Chapter 17: Fitter Technology Shocks Everyone

Although that is how it is said, anyone with a discerning eye can see that these two are very much at odds.

In front of outsiders, Yi Zhonghai still puts on the appearance of a good old man; after all, whether in the Siheyuan or the Rolling Mill, Yi Zhonghai is a good old man.

Who doesn't know his great reputation for being public-spirited and righteous?

Therefore, even if the two have some issues, not many people pay too much attention; next, it is Zhao Gangzi's turn to demonstrate his own skills.

Meanwhile, Yi Zhonghai stands to the side, smiling without a word.

He has watched this Zhao Gangzi grow up from a child; never mind Fitter Technology, he probably can't even write his own name completely.

It is purely because his madness has just cleared up, he has a bit of inflated self-confidence, and he doesn't know the cruelty of society or how difficult it is to learn a trade.

To think he actually dares to talk big, wanting to bypass the Apprentice stage; even if he had this privilege, he would still need the strength to back it up, otherwise, he would only be left humiliated!

The Jia Family is also at odds with Zhao Gangzi, especially Qin Huairu, who is present; she was slapped by Zhao Gangzi last time, so she naturally holds a grudge.

She starts speaking sarcastically right in front of everyone.

"Tch, I think some people are truly arrogant beyond measure. Being disrespectful to elders in the courtyard is one thing, but now what are you pretending to be outside?"

"Truly born of a mother but raised by no father; don't lose face and smash your own feet when the time comes..."

"First Uncle, am I right?"

Qin Huairu's remarks cause the people nearby to start frowning.

Although they don't think highly of Zhao Gangzi, he is, after all, the son of Zhao Dehan, so saying such things is somewhat unpleasant.

But she is completely indifferent; she now has the confidence to speak, with 25.5 yuan a month plus an extra two-yuan subsidy, she can be considered a pillar of her family.

First Uncle says nothing, but still nods slightly; Zhao Gangzi couldn't possibly hit someone in front of the factory leadership, and when he gets desperate and loses his temper, that is exactly what he wants to see.

But unexpectedly, Zhao Gangzi is not angry; he understands the character of this group of people—the more you pay attention to them, the more they take advantage.

"Heh, the man is already useless and still dares to talk to me like that. Since First Uncle doesn't dare to bet with me, how about you bet with me, Sister Qin?"

Zhao Gangzi deliberately puts on a show of forced composure, while his other hand fumbles with a locksmith's file and other tools nearby, intentionally making two marks on the lathe in the wrong way.

Even Qin Huairu, a layman, can see that this Zhao Gangzi knows nothing and is just being stubborn.

Therefore, at a signal from Yi Zhonghai, she quickly nods in agreement: "Fine! I was afraid you wouldn't bet with me. Tell me, what do you want?"

"Factory Director Yang, please bear witness for us, along with the masters present. If my skills reach the level of a First-Grade Fitter or higher, add Qin Huairu's two-yuan subsidy to my wages."

"And if I can't do it, I'll give five yuan of my subsidy to their family. How about it? Do you dare to bet with me?"

Zhao Gangzi immediately offers terms that Qin Huairu cannot refuse.

Because she believes she cannot possibly lose, and the five yuan promised by Zhao Gangzi is not a small sum; it is enough for an ordinary person's food expenses for half a month.

If she earns this five yuan, she could save some money from the family's monthly expenses.

"You are being far too arrogant. Fine, I'll compete with you!" Qin Huairu quickly nods in agreement, fearing that Zhao Gangzi might suddenly back out.

Others are earnestly trying to persuade Zhao Gangzi, as this behavior is no different from giving money away; even Yang Feng is a bit incredulous—are young people this confident now?

This isn't manual labor like cleaning out latrines or moving bricks; without proper training, you wouldn't even know how to operate the lathe!

But Yi Zhonghai also starts fanning the flames from the side at this moment.

And this is exactly the effect Zhao Gangzi wants.

He is firm on the inside, but on the surface, he pretends to be listening earnestly to everyone's advice, and even his speech starts to falter.

"I... I'm going to start. Or perhaps we should discuss this matter again," Zhao Gangzi's voice trembles slightly, and looking at Qin Huairu, he adds weakly: "That, Sister Qin, why don't we reconsider? After all, those two yuan are not a small amount."

Seeing Zhao Gangzi in this state, Qin Huairu is completely reassured and quickly refuses: "No, no! This matter is already settled!"

"Factory Director, you are here too; you must draw up a written agreement for us two!"

Qin Huairu finds a piece of white paper from somewhere, wipes it on a red paint bucket, and presses a heavy handprint onto it.

Fearing that Zhao Gangzi might suddenly back out, she also makes Zhao Gangzi press one on it.

And after pressing it, Zhao Gangzi lets go of his inhibitions and laughs: "Sigh, since it's like this, I'll be taking those two yuan."

The assessment for a First-Grade Fitter involves repairing a faulty machine tool, and the problems on it can only be successfully repaired by a fitter of at least the first grade.

But Zhao Gangzi has already redeemed and upgraded to Third-Level Fitter technology, so he sees the problem with this lathe at a glance.

Under the curious gazes of others, he uses a wrench to pry open an iron plate, revealing the main shaft inside, and while repairing it, he talks to himself:

"The cutting tool on the component is clamped too tightly and won't loosen; the problem lies in the hydraulic cylinder and the switch. Adjusting the nut on the spring of the key part should be about right..."

Zhao Gangzi explains while adjusting, and sure enough, when the switch is pressed again, the function of this part starts to operate normally!

Some experienced masters cannot help but look at each other, all seeing a trace of shock in the other's eyes, especially Yi Zhonghai; having worked for decades, he naturally understands.

This Zhao Gangzi definitely has some real skills!

It seems he has fallen into his trap again this time!

But Qin Huairu, who has just become an apprentice and doesn't even know where the machine's switch is, looks at the smooth-working Zhao Gangzi and still mocks: "I thought it was something impressive; isn't it just changing a screw cap? I could do that too."

Zhao Gangzi ignores her and continues to adjust the machine tool in front of him, even finding problems that are not within the scope of the First-Grade Fitter assessment; the shaft switch pressure and the auxiliary device malfunctions are all repaired in a professional manner.

Even some newly promoted Third-Level Fitters are dumbfounded; they couldn't even repair these kinds of faults! Has the young man in front of them reached this level?

Only then does Qin Huairu realize something is wrong; even if she doesn't understand the machine, she knows from the expressions of the people around her that Zhao Gangzi is definitely not simple.

Her vision goes black, and she collapses to the ground with a thud.

Qin Huairu doesn't care what Zhao Gangzi is like, but her monthly two-yuan subsidy is gone...

"Gangzi, I didn't expect you to hide your skills so deeply," Yi Zhonghai is grinding his back teeth.

Zhao Gangzi wipes the sweat from his forehead and responds with a half-smile: "Compared to you, First Uncle, I am still far behind. You still have many things worth me learning!"

"I hope that in the future, First Uncle will not hesitate to enlighten me and teach me, this fledgling young man, more."

Zhao Gangzi does not use a single dirty word in his speech, but it is like a knife, constantly stabbing and striking at First Uncle's heart.

On the other side, Factory Director Yang is also very shocked, but when he thinks about him being Zhao Dehan's son, it makes perfect sense.