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

The day before the exam, Saturday afternoon at 5 pm.

Li Kaixin got off work and had just reached her front door.

"Big brother's back!"

Li Xiaoxiao, the younger sister who was setting out the bowls and chopsticks in the main room, saw Li Kaixin and called out in a clear voice.

Qin Xiuli, the mother, peeked out from the kitchen with a smile on her face: "Son, go wash your hands quickly, dinner will be served soon."

At this moment, Li Kai, the younger brother, also rushed over and took the things from Li Kaixin's hands with a grin.

"Big brother, you've worked hard. I'll take care of these!"

Li Kai, the younger brother, spent a week playing in the countryside before his mother, Qin Xiuli, brought him back.

Father Li Mingde sat at the table, his eyes following Li Kaixin's every move, and asked with concern, "Son, was it busy at the station today? Are you tired?"

Ever since Li Kaixin casually mentioned wanting to take the driving test, his whole family has treated him as a key person to protect.

Every day when I get home, I don't have to worry about anything. After dinner, I tell Li Kaixin to go to bed early.

"There's really no need for that, it's just a regular exam," Li Kaixin said with a helpless smile.

Qin Xiuli, the mother, came out of the kitchen with the last dish and gave Li Kaixin a reproachful glare.

"That's a big deal! Your dad said the truck driver qualification exam is very strict."

Li Xiaoxiao, the younger sister, carefully served rice to everyone, placing the largest bowl in front of Li Kaixin: "Big brother, eat more so you'll have the energy for your exam tomorrow."

Father Li Mingde spoke gently but with an undeniable authority: "Tomorrow, just focus on your exam preparation. You don't need to worry about these household chores."

Seeing her family sitting around the table, their faces radiating concern under the lamplight, Li Kaixin felt a warm glow in her heart.

"Father, Mother, don't be too nervous. Master said I'll definitely pass."

After dinner, Li Kaixin wanted to help clear the dishes, but was immediately stopped by the whole family.

The younger sister eagerly washed the dishes, while the younger brother quickly wiped the table.

Li Kaixin's mother, Qin Xiuli, pushed her into her room, saying, "Go to bed early; getting enough rest is the most important thing."

As dawn broke, Li Kaixin had already tidied up and left the house.

When they arrived at the transport station, they found that Mr. Chen was already waiting under the shed, leisurely smoking a cigarette.

"Master, you've arrived very early." Li Kaixin said with a smile as he quickly stepped forward.

Master Chen stubbed out his cigarette and gave a gentle smile.

"Today is your big day, how could I, as your mentor, not come?"

The transportation station was closed today for driving tests, but a lot of people gathered there.

Upon closer inspection, Li Kaixin noticed that besides a few apprentices from the station, there were also many unfamiliar faces, all wearing work uniforms from various factories.

"Those are from other factories who came to take the exam; our station is the testing center for this area," Master Chen explained, following Li Kaixin's gaze.

Master Chen had just finished explaining.

Li Kaixin's gaze then fell upon Station Master Zhao, who was standing by the examination hall with two distinguished-looking middle-aged men, their faces beaming with smiles.

Seeing this, Master Chen whispered to Li Kaixin, "Those are the proctors for today's exam; they all have to be experienced drivers at least at the third-level."

"Master, what level are you?" Li Kaixin asked curiously.

Master Chen straightened his back, his tone filled with pride: "Deputy Level Three."

He paused, then added, "Once you pass the test today, you'll be a Level 5 Deputy Driver. There are ten levels of drivers, from Level 5 Deputy to Level 1 Chief Driver, and each step requires qualifications and real skills."

The exam began as soon as the words were spoken.

Li Kaixin watched as the candidates in front of her went up one by one, some passing smoothly, and others leaving dejectedly.

It was finally Li Kaixin's turn.

Master Chen gently patted Li Kaixin on the shoulder: "Kaixin, relax, you'll be fine."

Li Kaixin nodded to Master Chen and walked towards the familiar Jiefang brand truck.

He opened the car door, adjusted the seat, and fastened the seatbelt—his movements were smooth and natural.

The test proceeded step by step: starting, shifting gears, turning, and reversing. Li Kaixin performed each movement cleanly and efficiently.

When Li Kaixin parked the car steadily in the designated spot, the two proctors nodded in unison.

The next step is troubleshooting.

The examiner deliberately set up an electrical problem. Li Kaixin calmly opened the hood, carefully checked the wiring, and quickly found the broken connector.

In the final oral exam, the examiner asked a tricky question about driving precautions in mountainous areas.

After a moment's thought, Li Kaixin not only gave the standard answer but also added a few practical tips.

The two examiners exchanged an approving glance.

After a brief exchange, the examiner neatly ticked a box on the assessment form.

He looked up at Li Kaixin and said, "Young man, you've passed."

Li Kaixin respectfully replied, "Thank you, leader," and then jogged out of the examination area.

Li Kaixin returned to Master Chen's side, her face beaming with undisguised joy: "Master, I passed the test."

Master Chen smiled and patted his apprentice Li Kaixin on the shoulder.

"Good lad, I knew you'd be alright!"

But then, Master Chen's smile faded, and he said seriously:

"But I'm happy, passing this exam is just the beginning."

"Once you're actually behind the wheel, you must always remember that safety comes first, and avoid arrogance and impatience."

"Thank you, Master, I'll remember!" Li Kaixin nodded earnestly.

The time that follows.

The master and apprentice chatted idly under the shade of a tree. Master Chen would occasionally point to the apprentices taking the test on the field and give them low comments on their performance. Li Kaixin listened attentively from the side.

During that time, I also ate at the cafeteria.

The exam continued until the last candidate finished.

Station Chief Zhao's voice rang out from the training area: "Those who have passed the test, please come over here to collect your driver's licenses!"

Li Kaixin was very excited when he received the dark green notebook from Station Master Zhao.

Just then, Station Chief Zhao's voice came from behind: "Kaixin, come to my office."

Li Kaixin followed Station Chief Zhao into the office and stood straight to one side.

Station Master Zhao's gaze lingered on Li Kaixin for a moment, his tone revealing pleasure.

"I can't believe you actually passed on the first try."

"Out of the five apprentices at the station this time, only two passed, and you are one of them."

Li Kaixin bowed slightly and said sincerely, "It's all thanks to the good training I received at the station."

These words deepened the smile in Station Chief Zhao's eyes, and he tapped his fingertips lightly on the table twice.

"Come tomorrow morning to complete the formalities for becoming a permanent employee."

He paused, then added, "Work hard, young people have a bright future."

"Thank you, stationmaster. I will certainly live up to your expectations," Li Kaixin replied solemnly.

After Li Kaixin left, Station Chief Zhao suddenly remembered something, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

He muttered to himself, "Great, now the station can apply for two more new cars."

As Li Kaixin came out of the stationmaster's office, he immediately saw Master Chen still standing outside.

"Master, you haven't gone back yet?" Li Kaixin walked up quickly.

When Master Chen saw Li Kaixin come out, he said in a gentle tone, "I'll wait to give you a ride."

These words sounded ordinary, but they warmed Li Kaixin's heart.

The two walked side by side toward the gate of the transport station.

"The station manager is looking for you about your promotion, right?" Master Chen asked calmly, but his eyes remained fixed on the front.

"Okay, let me come tomorrow to complete the formalities," Li Kaixin replied.

We arrived at the gate of the transportation station.

Li Kaixin and Master Chen said goodbye to each other and went home.