Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, fitter's workshop.

Watching Gao Yan finish polishing the last piece, Wang Jiangang said with a face full of satisfaction, "You're simply a prodigy! If you were to take the certification exam now, you could easily be rated as a level three fitter!"

Don't underestimate Gao Yan just because he only makes level 3 workpieces. The workpieces he polishes are comparable to those of a level 6 fitter like himself.

"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master!"

Gao Yan said with a smile.

"Alright, stop flattering me. I've had more than just you as my apprentice. Your senior brothers are nowhere near as good as you."

Wang Jiangang said with a smile, "In a couple of days, I will teach you the knowledge of a Level 4 worker. Next time you take the exam, try to reach Level 5!"

"Then you'll have to trouble yourself, Master!"

Gao Yan did not refuse Wang Jiangang's kindness. Although he did not live on a salary, if he could get promoted a few more times and eat better food, no one would gossip.

Before I knew it, it was time to leave work again.

When Gao Yan returned to the courtyard, he heard people discussing something inside.

Because of the food shortage, we could only buy 70% of the ration each month, but now it has dropped to 64%.

What is quantitative analysis?

It refers to the amount of grain that can be purchased each month according to regulations.

This quota is set according to different types of work.

For example, fitters are a type of manual laborer, and they are given a monthly ration of 45 jin (22.5 catties). Because of the nationwide food shortage, they can only buy 70% of that 45 jin each month.

As for the Li Mengyao and Li Mengya sisters, neither of them has a job.

Therefore, Li Mengyao's ration was 20 jin, while Li Mengya's was even less, only 16 jin.

Based on a 70% calculation, Li Mengyao only receives 14 jin of food per month, while Li Mengya receives even less, only 10.2 jin.

This amount of food is simply not enough to eat.

That's why, no matter how beautiful Li Mengyao is, with Li Mengya as a burden, no one dares to marry her.

Of course, that's not the case, and it's not Gao Yan's place to pick up the bargains.

"Brother Weiguo, you're back!"

"Brother-in-law, you're back!"

As soon as Gao Yan returned home, the two sisters greeted her warmly.

"Mengyao, is dinner ready?"

"It's done!"

Gao Yan casually closed the door, then took out a package of oil paper from his bag and handed it to Li Mengyao: "Take this and cut it up!"

There is a pound of braised beef in this oil paper package.

To provide nutrition for the two sisters, Gao Yan would bring home a pound of braised beef or pork every day after get off work.

A short while later.

The family of three sat down at the table.

"Brother-in-law, here are your chopsticks!"

"Thanks!"

Gao Yan smiled at Li Mengya, took the chopsticks, and said, "Let's eat!"

After the meal, Li Mengyao cleared the dishes, while Li Mengya skillfully found tea leaves and brewed some for Gao Yan.

"Mengya, you've worked hard!"

He took the tea that Li Mengya had brewed.

"It's not hard work, it's my brother-in-law who's working hard!" Li Mengya quickly replied.

These days, although life is tough and there are fewer entertainment options, men still have a high status in the family.

Aside from going to work, Gao Yan hardly has to do anything when he gets home; he's a complete lord.

They don't even need to wash their own face or feet.

"Mengyao, Mengya, the factory is closed tomorrow, let me show you around!"

Gao Yan took a sip of tea.

"Really? Brother-in-law!"

"Would I lie to you?"

"Very good!"

Li Mengya jumped up and down happily.

"By the way, your schooling is all sorted out. You'll be going straight to fourth grade next semester. I'll try to find some textbooks from first to third grade for you to review, so you won't fall behind when you get to school!"

"Thank you, brother-in-law!"

Hearing that she could go to school next year made Li Mengya even happier.

Nowadays, the first semester doesn't start in September; the new semester begins after the start of the new year.

Gao Yan originally planned to send Li Mengya directly to the fourth grade, but he knew that the fourth grade was already in its second semester, and if she were to transfer now, she might not be able to keep up.

It would be better to let her study at home for a few months and then go to fourth grade next semester.

night.

In a warm, cozy bed.

Li Mengya asked with some concern, "Brother Weiguo, I heard people in the yard saying that the ration has been reduced again. Will our family have enough food?"

"Don't worry, our family has no shortage of food. I have ways to get food, but you should keep it to yourself and don't tell anyone else."

"I'm not that stupid!"

"Yes, my wife is very smart, give her a kiss!"

As he spoke, Gao Yan kissed Li Mengyao on her delicate face.

After resting for more than half a month, Li Mengyao and her sister's faces have become fuller, and their skin has also become fairer.

Now, Li Mengyao's appearance score has increased to 93 points, and even her figure score has improved slightly, reaching 96 points.

Early morning.

Gao Yan suddenly opened his eyes and first used his Insightful Eye to check whether Guan Ziliang and Zhao Yuzhong had given any trading signals.

Neither company gave a trading signal.

Then, Gao Yan habitually glanced around the five black markets and the surrounding area.

There were no ambushes in the black market.

But there were people lying in ambush around the black market!

Withdrawing his insightful gaze, Gao Yan closed his eyes and went to sleep.

The next morning.

Gao Yan sensed that Li Mengyao was about to get up and make breakfast.

He reached out and pulled her into his arms: "No need to make breakfast today, let's go out to eat and sleep a little longer."

"Um!"

Li Mengyao was used to Gao Yan's words, so she didn't refute them and snuggled back into his safe and warm embrace.

Eight o'clock in the morning.

Gao Yan led the Li Mengyao and Li Mengya sisters out of the courtyard.

It was already getting chilly in Beijing as October approached.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!