Beijing subway: Man behind the scenes

A construction worker involved in building Beijing Metro Line 8 poses in the subway tunnel on April 15, 2017. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The gratification brought by the job maximized when Ning takes the subway built by him."I was involved in the early construction of Beijing Metro Line 10, and when my co-workers and I heard the line was open in 2013 – while we were dining at a restaurant–we rushed to the subway station to take a ride.

"We were very excited."

Ning further confirmed the leadership of the company was another reason why he stayed.

"The people are responsible, kind and thoughtful," he said.

"Especially my project manager; he is only in his thirties, and teaches and inspires me a lot."

Ning has also since learnt a variety of skills from the job, which he started in maintenance work.

"Now I can handle spray-painting, wall building and tiling," he said.

"The electronic screen hanging on the entrance of our construction site is one of my 'masterpieces'."

Speaking of a popular saying among other workers of the project - "If you have trouble, just go for Ning", Ning feels proud. "I guess it is because I have worked here for a long time and am well-experienced so people can depend on me."

Xiao Yang, an engineer who has been working with Ning for years, said his colleague's efficiency and frankness impressed him daily.

Ning said:"If you have been on a job for years, you will have a kind of loyalty to your company and colleagues. For new comers, most times they just do what they are told; for me, I feel there are many other things I should concern about. I have developed my own responsibility."