Chapter 300 Hidden Secretly in the Heart
Until they reached their destination, Caroline never mentioned switching seats, so Caspian had no choice but to sit with Fallon the whole way.
Fallon was chatty, but after talking with her for a while, Caspian started feeling drowsy. He pulled his cap over his face, crossed his arms, and fell asleep.
When they arrived at the Thornfield Town substation, they saw a red banner right at the entrance that read: Seaside City Power Supply Company Officially Launches Winter "Intensive Training."
As Caroline got off the vehicle, her foot slipped and she almost fell. Four or five hands reached out to steady her.
"Thank goodness you all caught me, otherwise I'd be filing for a work injury today," Caroline said with an embarrassed laugh.
Caspian withdrew his hand that had supported her arm, thinking how light Caroline felt.
It had rained last night, and the low temperature had left a layer of ice on the ground, making every step slippery.
Caleb Harris, the director of the Thornfield Town substation, had been waiting in the yard early. Seeing Caroline, he enthusiastically ushered them inside. "It's cold, everyone come in and rest a bit."
Considering the weather and road conditions, Caroline said, "We won't go in. The roads are slippery, let's finish early and head back."
Since the leader had spoken, Caleb didn't insist and began gathering everyone for the activities.
Throughout the morning, they competed in four or five events. Caspian was in the last group for meter installation and wiring.
Caroline happened to come over to observe. Caspian wanted to perform well in front of her, but the more he tried to impress, the more mistakes he made.
A screw dropped on the ground. Caspian's first reaction was to look at Caroline, who smiled slightly, "Don't rush, take it steady."
Her understanding smile made Caspian feel ashamed. He didn't dare meet Caroline's eyes, afraid of seeing disappointment in them.
He awkwardly picked up the screw from the ground and continued installing with his head down.
Tyler had taught him, and Caspian had practiced in private. He thought he'd be the fastest and most accurate, but when the results were announced, he came in last in his group.
Not only had he wired it incorrectly, but his speed was also slower than his colleagues.
Caspian instinctively looked at Caroline. She was looking at the first-place winner with approval, praising them a few times. When she walked up to him, Caroline said, "Caspian, keep at it."
Caspian looked at her. "Okay, I will."
Coming out of the training ground, Caspian was dejected, his head hanging low as he returned to Tyler's side. Tyler turned and asked him, "Feeling discouraged?"
Caspian nodded. "A bit."
Tyler laughed. "It's not a big deal. Next time, just take first place and that's that."
Caspian said gloomily, "What makes them faster than me isn't just installation speed. It's like they have a blueprint in their heads. They don't even need to think—they just pick up the tools and install. I have to study the wiring for a long time and figure out the installation steps before I can start."
Tyler asked him back, "Do you know what that's called?"
Caspian answered without hesitation, "Experience. They have a lot of experience."
Tyler shook his head slightly. "You're only half right. The four people in your group—the youngest has been working for six years, and the other two for eight years. They all work on the front lines, dealing with maintenance work every day. With tools in their hands, they could figure out the structure with their eyes closed. So, do you understand the reason now?"
After Tyler's guidance, Caspian gradually understood. "Time?"
"Right." Tyler smiled with satisfaction and continued, "Our work is all about experience gained through time. I started as a newcomer too. If you want to be like them, you need to spend time studying the techniques, learning and practicing more, putting your heart into this work. Experience is the fruit that time produces. If you want it sweet, spend more time. If you don't spend enough time, the fruit will naturally be bitter and sour. You're still young, don't act like a frost-bitten eggplant just because of a little setback."
Caspian really took it to heart and nodded. "I got it."
Tyler smiled. "That's right, you need that fighting spirit. Let's go, time to eat. There are more activities this afternoon, we need to eat well to work well."
There was no cafeteria here, so they had reserved three tables at a restaurant on the street.
Caspian followed the crowd, his eyes fixed on Caroline in the group ahead.
He couldn't explain why, but he just liked watching her and listening to her talk. He had noticed her at the gym.
She had an extraordinary presence and was beautiful. Every time he saw her at the gym, she would quietly work on the equipment by herself, not chatting with others. In her, he saw the gentleness and independence of a mature woman, and felt the unique charm she radiated.
Later, when he finally managed to strike up a conversation with her, he learned she was already married.
Caspian secretly kept this feeling hidden in his heart.
"Caspian." Fallon caught up from behind. Caspian turned his face as she said, "This is just casual practice, don't take it too seriously."
Caspian smiled. "It's fine, I'm not taking it to heart."
Fallon said, "I'm just here to participate in the activities. I wasn't even thinking about rankings or anything."
Caspian made a sound of acknowledgment but didn't continue the conversation.
Fallon stopped talking and walked silently beside him.
To others, they seemed quite close.
Upon entering the restaurant, Caleb greeted the owner's wife. He had already made arrangements, and as soon as they entered, he had the servers start bringing out the food.
Everyone took seats around the round tables. Caroline sat in the main seat inside, with Caleb beside her along with several people who had come to help with training and evaluation.
Fallon and Caspian were the last to enter. Looking around, the tables were almost full.
Suddenly someone called out, "Fallon, over here."
At a table by the window, a young man was calling her.
"Come on." Fallon tugged at Caspian's sleeve. "There's a spot."
Caspian followed, but the man who had called Fallon wasn't too happy. He said to Caspian, "There's only one seat."
"I'll find another spot." Caspian had just started to speak when Fallon said, "It's fine, we'll just add a chair."
She insisted on pulling him over, but the man at the table said, "We really can't add another one. Someone already added a chair earlier."
Caspian said, "There's no room, I'll go to another table."
Fallon wouldn't have it. "Come on, let's not sit at this table then."
The man looked at Caspian. "Can't you just find another seat? Why are you dragging her along?"
One person insisted he sit, another said there was no room.
Caspian was getting annoyed. He pushed Fallon toward that table. "You sit there, stop worrying about me."
Fallon was about to speak when her arm was pulled by her companion and she was pressed into the chair. The companion complained, "I had such a hard time saving this seat for you, and you called him over."
Fallon said matter-of-factly, "I didn't ask you to save me a seat."
At this point, Caspian was the only one standing in the restaurant. Tyler saw him and waved. "Caspian, come over here."
Caspian looked in the direction of the voice. Caroline was sitting next to Tyler. The corners of his mouth curved up, and he headed toward Tyler.
Caleb called the server over to add another chair. Tyler scooted over. "Sit here."