Chapter 240: Finally Arriving in Beijing, Fishing to Get a Job at the Steel Rolling Mill

In this day and age, as long as one can eat their fill and not starve to death, it doesn't matter where one is.

The others chose to stay in Liyuan Village, while Li Aiguo (Jerry) and four others set off with some dry rations and water.

When they left, the village chief and many others came to see them off; those who had fled the famine together also came, and although he couldn't name them all, they had grown somewhat familiar along the way, so they all came to send them off.

The group of five, having eaten and drunk their fill, walked quickly and arrived at the gates of Beijing before noon.

When they reached the entrance, they were stopped by the guards on duty.

After asking about their situation, the guards took the five of them directly to the Neighborhood Committee, briefed Director Wang of the Neighborhood Committee, and told the five of them to wait there.

Not long after, someone came to notify them that the junior fellow apprentice of Zhao Liu the carpenter had come to pick him up; Zhao Liu said goodbye to the four of them and left.

Next, a man who looked a bit like a leader arrived; after Director Wang received him warmly, he took Uncle Wang Tiezhu away as well.

By noon, the three of them were still there, and the Neighborhood Committee had not prepared any food for them.

The elderly leader and the pig butcher were hungry, so they took out the roasted fish they were carrying and began to eat; Li Aiguo (Jerry) didn't feel much yet, but seeing the other two start eating, he also took out his roasted fish and began to eat.

Although the roasted fish had gone cold, the fragrance still drifted out, and the people from the Neighborhood Committee soon followed the scent.

Seeing the three of them eating roasted fish, they were stunned for a moment; weren't they refugees? Fleeing a famine while eating roasted fish?

However, they didn't ask further and left after swallowing a few times; in this day and age, although Beijing was prosperous, one couldn't just buy food with money—one also needed ration coupons.

In the afternoon, a man who looked similar to the elderly leader arrived.

The elderly leader stood up and said, "Li Aiguo, pig butcher, my older brother has arrived, I'm leaving first, we shall meet again if fate allows."

After speaking, the elderly leader cupped his hands in a salute, which served as his farewell.

By six o'clock in the evening, someone from the Beijing Slaughterhouse arrived and took the pig butcher away.

Only Jerry was left, and at this moment, Director Wang walked over.

"Kid, looking at your file, you're only fifteen, you've grown really tall. Those others had relatives to turn to and could have work arranged, and work was indeed arranged; now that things have just become peaceful, every post in Beijing is short of people. You're a scholar, besides reading, can you do anything else?"

Director Wang said with a smile that many refugees arrived in Beijing every day now, and those with a specialized skill, after their identity was verified to be without issues, would have work arranged for them.

For those who truly had no special skills, they would be assigned some sanitation work.

However, most of them were older people; at Li Aiguo's age, having just turned fifteen, people in Beijing of this age were still in school.

Li Aiguo had no relatives and no money; it was only good luck that he managed to flee to Beijing.

Li Aiguo thought for a moment, but he really couldn't think of anything he had; his diary didn't record what he was capable of, which made things a bit difficult.

In this life, he truly had no specialized skills; he thought about his past life, looked at what he knew, and wondered what he could show off in this world. After thinking for a long time, the only thing was fishing.

"Director Wang, I know how to fish and catch fish; our refugee group had fifty-three people, and I am very good at catching fish."

Jerry finished speaking and waited for Director Wang's reply.

In fact, Director Wang had already inquired about it; more than half of a refugee group were experts at catching fish, but they had been intercepted by Liyuan Village. Otherwise, if these people had reached Beijing, they could have directly formed a fishing team to supplement Beijing's supplies.

In this day and age, many people fished, but few actually caught fish, and even fewer went into the water to catch them.

From the moment Li Aiguo and the other four arrived, Director Wang had sent people to scout for information about them; he had to ensure the five of them had a clean background.

Upon hearing that their group had half the experts at catching fish, and that this Li Aiguo was even more capable than the others, he had initially been very happy. But when he saw the rest of the file, he became angry—that village chief of Liyuan Village actually dared to intercept them and register them all as residents in their village.

Liyuan Village was close to Beijing, and they often dealt with Beijing.

In the past, when they encountered refugees, they would be eager to send them to the city themselves, fearing these people would linger in their village. Now, it was the opposite; when there were capable people, they intercepted them directly.

This Village Chief Zhao, he had really underestimated this little old man before.

However, Jerry was the most capable; those who remained in the village were all taught by this kid. This little old man probably knew that while he could fool some ordinary people, he couldn't keep such a talent, so he didn't force it.

But this kid's ability to catch fish was something many people could prove; the Neighborhood Committee couldn't keep him, and their Neighborhood Committee didn't have a procurement department.

After thinking for a while, he said, "Kid, I don't have the ability to send you to school, but I can find you a job. I'll take you tomorrow; tonight, you can make do in the lounge next door. You have plenty of roasted fish, so I won't prepare any other food for you."

"Thank you, Director Wang!"

After speaking, Director Wang left. Li Aiguo went to the lounge next door; it was very simple, with a small bed and a table—very crude.

When he arrived, Li Aiguo had already figured out where the restroom was; he went to wash his face and then came back.

The roasted fish was a bit cold, but at this hour, most of the people from the Neighborhood Committee had finished work. The old man guarding the gate was still there; through the window, he saw the old man lighting a fire basin.

Jerry went straight up to exchange pleasantries with the old man, gave him a piece of roasted fish, and then the two of them began to roast it over the fire basin.

The old man hadn't eaten meat for a long time either; when he received the fish, his hands were trembling with excitement.

After finishing the meal, under the old man's warm invitation, Li Aiguo returned to the lounge, lay on the bed, and began to sleep soundly.

Lying down, Li Aiguo did not notice that as soon as he lay down, the roasted fish he had just eaten in his stomach was rapidly broken down and digested.

The next day, just as dawn broke, Li Aiguo woke up. He stretched, feeling his body was exceptionally comfortable; he hadn't slept this well in many days.

After washing his face, he ran to the gate to chat with the old man.

Through their chat, he finally understood what kind of society this was.

Two years ago, the war ended and the People's Republic was founded. Now it is the third year of the People's Republic; everything is waiting to be rebuilt, and the country is vigorously developing all walks of life. Therefore, talent in all aspects is needed, so among these refugees, anyone with a specialized skill is easily able to settle down.

Isn't this period equivalent to the fifties of his past life?

No wonder there were still refugees; remote areas were still unmanaged, and the common people couldn't get enough to eat.

After chatting with the old man, Li Aiguo also understood his current situation; it was not easy to handle, he could only take it one step at a time.

However, thinking that he now had a photographic memory, could multitask, and had a relatively healthy body, he shouldn't starve to death.

Not long after, Director Wang came to work. Seeing Li Aiguo sitting at the gate chatting with the old man, he didn't say much. He went into the Neighborhood Committee, put his things down, and then came out to call Li Aiguo to go with him to a place.

The two walked and soon arrived at the gate of a large factory. After Director Wang exchanged greetings, he took Li Aiguo inside.

Director Wang took Li Aiguo straight to the factory director's office.

After entering, Director Wang spoke directly: "Director Ding, I've brought you a talent this time; you must thank me properly!"

"Oh, Director Wang, you are a rare guest; bringing someone yourself, it must really be a talent. Is it this young man? He looks like a real talent, tell me about him."

It seemed Director Ding and Director Wang were very familiar, and he was very warm upon seeing Director Wang.

"Calling him a young man is a bit early; his name is Li Aiguo, just turned fifteen. But he came as a refugee; don't look at his age, he is a real expert at catching fish. On the road fleeing the famine, he led over fifty people, and besides eating their fill, everyone was also allocated four fish each."

Speaking of this, Director Wang stopped talking, and Factory Manager Ding hurriedly took out a cigarette and handed it over.

"It seems this child is very skilled at catching fish! Our factory will take him!"

"Factory Manager Ding, don't be in such a hurry. This child is not only good at catching fish, but he is also a scholar. This is what I'm thinking: doesn't your Rolling Steel Factory have a purchasing department? Arrange a temporary Purchasing Agent job for this child, let him go to school during the week, and on Saturdays and Sundays, just let him take a few people to catch fish. Once he finishes school, then he can work formally. What do you think?"

Director Wang was very thoughtful. He also saw that Li Aiguo looked clean and fair, clearly a scholar. Although he didn't know how his grades were, sending him to school meant that after he finished, he would have a diploma, and his salary could be a bit higher.

Although Director Wang and Li Aiguo were not related, and Li Aiguo had a "strangers keep away" face, Director Wang just felt that Li Aiguo was very approachable, which was why he considered so much.

This was because of Jerry's Fairy Bloodline, which was close to nature and also made others feel very comfortable.

"This, Director Wang, this is a bit difficult to handle!"

Factory Manager Ding said with some difficulty; the factory had never had such a situation before.

"I know you're in a difficult position, so let's have you see Li Aiguo's fishing skills before deciding. It just so happens we have time today, let's go take a look together!"

Director Wang said confidently. The investigation file recorded it very clearly: just Li Aiguo alone, if he caught fish for a day, there would be at least two or three hundred.

At this moment, Li Aiguo spoke up.

"Director Wang, during the famine earlier, the tools weren't handy. Isn't this the Rolling Steel Factory? Can I make a few tools? I guarantee that if I have tools, I will catch even more."

"See that? Little friend Aiguo is very confident. Factory Manager Ding, what do you say?"

"Alright then, it won't take much time anyway. But we haven't made these tools before, so you'll have to teach the workers."

"Okay, thank you, Factory Manager Ding."

Subsequently, Factory Manager Ding took Jerry to a workshop, where many workers were processing parts in their hands.

Factory Manager Ding brought Li Aiguo to a worker who looked like he had some years of experience.

"This is the factory's Eighth-Grade Fitter. Whatever you want to make, let him make it for you. The factory will provide the materials."

"Okay, thank you, Factory Manager Ding. It can be done very quickly; they are just small things."

The other workers were very curious, but since it was someone brought by the factory manager, they didn't dare to say anything.

Under Jerry's direction, this veteran master quickly made two fish spears, all made of metal, 1.5 meters long and 1.5 centimeters thick, with the front sharpened and barbs opened, and a small hole opened at the tail.

Li Aiguo touched them and found them very handy. He found some thick thread and started weaving it at a position slightly above the middle; this place was where he would grip it.

He found another thinner but very strong rope, not very long, about two or three meters, and tied one end to the tail of the fish spear and the other end to Li Aiguo's wrist.

The fish spear was considered finished. It only had one head at the front, unlike his past life where he made four or five heads.

Because Li Aiguo's technique was good, one or many made no difference.

After finishing the tools, they returned to the factory manager's office. When Director Wang and Factory Manager Ding saw Li Aiguo's fish spear, their eyes lit up.

Subsequently, Factory Manager Ding called two people from the purchasing department and brought bamboo baskets.

Not far from the Rolling Steel Factory, there was a river. Because it was running water, occasionally a few people would come to catch fish, but they didn't catch many; most people still found places to fish with rods.

Arriving at the riverbank, Li Aiguo quickly found a good spot; not only was the water shallow, but there were also many water plants.

He took off his shoes, which had a hole in them, and went straight into the water.

Without even letting Li Aiguo wait, he saw a big fish swim over, about five or six catties. Li Aiguo didn't hesitate at all and threw the fish spear like a javelin.

The fish spear instantly pierced the big fish. Li Aiguo pulled the rope behind it and dragged the big fish over. In a few quick moves, he removed the struggling big fish and turned around to throw it onto the shore.

While Factory Manager Ding and Director Wang were still stunned, the fish was thrown at their feet. The two people carrying bamboo baskets hurriedly went over to pick up the fish.

Subsequently, Li Aiguo used both hands, and fish after fish were speared onto the shore. Later, when there were fewer fish, Li Aiguo took out the last piece of sesame seed cake he had been carrying for a few days.

After crushing it directly, he sprinkled it around himself.

Li Aiguo's movements while spearing fish were very comfortable to watch. Factory Manager Ding and Director Wang watched for a long time and still found it very interesting.

Unknowingly, the two people carrying bamboo baskets told Factory Manager Ding that the baskets were full. Factory Manager Ding was also surprised; looking back, the two bamboo baskets were not only full but overflowing.

There were too many fish, and the two people could no longer carry them.

"Go notify a truck driver to come. I want to see how much can be caught in a day. Also, go to the kitchen and call twenty people to kill the fish; it's perfect to kill them right here on the riverbank."

After Factory Manager Ding finished giving orders, he looked back at Li Aiguo, who was still spearing fish, and the more he looked, the more pleasing he became.

He kept spearing until noon. Factory Manager Ding checked the time; it was 11:30, so he called out for Li Aiguo to come ashore; it was time to eat.

Factory Manager Ding excitedly said he was going to prepare a full-fish feast for Li Aiguo and Director Wang. Hearing that he had to eat fish again, Li Aiguo opened his mouth, but after seeing the excited Factory Manager Ding, he didn't say anything.

Director Wang noticed it and spoke up: "What full-fish feast? Li Aiguo has been eating fish until he's sick of it all the way through the famine. If you don't prepare something good, I'll take Li Aiguo to another factory."

"Director Wang, no, no, no! I just forgot for a moment. Other things are a must, a must!" Factory Manager Ding patted his own head and said suddenly.

Over here, the number of fish had already been counted: big and small, exactly two hundred and thirty, totaling 868 catties.

From past eight o'clock to now past eleven, three hours, 868 catties! This is truly a talent. He must be kept in the factory, directly as a formal employee, and arranged a house for him, right in the factory, to prevent him from going out and being poached by someone else's factory.

Compared to the joy of Factory Manager Ding and the others, Li Aiguo was also very strange. After three hours of non-stop spearing, he didn't feel tired at all. Was this body's stamina this good?

Moreover, Jerry also discovered that except for the first day when he just woke up and felt uncomfortable, thinking it was hunger, after eating something later, he seemed to have never felt full, and these days, he hadn't gone to the bathroom even once.

Li Aiguo also had many questions, but he didn't dare to say them. If he said them out loud and was sent away to be sliced up, that wouldn't be good.

Subsequently, Li Aiguo settled down in Beijing. With the help of the Neighborhood Committee, all the procedures were very fast.

After having the documents, he officially joined the Rolling Steel Factory. Factory Manager Ding knew that Li Aiguo still needed to study, so he assigned him to the leaders' Small Courtyard; they were all detached houses, and living there was quite nice.

15-year-old Li Aiguo was arranged to attend the third year of junior high. Students in this era went to school five days a week and rested for two days. After finishing junior high, they could go to work, and those with good grades could continue their studies.

Factory Manager Ding personally took Li Aiguo to the school to register, and because Factory Manager Ding knew that Li Aiguo's previous studies were all family-taught, he also found books from elementary school to the second year of junior high for Li Aiguo.

He told him to read more; as for whether his grades were good or not, it didn't matter. He had already joined the Rolling Steel Factory and could drop out at any time.

Because he was brought over by Factory Manager Ding personally, many students felt that Li Aiguo was a "connection hire," and they learned through the grapevine that Li Aiguo used to be from the countryside, so they didn't really talk to him.

No one bothering him was exactly what Li Aiguo wanted. He studied in class and read books by himself after class, not interacting with anyone.

Li Aiguo read books very quickly. He finished the curriculum from elementary school to junior high in one week, and he understood it all. If there were an exam now, he would definitely be first in the whole grade.

After finishing his studies, Li Aiguo felt that the teacher's lectures were very boring, so he planned to go to the library to borrow a few books to read.

Li Aiguo's salary was different from other Purchasing Agents. Other Purchasing Agents took the factory's money to the countryside to purchase supplies. Li Aiguo caught the fish entirely by himself, requiring no cost, and the factory purchased them at a price slightly lower than the market price, settled once at a time.

Therefore, in less than two weeks, the money in Li Aiguo's hands was quite a lot.

School let out quite early in the afternoon, at five o'clock; Li Aiguo had not yet cooked for himself, nor did he go to the factory to eat, so he found a noodle shop outside, ate a bowl of noodles, and then went to the library.

The Beijing Library had quite a lot of books; Li Aiguo first went to the textbook section and took out all the high school books to read, regardless of whether they were liberal arts or sciences, he read them all.

Having the ability of photographic memory, if he did not study well, he would truly be doing a disservice to this talent.

For a period of time afterward, once Li Aiguo finished reading the university books, he began to look at some skill-based books; at first, many were in the languages of other countries, but for Li Aiguo, that was just a matter of a few days' delay.

Afterwards, aside from going to school every day and catching fish on Saturdays and Sundays, Li Aiguo spent all his other time at the library; some people felt that because he went to the library every day, he had read himself silly.

(End of this chapter)