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

On Saturday, September 1st, the morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Beixinqiao courtyard, casting warm dappled patterns on the ground.

Chen Yu woke up earlier than usual. Today was a special day—he and Qin Huairu were going to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get their marriage certificate. Although the wedding wasn't until September 15th, in this day and age, getting the certificate meant they were legally recognized as a couple.

He rose gently, without disturbing Qin Huairu, who was still fast asleep. Activating his spiritual vision technique, he could clearly see the faint but stable life force within Qin Huairu's body in the morning light—the life force of their unborn child. Her three-month-old belly was already slightly protruding, forming a gentle curve under the thin blanket.

"System, sign in today," Chen Yu thought to himself. The sign-in reward should be pretty good on this day.

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: 10 jin of national grain coupons, 5 chi of cloth coupons, a pair of silver wedding anniversary rings (adapted to the current era), 20 yuan in cash, and a small basic family financial management skills experience kit]

Silver rings! Chen Yu was overjoyed. They were a pair of simple, plain silver rings, with the words "Chen Qin Yong Jie" (meaning "Chen and Qin are forever united") engraved on the inner band. In this era, having matching rings for a wedding was already quite respectable.

After using the family financial management skills package, his mind was flooded with basic knowledge of income and expenditure management, savings planning, and risk avoidance. Although it was only the basics, it was very practical for him as he was about to start a family.

He logged out of the system and began preparing breakfast. Considering he was going out today, he made a simple but nutritious breakfast: millet porridge, boiled eggs, and hawthorn cake he had bought yesterday. He also started brewing an anti-nausea and pregnancy-stabilizing soup, the faint aroma of herbs wafting in the morning air.

At 7:30, Qin Huairu woke up. She had specially changed into that light pink polyester shirt today, and her hair was neatly combed with two long braids hanging down in front of her chest, making her look both refreshing and energetic.

"You're awake? Come and have breakfast." Chen Yu came out carrying a bowl of porridge. "After we eat, we'll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau. I have an appointment at 8:30."

Qin Huairu sat down and sipped her porridge. "Chen Yu, I'm a little nervous..."

"What's there to be nervous about?"

"It's just...we're suddenly going to become a real couple..." Qin Huairu blushed slightly. "Also, we're taking photos today, and I'm like this..." She touched her slightly protruding belly.

"What's wrong with that?" Chen Yu held her hand. "We're a legally married couple, and the child is the fruit of our love. It's perfectly legitimate. Just turn slightly to the side when we take the picture, and no one will be able to tell."

"Hmm..." Qin Huairu nodded, but there was still some unease in her eyes.

After finishing the meal, Chen Yu took out the pair of silver rings: "Huai Ru, these are for you."

"A ring?" Qin Huairu's eyes lit up. "It's so beautiful..."

"We'll each have one." Chen Yu put it on her, and it fit perfectly. "When things are better in the future, I'll get you a gold one."

Qin Huairu stroked the engraving on the ring, her eyes slightly red: "This is very good... Chen Yu, thank you."

At eight o'clock, the two set off on their bicycles. Chen Yu had specially borrowed a tandem bicycle—he would ride in the front, and Qin Huairu would sit on the back, making it more stable. The autumn morning breeze was slightly cool, but the sunlight was warm, and the poplar leaves along the roadside had already begun to turn yellow.

The Civil Affairs Bureau is located in Dongcheng District, in an old two-story building. Several couples were already lined up at the entrance, mostly young people dressed in work clothes or military uniforms, their faces beaming with happiness. In this day and age, getting married is simple and the procedures are quick, but the sense of ceremony is still very important.

Chen Yu and Qin Huairu were in third place. The couple in front of them were a military couple; the man was in military uniform, and the woman was a textile factory worker. They were both very young, probably in their early twenties.

When it was their turn, the clerk was a woman in her forties, wearing glasses and with a serious expression. She checked Chen Yu's letter of introduction, household registration book, and certificate from the steel rolling mill, and also looked at Qin Huairu's rural household registration certificate.

"Comrade Chen Yu, Comrade Qin Huairu, are you getting married voluntarily?" the clerk asked routinely.

"Yes," they both answered in unison.

Are you related by blood?

"no."

"Okay, sign here." The clerk handed over two forms.

Chen Yu and Qin Huairu signed their names. The scratching sound of the pen on the paper seemed especially solemn at this moment.

"Come on, let's take a group photo." The clerk led them to the photo room next door.

The photographer, an old man, had the two sit side by side on a bench. Chen Yu sat up straight, while Qin Huairu turned slightly to the side; her slightly protruding belly was not noticeable under her loose shirt.

"Look here, smile... Okay!" A flash went off, and the image froze.

Half an hour later, I received two red-covered marriage certificates. The words "Marriage Certificate" were printed in gold on the cover, and inside was a black and white photo of the couple that had just been taken, along with their basic information and the large red seal of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

"Congratulations on officially becoming husband and wife!" The clerk rarely smiled. "May you respect and love each other, progress together, and contribute to the building of socialism!"

"Thank you, comrade!"

Stepping out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, the sun shone brightly. Holding the marriage certificate, Chen Yu felt a strange sensation welling up inside him—in this autumn of 1962, in this unfamiliar city, he had found a real family.

"Huai Ru, we're really husband and wife now," he said softly.

"Mmm..." Qin Huairu leaned on his shoulder, "Chen Yu, I will be a good wife."

"I will also be a good husband and a good father," Chen Yu solemnly promised.

The two didn't go home immediately, but instead went to Wangfujing Department Store. Chen Yu wanted to buy Qin Huairu some new clothes and some maternity supplies.

The department store was bustling with people. The shelves weren't overflowing with goods, but it was a top-tier shopping destination for that era. Chen Yu bought Qin Huairu a dark blue wool coat—perfect for autumn—and a pair of soft-soled cloth shoes. Passing the maternity products counter, he also bought some loose-fitting trousers and cotton underwear.

"Too much..." Qin Huairu said softly, "It cost too much money..."

"Not much," Chen Yu said with a smile. "Now that you have two people, you have to spend what you need to spend."

At noon, Chen Yu took Qin Huairu to Quanjude. This is the most famous roast duck restaurant in Beijing, and there are usually long queues, but today, since it wasn't the weekend, it was relatively less crowded.

The restaurant had a classic, antique feel, and the waiters were dressed in traditional clothing with white towels draped over their shoulders. Chen Yu ordered half a roast duck, two hot dishes, and duck bone soup.

When the roast duck was served, the chef skillfully sliced ​​it on the spot, the thin slices arranged on the plate looking very appealing. It was Qin Huairu's first time eating roast duck, and she watched Chen Yu teach her how to wrap the duck meat, scallions, and sweet bean sauce in thin pancakes, learning very attentively.

"Is it good?" Chen Yu asked.

"Mmm! It smells delicious!" Qin Huairu's eyes lit up. "Chen Yu, when we're rich, let's come eat here often, okay?"

"Okay, come often." Chen Yu secretly resolved to make sure his wife lived a good life.

As he was eating, Chen Yu's spiritual sense suddenly detected a familiar presence. He turned his head without making a sound and saw two people sitting by the window—one was Boss Li, and the other was an elderly man in his sixties, wearing a gray long robe, with sharp eyes and slightly bulging temples, clearly a martial arts expert.

A Hongmen master! Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. Master Hei had said that Boss Li had a very powerful old man from the Hongmen by his side.

He immediately activated his concealment technique, while simultaneously signaling Qin Huairu not to look in that direction. He activated his spiritual vision technique and carefully observed the old man. Sure enough, there was a faint flow of internal energy within the old man's body. Although it couldn't compare to his spiritual energy, it was still considered a high level among ordinary people.

The two seemed to be talking in hushed tones. Boss Li looked respectful, while the old man appeared arrogant. Chen Yu listened intently; his Qi Refining Stage 3 cultivation level gave him hearing far beyond that of ordinary people, allowing him to hear the conversation even across three tables.

"...On the night of the Double Ninth Festival, you must obtain the inheritance." The old man's voice was hoarse. "The things belonging to Daoist Xuanzhen must not fall into the hands of outsiders. Are you sure those three pocket watches are in Chen Yu's hands?"

"Confirmed. Although Master Hei has fallen, his last message was that the pocket watch was in Chen Yu's hands." Boss Li said in a low voice, "Elder Zhao, that kid is no simpleton. Master Hei's fifteen men were all wiped out overnight..."

"A mere trick," the old man scoffed. "In the face of true skill, it's all just showmanship. Chongyang, you set up the explosives as planned. I'll deal with that brat. Remember, I want him alive to extract the details about the pocket watch and the secret vault."

"Yes, yes, yes..."

Chen Yu's heart sank. Sure enough, Boss Li and this Hongmen elder were planning to make their move on the Double Ninth Festival, and their target was clear—they wanted to capture him!

He quickly considered his options. Turning against them now wasn't a good idea—Qin Huairu was nearby, and there were two of them; that Hongmen elder seemed difficult to deal with. The best course of action was to pretend he hadn't seen anything and prepare secretly.

"Huai Ru, are you full?" Chen Yu asked softly.

"I'm full, but there's still quite a bit left..."

"Pack it up and take it back." Chen Yu called the waiter to settle the bill and pack it up, then helped Qin Huairu leave.

As he walked out of Quanjude, he could feel two pairs of eyes staring at him from behind. But he didn't turn around; he simply rode away naturally.

Back at the courtyard near Beixinqiao, Qin Huairu was tired and went to rest in her room. Chen Yu, on the other hand, entered the small world and immediately contacted the fake man number one.

"Find out who that old man with Boss Li is. Elder Zhao of the Hongmen, I need all his information."

"Yes, Master. Also, something happened at the courtyard house—Jia Dongxu collapsed in the workshop this morning and was taken to the hospital."

"What happened?"

"It seems like a sudden heart attack, but the exact details are still unclear. Zhang Xiulan is borrowing money everywhere, saying the medical expenses are fifty yuan, which she can't afford..."

Jia Dongxu suffered a sudden heart attack? Chen Yu frowned. Although he didn't have a good impression of Jia Dongxu, a life was at stake, and Zhang Xiulan had treated him well...

"Prepare fifty yuan and send it anonymously to the hospital, specifically for Jia Dongxu. Don't reveal your identity."

"clear."

After dealing with these matters, Chen Yu began to seriously consider his options for dealing with the Double Ninth Festival. His original plan was to secretly sabotage the explosives and rush into the secret vault. But now, with the addition of a Hongmen elder, the situation had become more complicated.

The old man's internal energy, though not as pure as his spiritual energy, was profound and enduring, and he clearly possessed rich combat experience. In a direct confrontation, with his Qi Refining Stage 3 cultivation and spells, his chances of winning were about 70%, but injury would be inevitable. Moreover, his opponent also had Boss Li's fifteen subordinates, as well as explosives...

"We need to find a way to defeat them one by one," Chen Yu pondered. The flying needles controlled by the Art of Manipulation can be used for long-range attacks, the fireball spell can create chaos, and the mist array can divide the battlefield... If we can lure that Hongmen elder away and deal with him alone, our chances of victory will be much greater.

He began simulating combat in the miniature world. Twelve flying needles danced in the air, sometimes raining down densely, sometimes weaving nimbly like fish. The power of his fireball spell had also increased—he could now unleash three fist-sized fireballs in succession, and his control was more precise.

After practicing for two hours (one and a half hours in the outside world), Chen Yu exited the small world. In reality, it was already three o'clock in the afternoon, and Qin Huairu had woken up and was hanging clothes to dry in the yard.

"Why are you working again?" Chen Yu took the clothes from her hands. "Didn't I tell you to rest more?"

"Lying down for too long is uncomfortable, let's move around a bit." Qin Huairu smiled. "Chen Yu, you seem preoccupied today?"

"No..."

"Don't lie to me." Qin Huairu looked at him. "You've seemed preoccupied ever since we left Quanjude. Did...you see someone?"

Chen Yu was taken aback. Qin Huairu's observation skills were quite sharp...

"I saw two people, maybe... people I had a grudge against in the past," Chen Yu said, half-jokingly. "But don't worry, I can handle it."

"Chen Yu," Qin Huairu held his hand, "I know you have many secrets. I won't ask, but you must promise me you'll stay safe. For me, and for the child."

"I promise you," Chen Yu said solemnly. "Huai Ru, I'll tell you some things after the Double Ninth Festival. But now is not the time."

"I'm waiting for you."

As the two were talking, there was a rapid knocking at the courtyard gate.

When Chen Yu opened the door, he saw Zhang Xiulan, with red and swollen eyes and a pale face.

"Aunt Zhang? What's wrong?"

"Xiaoyu... Xiaoyu, you have to save Dongxu!" Zhang Xiulan grabbed Chen Yu's hand, her voice trembling. "Dongxu collapsed in the workshop this morning and was taken to the hospital where they said it was acute myocarditis. He needs surgery immediately, otherwise... otherwise he'll be gone... The surgery costs fifty yuan, and I... I borrowed from the entire hospital, but I only managed to scrape together twenty yuan..."

"Aunt Zhang, don't rush, tell me slowly." Chen Yu helped her into the house. "Which hospital is Brother Dongxu in now?"

"Peking Union Medical College Hospital...the doctor said the surgery has to be done by tomorrow morning at the latest, otherwise it will be too late..." Zhang Xiulan said, crying. "Xiaoyu, Aunt Zhang knows that Dongxu wronged you before, but...but he is still my son...Could you...lend me some money? I will definitely pay it back, I will do anything to pay it back!"

Chen Yu sighed inwardly. Although Jia Dongxu was despicable, his crimes didn't warrant death, and Zhang Xiulan had indeed treated him well...

"Aunt Zhang, don't worry, I have the money." Chen Yu took out fifty yuan from the house—the very money he had prepared to send anonymously. "Take this money first; saving a life is the most important thing."

"Xiaoyu...you..." Zhang Xiulan was stunned. "This is fifty yuan...you just...!"

"This is a matter of life and death." Chen Yu stuffed the money into her hand. "Go pay the fees quickly, don't delay the surgery. Come back to me if you need more."

"Xiaoyu...Aunt Zhang will remember your kindness for the rest of her life!" Zhang Xiulan knelt down and was about to kowtow.

Chen Yu quickly helped her up: "Aunt Zhang, what are you doing! Let's go to the hospital!"

"Okay...okay...I'll go right now..." Zhang Xiulan wiped away her tears and hurried away.

Qin Huairu watched from the side and said softly, "Chen Yu, you have such a kind heart."

"Aunt Zhang has been good to me, that's only right," Chen Yu sighed. "Besides, although Jia Dongxu is confused, he doesn't deserve to die. I hope he can pull through this time."

In the evening, Chen Yu went to the courtyard house again. He wanted to see how the other people in the courtyard reacted and find out what was going on.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was heavy. Yan Bugui was talking to Yi Zhonghai in the central courtyard when he saw Chen Yu arrive and quickly waved.

"Little Chen's here! You've heard about the Jia family, haven't you?"

"I heard from Aunt Zhang, how is Brother Dongxu?"

"I just got word that the surgery is done and he's survived, but he can't do heavy work anymore." Yi Zhonghai sighed. "The medical bills cost sixty-two yuan. Zhang Xiulan lent me thirty, you gave me fifty, and she said she'd pay me back the rest later."

"No need to pay it back, saving a life is the priority." Chen Yu waved his hand. "It's good that he's alright."

"Little Chen, you've really..." Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses. "Some people in the courtyard are gossiping, saying you have a conflict with the Jia family, so why are you being so generous? But Third Uncle knows you're doing this for the greater good!"

"We're neighbors, it's only right." Chen Yu didn't want to elaborate. "Uncle, how's the situation with Xu Damao's house?"

"Director Wang said to leave it vacant for now and discuss it later," Yi Zhonghai said in a low voice. "However, Jia Zhangshi went to the neighborhood office again today to make a scene, saying that her family is in financial difficulty, her son is hospitalized, and that the house should be allocated to her family... Director Wang scolded her, saying that she doesn't know what's good for her."

Chen Yu sneered. Jia Zhangshi really is incorrigible.

After chatting for a while, Chen Yu prepared to leave. As he passed the Jia family's house, he heard Jia Zhangshi cursing from inside: "...What are you pretending to be a good person for! You think you can buy a reputation for fifty yuan? If my son dies, I'll never forgive him!"

Zhang Xiulan's voice rang out: "Mom! Can you please say less! If it weren't for Xiaoyu, Dongxu would be gone!"

"What's gone is gone! It was such a useless thing anyway..."

Chen Yu shook his head and quickly left. Some people are simply beyond saving.

By the time they returned to Beixinqiao, it was already dark. Qin Huairu had prepared dinner: a simple stew of cabbage and tofu, but it was steaming hot and felt very homey.

After dinner, the two sat in the courtyard to enjoy the cool air. Qin Huairu leaned on Chen Yu's shoulder and whispered, "Chen Yu, I'm so happy today. We got our marriage certificate, we have our own home, and our child is growing up healthy... It feels like a dream."

"It's not a dream." Chen Yu hugged her tighter. "Things will only get better from now on."

"Hmm...right, I've thought of a name for the baby. If it's a boy, I'll name him Chen Chen, Chen as in morning, representing a new beginning. If it's a girl, I'll name her Chen Xi, Xi as in morning light, representing hope and light. What do you think?"

"Okay, whatever you say."

As night deepened, the courtyard quieted down. But Chen Yu knew that this peace wouldn't last long.

There are still ten days until the Double Ninth Festival.

In ten days, everything will be clear.

And he had to win.

For this family, for the unborn child, and for... to truly gain a foothold in this era and forge a path that belongs to me.

It was late at night, and the courtyard in Beixinqiao was warmly lit.

Meanwhile, in the distant Fragrant Hills, undercurrents are surging.