Chapter 49 Exposed Exam Questions
As one of the top-tier large factories in Taipei with over 10,000 employees, the machinery factory boasts excellent economic benefits and is highly valued by higher authorities. Employees not only enjoy a prestigious status but also receive generous welfare benefits, making it a dream workplace for many residents of Taipei.
Unfortunately, in recent years, apart from succession planning, they have rarely recruited externally, leaving the children of ordinary employees without background or connections feeling helpless.
Wang Xiaowu's shouts were like throwing a bomb into a calm lake, blasting everyone out of the compound.
Whether they themselves are unemployed and looking for work, or someone in their family is looking for work, they are all very happy to hear this news.
Don't be fooled by the fact that they are family members or children of factory workers; getting into the machinery factory is not an easy task.
This recruitment drive is like a windfall, so naturally we have to seize it.
Everyone was discussing having their children sign up, and the whole compound was buzzing with excitement.
Suddenly, an untimely, sharp voice rang out, "What recruitment? The factory hasn't recruited in years, why would we suddenly be recruiting? What are you daydreaming about!"
Chang Dafeng glanced disdainfully at her neighbors, who were itching to rush to the factory to sign up, with her slanted, triangular eyes, and mocked them.
Everyone was stunned, and the leaders finally calmed down.
Yes, the factory hasn't recruited on a large scale for several years, so why is it suddenly recruiting?
Immediately, everyone turned their attention to Wang Xiaowu.
He quickly pressed on, "Xiao Wu, is this job posting true or false? Don't let us get our hopes up for nothing."
"This news is definitely true. The factory really is hiring. They're hiring for the workshop, factory office, finance, and HR." Wang Xiaowu, the honest kid, tried his best to explain, proving that he wasn't lying.
Chang Dafen scoffed, "Wang Xiaowu, where did you hear about the job openings? None of the factory workers in our compound have heard of this, so why does your family know? Are you deliberately trying to fool people?"
Wang Xiaowu blushed at everyone's distrust. He argued, "We overheard some inside information from someone, it can't be wrong. That person even asked others to keep it a secret, would they be so careful if it were fake news?"
"Oh dear, that might actually be true."
"It's possible that these kids overheard them talking in private."
"Is the factory really hiring?"
The crowd, who had been somewhat skeptical, immediately believed Wang Xiaowu again.
Chang Dafeng naturally knew that the news was most likely true, but even if it was true, she would pretend it was false!
She fully supported her son's plan; having that idiot Jiang Qiubai register for their second son meant that even that fool had some use. Chang Dafeng had originally been dreaming of having someone introduce her second son to potential partners after he started working.
Unexpectedly, that idiot Wang Xiaowu popped up out of nowhere. I don't know where he found out about the job posting, but he made a scene and the whole yard knew about it.
With so many people signing up, wouldn't it mean that besides her son, someone else could pass the exam?
How can this be allowed?!
Chang Dafeng's son must be the top person in this compound; no one can surpass him!
So he deliberately made trouble, determined to accuse Wang Xiaowu of having ill intentions, "What inside information? If there really were inside information in the factory, would you, an unemployed young man, hear it? I'm telling you, Wang Xiaowu, there are quite a few people here who have watched you grow up, they are your elders, you can't just use fake information to fool everyone just because you can't find a job!"
"Think about it, does what I said make sense? Don't let this kid fool you!"
After saying that, Chang Dafeng looked Wang Xiaowu up and down with a suspicious expression, as if he had deliberately spread false information to fool everyone.
Those suspicious gazes cut into Wang Xiaowu like knives.
Wang Xiaowu was young and easily embarrassed, and he couldn't take it. His face immediately turned bright red, and he hurriedly explained, "I'm not that kind of person, I'm not lying to everyone... We overheard it in the public restroom..."
Chang Dafeng chuckled coldly, "See, see, I told you this kid was unreliable! Is such important news as job recruitment something you can just casually talk about in the toilet? And you all happened to overhear it?"
"This little brat is definitely trying to fool everyone!"
You know what, you really have to admit, this old shrew is quite cunning when she gets going; she can easily sway people with just a few words.
Some people immediately sided with Chang Dafeng, like weather vanes, thinking that what Chang Dafeng said made a lot of sense. "Aunt Chang is right. How could someone let such important news be overheard in the toilet? Maybe this kid just made it up."
Liu Xiaohong was the first to be affected.
With a long face, she pointed at Wang Xiaowu and cursed, "You've really made me happy for nothing! I was planning to let my Eryan drop out of school to take the exam. If I really let her drop out of school but there's no such exam, isn't that harming her? Can you take responsibility for that?"
"You brat, how dare you spout nonsense about something so important and fool everyone!"
"That's right, how can you talk about something so important like that? It's such a waste of everyone's time."
"Oh dear, I almost fell for Wang Xiaowu's trick! Luckily, Aunt Chang reminded me, otherwise I would have made a fool of myself."
Several people echoed Wang Xiaowu's condemnation, their eyes filled with disapproval and contempt.
“I’m not talking nonsense… I was just trying to be helpful…” Wang Xiaowu felt very wronged and extremely aggrieved after being wrongly accused.
He didn't understand why his good intentions in telling them about the job openings had turned into everyone condemning and denouncing him.
"This child has really gone astray, he's a complete liar! I have to go talk to your parents, if they don't discipline you, you'll cause a huge uproar!"
Why is this involving personal attacks?
Wang Xiaowu was also angry. He was too lazy to explain anymore, so he said, "Anyway, I've delivered the message, which is more than enough. Whether you believe it or not is up to you!" Then he went back to the backyard in a huff.
He has his own temper, and he's not telling everyone this news for any particular reason. He just hopes that people who are as anxious as him to find a job can find one sooner.
Who would have thought that I would be suspected and wronged like this?
A kind heart was met with no kind response.
He's such an idiot!
He will never do such a foolish thing again!
Someone complained, "Hey, what's wrong with this kid?"
"What kind of attitude is that? Aren't we doing this for his own good?"
"Absolutely! They're so ungrateful!"
However, some clever people kept their eyes open and thought of asking around.
What if, just what if it's true? That could be a chance for the child to change their destiny!
...
After watching the whole thing, Cheng Jiajia and Yu Junsheng could only give Chang Dafeng the title of "troublemaker." This person was really something... She made a perfectly good thing seem fake, and everyone left on bad terms.
It means Wang Xiaowu will have to suffer for a few days.
In short, under Chang Dafeng's strong intervention, the topic of recruitment was brought to a halt in the courtyard.
The machinery factory has more than just Compound No. 35 as its residential compound. While the matter may have stopped in their compound, it has become the talk of the town in other compounds.
Within two days, the news spread like wildfire, but some people doubted its authenticity. Eventually, someone went directly to the factory leaders to ask if there were any job openings recently.
The factory had no choice but to admit that they were indeed hiring, but only for technical positions, and applicants had to be high school graduates and have urban residency.
Reassured, everyone happily dispersed.
However, Deputy Factory Director Zhou, who was in charge of recruitment, felt it was a loss of face to be questioned in person, so he called Director Wang, who was in charge of this matter, into his office and gave him a good scolding.
When the news reached Compound No. 35, the residents were in an uproar once again.
This time, the factory leaders said it themselves, so it can't be wrong!
Those who had gone out to gather information and secretly reviewed their lessons were initially quite pleased with themselves, but upon hearing this news, they instantly deflated.
They're recruiting for technical positions, so what have they been looking at these days?
Accounting? Purchasing?
They're reviewing the wrong things!
Wang Xiaowu was oblivious to these people's complaints. He raised his head high because of the news. "See? I told you I was right! There really are openings!" he thought. "As for a slight discrepancy in the job posting, what's the big deal?!"
Chang Dafeng was stunned when she heard the news.
She finally managed to fool everyone, so who was it that spread this rumor?!
Some quick-witted people scoffed, "I've heard her daughter-in-law staying in her room these past few days, and I can hear her reciting lessons over and over again. Maybe she's secretly reviewing her lessons."
Someone clapped their hands angrily, "Well, that old shrew must be trying to distract us because she's afraid we'll fight with her daughter-in-law!"
That makes a lot of sense, and besides, given Chang Dafeng's personality, she's not incapable of doing such a despicable thing.
As a result, everyone started looking at Chang Dafeng differently.
Everyone rolled their eyes at her and said sarcastically, "Oh, Aunt Chang, wasn't the job posting fake? What kind of books does your daughter-in-law read all day long while holed up in the house?"
That old shrew, so heartless!
Chang Dafeng: "..."
Chang Dafeng's attempt to steal a chicken backfired spectacularly. Not only did she fail to keep the news from her son, but she also made her reputation in the compound even worse, leaving her feeling extremely depressed.
Zheng Haiyang remained calm, confident that he had a question bank that no amount of studying could compare to.
No one cared about Chang Dafeng's feelings. Once they received the confirmation, everyone in the courtyard began to seize the time to review their studies.
There was an unexpected incident in the middle; I heard that Qin Ziwen from the Third Hospital had an accident.
I was stuffed into a sack on my way back from the hospital.
不过大家伙儿现在可都一门心思背备考或者替家人备考，哪儿有闲心管秦子文是不是被揍了？就连程嘉嘉这个爱看热闹的都没关心。
Lately, she's been completely focused on Yu Junsheng, trying her best to handle all the logistical work so he can focus on his exams. After all, she doesn't even need to think to know it was Zheng Haicheng who did it—no doubt about it.
So this matter didn't cause a ripple in the courtyard at all.
Bai Xiaohui felt that her revenge was as good as nothing, so she decided to find Zheng Haicheng, that idiot, and cry to him a few more times so that he could vent his anger on her behalf.
Qin Ziwen: "..."
While everyone was enthusiastically reviewing the material, a rumor quietly began to circulate.
I heard that someone bribed the factory leaders to buy the exam questions. The number of positions in the technical department had actually been decided long ago. The exam was just a formality for everyone to save face.
It started with a small group of people spreading the word, and eventually almost the entire residential compound knew about it.
Everyone who heard it was furious.
"What?! Someone leaked the exam questions at the machine factory?!"
"Damn it, why the hell am I supposed to take the exam? Just let those with connections in!"
"Damn it! Why should we, who work so hard to study and review, be just there to be a foil for those who bribe the leaders!"
"So what if you're rich! Who knows what your ancestors' social class was!"
"Yes, why should we? The working class is in charge now!"
The more they thought about it, the more indignant and angry they became.
Finally, everyone, filled with anger, rushed to the gate of the machine factory to question the factory leaders about whether someone had accepted bribes and leaked the exam questions. Was there any fairness left in the machine factory's recruitment exam?
On what grounds should they be deprived of their right to participate in recruitment?
The gatekeeper notified Director Wang of the personnel department, but even Director Wang couldn't control those people. The noise at the entrance of the machinery factory was deafening, attracting frequent glances from passersby both inside and outside the factory.
Finally, Deputy Factory Director Zhou stepped forward and solemnly assured everyone, "Don't worry, everyone. This recruitment is open to all of Beicheng. I can guarantee that this kind of thing will absolutely not happen. If such serious corruption, embezzlement, bribery, and dereliction of duty occurs in the machinery factory, I will be the first to not let him off the hook. I, Zhou Fusheng, will never allow this to happen!"
"Our recruitment process is absolutely fair and just. We recruit the most suitable talents according to the requirements of each department. You can apply with confidence."
"We also welcome everyone's supervision!"
Deputy Factory Director Zhou was usually very easygoing and approachable, and he got along well with the workers.
His assurances were convincing to everyone, and the crowd gradually quieted down.
Really?
"Deputy Factory Director Zhou is a good man, I believe him! And since he said so, there can't be anything fishy going on!"
"So we really did misunderstand?"
Deputy Factory Director Zhou continued loudly, "Now that things are cleared up, everyone should disperse! Gathering around the factory gate is disrupting normal production activities and is not a good thing. Since you all plan to apply to the machinery factory, it means you have some affection for our factory, and you don't want to affect the factory's normal production, right?"
These people came to cause trouble out of sheer courage. Now that the factory leaders have confirmed that the rumors of bribery and leaking exam questions were false, they are all ashamed and realize that they did the wrong thing.
So the crowd slowly dispersed.
Deputy Factory Director Zhou gave Director Wang a disapproving look, and the two quickly returned to their office.
Director Wang said with a look of relief, "Uncle, thank goodness you were here, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do."
Director Wang glanced at Deputy Factory Director Zhou, feeling a little guilty, but also relieved.
He never expected that this matter would be exposed, and that these people would even dare to come to the factory gate to block him and question him.
Fortunately, my uncle managed to cover it up.
However, before he could completely relax, Deputy Factory Director Yang arrived with Section Chief Liao from the Technical Department.
Director Wang's heart skipped a beat; he instinctively felt something was wrong.
Deputy Factory Director Zhou also looked unwell; he got a headache whenever he saw these two.
Deputy Factory Director Yang is a former military officer. He is upright and never shows favoritism. He and the smooth-talking Deputy Factory Director Zhou have never gotten along and can start arguing over a few words.
As for Section Chief Liao, this technical guy is single-minded, like a rock in a latrine, stubborn and inflexible. He always manages to put himself in an awkward position, but since he's really capable, there's nothing he can do about it.
The two of them coming to see me together can't be up to anything good.
As expected, Deputy Factory Director Yang's opening remarks were unpleasant.
He said, "Director Zhou, our machinery factory is highly regarded by the higher-ups, and the product development tasks are urgent. Every staff member in the technical department needs to be carefully selected before being entrusted with important responsibilities. So, I discussed it with Section Chief Liao, and we decided that Section Chief Liao should be in charge of recruiting for the technical department. After all, he is the one who truly understands the technology and knows what kind of people are suitable for his department. We won't trouble you to worry about it."
Deputy Factory Director Zhou's face darkened. Wasn't this implying that he hired anyone he wanted, letting in just anyone, no matter who they were?
It seems this old fellow heard the news outside and came all the way here to take on this job.
Deputy Factory Director Zhou said with a forced smile, "Old Yang, look at what you're saying. Recruiting people is simply within our job scope. How can it be considered a trouble?"
Deputy Factory Director Yang glared at him impatiently and said, "Stop talking nonsense, just tell me if you agree or not?"
He then stared at Deputy Factory Director Zhou with a suspicious look, "Or are you really like what those people outside say, accepting bribes to put people in first?"
He suddenly slammed his hand on the table, startling Deputy Factory Director Zhou.
"Old Zhou, you can't make such a fundamental mistake!"
Deputy Factory Director Zhou: "..." This soldier scoundrel!
Why doesn't he like talking to people surnamed Yang? Why?
It's all because of this! This barbarian!
Deputy Factory Director Zhou, with a long face, retorted, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
He continued, "Alright, since the technical department is willing to put in this effort, we are naturally happy to see it happen. The technical department will be fully responsible for this recruitment, and we will not interfere."
He did not get along with the man surnamed Yang, but he also did not approve of what Wang Sanqiang was doing.
The technical department is crucial to the development of the machinery factory; how can we just send anyone in? He still hopes the machinery factory will do well.
Deputy Factory Director Yang nodded expressionlessly, "Old Zhou, I knew you weren't that kind of person!" His tone was very perfunctory.
Deputy Factory Director Zhou's lips twitched. This guy is really something!
Having achieved his goal, Deputy Factory Director Yang offered a perfunctory compliment and then left with Section Chief Liao.
However, before leaving, he gave Wang Sanqiang a sharp look.
He thought to himself that if this person were to follow his temper, he would definitely take action, but after all, the man surnamed Wang was a direct descendant of the man surnamed Zhou, and now was not the time to break off relations.
Director Wang's face turned pale. "Uncle, this..."
Deputy Factory Director Zhou glared at him and said irritably, "You should be taught a lesson. Let's see if you dare to accept things from people so casually next time!"
Other positions are one thing, but the technical department is a crucial department for the factory's future development. It requires real skills and expertise. How dare that brat Wang Sanqiang mess things up? He's really getting bolder and bolder because he has me, the deputy factory director, backing him up.
...
Zheng Haiyang and Jiang Qiubai only found out about it afterward.
"How dare these people cause trouble in front of the leaders?"
Jiang Qiubai asked worriedly, "Brother Haiyang, will something go wrong? Why does this sound so unsettling?"
"It's okay, don't overthink it. Focus on memorizing the questions."
When Zheng Haiyang heard the rumor, he felt a moment of panic. He had kept his affair with Director Wang so secret, how could people know about it and spread it everywhere?
But when he heard that Deputy Factory Director Zhou had suppressed the matter, Zheng Haiyang gradually felt relieved.
He said confidently, "If Director Wang hasn't sent any messages, it means everything's fine. Deputy Factory Director Zhou, who's in charge of personnel, is Director Wang's uncle, so he won't interfere. This booklet is still useful. Qiu Bai, memorize it well, and we'll definitely pass the exam."
Jiang Qiubai could only barely suppress his unease and continue to memorize the booklet by rote.
Soon, the day of the exam at the machinery factory arrived.
Jiang Qiubai got up early to make breakfast for the whole family. After eating, he washed the pots and pans before going to the factory with Zheng Haiyang.
When Jiang Qiubai sat down in the examination room and looked at the exam paper, he was dumbfounded.
She looked at the test paper over and over again in disbelief. How come this is completely different from the questions she memorized?
All the questions were ones she couldn't understand. How was she supposed to pass the test?
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