Courtyard House: The Road to an Industrial Power

Seeing the exam papers on the table, Yan Bugui asked with a smile, "Principal Wang, what's going on here?"

Principal Wang said with a smile, "Oh, Teacher Yan, Lin Weidong has applied to skip a grade. I gave him a fifth-grade test, and he answered all the questions correctly. I plan to approve his application to skip a grade."

"What? Skipping a grade?" Yan Bugui's eyes widened, and he quickly waved his hands.

"No! Absolutely not! Principal Wang, Lin Weidong is only seven years old, too young. He can't keep up with the fifth-grade curriculum at all. Isn't this ridiculous?"

He was secretly plotting something. If Lin Weidong successfully skipped a grade, he wouldn't have to attend classes in his class anymore, and he wouldn't have a chance to get revenge.

Principal Wang's face darkened: "Teacher Yan, the exam results are right here. Lin Weidong's level fully meets the requirements for fifth grade. Why can't he skip a grade?"

"Principal, this is against the rules!"

Yan Bugui became anxious. "How can a seven-year-old be in fifth grade? Besides, he's doing well in my class. If he suddenly skips a grade, it will affect the other students!"

"Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Lin Weidong is a rare genius. As teachers, we should provide him with a better learning environment, not hinder his development."

Yan Bugui was about to argue when Lin Weidong spoke first, saying crisply, "Teacher Yan, are you not letting me skip a grade because I embarrassed you last time, and you're deliberately targeting me?"

"You...you're talking nonsense!" Yan Bugui's expression changed, and he shouted angrily.

"I'm not making this up, Principal. I also want to report Teacher Yan. He often leaves work early and sits at the gate of the courtyard house. Whenever someone comes in or out, he stares at what they're carrying, trying to take advantage of them. Last time, I even saw him use the excuse that he didn't have any salt at home to go and steal half a pound of apples from his neighbor who bought two pounds of apples."

"Furthermore, when Teacher Yan teaches, he often goes through the motions and makes students run errands for him, not only without paying them but also being picky about what they buy."

These words were all summarized by Lin Weidong from the original owner's memories and recent observations, and every sentence was true.

Yan Bugui's face turned deathly pale instantly. Pointing at Lin Weidong, he couldn't utter a word for a long time: "You...you child, you're spouting nonsense!"

Principal Wang's face darkened completely. He had long heard that Yan Bugui was fond of taking advantage of others and was perfunctory in his work, but he had no evidence. Now that Lin Weidong had pointed it out in public, and described it in such a detailed and convincing way, it was clearly not unfounded.

"Teacher Yan, is what Lin Weidong said true?" Principal Wang asked in a cold tone.

Yan Bugui avoided eye contact with Principal Wang, stammering, "No...no, Principal, this child made it all up. He just wants to get revenge on me for not letting him skip a grade."

"Whether it's made up or not, a simple check will tell."

"Starting today, your bonus for this month is being deducted as punishment. If anyone reports you for being negligent in your work or taking advantage of others, you don't need to come to work anymore!"

When Yan Bugui heard that his bonus would be deducted, he was heartbroken, but he didn't dare to object. He could only lower his head and grit his teeth in hatred for Lin Weidong.

"Alright, you can go now." Principal Wang waved his hand, his tone full of impatience.

Yan Bugui glared at Lin Weidong and slunk out of the office.

Watching Yan Bugui's disheveled figure, Principal Wang shook his head helplessly, then looked at Lin Weidong with a kind smile: "Lin Weidong, I'm sorry you had to suffer. Don't worry, no one will dare to bully you at school from now on."

"Thank you, Principal." Lin Weidong smiled.

"You don't need to thank me, you deserve it."

Principal Wang patted Lin Weidong on the shoulder, "Tomorrow you'll be teaching in Class 1 of Grade 5. I'll go and say hello to the homeroom teacher later. You're so smart, you must study hard, get into a good university, and contribute to the country in the future."

"I will, Principal." Lin Weidong nodded emphatically.

He knew that only by completing his studies as soon as possible, getting into university, and pursuing further education at a higher institution could he better utilize the technologies he acquired from the system, thus better promoting the country's industrial development, completing the system's tasks, obtaining more technologies, and ultimately achieving the goal of building a strong nation.

Emerging from the principal's office, Lin Weidong, backpack slung over his shoulder, walked briskly home. The sunlight bathed him, warm and comforting, mirroring his current mood.

Successfully skipping a grade not only allows him to achieve his goal faster, but also teaches Yan Bugui a lesson—truly killing two birds with one stone.

Back at the courtyard house, Lin Weidong had just stepped inside when he saw Lin Jianjun and Zhao Xiulan sitting in the yard, their faces beaming with joy.

"Dongzi, you're back!"

Zhao Xiulan quickly waved, "Come here, I have good news for you! Your dad has been appointed as the head of the technical team at the factory!"

Lin Jianjun smiled and said, "Thanks to your pulley modification plan, the factory manager took it very seriously. He not only promoted me but also gave me a raise!"

Lin Weidong's eyes lit up; he was even happier than if he had gotten a promotion himself: "Dad, congratulations!"

"This is all thanks to you!"

Lin Jianjun patted Lin Weidong's head and said, "Our family's life will get better and better in the future. Just focus on your studies and try to get into a good university."

"Of course, and I also have some good news to tell you."

"I've already applied to skip a grade. The principal personally assessed me today, and I'll be starting fifth grade tomorrow," Lin Weidong said.

"What? Skipping a grade?" Lin Jianjun and Zhao Xiulan were both stunned, then their faces showed a mixture of shock and relief.

"My son is amazing!"

Zhao Xiulan hugged him excitedly, "He's truly my good son, so smart!"

Lin Jianjun was so excited that he couldn't speak, he just kept patting Lin Weidong's shoulder.

The cheerful laughter of the family of three drifted out of the house and into the ears of most people in the courtyard.

Meanwhile, in the west wing, Madam Jia Zhang, upon hearing the laughter of the Lin family, became so angry that she started cursing again; in the east wing, Yi Zhonghai, upon learning of Lin Jianjun's promotion and Lin Weidong's skipping a grade, had a face so gloomy it could drip water, and his jealousy and resentment grew even stronger.

He knew that his battle with the Lin family had only just begun. He was determined to use this opportunity of the performance evaluation to elevate his status and suppress the Lin family!