Courtyard House: The Road to an Industrial Power

After seeing Ji Mingyuan and his family off, Lin Weidong turned to go back into the house when a cold, mechanical voice suddenly rang in his mind:

[Ding! The host has successfully averted a malicious framing crisis, upholding the bottom line of justice, and has received the system reward of improved core technology blueprints and data manuals for a top-bottom combined blowing steelmaking furnace, plus +1 to Constitution and +1 to Intelligence.]

Lin Weidong felt a warm current instantly flow through his body, and the fatigue that had lingered from the afternoon's turmoil was swept away.

He clenched his fist unconsciously, and could clearly feel the increase in strength.

The technical details of the improved top-and-bottom combined blowing steelmaking furnace are etched into my mind like a brand.

Previously, due to immature technology, it could not be promoted nationwide. Now that this problem has been solved, once it is promoted, China's steel production will increase significantly.

Lin Weidong couldn't help but smile. Seeing her son suddenly smile, Zhao Xiulan asked in confusion, "Weidong, what are you thinking about that makes you so happy?"

Lin Weidong responded, "Mom, it's nothing, I'm just in a good mood."

"You should get some rest. I'm going back to my room to organize some documents."

Back in his room, he meticulously wrote down the technical drawings in his mind, and didn't fall asleep until late at night.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, a slight noise came from the courtyard.

He Daqing carried a tin bucket in his hand, a gleaming bamboo fishing rod on his shoulder, and a bag of pre-fermented corn in his pocket. He tiptoed out of the house.

Ever since he accidentally learned that Yan Bugui supplemented his family's income by fishing, He Daqing, who had nothing to do on Sundays, also became addicted to fishing.

Firstly, it helps pass the time, and secondly, catching a big fish can improve the family's meals.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Widow Li washing clothes by the pool.

When Widow Li saw He Daqing come out, she immediately wiped her hands and said, "Brother He, are you going fishing?"

When He Daqing saw that it was Widow Li, he smiled and lifted the bucket and fishing rod in his hand: "Yes, I'm off today, so I'm going to Shichahai to fish."

Widow Li stepped forward and said in a warm tone, "What a coincidence! This old lady hasn't eaten fish in a long time either. I happen to be free today, Brother He, shall I go with you? I can lend you a hand."

Hearing this, He Daqing nodded quickly: "Okay! Let's go together!"

He Daqing carefully hung the fishing rod and bucket on the handlebars of his bicycle, then pushed the bike out of the yard.

Widow Li followed closely behind, walking out of the courtyard gate.

Seeing that He Daqing was pushing the cart, he deliberately said, "Brother He, why don't you give me a ride on your bike? It's too far to walk there, and the sun is almost up. I don't know how long it will take to get there."

Upon hearing this, He Daqing felt a surge of excitement. He immediately hopped on his bicycle, kicked off the kickstand, and turned back to say, "Get on, hold on tight!"

Widow Li jogged a few steps, lightly sat on the back of the bicycle, and grabbed He Daqing's clothes with both hands.

The bicycle moved slowly, and the two chatted casually. Widow Li would occasionally lean against He Daqing, intentionally or unintentionally.

He Daqing felt a soft touch on his back from time to time, which made him feel itchy and his hands and feet were somewhat out of control. Several times, his bicycle almost veered into the ditch by the roadside.

He could only try his best to calm himself down and pretend that nothing was wrong, but his ears turned red.

Widow Li, sitting in the back seat, noticed his embarrassment and secretly scorned him: "What an ignorant fellow, he can't even handle such a small situation."

Meanwhile, after finishing breakfast at home, Lin Weidong, having nothing to do, remembered that Su Wanqing had said yesterday that she had never been to Shichahai.

He then invited her to go for a stroll together, and Su Wanqing readily agreed. After leaving the courtyard, the two strolled slowly along the alley towards Shichahai.

Meanwhile, He Daqing and Widow Li had already arrived at Shichahai.

The two found a secluded corner, and He Daqing skillfully took out the fermented corn from his pocket, grabbed a handful, and scattered it on the water's surface to create a fishing spot.

Then take out the fishing hook, bait it, and flick your wrist, and the fishing line with the bait falls into the water.

Then, he found a thin bamboo pole, made a simple fishing rod with hemp thread and a bent needle, and handed it to Widow Li: "Here, give it a try. Fishing is not difficult; just watch the movement of the float."

Widow Li took the fishing rod, baited it, and cast the line in imitation of He Daqing's movements. Although her movements were a bit clumsy, she successfully cast the bait into the fishing spot.

The two sat side by side on the rocks on the shore, their knees almost touching.

Widow Li would occasionally brush against He Daqing's arm or gently touch the back of his hand. He Daqing's whole body tensed up, his heart pounded, and although his eyes were fixed on the fishing float, he was somewhat absent-minded.

Suddenly, He Daqing's fishing rod sank sharply downwards with tremendous force, almost pulling him out of his hand!

"There's a big fish!"

He Daqing exclaimed in surprise and quickly reached out to grab the fishing rod. At the same time, Widow Li next to him also reacted quickly and grabbed the other end of the fishing rod. The two of them worked together to hold the fishing rod tightly and pulled it backward with all their might.

The fish struggled desperately underwater, bending the fishing rod into an astonishing arc, almost breaking it.

He Daqing and Widow Li were locked in a stalemate for five or six minutes before the big fish finally exhausted its strength and was pulled out of the water by the two of them.

"Wow! What a big fish!" Widow Li exclaimed, her face full of excitement.

It was a grass carp weighing seven or eight pounds. Seeing this, He Daqing burst into laughter: "I didn't expect to be so lucky today, catching such a big one!"

He subconsciously turned his head to look at Widow Li, only to realize that he was actually holding the hand that Widow Li was using to hold the fishing rod.

Upon feeling the warmth, He Daqing panicked and quickly released his grip.

Widow Li noticed it too, but instead of immediately pulling her hand away, she gently squeezed He Daqing's palm before slowly letting go.

When the people who were originally fishing scattered around saw He Daqing and his companion pull up such a big fish, they all gathered around.

They chattered excitedly, exclaiming, "Wow! Such a big fish, that's a rare sight!"

"This is incredible luck! I've been fishing all morning and only caught a few small crucian carp!"

"Master, your fishing skills are amazing! Could you teach us?"

He Daqing, flattered by the praise, quickly waved his hand and said, "Just lucky, purely lucky!"

Lin Weidong and Su Wanqing happened to be walking in this area when they heard the commotion and curiously came over to see what was going on.

The two squeezed to the edge of the crowd, just as they were about to get a better look at the big fish in the bucket, but they didn't notice that two more people were coming from behind them, and they bumped into each other.

"Ouch!"

Su Wanqing stumbled from the impact, and Lin Weidong quickly reached out to support her. Turning his head, his brows furrowed instantly.