The train driver in the courtyard

Chapter 545: The neighborhood welcomes foreign guests, Professor Cui's attack, Li Aiguo cleverly resolves it

Inside the office.

After Minister Teng finished his explanation, his face became serious and he exuded the aura unique to veterans.

“This is a glorious and arduous task. Do you have the confidence to complete it?”

He waved his hands with great amplitude, and Li Aiguo felt as if he was on the battlefield waiting for the charge to be sounded.

Passion is burning.

The blood is boiling.

Faith is strengthening.

"Have!"

The three people, old, middle-aged and young, all made the same sound at the same time.

There is indeed a conflict between the Beijing Railway Research Institute and the Harbin Railway Science Research Institute.

But there is no personal grudge between them, and they can still distinguish right from wrong on such major issues.

After leaving the minister's office, the three of them gathered in the lounge next door, waiting for comrades from the foreign affairs department to arrange a reception.

While studying the information of the Hungarian People's Railway Ministry delegation.

These materials are collected temporarily by the foreign affairs department and are not complete.

All we know is that the consultant of the Hungarian train delegation was named Nagy Sandor.

His grandfather and father were both train drivers, and Nagy Sandor has been interested in trains since he was a child.

Later, he was admitted to a European railway academy, where he did not have a very good relationship with the Russian experts.

This is also one of the important reasons why Hungarian Railways abandoned the old Russian trains and chose patriotic steam engines.

"Descendants of train drivers"

Cui Mingde and Liu Guozhang both raised their heads and looked at Li Aiguo.

Li Aiguo: "."

****
Night falls.

The capital city, which had been bustling all day, fell into silence.

Just as Li Aiguo was busy preparing for the upcoming mission, ripples began to appear in the peaceful courtyard.

When Yi Zhonghai heard that Li Aiguo went to a meeting in the ministry, he felt depressed and went to bed without even eating dinner.

After an old lady delivered food to the deaf old lady, she returned to the house and saw this situation, so she brought the cornmeal porridge to the bedside.

"Old man, have a bite. You haven't been in good health recently. If you get sick, it will be troublesome."

"Oh, I'm not in the mood to eat.

That kid Li Aiguo tampered with the electric sewing machine.

This time I didn’t make any money, but instead lost the money for materials.

He lost the qualification to assist in the construction of the Xindian Locomotive Factory, gained a reputation as a backward element in the steel rolling mill, and now he has offended Liu Haizhong.

This time, I suffered a huge loss.”

Yi Zhonghai is now in his forties, still young and strong. He used to be as strong as a calf.

It has only been two years, but because of the repeated defeats in the confrontations with Li Aiguo, he seemed to have aged ten years, with wrinkles all over his forehead and his hair turning a little gray.

Seeing this, an old lady sighed and advised, "Old man, Aiguo is a good man. Whenever anyone in our compound has problems, he will always help.

Can't you just stop causing trouble for others?"

Hearing this, Yi Zhonghai, who had a depressed look on his face just now, became angry and suddenly sat up from the bed.

"You, with long hair and little knowledge, are you looking for trouble? This is a struggle!"

I am the most important person in the compound. If I am overpowered by Li Aiguo, he will take my position as the most important person sooner or later."

Seeing that Yi Zhonghai was so stubborn, the aunt had no choice but to give up.

She knew that although Yi Zhonghai talked about unity and ideological awareness all the time, he actually enjoyed the glory of being a boss.

"Don't worry, Li Aiguo is just an ordinary resident. It's impossible for him to always have the upper hand. As long as I get the chance..."

Yi Zhonghai was just about to say something to comfort the old lady when a voice came from outside.

"Is the uncle at home?"

"It seems to be Officer Liu from the Street Office!"

Yi Zhonghai, who was originally listless, jumped off the bed, put on his shoes, straightened his collar, and combed his hair.

He instantly turned into the majestic old man he used to be. He looked at himself in the mirror, then slowly walked out of the inner room and opened the door.

The person standing outside the door was Officer Liu from the Street Office.

"Uncle, you're going to bed so early?"

"Yes, the steel mill has been quite busy recently. As a seventh-level master chef, I have to shoulder responsibilities, so I am a little more tired than usual. So I rested early."

After Yi Zhonghai had presented his achievements, he asked curiously, "Secretary Liu, what's up?"

"Director Wang from the Subdistrict Office has called a meeting of several uncles from nearby compounds. You should go there immediately.

I also have to inform the manager of the compound next door."

Secretary Liu seemed to have no interest in Yi Zhonghai's contribution. He turned around and left in a hurry.

It's so late, Director Wang called the manager to a meeting? What happened?
Yi Zhonghai realized the seriousness of the problem, explained it to the old lady, and quickly walked towards the street office.

When he passed by the door of Li Aiguo's house, he took a deliberate look inside. The house was dark, so Li Aiguo should not have returned.

At ten o'clock in the evening, the street office was brightly lit.

The managers of more than a dozen large courtyards and alleys in Nantongluo Lane gathered together, and the meeting room was in chaos.

Those managers were also confused as to why they were suddenly called to the meeting.

"There hasn't been much going on in our neighborhood lately."

"Yeah, even if there's something going on, we should have a meeting during the day. We all have work to do."

"Stop talking, Director Wang is here."

Director Wang came in with two street office officials and sat on the podium.

Under the dim light, Director Wang's face looked a little excited and a little heavy.

He looked so nervous that he picked up an empty enamel cup to drink tea.

Secretary Liu wanted to stand up to help Director Wang pour tea, but was stopped by her.

"This is an urgent matter. We can't waste time."

Director Wang glanced around the conference room and said excitedly, "I invited you here so late at night because our superiors have given us a difficult and glorious task.

Tomorrow morning, some foreign guests will arrive in Beijing and will pass by here on their way to the Great Hall.

In order to express welcome to foreign guests, each neighborhood will select a group of activists to form a welcoming team to welcome foreign guests along the streets.

At the same time, we must also pay special attention to those residents who like to make trouble.

Because time is short and the task is heavy, this task is given to you. "

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a loud bang in the conference room.

In those days, domestic and foreign communications were not smooth, and there were very few foreign guests visiting the capital, and even fewer who were qualified to receive this kind of welcome ceremony.

For a moment, those uncles in charge were very interested in the identity of the foreign guests.

Some say he is an important figure in Big Brother’s family.

Some people think that our relationship with Big Brother hasn’t been very good recently, so it’s impossible for Big Brother to come as a guest.

Regardless of the era, ordinary people are very interested in these high-level affairs, and there are many different opinions at one time.

"Snapped"

Director Wang slammed the table heavily and said, "Everyone, be quiet. Now is not the time to discuss these issues.

You guys go back and organize the residents right away to ensure that there are no problems with tomorrow's welcome ceremony. This is a rectification task!"

Those uncles in charge immediately realized the seriousness of the matter and expressed their determination to do their best.

Yi Zhonghai was very happy. This kind of welcome ceremony was a time for him to show his face.

It would be a great honor to stand in a prominent position and wave the flag.

As a big uncle, he is responsible for organizing the residents and has considerable power.

Yi Zhonghai felt that he should take this opportunity to show his face.

After returning to the courtyard.

Yi Zhonghai saw that the lights in Li Aiguo's room were still off, and he began to wonder.

Daqianmen Street is also on the route. Chen Xueru should be busy in the street office at this time, so it is normal that she has not returned.

But Li Aiguo was only at a meeting in the ministry, so why hasn’t he come back so late?
But Yi Zhonghai has important things to do now and can't care about Li Aiguo.

He called out Liu Haizhong and the third uncle for slandering them.

The three of them gathered at Yi Zhonghai's home and held a high-level meeting in the courtyard.

Liu Haizhong and the third uncle had already gone to bed, so they were naturally unhappy to be woken up.

"Old Yi, you are becoming more and more outrageous. Don't you know that I still have to go to work tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I have to go to school too."

"Shut up, everyone!"

Yi Zhonghai held the sword in his hand and acted like a big boss.

Liu Haizhong and the third uncle realized that something was wrong. They looked at each other and asked curiously, "Yi Zhonghai, what happened?"

Yi Zhonghai told the story of the foreign guests' visit, patted the table, and said excitedly: "Welcoming foreign guests is the time for us to show our style. The street office entrusted us with the task, which shows their trust in us.

We have to get this done right, so we have to draw up a list of residents who will be in the front row tonight."

Liu Haizhong and the third uncle immediately perked up.

This is a good time to show your face.

Especially the third uncle, because he was born into a small business family, he was often not welcomed at school.

If you can get a good position, maybe your photo can be published in the newspaper.

"Uncle, I'm an old teacher and a cultured person. My family also has a Zhongshan suit. I will look very respectable when I put on the Zhongshan suit and stand in the front row." Uncle Three immediately showed his advantages.

Liu Haizhong kept scolding the uncle for being a thief.

But he didn't look good, he wasn't tall, and he only had work clothes at home.

"I, I, I'm fat! It means we have a good life." Liu Haizhong suddenly had an idea and said, patting his thigh.

Yi Zhonghai: "."

Uncle Three: “.”

After thinking about it carefully, they found that Liu Haizhong's conditions were indeed very superior.

Of course, Yi Zhonghai would not offend the two managers because of his position.

"You two can both be in the front row and hold the flag."

Yi Zhonghai took a sip of tea and said slowly, "I've calculated that the compound still needs five residents to stand in the front row. Jia Dongxu from the Jia family has been doing pretty well recently, so let's count him in. What do you think?"

Jia Dongxu was just punished a while ago, and he didn’t even get a thought vote this month. How can this be called a good performance?
The third uncle wanted to object, but after thinking carefully, he put his hand down and said with a smile: "Jia Dongxu has indeed made rapid progress. I would like to suggest our Yan Jiecheng, who is now a formal locomotive depot worker."

Yi Zhonghai nodded: "Yan Jiecheng is indeed good." Liu Haizhong took a look and thought that you are doing an internal operation.

No, he also has to nominate a candidate.

Liu Guangqi had already returned to Baoding, Liu Guangfu and Liu Guangtian were still young, so Liu Haizhong could only recommend his neighbor Master Chen.

After the matter is over, he can blackmail Master Chen into giving him a drink.

"Master Chen is also okay." Yi Zhonghai and the third uncle both nodded in agreement.

The three places were divided among the three of them, leaving two.

The third uncle raised his head and said, "I think we should give one to Li Aiguo. He is a member of the organization and a train driver. He is also very prestigious in the compound on weekdays."

"Old Yan, we need to consider the overall situation when we consider the issue. Now we have elected all gay men, isn't it time to elect two female comrades? Now we emphasize gender equality."

Yi Zhonghai interrupted the third uncle with a stern face.

The third uncle understood at that time that Yi Zhonghai wanted to exclude Li Aiguo.

"But."

Yi Zhonghai interrupted the third uncle again: "I propose Comrade Qin Huairu. As the daughter-in-law of the Jia family, she is filial to her parents-in-law and raises her children. She is a role model for women comrades."

The third uncle felt that Yi Zhonghai's behavior was too unkind.

As a big boss, you can do some small tricks, but you can't take the pot away with you.

Liu Haizhong nodded in agreement: "Old Yi, you can just take care of the arrangements."

Seeing that the two of them were in collusion with each other, the third uncle could only reluctantly propose a candidate.

"I suggested Liang Ladi, who has five children and works hard in the factory every day.

And he educated Da Mao and Er Mao very well. "

Yi Zhonghai had no one to nominate at this time.

In addition, he has already picked two candidates, and both of them are from the Jia family.

If word gets out, the residents in the compound will accuse him of sitting on the wrong side of the fence.

Liang Ladi has a good reputation in the compound and can shut up the residents.

Yi Zhonghai nodded: "I think Liang Ladi is suitable."

After the three managers had reached an agreement, all the residents of the courtyard were called.

The residents had already rested and were a little unhappy when they were woken up.

When they learned that they were going to welcome foreign guests, everyone became excited and laughter filled the courtyard.

Yi Zhonghai announced the list in public and then distributed banners and flags to several residents standing in the front row.

Liang Ladi frowned as she held the small flag: "Where is the patriotic brother? Why didn't he get elected?"

Jia Dongxu was waving a small flag vigorously at this time. Hearing this, he curled his lips and said, "Of course I'm not enthusiastic. This time we are welcoming an important foreign guest. If someone like Li Aiguo stood in the front, it would definitely bring shame to our courtyard."

"You" Liang Ladi was so angry that she wanted to quarrel with Jia Dongxu on the spot.

Nan Yi pulled at the corner of her clothes and whispered, "The three managers have already discussed it, so stop making trouble."

Liang Ladi was stopped and felt a little unconvinced, but she had no choice but to give up.

She knew Nan Yi's personality and knew he was too cautious.

As a projectionist, Xu Damao always felt that he was a prominent figure in the courtyard. Apart from a few managers, he was the most respectable one.

Now I can only stand in the back row, feeling very depressed.

"Two people from the Jia family are standing in the front row. It seems that someone has found a good father."

A sarcastic voice echoed in the courtyard, and a burst of laughter broke out among the crowd.

"Yes, we all know what's going on between Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu."

"This time there's no Li Aiguo, but there are these two people. Tsk tsk, someone's butt is crooked again."

"I can't help it. He's my biological father."

Jia Dongxu, who was feeling proud, suddenly turned red.

He handed the flag to Qin Huairu and pointed at Xu Damao: "Sun thief, are you looking for a fight?"

Xu Damao subconsciously turned around to touch the stainless steel pot, but found that he had forgotten to bring it.

At this time, Liu Lan ran out of the house holding the pot and handed it to him.

"Men, come on!"

Liu Lan was also very angry.

Qin Huairu can't compare to her in any way, but she can still stand in the front row.

Xu Damao took the steel pot, put it on his back, picked up a stick and rushed out.

When Jia Dongxu saw that Xu Damao had become the scapegoat again, he turned around and hid behind Yi Zhonghai.

"Master, he hit me."

The originally lively scene was turned into a mess. Yi Zhonghai pinched his brows in annoyance.

"Okay, stop it, we have foreign guests to welcome tomorrow morning, go home and get ready.

If anyone dares to give up, not only me but also the street office will not let him off. "

Although Xu Damao was dissatisfied, he was also aware of the importance of this mission, so he could only shrink his neck and go back angrily with the stainless steel pot on his back.

The residents also understood this and dispersed.

Yi Zhonghai calmed the situation, feeling quite proud, and walked towards home humming a little tune.

Tomorrow, he will surely be honored to stand in the front row.

Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu also stood in the front row, which was considered to have restored the reputation they lost a while ago.

More importantly, this time he quietly took control of Li Aiguo.

Li Aiguo’s prestige in the hearts of residents will definitely be damaged in the future.

Win-win-win means Yi Zhonghai wins three times.

When Yi Zhonghai passed by Li's house, he saw that the house was still dark, and he couldn't help feeling confused.

What kind of meeting was Li Aiguo holding that could last three or four hours?
On the morning of September 9, Beijing Nanyuan Airport.

Li Aiguo was in the welcoming team, looking at the lively scene in front of him, feeling quite excited.

The welcoming ceremony was of high standard and grand.

Several leaders from the foreign affairs department came out in person and organized a group of primary school students to present flowers.

However, this excitement gradually disappeared as time went by, and I felt a little depressed instead.

I was so tired after standing for two hours.

The old professor Cui Mingde wanted to perform better.

I tried hard to keep a warm smile on my face, but after two hours of smiling, my face has become stiff.

While no one was paying attention, he quietly rubbed his face and muttered, "When will this plane arrive? There's no exact time."

Liu Guozhang whispered, "They were on a special plane, you thought it was a flight."

These two old comrades have been bickering with each other these past few days, just like little kids.

Sure enough, high-end disputes are so simple.

"Come on, cheer up."

There was a roar of an airplane in the distance, and with an order from the leader of the foreign affairs department, the welcoming team suddenly became energetic.

Professor Cui Mingde's face was filled with a warm smile again.

After a while of gliding, the plane landed at the airport and the airport staff set up a spiral staircase.

The first person to step out of the plane was János from Hungarian Railways.

This old comrade, who was later called Uncle János, was only in his forties at that time and was a typical Eastern European handsome man.

The group of primary school students came forward and handed over flowers, then the leaders shook hands and the reporters took photos.

Professor Cui Mingde originally wanted to show his face, but until János got into the car, he didn't even shake hands with him.

"I spent half the evening practicing my handshake. What a shame."

Li Aiguo and Professor Cui Mingde were already familiar with each other at this time, and he knew that although the old professor looked dignified, he actually had the temperament of a child.

He joked: "We should be content that we can be at this airport."

"That's right." Professor Cui Mingde thought about it carefully and sighed.

However, Cui Mingde soon became happy because the expert group got off the plane.

Comrades from the foreign affairs department led them to a team of Hungarian railway experts and introduced them to both sides.

"This is Naji Sandor, the chief adviser of the People's Railway Ministry."

"These are Director Liu Guozhang of the Beijing Railway Research Institute, Professor Cui of the Harbin Railway Science Research Institute, and Comrade Li Aiguo, a train driver from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot."

Professor Cui got the chance to show his face and extended his hand early.

However, according to the instructions of the comrades from the foreign affairs department, he could not take the initiative to approach them, so as not to offend the guests.

Professor Cui's little eyes blinked, as if to say, choose me, choose me.

Naji Sandor came over with a smile on his face, stretched out his hand and held Li Aiguo's hand tightly.

"Dear Li, I have read your information on the plane. I heard that you are a train driver, is that right?"

This guy's hands are quite strong. Li Aiguo shook his hand and said with a smile: "Yes, I am a glorious train driver. Mr. Naji, welcome to the capital."

Professor Cui was originally embarrassed, but now he finally got the chance. He coughed twice and reminded Li Aiguo: "Driver Li, European names have the first name in front and the last name in the back, so you made a big mistake just now."

When Liu Guozhang heard this, he was shocked.

If no one makes a fuss about mixing up the guests' names, then it's not a problem at all.

But if it is brought up, it will become a foreign affairs incident of some significance.

Liu Guozhang suddenly became nervous, thinking about how to cover up for Li Aiguo.

"Really?" Li Aiguo was not panicked at all. He turned his head and looked at Naji Sandor: "Mr. Naji, what do you think?"

Nagy Sandor said in a rusty Chinese: "Comrade Professor, there is something wrong with what you said. European names are indeed like that, but our Hungarian names are an exception. Just like your names, the family name comes first and the given name comes last."

Li Aiguo said: "This just shows that our two countries have many similarities in culture. If anyone wants to deny this, they have ulterior motives."

bang.

Professor Cui felt like a hat was put on his forehead.

His face suddenly turned red, and he said awkwardly: "I remembered it wrongly. I remembered it wrongly."

Hungary is a small country in Eastern Europe, and even more inconspicuous in the world, and its cultural influence is even smaller.

Especially when there is less communication between China and foreign countries, it is easier to make this kind of mistake.

Naji Sandor looked at Li Aiguo curiously and asked, "Driver Li, how do you know that our names are different from those of Europeans?"

"Have you forgotten that I am a train driver? Train drivers travel all over the country and always know a little more than others."

This reason sounded a bit ridiculous, but Naji Sandor nodded and said, "That's true. My late father was a train driver. He was also a knowledgeable man. He knew everything about astronomy and geography."

Li Aiguo: "."

(End of this chapter)