Courtyard House: A Leisurely and Contented Life

As they walked along the street, the two spotted candied hawthorns sold in a glass display case by the roadside. Each string contained five or six wild hawthorns, coated in sugar, neatly arranged and looking exceptionally appealing. .

At this time, the candied hawthorns weren't all the same size. They were made with real wild hawthorns, and one bite could make your teeth ache with sourness. Yingzi's mouth watered just looking at them, but she really wanted some: "Jianye, I want some candied hawthorns."

"purchase."

Standing in front of the glass display case, Yang Jianye looked at two different kinds of candied hawthorns. One kind was sweetened and cost two cents a skewer; the other kind was unsweetened and cheaper, costing one cent.

"Two skewers with sugar, please." Yang Jianye took out four cents and handed them over.

The vendor selling candied hawthorns simply handed it over with a stick in hand, without any packaging.

Each person had a skewer of candied hawthorns, eating as they walked. They encountered some children playing by the roadside, and their mouths watered at the sight of them. Seeing the little one rubbing his eyes and running home, Yingzi blushed and felt too embarrassed to eat any.

This is ridiculous...

The two of them walked together and ended up in Xidan.

Yang Jianye spotted the Xidan Cinema by the roadside: "Yingzi, there's a cinema here, shall we watch a movie?"

"What's so great about the movie? Besides, everyone's almost leaving." Yingzi pointed to the sign in front of the door—"Last Show."

It looks like we won't be able to see the movie, so let's wander around some more.

Xidan was quite bustling at this time. The Xidan Theater, the Food Market, the Harbin Grand Theater, the Grand Cinema, and the famous monthly pass sales center were all clustered together there. There was also an amusement park, currently performing the Pingju opera "Fifteen Strings of Cash." The Telegraph Building at the intersection was particularly eye-catching, with clocks hanging on all four sides of its roof, their black dials conveying a dignified and imposing presence.

Ahead, I saw the Hengdeli Watch Shop, its lights on. The two glass windows were filled with all sorts of watches, brightly lit. Right now, a foreigner was inside talking to the shop assistant; it seemed like he was making a sale.

Upon seeing the watch shop, Yingzi's expression shifted: "Jianye, shall we go in and take a look?"

With money in your pocket, you won't panic!

Yingzi had been wanting to buy him a watch, but Yang Jianye always made excuses about being busy, and it had been almost two months. Since they happened to be shopping here today, Yingzi thought she would let him go in and take a look, and then buy him a watch.

Yang Jianye thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, let's go in and take a look."

He really should buy a watch. Asking the time all day is such a hassle. He should also buy a grandfather clock for the house; living without a watch or clock, relying on the weather to tell time—you don't know how inconvenient that is until you've experienced it. The main problem is that Yang Jianye hasn't always been like this—if he'd never been, he wouldn't have thought about it. But "before," without cell phones, it was really strange not having something to tell the time wherever he went!

jingle--

As they entered Hengdeli Watch Shop, another clerk who was idle behind the counter greeted them, "Hello, gentlemen. What would you like to see?"

"A watch, for men," Yingzi said.

"This way, please." The waiter led the two to the counter, where there were only men's watches.

"Look at this May Day brand, it's only seventy yuan."

"They also have Shanghai brand products here, they're a bit more expensive, around 120 yuan, but the quality is definitely better."

"We have even better ones, with gold hands and gold lettering on the red dial. This is a limited edition; only one is made for every thousand watches. Who knows when they'll stop making them? Every one you buy is one less available."

The salesperson mainly promotes domestically produced watches, which is standard practice. Unless the customer is a foreigner and explicitly requests a foreign watch, they primarily recommend domestic brands. To paraphrase a joke: "Who can afford a foreign watch unless they're a capitalist?" That's called having the right mindset and being aware of the importance of quality!

Seeing the gold lettering and the red marker at the front of the second hand, Yingzi pointed and asked, "Master, how much is this?"

"This is more expensive than the others, it costs 170."

Hearing this, Yingzi felt more confident: "Master, can we take a look?"

"Alright, don't touch it, let me show you." The shop assistant opened the cabinet, took out the watch, and weighed it in his hand. The watch strap ran along both sides of his wrist, the watch face rested in his palm, and he spread it out in front of her so she could see it clearly.

Under the lights, the four gilded characters "Magic City" are written in a flamboyant style, and a touch of red is in front of the rotating golden pointer. Every item is full of the imprint of the times.

"Jianye, what do you think?" Yingzi looked up at him, her eyes filled with undisguised affection.

Yang Jianye liked it too and nodded, saying, "This is it."

The shop assistant chuckled: "Should I wrap it up for you, or should I just put it on?"

Yingzi quickly said, "No need for a bag, just wear it." Then, looking at him, she said, "I'm going to pay."

Seeing her pull a handkerchief from the inner pocket she had sewn herself in her cotton-padded jacket, Yang Jianye thought to himself: This was premeditated.

While Yingzi was paying, Yang Jianye idly strolled around the counter. Soon, he spotted a grandfather clock that caught his eye.

The watch features a brown wooden frame, resembling the nose of an upright aircraft rocket, with a square dial below. It has a white background and brass hands—simple yet refined.

"Master, could you please take a look at that clock?"

Without a word, the craftsman put the watch back in the cabinet and came over to get him the clock. Since he hadn't paid for the ticket, the watch couldn't be sold.

"You have excellent taste, sir. This Sanwu brand square clock is the only one left. Because it's discontinued, every one sold is one less available."

Yang Jianye chuckled, "You guys specialize in buying rare items here, but everything you ask about is unique?"

The waiter smiled wryly and said, "Would I lie to you? If I did, wouldn't you come after me as soon as you asked?"

The waiter smiled wryly and said, "Would I lie to you? If I did, wouldn't you come after me as soon as you asked?"

Yang Jianye nodded with a smile; he was just saying it for fun and didn't mean anything by it. He'd been in Beijing for almost half a year now, and had picked up the habit of the typical Beijing man's penchant for banter.

"Alright, name your price!"

Upon hearing his question, the waiter held up two fingers: "Two hundred exactly, not more, not less by a penny."

Two hundred dollars for a clock?

If an ordinary person heard this, they would definitely turn around and leave—are you kidding me? How much does a watch with red hands cost in Shanghai? You dare to ask me for two hundred for this clock?

But Yang Jianye knew that the price of these things wasn't calculated that way. Sanwu brand was a major brand, and square frames were rare; people preferred round frames, so production was naturally low. This discontinuation of production made them scarce, and the price skyrocketed.

However, Yang Jianye couldn't possibly buy it for two hundred yuan. Scarcity drives up prices, but this isn't the fair amount.

"A proper 355 brand, round-framed, would only cost seventy or eighty yuan. This one, I'll give it to you for ninety-nine."

Seeing the shop assistant getting anxious, Yang Jianye raised his hand and said, "Whether it can be sold or not, ask the boss and get back to me."

This clock was probably bought by the boss out of curiosity. Once it got back, I realized it's a complete waste of money—those who can afford it don't care and just buy foreign brands; there are more choices, better quality, and it looks good. Those who like it but can't afford it—that round frame with its auspicious symbolism of family reunion only costs seventy or eighty yuan. Even more ordinary no-name brands are available for twenty or thirty yuan. Two hundred yuan for a clock? Are you crazy or am I stupid?

So this clock is probably stuck with me, and I don't know what to do with it. If I hadn't run into him today, the boss would have had to sell it at a discount in a few days, at least to recoup his costs. Otherwise, he'd be in for a rough time when the accounts are reconciled.

The waiter glanced awkwardly across the street—it turned out that the waiter who had been talking to the foreigner was the boss. The foreigner hadn't finished talking yet, and seeing his waiter's expression, the boss said something to the foreigner and came around the counter.

He greeted Yang Jianye first, and then asked the waiter what was wrong.

At the same time, Yingzi returned with the receipts. Seeing the clock on the counter, she asked curiously, "Jianye, are you buying this for the family?"

"Yeah, it's too much trouble without someone at home to keep track of the time," Yang Jianye replied with a smile.

Yingzi nodded: "How much? I'll go pay."

"Two hundred for me." Before the words even finished, Yingzi, who was about to take out her money, froze.

What?! You're asking for two hundred? That's more expensive than a bicycle! Are you robbing me?!

Yingzi refused to pay, pulling him aside and whispering, "Jianye, this is too expensive! What kind of clock costs this much? They're definitely ripping us off. We have to report them! This kind of unscrupulous merchant can't be allowed to live!"

Yingzi was full of a sense of justice. This kind of unscrupulous merchant has probably cheated countless people. He must be found, severely criticized, and forced to return his ill-gotten gains to compensate the victims.

Seeing her angry and serious expression, Yang Jianye flicked her nose with his finger and said with a smile, "I'm just bargaining, ninety-nine it is."

Yingzi was even more confused.

Are you sure you're trying to negotiate? It doesn't sound like that; it sounds more like you're about to fight or deliberately picking a fight!

Before she could even process what was happening, the shop owner behind the counter sounded the alarm: "Sir, I heard you offer ninety-nine yuan, are you serious?"

Yang Jianye winked at Yingzi, then turned and stepped forward, saying, "It's really necessary. Ninety-nine, issue the ticket now."

"Fine, I'll sell it to you, just to be friends!" The boss replied with a pained expression but a hearty tone.

Look at his acting and his delivery! Yang Jianye was amazed, exclaiming, "Wow!" He hadn't expected this skill to be passed down for so long. Remarkable, truly remarkable!

"Done, let's issue the invoice!" As soon as he finished speaking, Yingzi tugged at him from behind.

Seeing Yang Jianye turn around, Yingzi whispered, "Jianye, I don't have enough money with me."

Yang Jianye was taken aback, then quickly realized what she meant. The watch cost 170, and with the four cents from the candied hawthorn earlier, Yingzi had only carried enough money to match that watch; she hadn't brought a single cent more.

He glanced down at Yingzi, a smirk playing on his lips. He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and slapped a five-yuan bill on the counter. "Add it in, issue the receipt."

Yingzi blushed and retorted, "You have money, yet you make me pay..."

"That's different. The watch was a gift from you, and the clock is mine. Each to their own." Yang Jianye laughed, picked up the clock, and bounced it around. "Let's go home."

Yingzi was sharp-tongued, but her hand naturally linked with his arm.

The two left Hengdeli, where the night breeze was chilly. Yang Jianye carried the clock in one hand and had Yingzi hold his other arm as they walked home, their shadows cast by the streetlights.

"Jianye, do you think this watch is nice?"

"nice."

"Then you'll have to wear it every day."

"Of course, it was a gift from my wife, how could I not wear it?"

Yingzi smiled, tilting her head to lean on his shoulder.

The night was gentle, the streetlights were dim, and the two people's shadows stretched very long.

When Yang Jianye came out of Hengdeli Watch Shop, he had a red-hand watch on his wrist and was holding a box in his arms—he had finally bought that clock.

Yingzi had planned to buy him a watch, but the two hundred yuan she had brought wasn't enough to cover the cost of the clock after buying a red-handed one. But Yang Jianye had plenty of money! Not to mention his salary from the past two months, he still had several hundred yuan left from his first bonus.

On her way home, Yingzi looked at the clock in his arms and clicked her tongue in pain.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.

On her way home, Yingzi looked at the clock in his arms and clicked her tongue in pain.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.

On her way home, Yingzi looked at the clock in his arms and clicked her tongue in pain.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.

Ninety-nine yuan for a clock is too expensive.

But since she'd already bought it, she didn't say anything. Anyway, they could afford it, and her husband liked it. It was just… a bit extravagant.

Thinking of this, Yingzi didn't forget to remind him, "Jianye, if anyone asks later, just say it's a bargain."

Buying a clock for ninety-nine is too extravagant. Fortunately, ordinary people can't understand these things anyway, so they'll believe whatever price you quote, and you have to underreport it.

"Okay, let's say it's a defective product, over thirty yuan, how about that?"

Yingzi nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

The two checked their "notebooks" and returned to the courtyard, where it was already completely dark. Without disturbing anyone, they went straight home.

As Qin Huai unlocked the door, the curtain to the Jia family's house was lifted. He emerged, a basin of water slung over his waist, one hand supporting it, the other holding a book. Without even looking where he was going, he walked to the sink, put the basin down, and turned on the tap—

Splash...

The water dripped straight down the edge of the basin into the pool, leaving Yang Jianye speechless.

"Sister Qin, Sister Qin."

Seeing that he didn't respond, Yingzi called out twice. When Qin Huairu came to his senses and looked at her, she smiled and pointed to the pool: "The water's leaking."

Looking down, Qin Huairu quickly moved the basin under the tap. "Look at me, I've made such a mess of things." She looked up at Yingzi and said gratefully, "Thank you, Yingzi."

Yingzi nodded, smiled, and went back inside.

Seeing the two people enter the house one after the other, each carrying a box, Qin Huairu was stunned. By the time she came to her senses, the water in the basin had already overflowed.

Qin Huairu hurriedly turned off the water, looking at the full basin with mixed feelings of laughter and tears. The water in the courtyard was a communal resource with a unified billing system. In the past, if anyone wasted water, even unintentionally, they would still be criticized by everyone.

Fortunately, it was getting late. Qin Huai looked around, tilted the basin slightly to pour out some of the contents, and then laboriously carried the book home.

Inside the room, Yang Jianye and Yingzi placed the grandfather clock next to the phonograph and looked at the hands inside.

Click, click...

The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. Perhaps these days were just too boring, but the two of them actually found the sound rather pleasant, even addictive, and quite soothing...

She glanced at the time; it was nine o'clock at night. Yingzi picked up a basin and went next door to fetch water, and also to check on the chicks. Even through the wall, Yang Jianye could hear her chatting with the little creature.

"Grow up quickly, gain more weight so you can nourish yourself after giving birth..."

Yang Jianye was dumbfounded—you're telling it to grow faster just so it can be slaughtered and cooked? This little chick is truly pitiful!

Touching the watch on his wrist, Yang Jianye silently wished for his wife's birthday.

I'll surprise her on that day.

On Wednesday, the assessment team arrived as scheduled.

The factory was buzzing with activity early in the morning, and the songs playing over the loudspeaker were several keys higher than usual. Those who had applied for the assessment were all waiting for news—how exactly would the assessment be conducted, who would go first, would it be a practical exercise, an explanation to the assessment team, or would the questions be generated remotely? Everything was still unknown!

It's said that the last assessment was conducted privately, with the questions given and then disguised as orders sent to each workshop, requiring the workers to be assessed to complete the tasks. In the end, the assessment team scored the work based solely on the products, resulting in a massive "purge"—eliminating more than half of the applicants.

It's not that their skills are lacking, it's that they're lazy and haven't shown their true abilities. They treat all orders like ordinary ones, as long as they pass the test. But what they consider passing is seen by the evaluation team as "perfunctory, lagging behind, and unqualified."

The questions they set were right on the passing mark. You could do it if you were a level six worker, or even a level five worker; it all depends on how you do it. If you have the technical skills, but you don't demonstrate them in your work, just getting by and barely meeting the minimum requirements—how can you expect someone like that to pass?

This is more shameful and despicable than substandard technology.