At the beginning, he took his seven younger siblings to join Yi Zhonghai.

"It's all settled. Didn't you see it's New Year's Eve? None of the mid- to senior-level technicians in the factory left early; they're all still honing their skills."

"When I went to Northeast China to study, I learned about the situation of the eighth-level worker. The assessment was led by technicians sent from Northeast China."

"But you don't need to worry too much. It's a good thing for you. The standards for junior, intermediate and senior technicians have been set in detail. Everything is determined by the skill level."

"You won't have to wait out the time. You can take the exam an unlimited number of times the first time. If you're capable, you can even pass the eighth-level worker exam in one go."

"As for the assessment criteria, I've taught you all the technical skills on a regular basis. The work of a fitter is nothing more than that. The basics of fitter work are reading and drawing, tolerance matching, material handling, and mechanical application."

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said.

"Yes, I am truly grateful to you, Master. If it weren't for your continued support, the Jia family wouldn't be where we are today."

"I know you've taught me a lot and guided me step by step, but I still don't feel confident."

"Do you see any other options?"

Jia Dongxu first expressed his sincere gratitude, then said with a troubled expression.

"Don't worry, that's why I said you'll have no problem passing the Level 2 exam. After the New Year, when you go back to work, I'll catch up with you and hopefully you can pass the Level 3 exam."

"According to the standards in Northeast China, a level 3 fitter's salary is 45 yuan, which is more than double the 22 yuan you are earning now."

"If you know the technology, you know it; if you don't, you don't. What's the panic?"

Yi Zhonghai looked at him with a gratified smile on his face and said with slightly narrowed eyes.

"I'm not like you, Master. You're so skilled that you could probably pass the Level 8 worker exam directly. I can't even tap a threaded hole smaller than M20 without any deviation."

Jia Dongxu said with a bitter smile.

"It's okay. The exam isn't until at least March, so there's still time. Go back to the factory and practice more."

Yi Zhonghai patted him on the shoulder and said encouragingly.

"Well, that's all we can do, Master. You'd better help me a lot."

"We will never forget your great kindness."

Jia Dongxu nodded helplessly, then patted his chest and said.

"Yes, Master and Mistress, we don't have much to repay you with right now, but if there's anything we can do to help out, Mistress, please feel free to come to me."

"As the old saying goes, there's a master-disciple relationship, and a father-son relationship. According to tradition, we should call your younger brother and sister 'uncle' and 'aunt'."

"Although they are still young, the rules cannot be broken. Dongxu and I will definitely treat them like our own uncles and aunts."

"If there's anything you can't handle in the future, just let me know."

Qin Huairu chimed in from the side.

"Huairu is so thoughtful."

Tan Xiulian glanced at her younger siblings playing and said with a smile.

"It's all the duty of me. My mentor is at the factory every day and often works overtime. You must be exhausted taking care of so many children by yourself. Just call me if you can't manage."

Qin Huairu said with a smile.

"Master, your younger brothers and sisters are all just like you, handsome and talented. They're sure to have a bright future."

"Especially Zhongding, look at this guy, he's at least 1.8 meters tall and handsome. He'll probably charm countless young girls in the future."

Jia Dongxu then steered the conversation toward the children.

"You flatter me. You're not that much older than me, yet you've already single-handedly supported your family, taking care of your wife, children, and elderly parents. You're the one who's amazing."

Yi Zhongding was listening attentively when he suddenly heard himself mentioned, so he offered a compliment.

"I have no choice. My dad passed away early, and my mom raised me alone. I have to support my family on my own."

Jia Dongxu seemed somewhat helpless, but his words also contained a hint of smugness.

"We're lucky to have met such kind people as our master and mistress who have been so helpful to our family."

Qin Huairu added from the side.

"Of course, without my mentor, I wouldn't even be able to get into the steel rolling mill."

Jia Dongxu's gaze froze for a moment, then he quickly spoke again.

In their conversation.

Yi Zhongding also had some basic knowledge of the courtyard heartthrob who appeared on the wall from the beginning to the end of the drama.

Good acting.

They have many hidden agendas.

He's not very honest.

But they are good at saying nice things.

But no matter how good an actor is, can he outact better than this seasoned veteran within the system?

Who among those within the system isn't a movie star?

"Master, how old is your uncle? He should be able to get a job at the steel rolling mill after the New Year, right?"

Qin Huairu asked again with a smile.

This is also a question that the Jia family has been pondering these past few days.

No apprentice is as close as a biological brother.

If Yi Zhongding had also entered the steel rolling mill.

Then Yi Zhonghai would be even less likely to focus his attention on Jia Dongxu.

"Dingya will only be 16 after the New Year, and he still has to go to school."

Yi Zhonghai, oblivious to their thoughts, replied cheerfully.

"Really? Uncle looks like a good student. It seems our compound is about to produce a college student."

Qin Huairu's smile became more genuine.

"Yes, studying is good. The neighborhood committee was promoting night school the other day."

Jia Dongxu nodded and smiled in agreement.

"Thank you for your kind words."

Yi Zhongding said with a smile.

"Master, I see these children are all sleepy, so we won't disturb you any longer. Let's go back first."

"These red envelopes are for my uncle and aunt. There's not much money in them, it's just a small token of my appreciation."

Having gotten the answer he wanted, Jia Dongxu prepared to leave.

"You already gave it to me in the yard, what are you doing now? You're not having an easy time either, take it back and buy some nutritional supplements for Bang Geng. Your master's family doesn't need you to worry about them."

Yi Zhonghai grabbed his hand and stuffed the red envelope back into his hand.

"Master, what are you saying? What's wrong with your disciple expressing his feelings? Isn't this just what I should do? If you and your wife weren't still in your prime, your disciple would be showing you respect too."

"This red envelope doesn't contain much money; it might not even be as big as the red envelope you gave to Bang Geng."

"Uncle, come, accept this. This is from your father... to you."

Jia Dongxu broke free of her hand, changed direction, and was still embarrassed to call himself his nephew.

"You've already called him 'Uncle,' so you should take it back. You've already given it to him, that's enough. We appreciate the sentiment, and we're like family, no need for such formalities."

Yi Zhongding stepped aside and declined.

"Dingya is right, Dongxu. Listen to your master, take it back. You all live your own lives well. Your master is happier than anything else."

Yi Zhonghai continued.

"That was for outsiders. We can't treat our own people the same way. I'll leave it here."

"Huairu, let's go."

Jia Dongxu placed the red envelope on the small bamboo cart, and without waiting for a reply, turned around, opened the door, and left.

Qin Huairu also left with him.

Yi Zhongding waited until they all went back inside before opening the red envelope and looking at it.

Each one costs one cent.

That's considered generous for this era.

"Sister-in-law, how much money did you give Bang Geng in a red envelope just now?"

Yi Zhonghai watched their retreating figures, then turned and asked.

"Two dollars. When have we ever mistreated you, our apprentice? When others take on apprentices, they always give them gifts during holidays."

"You're lucky. You take on an apprentice, and you even have to pay him for his weddings, funerals, and holidays."

Tan Xiulian rolled her eyes and said speechlessly.

"Why bring this up? Just lend a hand if you can. You're in charge from now on, okay?"

"I'm going to Old Yan's house. You take care of the kids and put them to bed; you must be tired."

Yi Zhonghai glanced at her and shook his head with amusement.

What was he after in the first place, giving money to others?

But now I have a whole family of my own.

What else do I need to gain from him?