Courtyard Check-in: Starting with a Small World of Cultivation

At 7:00 a.m. on July 3, the courtyard of the Beijing Nonferrous Metals Research Institute was already bustling with people.

Chen Yu stood at the window on the third floor of the office building, looking down at the seven or eight jeeps and cars parked below. The license plates belonged to various ministries, factories, and mines, and there were even two military vehicles. More than fifty people, including cadres in Zhongshan suits, engineers in work clothes, and technicians in military uniforms, gathered in the courtyard, waiting for today's important meeting—the on-site meeting for the first phase of the "Microscopic Observation Project."

"Are you nervous?" Su Hongmei walked to his side and handed him a cup of tea.

Chen Yu took the teacup and shook his head: "I'm fine. Where's Engineer Lin?"

"Let's do the final checks in the conference room." Su Hongmei was wearing a light gray Lenin suit today, her hair neatly combed, making her look exceptionally capable. "I just glanced at the sign-in sheet, and quite a few important figures are here. Vice Minister Wang from the Ministry of Metallurgy, Director Li from the Ministry of Machinery Industry, and several chief engineers from military factories..."

"Quite a show of force." Chen Yu took a sip of tea. He knew this event was important, but he hadn't expected it to attract so many high-ranking officials.

"They're all after your method," Su Hongmei said in a low voice. "I heard that several military industrial units have encountered bottlenecks in material testing that conventional methods can't solve, so they're paying special attention to our results."

Just then, Lin Zhenhua hurried over, sweat beading on his forehead: "Xiao Chen, is everything ready? Sample room, microscope, notebook..."

"I've checked it three times, there's no problem," Chen Yu said calmly.

"That's good, that's good." Lin Zhenhua wiped his sweat. "It starts promptly at nine o'clock. Xiao Chen, you're the main speaker today, so speak freely and don't be shy. The director and I will back you up."

At 8:50 a.m., attendees began entering the large conference room on the third floor. The conference room had been rearranged, with the leaders' seats in the front and the technical representatives' seats in the back. A red banner hung at the front: "First Phase Results Report and On-site Observation Meeting of the 'Micro-Observation Project'".

Chen Yu stood to the side of the podium, looking at the packed conference room. His gaze swept over the crowd—the elderly man with gray hair and a serious face in the middle of the front row must be Vice Minister Wang; the middle-aged man next to him wearing glasses and looking at materials was Director Li; in the back rows were Director Li from the steel rolling mill, whom he recognized, as well as technical leaders from several other large factories.

At 9:00 AM sharp, the director tapped the microphone: "Comrades, quiet down. I now announce that the 'Microscopic Observation Project's' results presentation is officially beginning!"

After a brief opening, Lin Zhenhua took the stage to introduce the project's background and significance. Then, everyone's attention focused on Chen Yu.

Chen Yu took a deep breath and walked onto the podium. Today, he wore the Zhongshan suit made by Qin Huairu, which was crisp and neat, making him look energetic and capable. The intermediate-level concealment technique was quietly activated, completely masking his slight nervousness.

"Distinguished leaders, comrades, good afternoon. I am Chen Yu, a member of the project team. I will now report to you on the core achievement of the first phase of the 'Microscopic Observation Project'—the method for observing and analyzing microscopic defects in materials."

He opened the lecture notes, but barely looked at them. He already knew all the content by heart.

"Traditional materials testing mainly relies on instrument measurements and standard tests. These methods are important, but they also have limitations—they often focus on macroscopic properties and are not sensitive enough to anomalies in microscopic details. Our method, on the other hand, is centered on 'humans'—trained observers who, through systematic observation skills, discover those details that are overlooked by instruments..."

Chen Yu's explanation was clear and well-organized. He started with the theory, then presented real-world examples: an aero-engine blade sample passed routine testing, but their method revealed an extremely subtle grain boundary crack; a submarine pressure hull steel plate met strength tests, but microscopic observation revealed localized structural abnormalities that could lead to embrittlement during long-term use…

Each case study included detailed photos, data, and analysis. The meeting room was so quiet that only the sound of pens scratching across paper could be heard.

"...Based on these cases, we have summarized a complete observation process and defect scoring system." Chen Yu switched slides to show the meticulously compiled "Material Defect Classification and Scoring Standards (Trial Version)". "This system has been tested within the research institute, and the next step is to promote and verify it in cooperative factories and mines."

After speaking for an hour and a half, Chen Yu concluded: "Our method is not intended to replace traditional testing, but rather to supplement and extend it. By training observers' eyesight and judgment, we extend materials testing from 'looking at the results' to 'looking at the process,' and from 'looking at the surface' to 'looking at the essence.'"

After he finished speaking, there was a few seconds of silence in the conference room, followed by enthusiastic applause.

Vice Minister Wang was the first to stand up: "Excellent! Well said! Comrade Chen, your idea is very valuable! When we're developing industry and national defense, what we fear most is problems with materials. Your method is like giving the materials an extra pair of 'eyes'!"

Director Li nodded in agreement: "I think this project has great potential for wider application. Engineer Lin, your institute should expedite the completion of the technical manual and distribute it to key units as soon as possible."

The Q&A session that followed was even more lively. The representative from the military factory asked the most detailed question: "Engineer Chen, how long does the observation and training you mentioned take? Can ordinary technicians master it?"

"It takes two weeks of systematic training to get a basic grasp of the material, but it takes three to six months of practice to become proficient," Chen Yu answered honestly. "However, we are currently developing standardized training materials to speed up the learning process."

How can we guarantee the subjectivity of the observation results? What if different people have different opinions?

"Therefore, we have developed detailed scoring criteria and a large database of case studies for reference and comparison. We also recommend that important materials be independently observed by multiple people, and that the results be cross-validated."

Can this method be used for online detection?

"It's not possible right now; sample preparation and microscopic observation are required. But we are exploring ways to simplify the process, and we may develop rapid screening methods in the future."

The question-and-answer session lasted for forty minutes. Chen Yu answered fluently, neither exaggerating nor belittling himself, winning the approval of most of the people present.

While eating lunch in the canteen, Chen Yu was surrounded by several people exchanging contact information. Director Li of the steel rolling mill patted him on the shoulder: "Young Chen, well done! You've brought honor to our factory! I'll submit a report as soon as I get back and invite you to the factory to conduct training!"

"Thank you for your support, Director Li."

The afternoon session was a site visit. The group of over fifty people was divided into three groups, taking turns to tour the sample room, observe microscope operation demonstrations, and practice hands-on observation. Chen Yu, Su Hongmei, Wang Jianguo, and others were responsible for providing explanations.

What impressed Chen Yu most was a chief engineer from a military factory surnamed Zhao. This veteran engineer stared at the microscope for a full twenty minutes, then looked up, his eyes gleaming: "I've worked in materials science for over thirty years, and this is the first time I've seen these things so clearly. Young Chen, your method can solve a major problem for our factory!"

It turned out that the pass rate of a special alloy produced by their factory had been unstable, sometimes good and sometimes bad, and they couldn't find the cause after investigating for half a year. Engineer Zhao immediately invited Chen Yu to the factory for a "consultation," and he would coordinate the costs and procedures.

Chen Yu agreed. This was not only an opportunity, but also a good occasion to verify the practicality of the method.

The meeting lasted until 5 p.m. When it adjourned, Vice Minister Wang spoke specifically with Chen Yu: "Comrade Chen, you're young and promising. Keep up the good work; the country needs talent like you. If you encounter any difficulties, you can directly contact Engineer Lin, or you can come to me."

These words carried great weight. Chen Yu thanked him sincerely.

After seeing off all the attendees, everyone at the research institute was exhausted, but their faces beamed with excitement. The director immediately announced, "We'll have extra food in the cafeteria tonight! To celebrate the project's success!"

After dinner, Chen Yu did not participate in the subsequent celebrations. He said goodbye to Lin Zhenhua and went home early.

Walking through the alleyways at dusk, Chen Yu reviewed his performance that day. Overall, it was a success, but there were a few questions he hadn't answered perfectly and needed further refinement. Also, Zhao's invitation was a good opportunity, but it also meant a business trip, leaving Beijing for a few days.

It was already dark when Chen Yu returned to the courtyard house. The courtyard was unusually quiet—this had been the atmosphere ever since the case was decided. Light shone from under the Jia family's door; Zhang Xiulan was probably tutoring Bang Geng. The Yan and Xu families remained tightly shut. Under the grape trellis in the central courtyard, Yi Zhonghai and He Yuzhu were playing chess. Seeing Chen Yu return, He Yuzhu waved: "Chen Yu, so late today? I heard there was a big event at your office today?"

"Yeah, I had a meeting." Chen Yu walked over. "Brother Zhu didn't come to work today?"

"Take a break." He Yuzhu placed a piece on the board. "Chen Yu, I need to talk to you about something. My cousin in Guangzhou wrote to say he wants me to go and help out. What do you think... should I go?"

"Guangzhou?" Chen Yu's interest was piqued. "What kind of busyness?"

"He opened a small restaurant over there, and business is good; he's too busy to handle everything," He Yuzhu said, scratching his head. "He said he'd pay me sixty yuan a month, including room and board. That's more than he made at the steel mill."

Sixty yuan! That's a high salary in those days. Chen Yu thought for a moment: "Brother Zhu, you need to think this through. Guangzhou is far from Beijing, and you don't know anyone there. Besides, you're a permanent employee at the steel mill now, a secure job."

"It's because I can't bear to give up this secure job that I'm torn," He Yuzhu sighed. "But you know, I only make 38.5 yuan a month now, and I have to support a whole family. It's a tight budget. In Guangzhou, it's 60 yuan... the difference is huge."

Yi Zhonghai interjected, "Zhu Zi, we need to be careful about this. Your wife and children are in Beijing. What will happen to your family if you go so far away alone?"

As the three were talking, footsteps came from the front yard. It was the postman, holding up a letter: "Chen Yu! Registered mail!"

Chen Yu took the envelope; the handwriting was unfamiliar, and it was signed "Guangzhou." A thought struck him, and he opened the letter.

The letter was written by Li Jimin—a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine. The content was simple: an old classmate of his ran a clinic in Hong Kong and had recently returned to Guangzhou to visit relatives. He had heard about Chen Yu's observation methods and was very interested, wanting to arrange a time to meet and exchange ideas. If Chen Yu was available, he could come to Guangzhou, and Li Jimin would cover all expenses.

"A doctor from Hong Kong?" Chen Yu's eyes lit up. This was practically an opportunity delivered to his doorstep!

"What's wrong, Chen Yu? Whose letter is this?" He Yuzhu asked curiously.

"A friend invited me to Guangzhou." Chen Yu put away the letter, having already made up his mind. "Brother Zhu, I suggest you go and see your cousin first. I also need to go to Guangzhou on business, so we can go together."

"Really?" He Yuzhu exclaimed with delight. "That's great! When are you leaving?"

"Let me arrange my work, about a week from now."

Back inside, Chen Yu showed the letter to Qin Huairu. Qin Huairu was somewhat worried: "Guangzhou is so far away, is the road safe?"

"It's alright, trains are very convenient now." Chen Yu held her hand. "This is a good opportunity. Our connections in Hong Kong might come in handy in the future."

"You mean...we're really going to Hong Kong someday?"

"I might not go, but it's always good to have more options," Chen Yu said, not elaborating further. A trip to Hong Kong was in his plans, but the timing wasn't right. This trip to Guangzhou was to make initial contact and get a feel for the situation.

After entering his small world that night, Chen Yu didn't immediately begin cultivating. He took out the "Hong Kong Business Yearbook" and flipped to the banking section. Capital was crucial for developing his business in Hong Kong. His current funds were decent in Beijing, but insufficient in Hong Kong. He needed to find ways to accumulate capital and also consider how to legally transfer his money there.

He noticed a piece of information: Hong Kong banks allow the opening of offshore accounts, as long as proof of identity and proof of the source of funds are provided. However, it is very troublesome for mainland residents to open an account, requiring a guarantor or company in Hong Kong.

"Maybe we can try to find a solution through Li Jimin," Chen Yu thought to himself.

Next, he began practicing new spells. He became more adept at using the Wind Manipulation spell in the small world, and could now glide more than thirty meters five feet off the ground. His intermediate-level Breath Concealment spell also became more and more proficient; when he used it at full power, even he himself could hardly feel his own presence.

Chen Yu's Qi Refining Stage 8 realm was completely stable, and his spiritual power was nearly twice as strong as when he was at Stage 7. Chen Yu estimated that in another two or three months, he should be able to break through to Stage 9. At that time, his strength would experience a qualitative leap.

It was late at night when Chen Yu logged out of the small world. Lying in bed, he planned his trip to Guangzhou.

I need to take about a week off to arrange my work. The "Microscopic Observation Project" is currently being overseen by Su Hongmei and her team, so there shouldn't be any major problems. The invitation from Engineer Zhao at the military factory can be arranged after I return from Guangzhou.

I need to tell Zhang Xiulan about this place in the courtyard and ask her to help look after the house. Banggeng has become much more sensible lately; he shouldn't cause any trouble.

Also... I need to prepare some things to take to Guangzhou. Beijing specialties, a gift, and information on his observation methods—since he's a doctor, I can prepare some ideas on medical observation.

Lost in thought, Chen Yu fell asleep.

The first thing Chen Yu did upon arriving at the research institute the next morning was to ask Lin Zhenhua for leave.

"Going to Guangzhou?" Lin Zhenhua asked, somewhat surprised. "What's the matter?"

"A friend in the Chinese medicine community introduced me to a doctor in Hong Kong who wanted to exchange observation methods," Chen Yu said frankly. "I think this is an opportunity, and it might open up new application directions."

Lin Zhenhua thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, go ahead. The on-site meeting just ended, and the main thing now is to organize the materials. Su and the others can handle that. But Xiao Chen, hurry back, Zhao from the military factory is waiting for you."

"I'll definitely be back within a week."

After taking leave, Chen Yu began his preparations. He went to a department store and bought some Beijing preserved fruits and poria cocos cakes as gifts. He also went to Xinhua Bookstore and bought a copy of the latest "Atlas of Human Anatomy"—since he was going to communicate with doctors, he needed to do some research.

At noon, he invited Su Hongmei to lunch in the cafeteria to discuss matters related to the project.

"You're going to Guangzhou?" Su Hongmei asked, somewhat surprised. "That Hong Kong doctor that Teacher Li recommended?"

"Okay. Sister Hongmei, I'll have to trouble you with the project during this time. Please take care of revising the training materials and adding to the case study database."

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things." Su Hongmei paused. "Chen Yu, when you went to see that Hong Kong doctor, did you... have other plans?"

Chen Yu glanced at her. Su Hongmei was very intelligent, and because of her father, she had a keen understanding of human relationships.

"Let's try it out first. Hong Kong has a high level of medical care; maybe we can learn something new there."

"It's not just about learning things, is it?" Su Hongmei lowered her voice. "I've heard that some people are trying every means to get to Hong Kong. There are more opportunities there, but also greater risks. You... be careful."

"I will. Thank you for reminding me, Sister Hongmei."

In the afternoon, Chen Yu left work early and went to the train station to buy a ticket. The train from Beijing to Guangzhou takes two days and one night, and hard sleeper tickets are hard to buy. He managed to get one through Director Li's connections.

Back home, he began packing his luggage. Qin Huairu silently helped him organize his clothes, stuffing a thick coat into his suitcase: "It's autumn in the south now, and it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings."

"Okay." Chen Yu watched her busy figure, feeling a warmth in his heart. "Take care of yourself while I'm away these few days. Lock the door at night, and if you need anything, ask Brother Zhu or Uncle Yi."

"I know. You should be careful, it's such a long way..."

"Don't worry, I'm a grown adult."

After dinner, Chen Yu went to the Jia family's house to say goodbye to Zhang Xiulan. Upon hearing that he was going on a business trip, Zhang Xiulan nodded repeatedly, saying, "Xiao Yu, don't worry, I'll look after things at home. If Huai Ru or the children need anything, just call me anytime."

"Thank you, Aunt Zhang. Please take good care of Banggeng as well."

"That child is sensible now." Zhang Xiulan's face showed relief. "Yesterday he told me that he wants to study hard and be successful like Uncle Chen in the future."

Chen Yu smiled. It's a good thing that Bang Geng can get out of the shadows.

In the stillness of the night, Chen Yu entered the small world again. This time, he specifically checked the spirit herb garden—the ginseng, astragalus, and angelica were all growing well, and the second batch could be harvested in another half month. He carefully picked some leaves and tender buds, packed them in a jade box, and prepared to carry them with him. These spiritualized herbs might come in handy at a crucial moment.

He also prepared three Body Tempering Pills, five Mind-Clearing Powders, and two Hydrating Pills, each stored in a small porcelain bottle. Better safe than sorry when traveling.

Everything is ready.

Chen Yu stood in his miniature world, gazing at the hazy, distant horizon. This trip to Guangzhou might just be the beginning. But a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Hong Kong, that bustling yet unfamiliar city, awaits in the distance.

And he is getting closer step by step.

Outside the window, the night was deep.

And a new journey is about to begin.