Chapter 36: The Railway Ministry Exam!

“Chen Laohan, here to take your son for the exam? How’s his preparation?”

Chen Laohan’s expression instantly brightened. “Not bad. The kid’s got a quick mind—picks things up fast. Should be no problem!”

The man chuckled. “He does look sharp. Confidence is good, but don’t get careless. By the way, your old rival Huang Daniu’s son is also testing for fireman today. The section chief said it’s all based on merit—pass or fail, no exceptions.”

Chen Laohan’s face darkened. “That shameless Huang Daniu! If my son weren’t testing, his wouldn’t either. Pathetic—he’s spent his whole life nipping at my heels!”

From across the yard, a booming voice retorted, “Chen Laohan, you old bastard! I heard that! And here I thought my son wouldn’t be here if yours wasn’t! Don’t talk about heels—when have you ever beaten me in a fireman’s exam?”

Chen Shi watched the two old rivals bicker and sighed. Seems Dad’s temper ensures enemies everywhere.

Back in the courtyard, it was Old Jia. After years of feuding, the man’s early death finally brought peace—only for Huang Daniu at work to take his place.

Chen Shi studied Huang Daniu’s son, Huang Dali, who glared back with open hostility. Clearly, the father had passed the grudge to the next generation.

Huang Dali thrust out a hand. “Huang Dali. My goal: fireman in one year, assistant driver in five, full driver in eight, and trainmaster in ten.”

Chen Shi shook it lazily. “Chen Shi. Your goals are too small—I’ll pass.”

Huang Dali’s grip tightened suddenly, but Chen Shi twisted free with a fluid motion.

Smirking, Huang Dali taunted, “Uncle Chen, your boy’s grip’s a bit weak, no?”

Chen Laohan’s expression soured. Of course it’s weak!

Chen Shi had been a loafer since birth—never lifted a finger at home, never worked a day in his life. Pretty face, sure, but like Xu Damao in the courtyard, all show and no strength.

Chen Laohan had been confident earlier, but now? Huang Dali’s burly frame and calloused hands screamed laborer. In a physical test, Chen Shi stood no chance.

Muttering curses—some for his son’s laziness, others for Huang Daniu’s existence—Chen Laohan shot Chen Shi a look that promised a beating if he spoke. Wisely, Chen Shi kept quiet.

The personnel officer intervened. “Gentlemen, you’re both respected veterans. Let’s keep it civil. Registrations are done—proceed to the training room.”

Post-liberation, the Railway Ministry merged personnel, labor protection, and education. The training room, staffed by veteran instructors, taught coal-shoveling techniques, basic mechanics, locomotive inspection, and operation.

Last year (1951), it became independent, handling exams like today’s: a written test followed by a physical challenge—unloading two tons of coal in five minutes.

[Congratulations, Host! 10 Contrast Attributes unlocked—third comparison target activated.]

[Contrast: Chen Shi vs. Huang Dali (Fireman Exam)]

[Victory rewards Contrast Attributes.]

Chen Shi rolled his eyes. So my rivals are either from the courtyard or Dad’s enemies’ kids? Couldn’t he feud with someone who has a pretty daughter instead?

Huang Dali shot him a final glare before striding into the exam hall.

Chen Shi remained calm, analyzing: Written test? Easy. But the coal…

Inside, a bright-eyed girl with twin braids perked up at the sight of him.

“Hi! I’m Lu Yuling, here for the announcer exam!” Her voice was crisp as a songbird’s, her smile crescent-moon sweet.

Before Chen Shi could reply, Huang Dali cut in. “Yuling, why test? With your technical school diploma and mom’s position, you could walk right in!”

Lu Yuling lifted her chin. “I’ll earn my place properly!”

Chen Shi nodded. “Impressive.”

Blushing at his praise, she asked, “What about you? Taking over your dad’s role?”

Huang Dali sneered. “Him? Doesn’t qualify. His dad’s Chen Laohan—no formal schooling. Heard he was cramming at literacy classes last week!” He’d peeked at Chen Shi’s file during registration. “Not like us. You’re technical-school educated; I finished junior high.”

Lu Yuling’s eyes widened. “You’re Chen Laohan’s son?”

Huang Dali smirked. “Better keep your distance. If your dad finds out—”

“Wait,” Chen Shi deadpanned. “Let me guess—our dads are rivals too?”

How many enemies has Dad made here?!

As they talked, two proctors entered. One whispered, “That’s Chen Laohan’s boy with Lu’s daughter. Higher-ups said to… accommodate given Chen’s situation.”

The other nodded subtly. “Understood.”

“Begin!”

Chen Shi dove into the test. Meanwhile, back in the courtyard, Tian Xiulan kept busy.

“Youchu, come. Today’s quiet—let’s volunteer at the Military Control Committee. We’ll sew winter uniforms for the Volunteers. Damn Yankees sabotaged our supply trains, but we’ve adapted with scattered transport.”

This was strategic. With political campaigns like the Three-Anti and Five-Anti sweeping the nation, staying visible at community events was protection.

Shen Youchu followed obediently. At the committee, she learned they could take piecework home—matchboxes, chalk cartons, salt bags.

This doesn’t exist in the villages! If she earned extra, she could buy Chen Shi cigarettes—no repeat of the wedding incident, where spending candy money on tobacco earned him a beating.

Quietly, she inquired about the work and discussed it with Tian Xiulan. By day’s end, she carried home stacks of materials.

Back in the courtyard, Yang Ruihua gaped. “Xiulan, where’d your daughter-in-law get all these?”

Tian Xiulan beamed. “She says the family’s stretched thin—wants to earn pocket money for my Xiao Laoshi.”

Yang Ruihua asked. “Since when does a wife support her man? A husband’s duty is to provide! Yours still loafs around, yet here she is, working to feed him?”

Shen Youchu said nothing, but her resolute eyes answered plainly: I’ll take care of him.