Chapter 38: I Don't Smoke, Damn It

Li Xiangdong had a sudden change of heart; having Hou San come to him on his own initiative was actually quite convenient. He no longer needed to worry about how to maintain his connection with Hou Jianshe.

This narrow-eyed fellow... oh, no, this Hou San would henceforth be his brother in all but blood! The title of "third-generation coal miner" for the Li family always sounded ominous; he was determined to start fresh with himself, so that the Li family, too, could become a third-generation railway family, just like the Hous.

Li Xiangdong shot a glance at A-Zhe. "Do you think you know all my relatives?"

Without waiting for a response from the confused A-Zhe, he walked over to Sister Sun’s workstation.

"Sister Sun, here is my medical report."

"Sister Sun, here is mine." A-Zhe hurried over and placed his report on the desk.

"Very well, the reports are in order." After reviewing them, Sister Sun handed them their processed work permits. "You must never lose these. Although they can be replaced, there is a fee for issuing a duplicate."

"We understand, Sister Sun."

"Don't worry, we will definitely be careful."

Li Xiangdong and A-Zhe took their permits, examined them, and tucked them into their pockets.

Sister Sun stood up and said, "As long as you are careful. With these permits, you are now officially part of our department. Let me explain your salary and benefits."

"We issue wages and benefits for the current month at the beginning of each month. Since you are reporting today, remember to go to the Finance Department shortly to collect this month's pay. Today is the 11th, so you are eligible for the full month's salary. If you had arrived after the 15th, you would only receive half."

Upon hearing that they could collect a full month's pay right after arriving, the two men couldn't hide their smiles. They had struck gold.

***

Li Xiangdong, in particular, was in dire need of money; this was truly a timely blessing.

Sister Sun interrupted their joy, "Don't get too excited just yet. You are currently in your apprenticeship period, so the pay isn't much. For the first year, it’s 18 yuan per month, 23 in the second year, and 27 in the third. Upon completion, there will be a qualification exam. Once promoted, you become a Level 1 worker with a monthly salary of 33 yuan. Future raises will depend on improving your skill level."

"However, you will receive all standard benefits, including post allowances, efficiency bonuses, production bonuses, and trip allowances. Additionally, the station provides labor protection gear and uniforms. Hou San will take you to the logistics warehouse to collect those shortly, so I won't go into detail."

Sister Sun picked up her tea mug, moistened her throat, and continued, "Hou San grew up in this department. If you don't understand anything, feel free to ask him. Oh, why am I even telling you this? Dongzi, since you and Hou San are relatives, he will surely tell you everything you need to know. Off you go. Dongzi, remember to come by and chat with me when you have some free time."

Li Xiangdong smiled. "Understood, Sister Sun. You carry on with your work."

"Take care, Brother Li."

"Goodbye, Comrade Xiao Wang."

As they stepped out of the office, they saw Hou San crouching by the corridor staircase, holding a cigarette and flicking ash into an empty cigarette pack. Seeing them emerge, Hou San stubbed out his cigarette into the pack, crumpled it into a ball, and shoved it into his pocket.

"What are you two looking at? No littering cigarette butts in the hallway. Also, you, stay here for a moment—I need a word with Li Xiangdong."

At the corner of the stairs, Hou San spoke first. "My name is Hou Quan. I’m the third in my family, so everyone calls me Hou San. You’ve probably guessed who my father is, right?"

Li Xiangdong nodded and countered, "Is there something you needed to speak to me about privately?"

"Nothing in particular. I just wanted to ask, how did you manage to lead everyone around by the nose? They all actually believe you’re a relative of ours. It’s hilarious! Tell me how you did it."

Hou San looked full of curiosity, his narrow, slanted eyes twinkling. Goodness, Li Xiangdong nearly burst out laughing!

He shook his head repeatedly, distancing himself. "Hou San, you shouldn't slander me. I never said such a thing to them. I have no idea why they think that, and it has absolutely nothing to do with me."

"You’re no fun. Fine, forget it."

***

Hou San looked around, and seeing no one else was near, he leaned into Li Xiangdong. "Lower your head, I have something to tell you!"

"What is it? Can't you just say it normally?"

"I’m worried about being overheard. Just lower your head."

Li Xiangdong leaned in cautiously, worried Hou San might be up to something. But Hou San remained calm, whispering, "I know all about your situation. Deputy Director Zhang from the neighborhood office is an old classmate of my father's. That’s the connection you’re using, right?"

Seeing Li Xiangdong's ambiguous expression, Hou San continued, "Don't bother denying it; my father told me. Why else do you think I’m here? My father called me earlier to say you were reporting today and told me to show you the ropes."

Having heard this, the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place for Li Xiangdong. He finally understood why Hou San hadn't exposed him. Both Hou Jianshe and his son considered him one of their own; if they were drawing lines, he was now part of the Hou faction. So that was why Hou Jianshe’s attitude had changed the moment he saw the introduction letter this morning!

Since Hou San had laid it all out, Li Xiangdong stopped holding back. "I did indeed use Deputy Director Zhang’s connection. If what you say is true, then we really are on the same side."

Hou San shrugged. "If we weren't on the same side, do you think I’d let you pretend to be a relative? I wouldn't have come out of my way otherwise. You think I’m just bored?"

Seeing Hou San still fixated on that point, Li Xiangdong said in exasperation, "I never told anyone I was your relative!" Pretending to be someone else's relative—especially a superior's—was a sensitive matter that didn't sound good, and Li Xiangdong was determined not to admit to it. It was purely a misunderstanding!

"Alright, alright, I believe you, okay?" Hou San rubbed his nose, looking a bit sheepish. "Do you have a cigarette?"

Another one asking for a cigarette...

Li Xiangdong was speechless. "For heaven's sake, I don't smoke!"