Siheyuan: A blessed place to start

"Weiguo, wait for me, wait a moment!"

Xiao Weiguo was forced to stop the car with a look of surprise on his face. "What are you doing, Lao Yi? Robbery in the street? I have no money, but my life is at stake! Come and get it if you dare!"

Yi Zhonghai smiled bitterly, "Hey, this is a misunderstanding, I'm going to report to the steel mill today!"

Xiao Weiguo was so shocked that his eyes almost popped out of his head, and he exclaimed that it was a weird news!

"Really?"

Yi Zhonghai glanced at him and said, "Why would I lie to you? Look at the outfit I'm wearing today. I'm reborn! The street office arranged a new job for me. I'll be working in a steel rolling mill as a skilled worker. I don't know how much the salary is, but it's definitely higher than before!"

The louder Lao Yi spoke, the more he spoke, fearing that no one could hear him.

People who worked in the alley went out one after another and were shocked to hear the news.

"Okay, Lao Yi, a blessing in disguise? This makes me wonder why you were beaten. But I have to remind you that once you say this, it will be hard to take it back. Don't let people find out that you are not working at the steel mill at all, but wearing the work clothes of carrying manure. Then, will you still have the face to come back to see the people of your hometown?"

Faced with Xiao Weiguo's provocation, Yi Zhonghai smiled disdainfully.

"Hmph, a daughter who is married off is like spilled water. The men in this city take what they say as a sign of loyalty. I, Old Yi, never brag. Everyone knows that I have skills. I have kept my skills here all these years. So, the street office has specially approved me to re-enter the factory as a skilled worker and make contributions to the factory!"

"Special approval from the street? So you are considered a special talent?"

Xiao Weiguo played a coordinated role, with a look of astonishment and confusion in his eyes, which made Lao Yi even more proud.

So he put his hands around his shoulders and started to talk nonsense, "Man, you really underestimate me. I don't have any other skills, but with these two hands, I can produce workpieces with zero error! Isn't this exactly what the factory needs? I have this skill and I contribute to the factory, isn't that a waste?"

"Besides, as the leader of the factory, you can't just watch me wandering around and ostracize me!"

Yi Zhonghai became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he had returned to his peak period in the 1950s.

Only at this moment did he regain his confidence and his former demeanor.

Xiao Weiguo took a breath of cold air, saying that this old man was not easy to mess with!

But his eyes were still full of disdain. "Come on, Lao Yi, stop flattering me. If you have real ability, I believe no one can drive you out of the factory. But if you are just a hypocritical shell, then I'm not sure. Not to mention that our Labor and Personnel Department will not agree, even the workers will not agree!"

"Oh, you said you have the skills? You have to show your skills. What's the matter? Have you forgotten about the exam? Who was so embarrassed that he almost peed his pants in front of thousands of people? Do I need to remind you? Tsk tsk, that's enough, I won't talk nonsense with you. Let's go, you'll be late for work soon!"

As he said that, Xiao Weiguo got on the 28-inch bicycle and started, and the people behind him also dispersed.

But Lao Yi refused to do it. He had thought that he would return triumphantly after the matter was accomplished in a low-key manner. However, he was teased by Xiao Weiguo early in the morning, which made him so angry that his head was buzzing.

So he swung his long legs and panted to catch up with Xiao Weiguo, "Xiao Weiguo, stop and explain yourself clearly!"

Xiao Weiguo was also stunned. Why is this old man never stopping?

"No, Lao Yi, what's wrong with you? If you want to go back to work at the steel mill, go ahead if you have the ability. Don't brag like we all want to hear it! If bragging doesn't cost you money, you can brag as much as you want!"

After saying that, Xiao Weiguo prepared to ride away on his bike, but Lao Yi held on to the back seat tightly and wouldn't let him leave.

"Chief Xiao, today I will let you see me..."

"What do you want to see? Fine! I'll satisfy you! Just wait!"

After saying that, Xiao Weiguo got out of the car and said, "If you like the car, you can continue to drive it."

More and more people were going to work, and seeing this lively scene, they couldn't help but stop and take a few looks. After all, it had been a long time since there had been such a big commotion on the street in the No. 95 compound.

Good things usually get to be seen by people in the courtyard first, and today they can really feast their eyes.

In full view of everyone, Xiao Weiguo borrowed a large iron basin from Old Zhang's family in Yard 86 and took away a wooden stick from the door.

So they went to the alley and started beating drums and gongs and shouting in front of everyone.

"Everybody pay attention, everybody pay attention, clear your ears so you can't hear me clearly!"

Yi Zhonghai couldn't help but snort and laugh when he saw his attitude, his thoughts were already going through eighty twists and turns.

More and more people gathered in the alley, people going to work, students, and women cleaning at home all came out to watch the fun.

This was the first time that the No. 95 compound had made its debut outdoors, and everyone didn’t want to miss the wonderful scene. They stared at it intently, not wanting to blink.

"Everyone in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, please pay attention! We are going to broadcast a message below. Comrade Yi Zhonghai from Compound No. 95 will soon return to his beloved post due to his excellent skills. Hey, old Yi, what position will you take when you return to the factory?"

Xiao Weiguo asked as he shouted, if it was in the past, Old Yi would have been furious, isn't it shameful? Do you have any face left?

But at this moment, he disliked Xiao Weiguo's voice being too soft, and was afraid that the people at the back could not hear clearly.

Before Yi Zhonghai could speak, those who were watching the fun couldn't wait to watch.

"Chief Xiao, let's not talk too much about this nonsense, and let's not do anything that's not certain!"

The person who spoke was none other than Old Zhang, the manager of the courtyard next door. What he couldn't stand the most in recent years was Yi Zhonghai's hypocritical attitude.

So these words were also said explicitly for Yi Zhonghai to hear.

Xiao Weiguo smacked his lips, wishing he could mobilize every cell in his body to make the sound travel further.

"Uncle Zhang, it seems that you have misjudged Lao Yi. Lao Yi just put aside his lofty words and actions. Look at this set of clothes, which was specially prepared for this special day!"

"Since we live in the same courtyard, I am happy for Lao Yi to have such a happy event. I didn't want to disturb everyone with such a big fanfare, but Lao Yi didn't agree! Well, he is about to take up a position in the factory, and he wants the whole country to know this good news. In this case, I will fulfill your wish, everyone listen carefully!"

After saying that, Xiao Weiguo raised the wooden stick and started knocking towards the basin!

"Good news, good news. Yi Zhonghai from the No. 95 compound will soon report to the steel mill and return to his technical position. This is cause for celebration. Special talents like this are not only cherished by the factory, but we should also cherish them."

"So next time you see Lao Yi, don't say that the dung pickers dislike his stench. We should cherish him with the spirit of a good mentor. Congratulations to Lao Yi for returning to the steel mill. Chen Dapao, go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some firecrackers and set them off!"

The louder the shouting got, the less slanderous Yi Zhonghai felt.