw Li Jiandong coming back, they went to greet him and said, "Old Li, congratulations."

Liu Haizhong also laughed and said, "Your uncle finally has a successor. Now all three of us uncles have sons."

He Daqing suddenly said with a hint of meaning: "Yes, most people in our hospital give birth to sons, but some people are exceptions. Some people don't even want to have a daughter, let alone a son."

Next door, the lights in Yi Zhonghai's house had been turned off.

After He Daqing finished saying this, there seemed to be a sound of something falling to the ground in the room.

He Daqing chuckled wickedly, and Liu Haizhong pointed at him helplessly.

Yan Bugui asked Li Jiandong, "Old Li, have you decided on a name for your child? What will you call him?"

Li Jiandong had never really thought about naming. After thinking for a while, he said, "My son will be named Li Xunfu, which means to revive China and realize the great rejuvenation of our nation. The next child will be named Li Xunxing, followed by Li Xunzhong and Li Xunhua."

His surname is Li and his generation name is Xun. The first name Li Jiandong thought of was Li Xunhuan.

This name is very good, but it is not suitable for the current era. In this period when the founding of the country and the army is everywhere, giving such a name will make people feel too frivolous.

The name Li Xunfu not only fits the characteristics of the era, but is also not easy to be misused. Relatively speaking, it is also quite unique.

"That's a good name. Reviving China. Old Li, you have a strong sense of honor for your country and family."

Yan Bugui said with a smile that others also thought the name was very good.

Especially for Liu Haizhong, his son is a blessing to him. Compared with Li Jiandong's revival of China, the gap between them is suddenly widened a lot.

It's a pity that his son has grown up, otherwise he would have to change their names.

I've suffered again from my lack of education.

After staying in the hospital for a few days, Li Jiandong took Qin Huairu back to the yard. With the help of two aunts and Xu Huizhen and others to help take care of her, it was much more convenient than staying in the hospital.

Ding Qiunan would come every morning and evening to take Qin Huairu's temperature and heart rate and do a simple check-up.

The key is that there is much more space at home than in a hospital ward, so it is convenient to cook whatever you want.

Weekend morning.

Li Jiandong is washing diapers for his son.

Fabric is so scarce these days that even Li Jiandong doesn't dare to use it once and then throw it away.

Although he has the ability, he cannot give himself up to criticism and arouse envy.

"Hey, Director Zheng, why are you here?"

The voice of Yan Bugui greeting came from the door.

Li Jiandong glanced towards the front yard, put down the half-washed diaper in his hand, and walked out to greet them.

Seeing that Director Zheng was accompanied by an older man, Li Jiandong immediately had some guesses in his mind.

He walked up to her and said, "Director Zheng, why did you come here in person? If there is anything, please arrange for someone to notify me. I have to come to see you."

Director Zheng laughed and said, "I'm just a small street director, I can't be so impressive."

After that, he introduced the older man next to him to Li Jiandong: "This is Professor Meng Liangmeng I told you about. He is my comrade-in-arms who fought with me. Old Meng, this is the Li Jiandong I told you about. Isn't he a good young man?"

Lao Meng nodded and smiled: "He's a nice guy, polite and enthusiastic."

Li Jiandong also said quickly: "Hello, Professor Meng, I didn't know you two were coming today, and I didn't have anything prepared. Let's go inside and sit for a while."

After inviting the person into the house, Li Jiandong asked Jia Dongxu to call Xu Damao.

Qin Huairu was still in bed in the room recuperating after giving birth, and Li Jiandong gave her a brief introduction.

Qin Huairu popped her head out of the room and said hello, and that was it.

The three of them sat in the outer room, and Li Jiandong asked He Daqing for some tea.

When the tea was ready, Xu Damao was called over and called out at the door, "Master."

Li Jiandong waved to him and said, "Da Mao, come in quickly and meet Director Zheng and Professor Meng."

"Director Zheng, hello, Professor Meng."

Xu Damao is respectful and polite. Li Jiandong never worries about Xu Damao when it comes to dealing with people, as this is his strong point.

Professor Meng was a decisive man. As soon as they met, he went straight to the point and asked Xu Damao some questions about farming.

It's not something too professional. Anyone who has worked on the farm can basically answer this question.

Xu Damao lived up to Professor Meng's expectations and gave an answer that satisfied him very much.

Being so young and willing to go to the countryside to farm speaks volumes.

For Professor Meng, everything else can be learned, but his passion for farmland is the most precious.

Xu Damao’s entry into the Agricultural Research Institute was settled.

At noon, Li Jiandong asked He Daqing to prepare some delicious dishes and invited Director Zheng and Professor Meng to have lunch together.

After eating and drinking, Li Jiandong took Xu Damao to see the two off.

In the alley, Li Jiandong took out two bicycle tickets and stuffed them into Director Zheng's pocket.

Director Zheng took it out, frowned and said, "Old Li, what are you doing?"

Li Jiandong smiled and said, "Director Zheng, don't get me wrong. The reason why I didn't take it out before Professor Meng agreed to accept Damao into the Agricultural Research Institute was because I was afraid that you would think that I was bribing you for Damao's matter."

After hearing what Li Jiandong said, Director Zheng's expression softened.

Giving gifts is also an art.

The nature of early delivery and late delivery is completely different.
Giving it beforehand is a bribe, while giving it afterward is more of a thank you.

And bicycle tickets and money are not the same thing.

This thing is very valuable and is sold for dozens of dollars per piece on the black market.

But legally speaking, this type of ticket itself has no value, and buying and selling is not allowed, so even if you accept it, it will not violate the regulations at all.

But Director Zheng still refused: "I can't accept such a valuable thing from you."

Li Jiandong smiled and said, "You are too polite. These bicycle tickets are issued by the factory and have no value. I gave one to you and Professor Meng. I think it's shabby. If you hadn't come so suddenly today, I would have prepared something valuable. Two bicycle tickets are nothing."

When Director Zheng heard this, he accepted it to some extent.

The streets are different from steel mills. Although there are many people in charge, there are not many people actually working there.

The bicycles are all provided for official vehicles, and there are only a few left as rewards for cadres and staff.

Director Zheng is a leader who cares about his subordinates. In the past two years, the few bicycle tickets issued to the street by the higher authorities were all distributed by him to his subordinates. Therefore, he himself still does not have a bicycle. This is why Li Jiandong gave him a bicycle ticket. Gifts should touch the other person's heart.

"Okay, then I'll take advantage of you."

After some hesitation, Director Zheng finally accepted it.

Of course, it was also because he had a good impression of Li Jiandong. If someone else gave it to him, he might not accept it no matter how nice the gift was.

A few days later, Xu Damao left with Professor Meng.

Information technology is not well developed nowadays, and once you leave, you don’t know when you will be able to contact us again.

However, through the apprentice system, Li Jiandong can see Xu Damao's progress every day.

I have to say that the Agricultural Research Institute has chosen the right path.

Xu Damao gained experience here much faster than when he was doing farm work in Xujiatuan. With a hundred times the experience gained, Li Jiandong's agricultural skills also improved rapidly, reaching level 8 in just a few months.

Entering July.

The earth turns yellow, this is the season of harvest, and also the season when thousands of students rush to cross the single-plank bridge.

Liu Guangqi performed well and was admitted to Hohai University with excellent grades. The major he chose was naturally chosen by Li Jiandong: Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering.

On the day he received the admission letter, Liu Haizhong was so proud that he told everyone he met that his son was a college student.

Yan Bugui likes to hear this kind of words the most.

Because a happy event means treating everyone to a meal, so after going up to congratulate a few words, they start thinking about taking advantage.
"Old Liu, your Guangqi got admitted to university. It's such a big deal, shouldn't you set up a few tables to celebrate?"

Liu Haizhong's face changed immediately.

He just wanted to show off verbally but didn't want to spend any extra money. Even if he celebrated, it would be a celebration among his own family behind closed doors. What does it have to do with others?

He Daqing has no moral integrity and is fanning the flames.
"How can we set up a few tables? It's not easy for our college to produce a college student. If we want to invite everyone, we should invite at least ten tables."

Liu Haizhong's face turned even darker. Even if each table costs two yuan, ten tables would cost 20 yuan. Isn't this just treating himself like a pig?
"I agree with Daqing. If you want to invite everyone, invite the whole hospital. If you are reluctant to spend the money, Lao Liu, I can help you pay for it."

Li Jiandong also wanted to celebrate for Liu Guangqi. It was not easy for the academy to produce a college student, let alone his apprentice.

Having said so much, there was no way Liu Haizhong would let him pay.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, the whole hospital is fine. My Guangqi is so proud, everyone in the hospital should envy him."

"Okay, then you pay, I'll go buy the groceries."

He Daqing asked for money.

Liu Haizhong took out some money with a painful heart, counted out 15 yuan to He Daqing and said, "This is all the money, you can buy whatever you want."

A table costs 1 yuan, so it's not impossible to lower the standard a bit, but it will be a bit difficult to get meat dishes.

Li Jiandong also knew that Liu Haizhong's family had three sons, and although they had no pressure in life, they did not dare to spend lavishly.

So he took out 15 yuan from his pocket and gave it to He Daqing.

"Take it, Daqing, and buy more meat so that everyone can eat and drink well."

Liu Haizhong felt a little embarrassed, "No, Lao Li, it's not Chinese New Year, and the street doesn't encourage extravagance and waste."

Li Jiandong smiled and said, "Guangqi was admitted to university, and as his master, I am proud of him. Besides, it is not a waste as long as we finish eating it. Don't you think so, Old Yan of the Qing Dynasty?"

Yan Bugui said cheerfully, "Yes, it won't be a waste if we eat it all."

He Daqing even laughed and said, "I make so many entertaining dishes every month. If we talk about waste, they waste more than us. This kind of thing is just for people to hear. They say one thing and do another. Anyone who believes it is a fool."

Liu Haizhong didn't say anything more.

When it was almost evening, Liu Haizhong finally rang the bell and announced that he would treat everyone to a meal to celebrate Liu Guangqi's admission to university.
Upon hearing that there was another banquet, the residents in the courtyard were overjoyed.

"Okay, I can have a good meal again."

"Don't think that Lao Liu is just pretending all the time. He really does deliver when the time comes."

The residents walked towards the tavern dormitory building in groups of three or four, talking to each other.

He Daqing had already prepared the meal over there.

Liu Guangqi also moved into the dormitory building.

He was the protagonist today. He served the dishes faster than anyone else. He looked so happy but was sweating profusely despite being tired.

When Li Jiandong, Liu Haizhong and others arrived, the residents in the courtyard were already seated.

Li Jiandong nudged Liu Haizhong with his elbow and said, "Lao Liu, you are the father of a college student, why don't you say a few words to everyone?"

Liu Haizhong suddenly felt a little shy.

He grinned and said, "There's nothing much to say. My Guangqi worked hard and got admitted to university. We are happy today. Let's eat and drink well."

He is worthy of being a fool who graduated from elementary school. He can't even speak a few polite words.

But this 30-yuan banquet was enough, and few people cared about what he said.

"Let's eat."

Li Jiandong waved his hand.

The meal lasted until eight o'clock in the evening. After eating and drinking, Li Jiandong called Liu Guangqi over.

"Master, thank you."

Liu Guangqi said gratefully.

Li Jiandong knew that this was because he had persuaded Liu Haizhong to give up the idea of ​​sending the second aunt to go to college with her son. He smiled and took out a watch from his pocket and handed it to Liu Guangqi.

"This is a gift from 0 for you to get into college. Try it on and see if it looks good on you."

When Liu Guangqi saw the watch, his eyes lit up.

This was one of the famous three turns and one ring, something he dared not even think about as a student.

"Master, this is too expensive. I dare not accept it."

Liu Guangqi said honestly.

A watch can cost seventy or eighty yuan at the cheapest, or several hundred yuan at the most expensive, which is more expensive than a bicycle.

As Li Jiandong's apprentice, he should be filial to his master. How dare he take such an expensive gift from his master?
"Here you go, take it."

Li Jiandong grabbed his hand and forcibly put the watch on Liu Guangqi's wrist, "Guangqi, do you know why I gave you the watch?"

Liu Guangqi shook his head.

"I want to use this watch to remind you to have a sense of time, not to waste time, to study hard in school, and not to leave regrets in the future."

Liu Guangqi felt warm in his heart and said solemnly: "Master, thank you for your teachings. I will definitely not let you down."

"Well, Master believes you can do it."

Li Jiandong said with a smile.

Ding Qiunan had been waiting nearby and saw Li Jiandong and Liu Guangqi finish their business.

He came to Li Jiandong and said, "Master, do you have time now? I have something to tell you."

Li Jiandong looked at Ding Qiunan and asked, "What's the matter?"

Ding Qiunan said shyly, "It's about me going to college. My grades are good enough to go to school."

"But, I'm already working, and I need a letter of introduction from my employer to let me go. There are only a few days left before the registration deadline. Do you think it's possible..."

"Please ask around at the factory for me. Maybe someone has missed me."

Li Jiandong nodded seriously: "Don't worry, I will go to see Director Dai when I get to work tomorrow."

"Thank you, Master."

With his master's words, Ding Qiunan felt relieved.

The men drank too much and went back to rest early, while the women cleaned up the mess.

the next day.

Li Jiandong came to the steel rolling mill and went to the administrative office in the office building after the morning meeting.

Director Dai saw that it was him, smiled and gestured to Li Jiandong to find a place to sit.
"Director Li, what brings you here today? Is there something wrong?"

The Political Affairs Office is responsible for personnel matters and the transfer of cadres and workers, and is considered the most important department in the steel rolling mill.

Director Dai is also the first director and a strong candidate for the next deputy factory director. In comparison, Li Jiandong, the workshop director, is two levels lower.

Although Li Jiandong, the workshop director, is also called director.

But in fact, they are not real cadres, but rather staff members, that is, at the clerk level.

There are 24 levels of cadres, and those above level 18 are cadres. The lowest level is deputy section level. Levels 18 to 24 are clerks, which are 6 levels of clerks, equivalent to ordinary civil servants, and are people who do things.

Most workshop directors dare not sit in front of Director Dai.

However, Li Jiandong is not just a level 24 clerk or workshop director.

He is still an awesome level 8 fitter.

Therefore, Director Dai was more polite to him than to other directors.

Li Jiandong sat down opposite Director Dai and said, "Director Dai, I have an apprentice named Ding Qiunan, who is an intern doctor in our factory's medical office."

"She was admitted to medical school this year, and asked me to come and get our factory's opinion."

Li Jiandong's words were rather tactful, but a leader of Director Dai's level would definitely understand what he meant.

"Oh, Ding Qiunan, I seem to have seen this name a few days ago. Let me look for it later. I think there is a letter of introduction for her to go to university."

Director Dai opened the drawer and rummaged through it, and soon found Ding Qiunan's letter of introduction.

He handed it to Li Jiandong with a smile and said, "There are quite a few such letters of introduction every July, and it is a big project to review them. Your disciple must be waiting anxiously, right?"

Li Jiandong smiled slightly: "Young people can't help but lose their temper."

"Then Director Dai, you are busy, I won't disturb you from working."

After receiving the letter of introduction, Li Jiandong stood up and said goodbye.

The infirmary is not far from Workshop 7.

Li Jiandong went straight to find Ding Qiunan.

When Ding Qiunan saw the letter of introduction, he finally felt relieved.

"Master, thank you."

"You don't have to be so polite if you call me Master. This is a gift for you. You must work hard when you go to college."

Li Jiandong gave Liu Guangqi a watch, and he couldn't favor one over the other, so he also bought one for Ding Qiunan.

This is the first time I have received such an expensive gift.

Ding Qiunan was a little at a loss, but after learning that Liu Guangqi also had one, she carefully accepted it.

After returning to the courtyard, Li Jiandong gathered his apprentices to celebrate Ding Qiunan's admission to university.

After all, she was not an official resident of the compound, so she didn't invite too many people.

Jia Dongxu saw the watches on Ding Qiunan and Liu Guangqi's hands and said with some envy:

"Master, we are both your disciples, so why don't I and He Chengzhu have watches?"

Yan Jiecheng also joined in the fun: "Yes, Master, you can't be partial."

Sha Zhu didn't say anything. He didn't like carrying complicated things with him.

(End of this chapter)