July 1, 1955, Friday, sunny.
When the cleaning lady outside began clanging and mopping the floors, Baolan suddenly opened her eyes.
Six o’clock.
After staying for a day, Baolan already knew the cleaner always came up at six to tidy up.
She quickly got up and woke Dingqing as well—today they had to be at the canning factory by eight for the exam.
There was still hot water in the thermos. Baolan mixed some to wash her face.
After washing up and opening the door, the auntie was startled for a moment and said,
“Little sister, you’re already up? I was just about to call you.”
Afraid she might oversleep, Baolan had given the auntie two eggs yesterday, asking her to make sure to wake them while cleaning.
Still sounding sleepy, Baolan said,
“I usually wake up at this time at home—just a habit.”
After chatting briefly, Baolan returned to the room and packed everything. Seeing Dingqing was ready too, she took one last look at the place they had stayed for two nights, then carried the thermos and key downstairs to check out.
No matter how the exam went, they wouldn’t be coming back.
The front desk clerk took the key and thermos and returned the deposit.
Breakfast was at seven, but they didn’t plan to wait—they would just eat peach pastries.
As they were about to leave, the clerk called out,
“Wait a moment, little sisters. The steamed buns in the kitchen are ready—I’ll get you some.”
Without waiting for a reply, she went to the kitchen and brought back two buns each, encouraging them:
“Do well on the exam—try to get hired as workers.”
Wrapped in oil paper, the buns were steaming hot, warming Baolan’s heart.
“Thank you, Auntie,” Baolan said.
Dingqing also thanked her obediently.
Originally, they planned to take a boat from Binjiang Road under the steps. But when they reached the street, they saw groups of people heading west, chatting about the canning factory exam as they walked.
They were all going to take the test.
Looks like their timing was just right.
So Baolan and Dingqing decided not to take the boat and instead followed behind the crowd.
As first-timers taking a worker recruitment exam, the two quietly listened to the more experienced people talking ahead of them.
Soon they reached Baoshi Bridge.
They had come early, but a large crowd had already gathered at the factory gate—even earlier than them.
There were the same long tables, the same staff, and guards maintaining order.
What was different were the expressions of the examinees—some eager, some nervous, some at a loss.
Ding Jianguo from the personnel department shouted,
“Those who have arrived, come sign in! One signs in, one goes in! Over here!”
Everyone lined up. Only those whose names were on the list could sign and be led inside by the guards, then wait under the shed to the left of the gate.
Those without names were not allowed in.
“Let me in! I only found out yesterday you were hiring—can’t I register today? Hiring is hiring—I can endure hardship, I can do anything, you won’t lose by hiring me!”
“No. Without prior registration, it’s not allowed. Please don’t disrupt our work!”
“Who is this? Hurry up and leave! No registration means no exam!”
Hearing the commotion at the sign-in table, Baolan learned something new—many people who hadn’t registered had come hoping to slip in and take the test.
Fortunately, the factory office and personnel department were well prepared—anyone not on the list was strictly refused entry.
Some even tried to force their way in but were thrown out by security.
Everyone applauded. Without registration, how could they be allowed in? There were already few positions—those people would just be taking others’ chances.
Baolan and Dingqing both signed in and entered the factory.
Under the shed, areas were divided. Personnel officers maintained order—those applying for production line work stood together, porters together, and so on.
Baolan noticed that more than ten people had applied for the warehouse clerk position.
Over ten people competing for a single job!
Good thing she hadn’t applied.
It seemed job competition in the city was fierce.
Once again, Baolan felt fortunate she had taken the boat to Mingfeng City two days ago.
At exactly eight, the sign-in tables outside were removed, and Ding Jianguo and Li Lehua took the lists back inside.
Baolan saw a few people running from across the bridge, waving and shouting.
They were late, calling, “Wait!”
But the factory staff showed no leniency. Under everyone’s gaze, the gates were firmly shut.
A man nearby muttered,
“Good! Serves them right for being late!”
“Exactly! If they’re late for an exam, won’t they be late for work too?”
“Too bad only a few are late—if more were late, our chances would be better! Haha.”
The crowd buzzed with chatter as Comrade Ding and several unfamiliar staff stepped forward to organize:
“The exam is about to begin—listen up!”
“Production line workers, follow Comrade Lin and Comrade Zhao!”
“Porters, follow Comrade Sun!”
“Quality inspection…”
More than 300 people had applied for production line positions.
They were led to the main road and arranged into two large formations. Comrade Lin said:
“Everyone, stretch out your hands. We’ll now conduct an initial screening.”
Initial screening?
As people extended their hands in confusion, the two staff members began inspecting them one by one.
“You, step out. You too.”
Standing on tiptoe, Baolan saw—they were checking personal hygiene.
Those with dirty fingernails, grime behind their ears, or unpleasant odors were all singled out.
Some tried to plead, but Comrade Lin said sternly:
“This is a food factory. The most important thing when handling food is hygiene. If your personal hygiene is poor, we won’t hire you.”
Baolan and Dingqing had cleaned themselves thoroughly, even trimming their nails in advance, so they passed the screening smoothly.
After this round, twenty to thirty people were eliminated, losing the chance to continue.
After the screening, Baolan and Dingqing held hands and followed the group eastward. They passed an office building, turned north, and soon saw the factory canteen on the right.
As they walked, Comrade Lin explained:
“There are many of you, so one exam hall is in the canteen, and the second is in the workshop. In the canteen, two people per long table, with one empty seat between you. No talking, no copying.”
“Although our factory is newly built, the higher-ups value it greatly. Experts from Shanghai and the Soviet Union have been invited to guide us. After you’re admitted, you’ll undergo one week of training before officially starting production work.”
“The factory offers good benefits—dormitories, and the ability to transfer household registration. You’ll start as apprentices, and after two years become full workers. Other factories take three years—ours is better, right?”
Those in the know all responded enthusiastically.
Amid the lively and hopeful atmosphere, they arrived at the canteen exam hall. Everyone cherished this opportunity and sat down in an orderly manner as instructed.
Once everyone was seated, an unfamiliar staff member brought over the exam papers and handed them out, supervising together with Comrade Lin.
Baolan received her paper, wrote her name, and began answering.