Chapter Fifty-Three: Subtle Influence

Four months passed, and the once inconspicuous Jinchuan Auto Repair Shop gradually made a name for itself among the dozen or so garages on this street. This was thanks to the solid skills and patient mentorship of the two senior apprentices Old Li had brought in, as well as to Kang Ning’s meticulous management and outstanding diagnostic abilities.

Observing the shop’s situation, Kang Ning adapted the staff regulations and surgical instrument management system from his hospital days, making slight modifications to create a comprehensive set of rules. He insisted that Lu Jing implement them strictly. In just half a month, Lu Jing was all smiles: waste was dramatically reduced and efficiency soared! At first, the workers grumbled in private, but by the end of the month, they were all grinning from ear to ear, finally appreciating the benefits of strict regulations. The most compelling reason for their change in attitude, no doubt, was the significant increase in their personal incomes.

Kang Ning’s capacity for learning was remarkable. He spent his spare time poring over a dozen advanced auto repair manuals, and, building on his existing familiarity with off-road vehicle construction and circuitry, he tackled the intricacies of other vehicles he was less acquainted with. He filled three large notebooks with observations and insights, frequently seeking advice from Old Li and his two senior apprentices. When they encountered faults none of them understood, they would collaborate in searching for solutions. No one ever saw Kang Ning act arrogant or pretend to know what he did not. More often than not, after everyone else had gone home, Kang Ning would still be there, leading Yusheng in examining the cars under repair, proposing ideas and working out simulated repair plans. The two would often spread out blueprints by the cars, comparing them with the real thing and discussing in depth, often working late into the night. Only after repeated urging from Uncle Wang, who would bring them supper, would they finally call it a day.

Under Kang Ning’s mentorship, Yusheng’s skills quickly improved. Though his handwriting was still nothing to be proud of, Old Li, the deputy manager in charge of technology, had already lifted his apprentice status, declaring him a fully qualified technician.

After more than three months of hard work, Kang Ning’s technical skills advanced by leaps and bounds, and the entire shop took on a new look. Business grew more prosperous by the day, and even the usually glum Uncle Wang could often be found humming folk tunes over a glass of liquor.

A month ago, Old Qu, one of Old Li’s junior apprentices, watched Kang Ning at work and sighed in admiration, “Watching Xiao Wu repair cars is a pleasure—it’s as thrilling as watching a surgeon operate on TV.”

This remark startled Kang Ning, who least liked being associated with the words “surgeon.” Yet, ironically, his reputation as such began to spread in this unlikely place. Even across the street, at Dachuan, the largest and most technically advanced shop in Neijiang, two master mechanics came over to observe. They watched as Kang Ning, unaware of his growing fame, performed precise, efficient procedures and maintained his tools in impeccable condition. Both masters nodded in approval and showered him with praise. Little did anyone realize that Kang Ning’s meticulous style was the fruit of years of habit—not as a mechanic, but as a surgeon.

It was said that upon returning to their shop, the two masters lectured their apprentices: “Not a single wasted movement—whether working on machinery or electrical systems, he operates like a doctor performing surgery: brisk, accurate, flawless every step of the way. Never mind his foundation for now; that level of dedication alone is something you could learn from for a lifetime!”

One thing that delighted Lu Jing most was that the clever Kang Ning had mastered fluent Sichuanese. The occasional local joke, delivered in the native accent, made Lu Jing feel both amused and warmly affectionate.

Zheng Yi and Qu Mengmeng visited the shop once or twice every week. Had Kang Ning not fiercely objected and protested, these two beautiful troublemakers would have spent every visit standing by his side as he worked, leaving the mechanics distracted and nearly causing several workplace accidents. Once the two women learned the details, they were immensely pleased and laughed endlessly, but thereafter behaved themselves much better.

Kang Ning was using a newly purchased electronic diagnostic tool to inspect a fault when Lu Jing came up behind him, leaning in naturally to watch. This made Kang Ning rather uncomfortable—not out of embarrassment before the workers, but because of Lu Jing’s unique and subtle fragrance, which always left him struggling to subdue a stirring restlessness in his heart.

Kang Ning looked up and called, “Xiao Jian, could you come over for a moment?”

Xiao Jian, who had studied automotive electronics for two years and had just graduated from the Chongqing Auto Tech School last month, had been assigned by Old Li to apprentice under Kang Ning. At Kang Ning’s call, he trotted over. “Master?”

“Take over from here. Pull out a few fuses from inside the car, measure these capacitors, and once you find the fault, fix it yourself. Don’t hesitate—do it a few more times and you’ll get the hang of it.” Kang Ning handed him the diagnostic tool.

Kang Ning and Lu Jing walked into the newly renovated office, sat comfortably on the sofa, and picked up steaming cups of tea. “What can I do for you, boss?”

“Oh, cut it out!” Lu Jing scolded playfully, then, lowering her voice as Kang Ning sipped his tea, whispered, “Let’s go shopping.”

The mere mention of shopping made Kang Ning’s head ache. Every time Lu Jing, Qu Mengmeng, and Zheng Yi dragged him out shopping, he ended up exhausted. His new wardrobe, a gift from the three women, was crammed with seven or eight outfits, of which only a single jacket had ever been worn twice. Usually, Kang Ning just wore canvas work clothes, and for the biweekly gatherings, he favored a set of Adidas. Now, hearing that Lu Jing wanted to go shopping again, he balked. “Jing, it’s not the weekend, and the shop’s busier than ever. I really can’t leave!”

“Don’t give me that! When has the shop not been busy these past months? Everything’s running smoothly now; I don’t believe it would fall apart without you for half a day. Go change your clothes!” Lu Jing feigned anger and gave Kang Ning’s shoulders a few sharp punches, but promptly regretted it as her hands stung. “Ouch! Why don’t you wear something thicker? Now my hands hurt like crazy. If you upset me again—I’ll hit you with my shoe!”

Kang Ning smiled wryly, “Heavens, the one being hit doesn’t complain, but the one doing the hitting does. Is there any justice left in this world? I’m not going; you go by yourself. I need to check on Xiao Jian’s progress.”

Lu Jing blocked his path and said softly, “Come with me. I’m heading to Guangzhou tomorrow to buy parts and won’t be back for about a week.”

Looking at Lu Jing’s pitiful, rosy-cheeked face, Kang Ning’s heart softened and he nodded. “Alright, I’ll let Brother Li know and go change.”

Lu Jing felt a flutter in her heart at the gentle look in Kang Ning’s eyes and stepped aside to let him pass. As Kang Ning brushed by her, his arm accidentally grazed her chest, making her shudder involuntarily. She stood there, cheeks flushed, dazed.

They had spent nearly every day together these past few months, and Lu Jing had thought nothing of it until a business trip to Chengdu last month left her feeling suddenly empty and lost. After reflecting deeply on her feelings, Lu Jing realized she had fallen for this young man, four or five years her junior. Was it his handsome looks she loved, or his character? Perhaps both, or something more? Though she had endured hardships and claimed to be above the entanglements of love, Lu Jing could never quite pinpoint the reason for her affection.

In the many nights that followed, Lu Jing tossed and turned in her spacious bed, unable to sleep. She felt unworthy of him, yet longed to possess him. Sometimes, she even thought that if she could have him for just one night, she would be satisfied—a thought that often left her burning with embarrassment. Yet this subtle emotion, scarcely noticed at first, grew heavier and deeper in her lonely, melancholy heart with each passing day.