Chapter 28: Chapter Twenty-Eight: Becoming a Disciple

Seeing Dong Wenxue smile politely, Sister Xie joked again: “You need to improve your education too—Dong Chuzhang’s sister-in-law Han is the director of the Capital Steel School; you must seize the chance to communicate more, aim for a college diploma—Dong Chuzhang is expert at nurturing talent!”

Dong Wenxue finally couldn’t hold back his laughter.

“You, you—your tongue never lets anyone off the hook! Our Han Laoshi keeps wondering why you never visit her; just wait till you meet her next—see how she’ll deal with you.”

Sister Xie laughed and said: “Han Dajie wouldn’t bother with me—she always lets me have my way. I just don’t go when you two chat about flowery poetry and romantic nonsense—I don’t understand it. How’s Li Xuewu’s writing? Go study at Han Laoshi’s place—she’s a famous talented woman.”

Li Xuewu, quick-witted and inspired, replied: “That’d be wonderful—I was a cultural elite during my service, my articles appeared on military newspapers several times, though my prose is weak—I always struggle to convey emotion properly.”

Dong Wenxue, cigarette pinched between his left fingers, waved his right hand: “Just summarize briefly.”

Li Xuewu discussed several key literary insights and points of confusion with Dong Wenxue.

Dong Wenxue answered Li Xuewu’s questions easily—he was a seasoned writer with many manuscripts behind him.

The two exchanged ideas at length; Sister Xie did not interrupt, listening quietly beside them.

Seeing Li Xuewu’s uncommon insight and profound remarks—many terms he’d never heard before—Dong Wenxue grew genuinely interested, wrote down his address, and invited him to visit his home this Sunday.

Li Xuewu thanked him earnestly: “Then I’ll be taking the liberty—I’ve finally met two masters; I must seize this chance. If both Master Dong and Master Han teach me, won’t my literary cultivation be like attending university?”

Dong Wenxue burst into laughter: “You’ve caught yourself a conscript—but first, you must pass Han Laoshi’s test.”

At the time, factory workers generally had low cultural levels; many loved literature, but very few possessed the true literacy to write well. Dong Wenxue rarely encountered colleagues with literary depth, so he took a strong liking to Li Xuewu.

Sister Xie smiled: “Today I brought you a new recruit—never expected I’d bring you a student. Xuewu, from now on, you must call Director Dong ‘Master.’”

Newly hired, Li Xuewu knew every superior’s closeness came with a threshold. Dong Wenxue, with his high cultural refinement and refined demeanor—looking no older than thirty—was Deputy Director of the Security Department; his family must have deep connections.

Those from such families were especially careful about their circles—they didn’t pull just anyone close.

If he valued and reached out to me, I must offer something in return—likely my ability and future potential.

Li Xuewu treasured this opportunity—it would be his first vital connection in the rolling mill factory.

Don’t fear being used—fear being worthless.

Of course, if you’re not outstanding, connections are worthless—they aren’t sought after, they’re attracted.

Only equal exchange yields proper assistance.

Though this sounds cold, it’s the truth.

For someone like Dong Wenxue, ability is the gate; lack of ability is the barrier. Many people spend their lives stumbling—mostly because they lack ability.

Seeing Dong Wenxue smile at him silently, clearly waiting for his response,

Li Xuewu seized the moment, stood up, and called out: “Master, I entrust myself entirely to your guidance from now on.”

Dong Wenxue laughed heartily and waved him back to sit.

“At work, mind your image—don’t call me Master in public, use my title. Only call me Master privately. You must come this weekend—let your Shima see you.”

Li Xuewu gladly agreed, turning to Sister Xie: “Thank you, Sister, for introducing me to such a master.”

Sister Xie patted Li Xuewu’s shoulder: “It’s your own merit that caught Director Dong’s eye—don’t thank me. Masters produce outstanding disciples—looks like our factory’s cultural scene is about to reach a new peak.”

Dong Wenxue laughed and nodded at Sister Xie: “Sister Xie is our factory’s all-knowing one—keep her close. Her home isn’t far from ours—we’re on the same street.”

He added to Sister Xie: “Let’s all get together this weekend—I haven’t sat with Old Ren in ages. My old Han is already planning to draft you.”

Sister Xie replied: “I’m usually busy, but this weekend’s clearly a master-apprentice banquet—I’ll bring the whole family to join the celebration.”

Li Xuewu smiled: “The master-apprentice banquet should be my responsibility—I’ll arrive early Sunday and prepare the food and ingredients—we’ll eat something fresh.”

Sister Xie said: “Then I’m looking forward to it!”

Watching the two laugh, Dong Wenxue turned to Li Xuewu: “Back to work—any difficulties at home?”

Sister Xie added: “Speak up if you have problems—we’re not strangers. I meant to ask earlier, but now that Director Dong’s your master, it’s his duty to help you.”

Li Xuewu smiled apologetically: “Master, my family lives in a large sihe courtyard in the factory worker housing area near Nanyanggu Lane—most residents are from our factory.”

Dong Wenxue said: “I know that area—we’ve coordinated with the street committee; every year they recommend workers to us, and we assign housing to our staff through them.”

Li Xuewu said: “Yes, my family has nine people—my grandmother, my maternal grandfather, my parents, my older brother and sister-in-law, my younger brother and sister—we’re all crammed into the side rooms of the front courtyard. It’s impossible to live like this. Can our factory assign me a separate house? I need to register as an independent household—I’m sleeping on the eight-legged table every night.”

Dong Wenxue nodded slowly: “This must be resolved. Xuewu has earned merit—he’s currently a security officer in the cadre post. His living conditions are deplorable—he should be prioritized.”