Having achieved financial freedom, I reorganized my workplace.

Chapter 25 Overcoming Yourself

Seeing the notification that the money had arrived on his phone screen, Lin Chen felt a slight ripple in his heart.

Five thousand yuan is equivalent to his monthly salary.

This trip was definitely worthwhile.

This advanced qualification certificate is a stepping stone for others to get promoted, but for Lin Chen, it's nothing more than a useless decoration.

He had already seen his future clearly: he would spend his life in that small Balu Waterworks. If he could go up there, he would go up there sooner; his abilities were no worse than anyone else's.

Baru may be a bit remote, but it's comfortable. Now, he writes novels, teases the director, and flirts with Yuwei. This kind of life is quite comfortable.

But to be fair, Chen Lei is really willing to go all out. This exam is indeed a business opportunity at every turn.

Although Chen Lei felt the pinch, the thought of getting the advanced certificate and stepping into the position of deputy director immediately dispelled his displeasure. He even secretly scoffed at Lin Chen's shortsightedness: In this day and age, are there really people willing to spend their entire lives at the grassroots level?

At Xinhai Water Group, everyone from shift workers and team leaders to specialists and even directors are essentially just workhorses. Only those who actually climb to the rank of deputy director or higher can be considered to have gotten close to the door of "leadership".

Once you take this step, the difference becomes worlds apart.

"Next group, numbers 013, 014, 015, and 016, get ready for the exam!"

A booming voice rang out from the podium from the dispatch examiner. No one knew that this seemingly ordinary staff member was actually Cao Yuan, the chief commander of the provincial company's technical department—a recognized technical expert in the industry and the chief examiner for this exam.

It's finally here. Lin Chen calmly got up, walked to the D-question workstation, and placed his admission ticket on the workbench.

As Cao Yuan checked the admission tickets one by one, he noticed a problem. He looked up at Lin Chen: "According to the order, you should be taking question C. Isn't it a mistake to put it at the question D booth?"

Before Lin Chen could speak, Chen Lei hurriedly interjected, "Instructor, that's right! He said he wanted to try question D, so we switched." He was afraid the examiner would disagree, so his tone was deliberately relaxed.

Cao Yuan frowned slightly. He was well aware of the difficulty of question D—he had deliberately set this question against everyone's wishes, just to see the true level of this year's candidates, because he had found that the senior technicians in the company now seemed to be all talk and no action.

He looked sharply at Lin Chen and asked again, "Are you sure? This question is not simple."

"I'll do the job for the money, and integrity is my principle." Lin Chen met Cao Yuan's gaze, his tone relaxed yet firm:

"I'm sure."

Cao Yuan said no more, but deep down, a hint of expectation arose in his heart.

Upon entering Examination Room D, Lin Chen saw an 80-125 centrifugal pump standing quietly, its massive mechanical pipes seemingly challenging him, with various tools and parts scattered around it.

The two examiners waved to stop Lin Chen from approaching, telling him to wait a moment. They were still scoring the previous candidate and whispering among themselves. However, the venue was closed, and their conversation still drifted into Lin Chen's ears.

Examiner A: "You don't have that, do you?"

Examiner B: "No, I don't know him."

Examiner A: "How about I give you ~15 points?"

Examiner B: "That's a bit low. For this type of question, you've actually done quite well."

Examiner A: "There's nothing we can do. There are only so many spots available. If we give out too many, it'll be hard to change later."

Examiner B: "Okay, then it'll be 15 points."

With just a few words, the fate of the previous candidate was decided. How casual! Getting 15 points on this question is basically a death sentence. The passing score is 60 points, and it's impossible to get 45 points on the other question.

Lin Chen took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in his heart.

Ignore all this mess.

We're used to operating behind closed doors.

Lin Chen had seriously studied question D a few years ago. He wanted to see how good he was now. The loneliness of a master is not for the score, but for the pride.

A few minutes later, the two examiners finally turned their attention to Lin Chen.

Examiner A: "This should be number 16, right? Someone contacted them beforehand."

Examiner B: "Understood. We've all come with a mission, and it's not easy for any of us. I have another one coming up later, so please take care of them."

Examiner A: "There's nothing we can do about it; it's a society based on personal connections."

Examiner B: "I understand, I understand."

"Next candidate, come sit here facing us for a photo."

"This exam will be recorded in its entirety to ensure fairness and impartiality. You can take a look at the questions first, test the equipment, and let us know when you're ready, then we'll start the timer."

The two examiners were unusually kind, so kind that Lin Chen began to doubt himself.

They actually made me look at the questions and familiarize myself with the equipment beforehand. Isn't it usually like we're herding ducks as soon as we walk in?

Looks like I've met a good person.

This preparation time is too precious.

Lin Chen remained calm and unhurried.

He first walked around the pump and carefully observed it. He found that the motor junction box cover was not properly closed and the screws were loose. However, these basic mistakes were not a big problem. They were just tricks used by the instructors to confuse the candidates. The real killer move was definitely hidden deep inside.

"No, your test admission ticket number is 15?" Finally, examiner A noticed the problem.

Lin Chen: "Yes, is there a problem?"

Examiner A: "Aren't you 16?"

Lin Chen: "I switched with him."

Examiner A's expression darkened: "Damn, then let's start the test. Start the timer now."

Damn, the difference between the same exam number is so huge.

Lin Chen finally understood the reason for the unusual preferential treatment he had received earlier; it was because they had mistaken him for Chen Lei.

Lin Chen didn't care.

The preparation time we just had was well worth it.

Lin Chen proceeded methodically, thoroughly inspecting the centrifugal pump from bottom to top and from the inside out.

Strange, no major problems were found?

impossible.

He listened intently—there was an unusual noise coming from inside the pump chamber, indicating that the impeller was likely damaged; the pressure gauge reading was abnormal, suggesting that the seal was also faulty.

A thought struck him, and he re-examined the connections. Sure enough! The base bolts were loose, and the coupling was misaligned.

This question is damn well-designed.

"Instructor, we've found a problem: the base bolts are loose, and the coupling is misaligned." Lin Chen quickly reported the surface faults while his hands worked non-stop. Tightening the bolts, adjusting the coupling, checking the seals... his movements were fluid and efficient.

A hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the two examiners; they had never expected this person to be so skilled.

In the final three minutes, Lin Chen remained calm and composed, eventually finding the most hidden fault – a deliberately placed rubber gasket inside the inlet pipe was causing cavitation. He deftly removed the gasket and restarted the system.

"Buzz—" The pump ran smoothly, and the pressure gauge pointer steadily pointed to the normal range.

Phew, that felt good, all done.

The two examiners are scoring.

Examiner B: "How much will you give me for this?"

Examiner A: "This is difficult."

Examiner B: "Yes, her level is indeed quite good."

Examiner A: "But really, there are only a limited number of spots available, so I'll give you 20."

Examiner B: "Well, that's up to you."

Just then, examiner A noticed that group leader Cao Yuan was also in examination room D, carefully observing Lin Chen's exam and showing a satisfied smile.

Examiner A went over and fawned over him: "Expert Cao, what brings you here?"

Cao Yuan: "Come and check on me whenever you have time." After saying that, he walked out.

When examiner A returned, his expression was conflicted.

"This person... wasn't someone the team leader specifically asked to help him out, was he?"

"Possibly, otherwise why would the team leader have made a special trip to see this?"

"really."

"How much will you give?"

"45, please."

"Okay, one more won't make a difference."

Lin Chen didn't say another word, not even bothering with the basic "thank you, examiner," and simply packed up and left.

It doesn't matter how many points I give.

He conquered himself.

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