Siheyuan: If you ruin the reputation of the whole courtyard, I will move out

"Brother Zhang, good morning, are you out for a run?" Qin Huairu handled the situation well as an actress. Facing the changes of yesterday, she still greeted Zhang Yu calmly. Zhang Yu wiped the sweat from his forehead and replied with a bright smile: "Why doesn't sister-in-law go to the yard?" He asked deliberately even though he knew the whole story. His expression clearly showed that he knew something, which made Qin Huairu feel a little unhappy, but her self-restraint prevented her from showing these emotions.

Qin Huairu knew exactly what Zhang Yu was thinking - he wanted to borrow money. However, she knew that the man in front of her was no ordinary person: "Brother Zhang, if you have any difficulties, please tell me directly. I will do my best to help you within my ability and will never refuse."

Qin Huairu seemed to hesitate for a moment, and said softly: "Xiao Zhang, I have something I want to ask you..."

Zhang Yu had expected this to be her request: "Sister Qin, I also understand that my salary is meager and my basic living expenses are not enough. I am afraid that I can't give you too much help with your working capital."

Seeing Qin Huairu's tender and helpless look, He Yuzhu might have been shaken, but at this moment he smiled at her and said, "Sister Qin, it's not that I don't want to help. Everyone knows my situation - my income and expenditure can only sustain my life, and it's really difficult for me to have extra funds to give you."

After saying this, Zhang Yu resolutely turned around and left. He chose to avoid the complicated emotional entanglement. As the dawn broke, people in the courtyard woke up one after another. As a single man, he was not willing to get caught up in the lonely pleading of the neighbor's mistress.

Back in the house, Zhang Yu boiled some water, packed up his things, and changed into clean clothes to get ready for work. It was not far from his residence to the Red Star Steel Plant, and it only took more than ten minutes to walk.

Along the way, he would chat and laugh with familiar friends, nod and smile to show politeness when he met strangers, and try his best to keep a low profile so as not to attract too much attention. At this time, he noticed that Qin Huairu and He Yuzhu were together, and seemed to be seeking his support.

I thought to myself: "The nickname Yuzhu is really appropriate. Marrying a wife is simply a luxury for him."

I went to the driving department of the factory and found that there were only five colleagues there. In that era, driving skills were not a must. If it were not for the Red Star Steel Plant, a large state-owned factory, it would have been difficult to maintain so many drivers with such a background.

As soon as he entered the office, Zhang Yu started to work, actively wiping the tables and chairs and cleaning the environment, showing his proactive side. Seeing Zhang Yu like this, squad leader Liu Xianjin was filled with satisfaction and walked up to greet him cordially.

"Young man, why did you arrive so early today?" Zhang Yu's glass of water was full, and the monitor's smile seemed even happier.

"Master, is there any cargo delivery that I can do?" Zhang Yu stopped and asked, looking a little surprised.

Hearing this, Liu Xianjin replied happily: "Oh, did you forget? Today is the day for your assessment, remember to perform well!"

Workers are assessed at levels from 1 to 8. For example, fitter Yi Zhonghai only gets 8 yuan a month when he reaches level 99. However, drivers are assessed at levels based on five levels, and new drivers need to drive a car for two years under the guidance of a master before they are considered to be formally employed.

After two years, novice drivers can take the junior level five driver's license test organized by the traffic management department. This upgrade represents their graduation and can double their income to 43.5 yuan, a significant increase.

Zhang Yu, who was once a transport soldier in the army, is proficient in driving skills. If he wants to become a factory driver after retirement, he also needs two years of internship and receives a monthly internship salary of 27 yuan. At this critical moment, he has made full preparations for the exam.

At that time, the driver's license review included a theoretical test on driving on a real road and vehicle maintenance. Since the relevant assessment had been done when the driver's license was applied for, there was no need for a repeated check. Zhang Yu paid special attention to the knowledge of vehicle maintenance, because among many professional subjects, the teaching of teacher Liu Xianjin was the part where he gained the most.

They stayed in the parking area for half an hour, and then Zhang Yu and Liu Xianjin drove the factory truck to the vehicle management department for assessment. This driving level assessment is of great significance to truck drivers. The team leader will also be present and bring a job recommendation letter issued by the factory. The whole process is meticulous.

Every year, the traffic management department only opens the application window twice, and registration is required at least three months in advance. The number of people who participate in and pass the driving test is relatively limited.

Back in the 1960s, truck driving was a well-paid but risky profession, and people even said they were reluctant to give up their jobs in the cab even at the county level.

In the following story development, "The Love in the Siheyuan" continues: In order to let Qin Huairu's child Banggeng have a job, He Zhu, who is demented but only wants the best for Banggeng, goes to high-level officials for help. Banggeng takes this opportunity to enter the ** department to learn driving, which opens a turning point in his life.

Thanks to this precious opportunity, Banggeng was full of gratitude towards the mentally retarded He Zhu, and his attitude towards life changed dramatically, because at that time, even if it was a job as a civil servant, he would not hesitate to refuse to exchange this extremely precious job.

In fact, the difficulty of obtaining a driver's license in the 60s was more severe than the civil service exam. The Zhang family did not force Zhang Yu to join the army, and the help of Zhang Gui's connections made it possible for him to become a professional driver. After entering the steel plant, Zhang Yu worked hard to get the opportunity to drive, which was the result of his honing driving skills in the army and accumulating experience in driving a license.

After arriving at the Motor Vehicle Management Center, Zhang Yu found the master in charge of the exam, Mr. Zhang. Holding the notebook tightly in his hand, the two immediately got on the factory vehicle and began actual road driving training.

After getting in the car, Zhang Yu took out a cigarette and handed it to Mr. Zhang, saying, "Master, you've worked hard, would you like to have a cigarette to relax?" Seeing that it was a "Daguo" brand cigarette, Mr. Zhang's eyes sparkled. Then, recognizing the little guy in front of him was Zhang Yu, he said, "Hey, Xiao Zhang, Master Liu Xianjin once mentioned you to me. But now is the exam period, I'm a bit embarrassed to smoke."

This scene made Zhang Yu feel a little uncomfortable. He almost said, "I am still the Zhang you know well," but realizing that the other party had no ill intentions, he stuffed a whole pack of cigarettes into his master's hand and said, "Master, enjoy it slowly after the exam."

The engine starts, the car door closes, and the actual road driving begins. The test is about the fifth-level deputy license driving skills, and the first thing required is to complete basic actions such as parking. In today's era, the test content may include complex side bridge crossings or roundabouts.

Fortunately, Zhang Yu met a master who understood him. He had practiced many times in the simulation field with internal resources. At this moment, the master was watching silently beside him. Only when Zhang Yu demonstrated the operation, he would record it in detail in his notebook and mark the key points from time to time.

"Okay, let's go, drive around the city and come back."

The road driving test at that time was very demanding, covering various environments such as cities, urban-rural junctions, and steep mountain roads. By the time Zhang Yu drove the car to the vehicle management office and handed it in within the time limit, it was already lunch time.

The coach looked at the results in his notes and said to Zhang Yu, "Your driving skills are very good, and your speed is steady and fast." He smiled and told Zhang Yu, "Today's assessment has come to an end. You will need to take a test on basic vehicle maintenance theory in the afternoon. Remember to review it well." Zhang Yu knew that although the coach did not say it explicitly, he was obviously very satisfied with his driving performance.

In the driver's seat, he pulled out a drawer, took out a pack of old tin cigarettes and gave it to the coach, and put it in his pocket. The coach smiled and patted his shoulder, his eyes full of appreciation.

Before leaving, the coach and Liu Xianjin exchanged a few words and returned with satisfaction. Looking at Mr. Zhang leaving, Liu Xianjin showed an approving expression: "Your performance this time was really good, and the coach thinks highly of you."

"It's all thanks to my master's teaching." Zhang Yu responded sincerely.

"If it weren't for your flexible response, how could I help you seize the opportunity of an interview?" Liu Xianjin laughed.

The vehicle maintenance theory test was scheduled for two o'clock in the afternoon. It was lunchtime, and most of the traffic controllers were resting. Liu Xianjin led Zhang Yu to the restaurant to enjoy a steaming mutton hotpot for lunch. Liu Xianjin was satisfied with the taste and had a few drinks. However, in order to prepare for the exam, Zhang Yu restrained his appetite and kept a clear mind. When paying, he only paid 10 yuan, which was more than half a month's salary; two large pieces of mutton platters weighed more than one kilogram. Although life was simple in that era, this amount of food was enough for the two of them. Just for the test, Zhang Yu controlled his eating as much as possible.

At 2:00 p.m., the two arrived at the examination room on time. Master Zhang took Zhang Yu into a closed space. Another 40-year-old man in the room was also taking the test. It was obvious that he was preparing for the exam at the last minute. Before handing out the test papers, Master Zhang took away all the books of the man and gave each of them a bunch of test questions, mainly including basic knowledge of maintenance skills and discussion of automotive engineering. All of them were subjective questions that required one to perform on their own. There were no multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank options.

Zhang Yu was full of confidence and answered the questions fluently, but the man seemed very nervous. His anxiety was obvious when facing the test paper.

This assessment not only tests basic maintenance skills, but also includes a professional in-depth examination, which is extremely practical. Half an hour later, Zhang Yu finished answering most of the questions, and the man, with sweat all over his face, kept quietly looking at Zhang Yu's answers.

The master noticed his behavior and said at the right time: "Dong Daqing, don't peek at other people's papers, otherwise your test results will be cancelled." Although he already knew his intention, he still gave him a kind warning in order to give him one last chance.

Dong Daqing was so shocked that he almost vomited. From then on, he never dared to secretly look at other people's answers again. Another half an hour passed, and Zhang Yu finished reviewing and handed in his own paper first.

Master Zhang glanced at the answer sheet, nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "Zhang Yu, you did very well, just wait for the test results." Hearing this, Zhang Yu left with full confidence and excitement, leaving Dong Daqing emotionally broken, and the pressure in his heart suddenly increased.

Seeing Zhang Yu finish early, Liu Xianjin, who is also a colleague, keenly noticed his excellent performance with his professional knowledge as a teacher, and guessed that his score would be very good this time, so he said to him: "Yu, go back now. We will send the results to the factory by email after they are out, and after the financial department verifies that they are correct, your salary increase is just around the corner."

Zhang Yu was delighted to learn this, because the significance of having a Class 5 driver's license is not only limited to salary increase, but also recognition of his professional ability. When he returned to the fleet, several colleagues congratulated him and gave him envious looks, especially He Zhong, an old driver who could not pass the maintenance theory test.

They stayed in the car for a short time until the end of the get off work day. At this time, a woman walked into the office and cheered when she saw Zhang Yu: "Brother Zhang, you finally showed up. I have been looking for you for a long time and couldn't see you." Her name is Yu Haitang, and she is from Honglu Steel Plant. She is very popular in the workshop with her graceful figure, sweet smile and silver bell-like singing voice.

Yu Haitang's elder sister Lizi was the son and daughter-in-law of Yan Bugui's mansion. She often went in and out of the mansion, so Zhang Yu was familiar with her. Although she was only in her early twenties, she had many suitors due to her work. After getting acquainted with Zhang Yu, she often ran to the driver's cabin to chat. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that she had feelings for Zhang Yu.

As soon as he entered the door, Yu Haitang walked directly to Zhang Yu and said, "Brother Zhang, do you know that our company has an outdoor movie tonight? Do you want to go and watch it?"

Zhang Yu replied calmly: "I'm a little tired after the test today. I plan to go back and rest."

Although Yu Haitang was a little surprised by this response, the twinkle in her eyes showed that she was more curious than disappointed. Seeing this, Liu Xianjin quickly took over the conversation and said, "Xiaoyu did very well in the exam this time, so he should have no problem passing."

Hearing what Liu Xianjin said, Yu Haitang immediately asked excitedly: "If Brother Zhang gets a Class 5 driver's license, will he get a substantial salary increase?"

The veteran driver He Zhong said sourly: "Of course, if you are rated at level five, your monthly salary can be 43.5 yuan!" These figures obviously attracted Yu Haitang's attention: "This is much more than my monthly salary of 18 yuan!"

Then, Haitang said generously: "Brother Yu, remember to celebrate the day you get your driver's license!" However, Zhang Yu frowned slightly, feeling a little resistant to Haitang's enthusiasm. He clearly sensed Haitang's feelings for him, but he chose to keep his distance because he understood that Haitang might not regard him as a favorite.

Although Haitang is good-looking, she is not Zhang Yu's type. On the one hand, he does not like Haitang's lively and proactive personality; on the other hand, after watching the TV show, he knows that seemingly smart women like Haitang are very scheming, always evaluating conditions instead of treating others sincerely.

In the TV series, Haitang maintains a delicate relationship with many men, whether it is He Yuzhu, Xu Damao or the son of the second grandfather, she is considering them. Zhang Yu has no good impression of frivolous and fickle people like Haitang.

What Zhang Yu couldn't accept was that the plot mentioned that Haitang had placed great hopes on He Yuzhu, but Xu Damao intervened and the result fell through, and then she shifted her feelings towards him. This emotional uncertainty made Zhang Yu even more alienated.

Seeing that it was time to get off work, Zhang Yu stood up and said, "Sorry, I have an appointment with Master He in the kitchen, so we have to go back together." After that, he turned and left, leaving Haitang, who was trying to grasp the last glimmer of hope, to watch him go away sadly, and had to stomp her feet several times to vent her dissatisfaction.

The people around, including the 17 people in the car, all watched curiously. The veteran driver He Zhong shook his head and commented: "This Zhang Yu is really hard to impress. There are so many people chasing after him, but he seems completely unmoved."

Others who were also watching agreed: "Indeed, Yu Haitang is beautiful and has a prominent family background. If I were still single, I would have proposed to her a long time ago. Zhang Yu is surprisingly picky. I really don't understand what his standards are." Someone else asked Team Leader Liu in confusion.

Liu Xianjin laughed and scolded: "Blind guessing, Zhang Yu has very high standards, and his conditions will naturally require higher targets. Don't worry about those trivial matters."

He Zhongze joked: "Even if Haitang doesn't impress him, it really makes people wonder what kind of girl he likes?"

Zhang Yu got down from the driver's seat and headed straight for the cafeteria, where he ran into He Yuzhu who was busy tidying up the stove and was about to finish work.

"Brother Zhuzi, you're very busy today!" He stepped into the kitchen and was the first to say hello.

However, when He Yuzhu saw that it was Zhang Yu, he wanted to respond with a smile, but then he remembered something, and the smile on his face suddenly disappeared, and his tone became serious: "This is the kitchen. People who are not involved please leave as soon as possible and do not interfere with our work! Don't think you can do whatever you want." His words were firm and left no room for negotiation.

Zhang Yu was a little surprised and asked curiously, "Hey, what's making you upset?" He noticed that He Yuzhu seemed to be troubled by something.

He Yuzhu asked dissatisfiedly: "Zhang Yu, what did you do to Aunt Qin last night? You must explain clearly what you did to her!" His words were full of doubt.

Zhang Yu thought about it and speculated that it might be Qin Huairu who spread false statements to He Yuzhu.