Chapter Twelve: A Visit to Express Gratitude

After learning that Su Dawei had secured a job, Su Yanchu finally breathed a sigh of relief. With Su Dawei employed, their family had a stable livelihood and would no longer face hardship.

Having caught up on Su Dawei and Qin Jiuhong’s situation, Su Yanchu went to sleep, exhausted from the day’s events. Meanwhile, Su Dawei continued repairing and assembling the parts he had bought from the scrap yard. After several hours, he finally fixed the damaged sections.

The next morning, breakfast was prepared by Li Tiemei and Song Qiao, while Qin Jiuhong slept in until the meal was ready. After eating, Su Dawei headed straight into town to report for work. Although he was an apprentice, Lin Hong would personally mentor him.

Su Yanchu rode his bicycle to school, knowing that with the high school entrance exams approaching, he needed to put in tremendous effort. Since this era used traditional Chinese characters, adapting was challenging despite his memories from the original timeline. The exams were crucial to his future, so there was no room for negligence.

***

At the county hospital, Li, a staff member, asked, “Director Gao, you’re awake?”

Gao Changming blinked, confused. “Li, what happened to me?”

He recalled taking the company car to the countryside to negotiate coal procurement with the commune, as winter was near and city heating depended on this coal. Looking around, he realized he was in the county hospital.

Trying to recall more caused a sharp headache, and he gasped sharply.

“Director Gao, the doctors say you have a concussion. Please don’t overthink things,” Li said hurriedly. “The driver, Xiao Zhang, caused the accident due to poor driving skills and died on the spot. You were thrown into the bushes and miraculously survived with only minor injuries and a concussion. A couple rescued you. You should be able to get out of bed in a few days.”

“Who were the couple who saved me? I want to thank them properly with a generous gift,” Gao said earnestly. Saving a life was no small matter.

Li replied, “Director Gao, it’s best to wait until you recover fully. The couple who saved you are from the Xue family of Changqing Brigade. The man’s name is Xue Dawei.”

“Alright, I’ll remember that,” Gao said, already plotting how to express his gratitude.

***

Early the next morning, Su Dawei arrived at the machinery factory’s gate. Many workers dressed in dark blue uniforms were entering the plant one after another.

After waiting a moment, Su Dawei saw Lin Hong ride up on his bicycle and stop before him.

“Third Brother, have you eaten breakfast?” Lin Hong asked, pulling a package wrapped in oil paper from his satchel.

Su Dawei opened it to find several flatbreads.

“I actually already ate,” Su Dawei said.

“Save it for when you’re hungry,” Lin Hong said, then led Su Dawei into the steel factory and into his office.

“Third Brother, here are some books about being a fitter. Read them when you have time. I’ll find a skilled mentor for you soon,” Lin Hong said, handing over several volumes.

Su Dawei took them and replied, “I’ll study hard, improve my skills, and become a full-time worker as soon as possible.”

“I have high hopes for you,” Lin Hong said, patting his shoulder before leading him to the workshop.

Once the team assembled, Lin Hong clapped his hands and said, “Comrades, we have a new member joining our fitter team. Let’s be united, kind, and help one another. Su Dawei, please introduce yourself.”

“Hello comrades, my name is Su Dawei, I’m thirty-four years old, and I’m here as an apprentice fitter. I look forward to working with you all. Thank you,” Su Dawei said, bowing politely.

“All right, get back to work,” Lin Hong said after Su Dawei’s introduction.

The other workers applauded encouragingly before returning to their tasks. Lin Hong then began instructing Su Dawei.

***

Several days later, once Gao Changming’s health had improved, he immediately bought pastries and candies to visit the Changqing Brigade to find Su Dawei.

Gao took the company jeep but got off before entering the production team to inquire around. He quickly located Su Dawei’s home.

“Excuse me, young comrade, is this Su Dawei’s home?” Gao asked politely of a girl carrying a basket of pig fodder.

“Yes, this is Su Dawei’s house. What do you want with him?” Su Qiqi scrutinized the middle-aged man carefully.

Despite the bandages on his arm, his clothing was impressive. In those days, Zhongshan suits were costly and reserved for officials or wealthy families.

Who did her third uncle know to have met such a person?

“Is Su Dawei home?” Gao inquired further.

“No,” Su Qiqi replied.

“Su Qiqi, who’s here?” The elderly Su matriarch came out, hearing the noise.

“This gentleman is looking for Third Uncle,” Su Qiqi explained.

“Hello, madam,” Gao greeted politely.

“What do you want with Su Dawei?” The old woman’s face darkened at the mention, but her eyes brightened when she saw the gifts in his hands.

“I’m here to thank him and his wife for saving my life a few days ago,” Gao said earnestly.

“Come inside,” the old woman said cheerfully as she took the gifts from him. “If someone comes, there’s no need to bring gifts, really!”

“Where is Su Dawei now?” Gao asked once inside.

“My third uncle works in the city now, and my aunt is working in the fields,” Su Qiqi answered quickly.

“Comrade, may I ask your surname?” The old woman smiled, trying to appear kind.

“No need for formalities, my surname is Gao,” Gao smiled, then continued, “Which factory does Su Dawei work at? I want to find him.”

“If you have something to say, just tell me!” The old woman’s face was expectant.

Normally, when repaying a life debt, some favors could be requested. If this man mentioned repaying the debt, she would ask him to find a job for Su Yaozu.

“I’d rather find him myself,” Gao said, sensing the old woman’s scheming and feeling uneasy.

“Young comrade, which factory does your third uncle work at in the city?” she pressed.

“I don’t know,” Su Qiqi deliberately withheld the information. After all, she would never help the family that had stolen gold from her and always liked taking what was hers.