Chapter 83 - 84 Looking for talent (two in one chapter)
Chapter 83 Looking for trouble (Third update)
The size of the sonic flaw detector is not very large, but it is not available in average-sized repair shops.
After all, human life in the wasteland is not valuable. If the parts are broken, they can be replaced. How big a deal is it if there are hidden dangers?
The cold wave has not come recently, so the maintenance engineers are much less stressed.
Among the adventurers who came from other places, there were also maintenance technicians who took on some maintenance work.
This woman has always suspected Qu Jianlei, but she could never find the right person.
Yesterday, she finally found a maintenance technician in the city, and it was the one wearing oil-stained sleeves.
This person heard that someone had detected hidden dangers in the Cleaner III spindle, and asked what kind of sonic flaw detector was used.
Flaw detectors are not cheap to begin with. The higher the grade, the more expensive they are.
The strong man and the woman reminisced for a long time, and also described the various tools at that time - they felt that nothing was particularly professional.
The maintenance man was angry. He was his enemy in the past, but a half-hearted person opened his mouth like a lion in front of his house. Who could bear this?
So early this morning, he came to ask questions.
When Qu Jianlei heard what he said, he looked at him suspiciously. This kind of external negotiation was usually done by Hua Xiezi.
However, she doesn't know much about mechanical maintenance.
So Qu Jianlei refused very bluntly, "It's none of your business!"
The man wearing the sleeves turned pale, "Then you are suspected of fraud. Do you know what the crime is?"
Suspected of fraud... Qu Jianlei glanced sideways at Spencer and simply said one word, "Get out!"
This old liar has deceived many people, and you don’t care. Now he’s telling me about fraud?
The maintenance man's face darkened, "Do you believe that I reported it to the city...have you considered the consequences?"
"Pull them down," Cindy couldn't help it. She was very familiar with this kind of thing. "I want to report it without evidence. Is this settlement run by your family?"
The maintenance man glanced at her, with an indescribable strangeness in his eyes.
"No," Spencer was anxious and couldn't help shouting. He was really familiar with these things.
"Old driver, as long as he gets a good spindle, it will be considered as evidence!"
"What the hell..." Cindy wanted to curse when she heard this, "Are these people in the Zhouliu settlement area?"
Qu Jianlei looked at the maintenance man, a strange light flashed in his eyes, and asked slowly, "As a maintenance man, how can you do such a dirty thing?"
There is a kind of ethics called industry ethics. For example, financial personnel cannot mess with money, otherwise their careers will be ruined.
The same goes for maintenance engineers. Corruption or robbery are not considered serious crimes. They can continue to work at their jobs after being released from prison.
But if you tamper with your profession and your reputation is ruined, you won't be able to continue doing it.
The man wearing the greasy sleeves turned red when he heard this - technical people are generally more shameless.
Due to work reasons, he knew some people in society and hesitated to frame them. This was not difficult to do.
But if he really does this, he will be discrediting his profession.
So he hesitated and replied, "If you can't prove that you are not a liar, then don't blame me for being rude!"
A dangerous light flashed in Hua Xiezi's eyes, "You want us to prove our innocence, is this a threat?"
Spencer made a leisurely stab at the side, "It's just that people in the same industry are jealous of each other... It's just not easy to do a regular job."
He is a side hustler, and there is competition among peers, but everyone is shady and most of the time emphasizes cooperation.
Another middle-aged man couldn't help it and coughed lightly, "I have no intention of making false accusations, I just want to verify the truth."
Cindy said coldly, "In what capacity are you trying to verify the truth?"
The man replied in a deep voice, "My name is Geng Shougong, and I am responsible for the management and certification of maintenance technicians in the entire settlement."
Repair shops are self-contained and not easy to open.
Wilderness camps are a mixed bag, so let’s not mention small shops. Maintenance shops at supply depots must have certified maintenance technicians.
This is not simply for the sake of customers, the main thing is that the system, the settlement must be in hand.
For example, if Qu Jianlei doesn't open a store and only takes orders sporadically at home, no one else can take care of him.
Geng Shougong's words also showed that the other party came here not just to make things worse, but because he really thought he had met a liar.
But when it comes to this link, it is Cindy’s strength. “How many A-level maintenance engineers are there in Zhou Liu?”
"Ma'am, you are kidding," Geng Shougong replied sternly, "All the A-level ones are in the general settlement."
He said with pride, "There are five Class Bs in Zhou Liu, and two of them were certified by me!"
B-level maintenance engineers are really awesome, and there won't be more than three in a normal settlement.
Cindy remembered clearly that when her late husband was here, there were only two B-level maintenance technicians in the entire Zhousan settlement.
One of them was already old and almost dying, but even then, he was still supported by everyone.
She looked at the man in the sleeves thoughtfully, "This Class B... was also certified by you?"
"He is only C-level," Geng Shougong replied calmly, "but it has been many years, and B-level is only a matter of time."
These words are very reasonable, but Cindy shook her head, "It's just C-level, you don't have the right to question my boss."
"I am Class B," Geng Shougong pointed to himself and spoke seriously, "I was certified at the main settlement... Do I need to see the certificate?"
He could feel that the other party was not only not easy to mess with, but also not a wild person. Of course, he had to pay attention to the rules.
The books that Qu Jianlei read were not in vain. The Zhouliu settlement area can really be called "fairly orderly".
But the premise is that you must have similar strength to have the qualifications to reason with Zhou Liu.
Those guys who can trick even Spencer have no right to talk about order.
Cindy raised her chin and said unceremoniously, "Then please show me."
Geng Shougong took out a card and shook it, "Is it okay?"
"Wait a minute," Cindy yelled, "How come the chain under Class B...has become a dark pattern?"
"Expert!" Geng Shougong gave a thumbs up, "I just changed my ID card the year before last year. I just happened to go back to Zhouzi headquarters."
Cindy nodded towards Qu Jianlei, "Boss, there should be no problem with your identity."
"It's really annoying," Qu Jianlei couldn't help but mutter, "I don't rely on this business to make a living."
"Wait a minute," Geng Shougong said, "Friend, if you can prove your strength, I can introduce you to a big job!"
When Qu Jianlei heard this, he was really moved. He didn't need a small amount of money, but the mutant crystal... was too expensive.
And there is a saying on Blue Star - He who makes many friends will make few enemies.
But after thinking about it, he asked again, "Are there any benefits that can be obtained immediately?"
Geng Shougong was also stunned for a moment before he asked, "Have you read any publications on maintenance engineers?"
Publications? Qu Jianlei's heart trembled. There are actually publications in the wasteland now?
Fortunately, he always wears a scarf on his face, so he doesn't worry about others seeing through it.
So he asked, "What type of publication are you talking about... materials, power, electronic control, sensing, or integrated detection, attack and defense?"
"Expert!" Geng Shougong gave a thumbs up calmly, but his heart was filled with turmoil.
Anyone who does maintenance knows that equipment is composed of various systems and components. It is not surprising to know this.
But if you think that there are publications on these details, then if you are not crazy, you are exposed to a very high level!
Even an A-level maintenance engineer may not be able to access this kind of news.
Geng Shougong himself has never come across similar detailed publications, but he knows very well that there is such a thing!
So what the other party said shows that he really has a background.
"I'm not an expert," Qu Jianlei shook his head. I have just experienced the era of information explosion.
He has really come into contact with many related publications on Blue Star, and there are too many subdivided fields. He can't say that to brag.
Then he asked bluntly, "What can you show me?"
This question is a bit philistine, but he is really not afraid to ask it - want to tell me what to do? Please come up with something real.
"I only have comprehensive ones," Geng Shougong felt a little embarrassed, "Subdivided items... are not very convenient for the time being."
The maintenance technician wearing oil-stained sleeves was shocked, "Sir, are there really subdivisions?"
"Shut up!" Geng Shougong glared at him impatiently. If it weren't for you, would I be so embarrassed?
The strong man and the woman had been stunned for a long time... We were complaining about someone.
Geng Shougong smiled at Qu Jianlei and said, "I happen to have a journal with me. Can you take a look at it?"
Qu Jianlei didn't do anything, he just looked at the other person - just talking, is it interesting?
Geng Shougong took out a book from his arms and handed it to Spencer next to him.
Qu Jianlei took it from the old liar and turned it over twice. It was really...something.
He came into contact with many scientific journals on Blue Star, and this was the first time he came into contact with scientific journals from the wasteland.
Moreover, the text here is the fourth type of text, and there are many professional terms. He has never been exposed to it before, so he really doesn’t understand it.
However, it is undeniable that the civilization in the wasteland before the end of the world was really awesome.
Even though it has declined now, some ideas are still far superior to Blue Star. I cannot accept this.
After a few cursory glances, he had a clear understanding that this journal was really good and could not be bought on the market.
Just when he was thinking about what to say, he felt a sudden pain in his head.
Somehow, he could feel that Xiaohu, the artificial intelligence, seemed to want to include this journal.
However, it’s normal. Who can resist the temptation of “the first time”?
So he nodded slightly, "Okay, although this journal... forget it, I can give you a reasonable explanation."
"Sure enough, there is no sonic flaw detector?" Geng Shougong was immediately overjoyed. This time it really happened!
"I will record the entire process of your explanation, and finally...can you sign to confirm it?"
"Signing...please wait a moment for this," Qu Jianlei's eyes looked a little strange, "What process do you plan to record?"
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Chapter 84: Thirsty for talents (fourth update)
Geng Shougong was stunned when he heard Qu Jianlei's question, "I plan to record the explanation process... didn't I agree?"
"I never said I wanted to explain it to you," Qu Jianlei replied sternly, "I just said I can give you an explanation!"
To explain and...give an explanation, Geng Shougong thought for a while and asked, "Is there any difference between the two?"
The two are not the same thing at all, okay? Qu Jianlei felt a little helpless.
"Do you think I should explain to you how we can detect hidden dangers in the spindle without a flaw detector?"
"Isn't it this?" Geng Shougong became more and more confused, "There is no explanation, how can you confirm it?"
"By the way, I just need a confirmation," Qu Jianlei waved his hand, "Just bring over ten or eight spindles."
"I'll help you detect hidden dangers and non-hidden dangers... is that enough?"
The maintenance technician wearing oil-stained sleeves couldn't help it, "What about the inspection process?"
"Don't ask about the process, I'll just give you the results," Qu Jianlei said without even looking at him, "There are so many people who want to be my apprentice... Are you worthy of that?"
"Hurry and get the spindle, we are in a hurry to go hunting."
The group of people exchanged confused glances for a while, and finally turned and left.
About half an hour later, several people came over with three spindles.
After putting down the spindle, everyone else left, leaving Geng Shougong alone.
This reaction was a bit interesting, so Qu Jianlei no longer avoided him.
He looked around the three main axes again and again, touched each one one by one, and raised his hand to knock.
Geng Shougong kept staring, frowning tightly: Is this the test?
After Qu Jianlei turned around once, he raised his head and said, "The three spindles... are all scrapped."
"Huh?" Geng Shougong pointed to one of them, "Is there something wrong with this one too?"
"There are hidden dangers," Qu Jianlei answered simply, "There are a lot of trachoma inside, so it should be a substandard product."
"Trachoma..." Geng Shougong was suddenly shocked. He originally thought that this spindle was good.
In fact, in the eyes of wastelanders, parts with blisters are not a big problem.
Such is the case in a society where materials are scarce, so just use them if you can. The blisters will only reduce the strength and durability of the components.
Of course, if it is found to be "substandard goods", it will naturally not be allowed to continue to be sold.
But the next moment, his shock was replaced by stronger curiosity.
He couldn't bear it anymore, so he asked aloud, "Can you tell me how you detected it?"
Qu Jianlei looked at him sideways and found that besides being curious, his eyes were clear.
He looked at it for four or five seconds, then finally sighed and asked helplessly, "What is the principle of the sonic flaw detector?"
"Of course it's based on the reflection of the echo..." Geng Shougong replied subconsciously, and then he was stunned.
"That's right, it's the echo," Qu Jianlei asked naturally, "Didn't you notice that I knocked on the spindle one by one?"
Geng Shougong had indeed considered this, but this possibility... was really unacceptable to him.
Even after receiving confirmation from the other party, he still couldn't help but say, "Isn't this a bit too fake?"
Qu Jianlei didn't mind the other party's offense, because he knew very well that his answer was a bit bizarre.
He just said calmly, "Just because you can't do something, doesn't mean others can't do it."
You obviously haven't heard of the story of the eighth-level fitter... There is even the legend of the eighth-level plus.
Geng Shougong was stunned for a while, then nodded slightly in disbelief, "So, what's the problem with the other two spindles?"
"It's scrapped anyway, why do you ask so many questions?" Qu Jianlei didn't intend to satisfy his curiosity.
It's enough to show off a little bit of your hand. To survive in the wasteland, it's very necessary to hide your clumsiness appropriately.
But his attitude wasn't too bad, "You can confirm if you go back and check if there are any trachoma on this spindle."
"I definitely want to check this," Geng Shougong nodded without hesitation.
"It's not that I don't believe you, but this kind of thing is too unbelievable. The craftsmanship of the spindle...how can there be blisters?"
"Yes," Qu Jianlei nodded with deep sympathy, "I was also very curious, and I even knocked more during the test."
Once tech nerds talk about technology, it's easy to get caught up in it.
However, Geng Shougong still had some official status. He asked casually, "Have you ever been certified as a maintenance engineer?"
He wanted to confirm whether this person only had this skill, or was also strong in other aspects.
Qu Jianlei did not answer directly, but asked, "Why do you need certification?"
"Why not get certification?" Geng Shougong was successfully led astray, "Isn't it good to have a job that guarantees harvests during droughts and floods?"
Qu Jianlei replied calmly, "I don't like the kind of life where the end can be seen at a glance."
This view is somewhat similar to that of the rebellious girl Claire, but he does not like an ordinary, uneventful life.
Geng Shougong was defeated by this answer. It must be admitted that some people are indeed unwilling to settle for nothing.
Then, there is no need to continue this topic, "If there is a difficult maintenance job in the future, are you willing to take it?"
"It depends on the situation," Qu Jianlei replied lightly, "Actually, I'm not short of this little money."
Small money... Geng Shougong continued to be speechless. He made four hundred silver dollars in less than two days. Do you call this small money?
He could feel that the other party was indeed not short of money, and the equipment and layout in the yard already showed this.
However, do you want to be so loud? "Can you polish a qualified engine by hand?"
Qu Jianlei thought about it, then nodded slightly, "An engine that is not too difficult should have no problems."
"But I don't have much interest in this. It's a waste of time. There's no need to make a living on it."
Not interested... Geng Shougong was speechless again, but through this answer, he basically judged the other party's maintenance level.
Just for this skill, there is no problem in obtaining a C-level maintenance technician certification.
If there are no obvious shortcomings in other aspects, it should not be difficult to obtain Class B certification.
Why is such a master of mechanical maintenance so uninterested in his own specialty?
Geng Shougong wished he could force this guy into the settlement to stop him from being so dishonest.
But then I thought about it, if this person really takes this path, he will be certified as A-level sooner or later, and Zhou Liu... there will be no one left.
For him, discovering A-level maintenance technicians is an achievement, but improving local maintenance levels and prospering the market is also credit.
So he no longer worries about this, but there is still a problem.
He had to think of a way to increase the other party's interest in maintenance without wasting his skills.
Geng Shougong thought for a moment and said, "You seem to be very interested in mechanical journals?"
"Yeah," Qu Jianlei nodded, not hiding this, "You don't have to worry about many arts."
"I can provide you with journals," Geng Shougong stared into his eyes and spoke slowly.
"In exchange, you have to help Zhou Liu repair the equipment three times a year when the time is convenient... at a reasonable price."
They emphasized "convenient timing" and "reasonable price". How can you say that you are sincere?
"Forget it," Qu Jianlei shook his head simply, "I don't like any restrictions... I can spend money to buy journals."
"Can money buy this?" Geng Shougong was angry and funny, "My conditions are already very relaxed."
Qu Jianlei continued to shake his head, "I don't even know if I will continue to stay in Zhouliu after spring begins."
"Once I agree to your request, I will definitely do it. This will affect my future plans."
Geng Shougong was silent. I had forgotten that this person was still a foreigner.
But, for someone who values commitment so much, he can’t do anything bad, right?
In fact, Qu Jianlei was lying. Cindy and her daughter had already applied for settlement status. If nothing unexpected happened, he would live in Zhouliu permanently.
However, if you agree to the other party's repairs, you will be somewhat restricted. More importantly, his presence will become very high-profile.
Geng Shougong thought about it and asked tentatively, "Can I help you get the identity of Zhou Liu?"
"What do I want that thing for?" Qu Jianlei asked disapprovingly, "I said, I don't want a mediocre life."
It is indeed the case! Geng Shougong tried to make a last-ditch effort, "There is actually a lot to be done in mechanical maintenance!"
Qu Jianlei continued to shake his head, "That's only your potential, not mine!"
Geng Shougong rolled his eyes and asked tentatively, "Then I can rent it to you for one silver dollar each?"
"Thank you very much," Qu Jianlei replied without hesitation, "When it's convenient, I will help with repairs for a fee."
He didn't think the price was outrageous. Strictly speaking, this thing was priceless.
Geng Shougong grinned, "How many copies will I get you first?"
He is responsible for mechanical maintenance and has relevant resources. There are more than a thousand books and periodicals in this area in the settlement.
"The more, the better," Qu Jianlei answered without hesitation. In this regard, he was really willing to spend money.
Putting aside his nature as a technical nerd, after taking revenge, he still has to survive and practice, and it is important to master the art of making money.
Qu Jianlei was obviously startled. He really didn't expect that there were so many books related to Zhou Liu.
The next moment, he nodded simply, "Okay."
When he left Zhou San, his banknotes were less than two thousand. Fortunately, he didn't spend much money on the road and made a small profit.
The same thing happened after he came to Zhouliu. Although the expense was not small, the order of four hundred silver dollars still helped him regain his health.
Now if he works hard, he can collect almost two thousand silver dollars.
If it's really not enough, you can use energy blocks to pay off - you can even make a profit from the price difference.
Seriously, this kind of opportunity is so rare that it's worth emptying your pockets for.
Geng Shougong saw the other party startled, but originally he was secretly laughing.
After hearing this answer, he was also stunned: No, is this guy so rich?
(The fourth update is here, please subscribe and give monthly tickets.)