Fusion System: Rebirth in a Courtyard - Bird Fighting Chronicles

Chapter 149 Nan Xin urges recruitment, the old hospital bids farewell

The spring breeze of 1978 warmed up earlier than usual. Just as the branches of the old locust tree in the courtyard were sprouting tender yellow buds, Lin Chen received an envelope stamped with the red seal of the Southern Province Machinery Industry Bureau. At that time, he was in the workshop instructing Liu Guangtian on how to debug the newly improved forging mold. The calipers in his apprentice's hand had just reported the value of "error 0.02 millimeters" when Old Wang from the mailroom rushed over on his bicycle. The envelope in the bicycle basket was particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.

"Master Lin, registered mail! It's from the south, looks quite valuable." Old Wang wiped the sweat from his brow and handed over an envelope stamped with three wax seals. Lin Chen's fingers paused slightly as he took it. The signature on the envelope, "Office for the Introduction of Technical Talents," instantly reminded him of the technological innovation report he had entrusted to an old classmate from South China Institute of Technology to submit three months ago.

Amidst the roar of the machines in the workshop, he found a quiet corner to open the letter. The letter was on textured official paper, the handwriting neat and strong. It began by stating the purpose of the letter—the Southern Province was recruiting technical personnel nationwide to establish a precision machinery research institute. The offer included a basic monthly salary of 80 yuan (more than double his current salary), and a promise of three street-front shops as personal technical studios. Family members could relocate their household registration, and children would receive priority in school enrollment. The letter ended with the institute director's handwritten signature and an office phone number, urging him to reply within a week.

The wind ruffled a corner of the letter in his hand. Lin Chen gazed at the newly sprouting locust trees outside the window, and fragments of memories from his past life, venturing into the South, suddenly flooded back. It was the golden age of early reform and opening up, a time brimming with opportunities, yet also fraught with thorns. He had established himself in the South back then with his forging skills, but an accident later wiped everything out. Now, reborn, this invitation was like a key handed to him by fate, waiting for him to embark on a new journey.

When I got off work and headed home, the blue brick path of the courtyard was still covered in morning dew. Just as I entered the central courtyard, I saw Qin Huairu washing clothes by the communal pool. Her sewing shop was thriving. She was wearing a newly made polyester jacket. Seeing Lin Chen return, she straightened up and smiled, "Master Lin's back? I heard you've come up with something great in the workshop again. Our courtyard is going to have another top technician!"

Lin Chen smiled and nodded, but was stopped by Yan Bugui just as he was about to enter. The old man was holding an abacus and leaned over to lower his voice: "Little Lin, I heard that there are special policies in the south. Is it really possible to open your own shop?" He had been hearing a lot of news about the south from his school colleagues lately and had been thinking about it for a while, but he was too embarrassed to say it openly.

Lin Chen didn't hide anything and handed the envelope to Yan Bugui. The old man, wearing reading glasses, read it word by word, the abacus beads unconsciously clicking in his hands. When he read the words "technical workshop," he suddenly looked up: "This is a huge opportunity! Your skills would definitely be in high demand in the South, unlike here, where you're stuck in the workshop." The envy in his words was impossible to hide.

Back in his 12-square-meter side room, Lin Chen first checked out the storage room. This former secret base was now neatly stacked with the molds and tools he had developed. The old horseshoe in the corner was still there—it was the first item he fused with after his rebirth, and now it had become his lucky charm. He opened the system panel; his points had already accumulated to 5000, and the unlocked "Equipment Improvement Blueprint" was gleaming on the panel, enough to support his start in the south.

He cooked a bowl of noodles for dinner, and had just put it on the table when he heard a knock at the door. Opening it, he saw Yi Zhonghai, an old man holding a plate of freshly roasted peanuts, leaning on a cane, with Liu Guangtian following behind. "I heard you received a letter from the south?" Yi Zhonghai walked straight into the house, placing the peanuts on the table. "Guangtian heard it from Lao Wang in the workshop, so I came to ask."

Lin Chen poured them both a cup of hot water and handed them the invitations. Yi Zhonghai examined them carefully, his fingers repeatedly tracing the words "Technology Studio," before finally sighing, "If I had had this opportunity back then, I wouldn't have been trapped in this courtyard, scheming my whole life." He turned to Liu Guangtian, "You've been learning from Master Lin for so long; you should know how valuable this skill is in the South."

Liu Guangtian clenched his fists, his face full of reluctance: "Master, are you really leaving? The new molds in the workshop haven't been debugged yet, and I still have so many questions to ask you." He has made rapid progress in the past two years, all thanks to Lin Chen's generous teaching, and he has long regarded Lin Chen as his own master.

"After I leave, Grandpa Yi will continue to teach you." Lin Chen looked at Yi Zhonghai, and the old man immediately nodded: "Don't worry, although my skills are not as good as yours, they are enough to teach Guangtian. If he encounters any problems in the future, I will write to you for advice." Since breaking his leg last year, Yi Zhonghai has completely changed his personality. He no longer plans to support himself in his old age, but instead focuses on passing on his skills. Lin Chen's departure suddenly made him feel a sense of urgency to pass on his skills.

That night, the three talked until late. Yi Zhonghai gave Lin Chen a treasured copy of "Precision Forging Atlas," a book he had asked someone to buy for him from Shanghai when he was young; the pages were worn and frayed. Liu Guangtian then took out a small wrench he had forged himself. The wrench was small and exquisitely crafted, with a hardness comparable to the original manufacturer's: "Master, this is something I made according to your method. Keep it as a souvenir."

The next morning, before Lin Chen even got out of bed, he heard a commotion outside the courtyard. When he went out, he saw that the courtyard was full of neighbors. Qin Huairu was carrying a cloth bag, Liu Haizhong (who had recovered well after his stroke and could walk with a cane) was holding a bottle of wine, and even Xu Damao, who rarely went out, had come with two pounds of fruit in his hand.

"Master Lin, we've all heard! You're going south to become a high-ranking official!" Aunt Li spoke first, her eyes filled with reluctance. "Don't forget about us old neighbors!"

Qin Huai handed over the cloth bag: "Inside are two shirts I sewed for you. It's hot in the south, so these will keep you cool. There are also a few pairs of socks, all made of cotton, very sturdy." The bag also contained a small jar of her homemade pickled vegetables, "Eat them on the road, they'll taste great with steamed buns."

Liu Haizhong shoved the bottle of liquor into Lin Chen's hands: "This is sorghum liquor that I asked someone to buy from the distillery. You'll need it when you're entertaining people in the south. I'm asking you to take good care of Guangtian and Guangfu from now on. If they dare to slack off, just write back and scold me." He was now beaming with pride when he talked about his two sons. Liu Guangtian had become a key member of the workshop, and Liu Guangfu had opened a small hardware store. They were living a good life.

Xu Damao scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed: "Master Lin, I was wrong before, please don't take it to heart. Eat this fruit on the way to replenish your vitamins." Since he got into the scrap yard with Lin Chen's help, he completely changed his petty thieving habits, married a widow, and his life has become much more stable.

Lin Chen thanked everyone one by one and ushered them into the courtyard. Yan Bugui suddenly stood up and said, "I think we should have a farewell feast tonight. I'll pay for the meat, and Sister-in-law Qin Huairu and Jia Dang can cook. It'll be a lively occasion for everyone." He had recently earned some money by doing accounting for the neighborhood committee and wanted to take this opportunity to improve relations with his neighbors.

The suggestion was met with immediate approval. Liu Haizhong sent Liu Guangfu to buy meat, Yan Bugui went home to fetch his treasured cooking wine, and Qin Huairu and Jia Dang went to the market to buy fresh vegetables. Yi Zhonghai, leaning on his cane, directed everyone in the courtyard to set up tables. Even Aunt Yi, who rarely went out, came out to help wipe the tables. The entire courtyard was bustling with activity, as lively as during the New Year.

As evening fell, three tables were set up in the courtyard of the central compound, and dishes were served one by one: Qin Huairu's braised pork was a glossy red, Jia Dang's stir-fried shredded pork with green peppers was fragrant, Liu Guangtian's braised pork hock was neatly cut, and Yan Bugui had even asked his wife to make a bowl of plum juice to cool them down. Lin Chen passed around the invitation letter sent from the south, and everyone looked at it with great care, as if it were not just a piece of paper, but a ticket to a new world.

After a few rounds of drinks, Yi Zhonghai raised his glass and said, "Xiao Lin, the biggest mistake I ever made was using retirement as a bargaining chip. It wasn't until I met you that I realized what truly keeps people is sincerity. When you get to the South, you must do a good job and bring honor to our courtyard house!" He then downed his drink in one gulp, his eyes slightly red.

Lin Chen also downed a glass, the liquor burning his throat, but his heart felt warm: "Uncle Yi, don't worry, I won't forget the days in the courtyard. If anyone goes south in the future, my studio will be our place of business." He looked at Liu Guangtian, "You should learn the craft well from Uncle Yi, and when the time is right, I'll take you south to work together."

Yan Bugui suddenly put down his wine glass and pulled out an account book from his pocket: "Xiao Lin, this is the cost breakdown I've prepared for you. When you open a studio in the south, you need to calculate the rent, raw materials, and labor costs clearly. I've made a detailed list for you so you can avoid some detours." The handwriting on the account book was neat and tidy, and even the losses of a few cents were clearly marked, showing that he had put a lot of thought into it.

Lin Chen took the account book, his heart filled with emotion. He recalled how Yan Bugui had haggled with him over half a pound of grain coupons when he was first reborn, but now he genuinely cared for him. The people in this courtyard were like the porcelain bowl he had mended years ago; though cracked, they had become more resilient with the passage of time.

After the banquet, Lin Chen sat alone in the courtyard. Moonlight dappled the blue brick floor, casting mottled shadows of the trees. Suddenly, Sha Zhu arrived. He was now the head chef at the military region's guesthouse, dressed in a crisp cadre uniform, carrying a lunchbox. "Chef Lin, this is some braised beef I made for you, for your journey." He sat down and remained silent for a long time before speaking, "I heard from Yu Shui that you were leaving, and I'm quite reluctant to see you go. If you hadn't enlightened me back then, I'd still be completely in the dark about the Jia family's scheme."

Lin Chen smiled and patted his shoulder: "Aren't you doing well now? You have good skills and a good salary. Live a good life from now on." He remembered the days when Sha Zhu was schemed against by Qin Huairu. Now Sha Zhu has become a respectable person in the hospital, married a nurse, had a son, and is living a fulfilling life.

Sha Zhu pulled a wad of cash from his pocket and placed it on the stone table: "This is 50 yuan I've saved. You'll definitely need it when you go south, so don't think it's too little." He paused, "If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just write to me. I have some connections in the military region, and maybe I can help."

Lin Chen didn't accept the money, but he appreciated the sentiment. The two chatted until midnight before Sha Zhu finally got up to leave, repeatedly reminding him as he went, "Make sure you let us know you're safe when you get to the South, don't worry us."

Over the next few days, Lin Chen began packing his luggage. He left most of the tools with Liu Guangtian, taking only a few core molds and the book "Precision Forging Atlas" with him. The neighbors took turns treating him to meals; one day it was Aunt Li's dumplings, the next day it was Qin Huairu's noodles, and the day after that it was Yan Bugui's fried sauce noodles. Every meal warmed his heart.

The day before his departure, Lin Chen went to the steel rolling mill. The workshop director, Zhou Jianguo, specially organized a farewell party for him. His coworkers all came to see him off, and even the factory director personally came over to shake his hand: "Lin Chen, you are the pride of our factory. You must work hard in the south and come back to visit often." The factory also gave him a letter of introduction to prove his technical qualifications, which would make it easier for him to work in the south.

On his way back, Lin Chen made a detour to the neighborhood office. He Yushui was there helping organize files. Since marrying the local police officer Li Jianguo, she had been living a stable life and had become quite capable. Hearing that Lin Chen was leaving, she took an envelope from her drawer: "This is a small token of our appreciation from Jianguo and me, along with a few food coupons. You might need them on the road." She also left Li Jianguo's contact information: "If you encounter any trouble in the south, call this number. Jianguo has comrades-in-arms there."

As they left the street, He Yushui suddenly said, "Master Lin, thank you for helping my brother back then. If it weren't for you, he would still be living a muddled life." Lin Chen smiled and shook his head. Some connections are always reciprocal.

On the morning of their departure, before dawn, the courtyard was already bustling with activity. Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu helped carry the luggage, Qin Huairu stuffed a few boiled eggs into Lin Chen's backpack, and Yi Zhonghai stood at the door, leaning on his cane, his eyes filled with reluctance. Yan Bugui got up especially early to hail a tricycle at the intersection and even negotiated the price with the driver.

As the tricycle drove away from the courtyard, Lin Chen looked back. In the morning mist, the figures of the neighbors gradually blurred, and the old locust tree in the middle courtyard swayed in the wind, as if bidding him farewell. He remembered the cold night of his rebirth, the thrill of first fusing horseshoes, the days and nights spent developing molds in the workshop, and the arguments and warmth in the courtyard.

The train station was bustling with noise. As soon as Lin Chen got off the train, he saw a young man in a Zhongshan suit holding a sign with his name on it. It was Wang, the officer sent by the research institute to pick him up. He was very enthusiastic: "Master Lin, we've been waiting for you! The director specifically instructed us to treat you well."

As Lin Chen boarded the southbound train, he opened his backpack, which was filled with gifts from his neighbors: Qin Huairu's shirt, Yi Zhonghai's blueprints, Liu Guangtian's wrench, Yan Bugui's account book, Sha Zhu's braised beef... Each item carried the warmth of the courtyard house, comforting his journey.

As the train pulled away, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating Lin Chen's face. Gazing at the rapidly receding scenery, he knew this wasn't the end, but a new beginning. His years in the courtyard had taught him kindness and perseverance, the system had granted him the power to change his destiny, and the fertile land of the South awaited him to create a new legend with his own hands.

The invitation in his pocket was burning hot from being gripped so tightly. Lin Chen recalled the last line of the letter, "May we embark on the spring of reform together," and a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips. He knew that a golden age belonging to him was about to begin.