The sky collapsed, and in the blink of an eye, I found myself transported to Nanluoguxiang.

After leaving Director Xie's house, Li Kaixin was already planning to go to his master's house next.

Carrying the package containing the gun and the return gift, he found a secluded corner where no one was paying attention, as usual. With a sudden thought, the cloth bag and the cigarettes and tea in his hand disappeared.

Next, he took out mountain produce, pheasant and Fenjiu liquor from the secret realm again. Thinking that his master treated him like his own child, Li Kaixin adjusted the quantities and got ten catties of tiger meat.

Following the address given by Director Xie, Li Kaixin arrived at the gate of a courtyard house in the south of the city.

Just as I was about to enter the courtyard, I was stopped by an old lady at the gate.

The older woman sized up the unfamiliar young man, her gaze lingering on the large and small bags in his hands.

He asked warily, "Young man, who are you looking for? I've never seen you around here before."

Li Kaixin immediately put on a sincere smile: "Auntie, I'm here to see my master, Chen Dabing. Do you know where he lives?"

The woman slapped her thigh, her wariness instantly turning into enthusiasm.

"Master Chen?"

"You should have said so earlier! Master Chen lives in the first room on the right in the backyard. Are you his new apprentice?"

After saying that, she stepped aside to make way, but her eyes remained fixed on what Li Kaixin was holding.

Yes, that's right.

While agreeing, Li Kaixin pretended to take something out of his pocket, but actually grabbed a handful of walnuts from the secret realm and stuffed them into the old lady's hand.

"Auntie, please try this local specialty."

The woman accepted it with a beaming smile, and immediately became very friendly.

"Oh, you're such a thoughtful child!"

"Come on, let me show you there. This courtyard is big; it might be hard for you to find since it's your first time here."

He then led the way, passing through the front yard and into a spacious courtyard.

As soon as they arrived in the backyard, the woman raised her voice and shouted towards the room on the right, "Master Chen! Master Chen! Your apprentice has come to see you!"

Before he could finish speaking, the door to that room creaked open.

Master Chen leaned out and saw Li Kaixin, clearly startled for a moment.

Li Kaixin first thanked the elderly woman who had led the way.

He then quickly walked up to his master and respectfully greeted him, "Master."

Seeing that there was nothing more for her to do, the old woman happily walked back home with the walnuts in her pocket.

He kept muttering, "Master Chen is so lucky to have such a sensible apprentice."

Master Chen then came to his senses and looked at the things in Li Kaixin's hands, saying, "Why did you bring so much stuff to my house? Take it all back later!"

His tone was reproachful, but his eyes were gentle.

Li Kaixin chuckled and said, "Master, this is my first time visiting, I can't come empty-handed. Besides, these were all brought back from Northeast China. I was afraid you wouldn't be able to carry them, so I didn't give them to you..."

Just then, a gentle female voice came from inside the house: "Dabing, is that your apprentice? Why are they all standing outside talking?"

As the voice spoke, a middle-aged woman, around forty years old, with gentle features, came out of the house.

Hearing the noise, Mr. Chen turned to his wife and smiled, "This is the happiness I told you about."

He then introduced Li Kaixin: "This is your teacher's wife, Xu Xin."

Li Kaixin quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Hello, Master's wife, my name is Li Kaixin."

Mrs. Xu was taken aback by Li Kaixin's bow, then laughed, "This child, you're too polite. Come inside and talk, don't stand outside."

Li Kaixin responded and quickly followed him into the house, carefully placing the gifts on the octagonal table by the window.

Master Chen looked at those things, shook his head helplessly, but didn't say anything more.

Mrs. Xu poured a glass of water for each of them and said gently, "You two chat, I still have some work to do in the inner room."

After his wife entered the inner room, Master Chen sat down at the table and gestured for Li Kaixin to sit down as well.

Master Chen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked, "Have you read the notebook I gave you?"

Li Kaixin scratched his head sheepishly: "I've been so busy these past few days that I haven't had a chance to look at it closely."

Master Chen nodded, not blaming him: "Take a look when you have time. Some of the tips in there may not be entirely correct, but they can still be useful for beginners."

"I understand, Master," Li Kaixin replied earnestly.

Remembering what his master's wife had said earlier, he asked curiously, "Master, from what you're saying, I have a senior brother? How come I've never seen him at the transport station?"

Master Chen said with a hint of pride, "Oh, you have two older brothers above you. After they got their driver's licenses and became full-fledged drivers a few years ago, they were recruited by the steel rolling mill."

Li Kaixin suddenly realized what was going on and immediately asked the question that concerned her most: "Master, how difficult is it to get a driver's license?"

Master Chen was taken aback upon hearing this, and looked at Li Kaixin with a puzzled expression, saying, "Kaixin, this is still a long way off for you. According to the rules, I have to work as a driver for at least a year before I can apply for the exam."

Li Kaixin then explained the whole story.

"Master, this is what happened."

"Didn't I spot the bandits we encountered yesterday first?"

"Captain Wang then took me to see the station chief. One of the station's rewards was a spot in the exam, which would be available in about two weeks."

Master Chen murmured thoughtfully, "Indeed, you've done a good job this time, the station should show its appreciation..."

Then, his gaze turned strange as he looked at Li Kaixin and said, "However, giving you this reward as a newcomer is a bit impractical."

Li Kaixin remained silent to the side, not responding to her master's words.

Then, Master Chen put down his teacup, stared at Li Kaixin, and said with a determined look:

"But now that we've been given this opportunity, we have to take it seriously. Whether we pass the exam or not is another matter, but we must have the right attitude."

"When you come back from your holiday the day after tomorrow, I'll give you extra help and explain things to you specifically."

Hearing his master's words, Li Kaixin perked up and straightened his back, saying, "Thank you, Master! I will definitely study hard!"

The time that followed.

The master and apprentice chatted about some trivial matters concerning the transport team. After about half an hour, Li Kaixin got up to say goodbye.

At this moment, Madam Xu also came out from the inner room and warmly invited her to stay, saying, "Kaixin, why don't you have dinner before you leave? Madam Xu will go and cook now."

Li Kaixin quickly waved his hand at his teacher's wife, "Teacher's wife, no, no. I still have to visit an elder. I'll definitely come next time."

Then, he joked, "I'm afraid that my master and mistress might complain that I eat too much and kick me out of the house, not letting me in."

These words made Mr. Chen and his wife laugh.

Madam Xu scolded, "This child, talking nonsense. Do you think you'll go hungry at your master's and mistress's house?"

Master Chen patted Li Kaixin on the shoulder and said, "Let's go, I'll see you out."

The master and apprentice chatted as they walked to the courtyard gate.

Before parting, Master Chen gave him another piece of advice:

"Remember to prepare well. Take some time these next couple of days to review your notes, so you have a general idea of ​​what to expect."

"Starting the day after tomorrow, I will explain car repair and driving to you in detail, so that you can become familiar with it before the exam."

"Don't worry, Master, I will definitely study hard," Li Kaixin solemnly promised.

Then, he waved to his master and left.