Haichuan’s “Season of Gratitude” – My Story with the Class Leader【Anhuan District 002】

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This post was last edited by slll611 on 2016-1-15 at 13:15. In response to a call from the forum to write about things we are grateful for, I start writing but don’t know where to begin. I realize that it’s been over 30 years since I started working here, yet I still remember clearly the mentors I had when I first joined. I recall an incident from the past: I wrote a short story at that time. It should be considered original, something I created myself. Let me take another moment to thank those mentors who have helped me along my life’s journey. ““Boom, boom…” Distant, dull thunder rumbled in the sky; it gradually grew darker, and a strong wind blew, carrying sand and stones – it was about to rain. I sat in the control room, looking out the window, lost in thought. It was sunny when I went to work in the morning, but now, after lunch, the sky is covered with dark clouds. I didn’t bring any rain gear; if it starts to rain during the measurements, that will be troublesome. I checked my watch; it was 1:20. I had 15 minutes left before I needed to go for the measurement, or else I’d end up completely soaked. No, I need to act ahead of time; there are several jars. It’s only a few minutes left anyway. Numbers? Easy: add a bit more to the receiving tank and subtract a bit from the sending tank – that should get it roughly right. I grabbed a ruler, tore off a piece of rag, and headed outside. “Xiaofeng, what are you going to do? ”The squad leader appeared out of nowhere. Just a few days ago, I had an argument with him; we’ve been ignoring each other ever since. Today, he’s meddling in things again. “Measure it! ”I waved the tool in my hand and snapped out a harsh remark. “It doesn’t seem to be time yet, does it? ”Asking on purpose! It seems they want to find fault with me as a way of getting revenge. “It will start raining soon; it’s too dangerous to stand on the tank when there are thunderstorms. There are several more jars; I’ll be done measuring by then. ”I argued quite reasonably. “Let’s wait a little longer; a few minutes won’t make a difference. ”He refused to budge. A few minutes don’t make a difference. Hmph, it’s not you who’ll be measuring when it starts raining later – it’s still me who’ll get wet. But I stopped anyway; I can’t overcome my own will. \"It’s better to deal with things right away.\" ”Such a minor official, acting so arrogant – I can’t help but complain. Wow, the heavy rain has finally started to fall. Under the heavy copper-colored rain, small streams quickly formed on the ground. It’s best to have showers that come suddenly and go just as quickly, so one doesn’t get soaked. I harbor a glimmer of hope in my heart. But the rain just wouldn’t stop. “It's time. ”The squad leader’s voice came through again, “Okay, Death Angel.” ”I cursed under my breath, glared at him, and walked outside. “Hey, I’ll check it for you. ”Who cares? I rushed headfirst into the rain. It’s raining heavily. I keep the rag against my chest; if it gets wet, the tape won’t clean properly, and it will be difficult to inspect the ruler. Hurry up! I rushed to a tank, quickly measuring with the ruler, lifting it, taking readings, and wiping it clean – all in one go. The cloth is already covered with a lot of oil. I quickly ran to another canister, lowered the gauge, raised it again, but found no oil traces. I wiped the gauge clean and checked once more, yet still found nothing. My whole body was already soaked through; the rainwater fell on the scale, making it completely wet, and it was difficult to tell where the oil stains were and where the water marks were. I tried to block the gauge opening with my body, in an attempt to create a little space free from rain. But the wind was too strong; my efforts were completely in vain. I really should have borrowed the squad leader’s raincoat. I felt a bit regretful; rain streamed down my head, blurring my glasses, and the rag had already been soaked through with oil and water. Now this is a big problem. After checking this jar, there are two more left; I need to go back for the cloth, which will delay the inventory reporting. I’ve never been in such a mess before; the squad leader definitely has something to say now… “Xiaofeng, how’s it going?” ”The monitor’s voice suddenly appeared beside me again. I turned my head and saw him wearing a raincoat, holding a ruler in his hand, looking at me with concern. “It’s raining so hard that the rags get wet and it’s impossible to detect anything. ”“Let me give it a try. ”“No need, it’s almost done. ”I turned my head back, determined to fight for my dignity. He said nothing more; he reached out and handed me a dry cloth, which I took. It’s not the time to be sulky. “Sleeves! ”Just as I was about to speak, another raincoat was placed on me. “Inspect it; we also need to record the quantity.” I have already inspected those two jars. “Squad leader, I…” “It’s difficult to use a diesel gauge when it’s raining; don’t worry.” ”He spoke in a soft voice. “Three meters, four hundred and eighty-two, that’s it! ”I cheered; it was finally detected. “Let’s go back and get the measurements done quickly. ”Having said that, he turned and went down the tank. I followed behind him, not knowing exactly how I felt. “Ah, it’s so cool with some rain; you can take a bath with just a piece of soap. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the rain like this. “It feels great to be in the rain…” He began humming a song cheerfully. I never had the courage to say anything. “Xiaofeng, come to my place tonight; those guys are trying to take advantage of me and force me to pay for a meal. After dinner, how about we play cards? ”“Okay, but if you lose, you have to crawl under the table. ”“Haha, I still don’t know who’s hiding under the table! ”He laughed heartily. It’s indeed a shower. The sky cleared up, and a colorful bridge appeared in the sky.