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

A light mist enveloped Qin Family Village in the early morning. Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, several chickens were scratching for food. Chen Yu, carrying a canvas bag, followed Matchmaker Liu along the country dirt road. Inside the bag were his carefully prepared betrothal gifts: a four-colored gift box (pastries, sugar, wine, and tea), a piece of dark blue woolen cloth, and eighty-eight yuan in betrothal money wrapped in red paper.

Eighty-eight, a homophone for "prosperity," was a rather respectable dowry amount in those days.

"Xiao Chen, when you meet the Qin family later, you must show proper etiquette," Matchmaker Liu instructed as they walked. "Speak sincerely, but don't be too subservient. You're a soon-to-be permanent employee at the steel mill now, your conditions aren't bad."

"I understand, Aunt Liu." Chen Yu nodded. Today he specially wore his most presentable blue overalls, his hair was neatly combed, and although the Shanghai brand watch on his left wrist was covered by his sleeve, it would still be revealed occasionally when he raised his hand—a symbol of strength.

The Qin family lived at the east end of the village, in a clean and tidy three-room mud-brick house with a small courtyard. Several rows of vegetables grew along the courtyard wall, and two hens pecked at the ground in the corner.

Hearing the commotion, Qin's parents came out of the house to greet them. Qin's father was in his early fifties, with a dark complexion and calloused hands—a typical farmer. Qin's mother wore a slightly worn floral top, her face beaming with anticipation. Qin Huairu followed behind her parents, wearing a red polyester top today, clearly dressed up specially. Her face flushed slightly when she saw Chen Yu.

"Hello, Uncle and Aunt," Chen Yu greeted them politely and handed over the gifts.

Qin's mother accepted the gifts, her eyes sweeping over the stack of betrothal gifts wrapped in red paper. The sheer thickness of the stack surprised her, but her smile widened: "Come in and sit down! You must be tired from the journey?"

Tables and chairs had already been set up in the main room. On the table were roasted peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and two cups of brewed tea—the tea was ordinary, but in the countryside it was a courtesy to entertain guests.

After everyone was seated, Qin's father took out his pipe, lit it, took a puff, and then spoke: "Little Chen, I heard from Aunt Liu that you're doing well at the steel mill?"

"Uncle, I joined the factory last month, and the management seems to approve of me. The formalities for becoming a permanent employee can be completed this Wednesday, and I'll be a full-fledged worker next month," Chen Yu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"A permanent position is good, it's a secure job." Qin's father nodded. "How much is the monthly salary?"

"After becoming a full-time employee, the basic salary is 28 yuan, plus various subsidies, it can be a little over 30 yuan. There are 45 jin of grain coupons, and other receipts are issued according to the standard for full-time employees," Chen Yu said truthfully.

This income was quite considerable to people in the countryside. Qin's parents exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with satisfaction.

"So where are you living now?" Qin's mother asked the practical question.

"We're temporarily staying in an empty room in a courtyard house in Nanluoguxiang, arranged by the neighborhood committee." Chen Yu paused, "But I'm already trying to find a place to live. Once the wedding is settled, I'll definitely make sure Huai Ru has her own home."

These were honest words, not empty promises. Father Qin took another drag of his cigarette: "The house isn't urgent. You young people should focus on your work first. The important thing is that you're good people and willing to work."

Matchmaker Liu chimed in at the opportune moment: "Brother Qin, Sister Qin, I've inquired about Xiao Chen. He's well-liked at the factory, learns skills quickly, and is highly regarded by the leaders. His family background is also excellent; both his parents are martyrs, with impeccable revolutionary credentials. A son-in-law like that is hard to find even with a lantern!"

Qin Huairu sat beside her mother, head down, fingers twisting the hem of her clothes, but her ears were perked up.

Qin's mother looked at her daughter: "Huai Ru, what do you think?"

All eyes were on Qin Huairu. She looked up at Chen Yu, her face flushing even more, and said softly but firmly, "I...I do."

A few seconds of silence filled the main room, then Qin's father burst into laughter: "Alright! It's settled then!"

The marriage proposal was thus settled. Both sides agreed that once Chen Yu's official employment procedures were completed, they would choose an auspicious day to hold the wedding. As for the specific wedding date, Chen Yu would have to go back and check the almanac before discussing it with the Qin family.

At noon, Qin's mother prepared a sumptuous meal: braised pork, scrambled eggs, cabbage stew with vermicelli, homemade pickled vegetables, and a bowl of steamed white flour buns. In the countryside, this was already the standard for entertaining distinguished guests.

During dinner, Qin Huairu's two older brothers also returned. The eldest, Qin Dazhu, was twenty-five, married, and farmed in the village; the second, Qin Erzhu, was twenty-three and planned to get married at the end of the year. Both were simple, honest farmers, and they were very welcoming to their city brother-in-law, Chen Yu.

"Brother-in-law, from now on, Huai Ru is in your care." Qin Dazhu picked up his wine bowl. "She's been sensible since she was little, but she's ambitious and always wanted to go to the city. Now that we've found someone like you, we, as her older brother, are at ease."

Chen Yu raised his bowl and clinked it together: "Don't worry, brother, I will definitely treat Huai Ru well."

Qin Erzhu was more practical: "Chen Yu, you work at the steel rolling mill, could you help me find a temporary job? I can earn some money during the off-season to save for my dowry."

These words made Qin's father's face darken: "Erzhu, what are you saying! How can you ask your brother-in-law for help as soon as you meet him?"

Chen Yu smiled and said, "Second Brother, work is indeed very demanding right now. But I'm keeping an eye on it, and I'll definitely let you know if I get the chance."

The meal was enjoyed by everyone. After the meal, Qin Huairu saw Chen Yu and Matchmaker Liu off as they left the village. When they reached the old locust tree at the village entrance, she stopped and took out a small cloth bag from her bosom.

"This... is for you." She said softly.

Chen Yu took it; inside the cloth bag was a pair of cloth shoes with a thousand-layer sole, the stitches were fine, and the shoes were embroidered with simple cloud patterns in red thread.

"I made it myself. Try it on and see if it fits," Qin Huairu said, her head down.

Chen Yu was deeply moved. In this era of scarcity, shoes made by hand, stitch by stitch, were more precious than anything else. He immediately sat down to try them on; they fit perfectly and were very comfortable to walk in.

"It's perfect, thank you." Chen Yu looked at Qin Huairu and said earnestly, "I'll check the date when I get back and get the wedding done as soon as possible."

Qin Huairu blushed and nodded gently: "Mm... I'll wait for your news."

As the sun set, Chen Yu and Matchmaker Liu returned to Beijing. Matchmaker Liu kept praising how well-matched the marriage was, while Chen Yu pondered the next steps.

His official appointment was imminent, his marriage was arranged, and everything was going well. But for some reason, he felt a sense of unease—things were going too smoothly, almost unreal.

This unease was confirmed when I went to work the next day.

On Wednesday morning, Chen Yu went to the personnel department of the steel rolling mill with his photo and household registration book to complete the formalities for becoming a permanent employee. The same bespectacled female clerk was there, but her expression was somewhat strange today.

"Comrade Chen Yu, your formal employment procedures... cannot be processed for the time being." The female officer pushed up her glasses, her tone businesslike.

Chen Yu was startled: "Why? Didn't Director Li say it had already been approved?"

"It's approved, but..." the female officer lowered her voice, "someone reported you, saying there's a problem with your composition, and it needs to be reviewed again."

"Is there a problem with the ingredients?" Chen Yu's face darkened. He was the orphan of a martyr; this had been confirmed by the neighborhood committee and the factory. What problem could there be?

"Who reported me? What did they report me for?"

"I can't say," the female officer shook her head. "Anyway, the higher-ups have requested a re-examination, which will probably take about a week. You should go back and wait for news."

Chen Yu walked out of the personnel department, his mind racing. Someone was definitely up to something. Who could it be? Those envious temporary workers in the workshop? Or...?

He suddenly remembered the resentful look in Jia Zhangshi's eyes when she looked at him in the courtyard yesterday. Jia Dongxu also worked at the steel rolling mill, although not in the same workshop, but they might be able to talk.

Back in Workshop 3, Director Li already knew the news. He called Chen Yu into his office and closed the door.

"Xiao Chen, someone's trying to trip you up." Director Li cut to the chase. "The whistleblower letter has been sent directly to the factory's disciplinary committee, saying that your parents' martyr status is questionable and needs to be re-verified."

"Director Li, the military has certificates from when my parents sacrificed their lives, and the neighborhood office also has records. These can all be verified," Chen Yu said calmly.

"I know, I know," Director Li sighed. "The problem isn't whether it's true or false, but that someone is deliberately stalling for time. If your official appointment is delayed by a week, you won't be able to join this batch next month and will have to wait for the next batch. And... it won't have a good impact."

Chen Yu understood. This was an open scheme, not meant to completely destroy him, but to delay and annoy him, making him lose face in front of his superiors and colleagues.

"Director Li, may I ask who reported this?"

Director Li hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I can only tell you that the whistleblower letter came from your institute. As for the specifics... you'll have to figure it out yourself."

"From the courtyard!" Chen Yu's eyes turned cold. Who in the courtyard had a grudge against him? The Jia family, Xu Damao, or...?

"Thank you, Director Li. I know what to do now."

Emerging from the office, Chen Yu appeared calm and continued working. But his mind was in turmoil. It seemed some people in the courtyard wanted to cause him trouble, seeing his life going too smoothly.

Very well, let's show these people that Chen Yu is not someone to be trifled with.

At lunchtime in the canteen, He Yuzhu heard the news and slammed his fist on the table in anger: "Who the hell is so despicable? Stabbing me in the back! Xiao Chen, tell me, is it those old foxes in the workshop? I'm going to settle the score with them!"

"Brother Zhu, don't be impulsive." Chen Yu pulled him back. "I'll handle this myself."

"How are you going to handle this? This is clearly taking advantage of your youth!" He Yuzhu said indignantly.

Chen Yu remained silent, but he had already made up his mind. He possessed a system, a fake person, and abilities that transcended this era. Anyone who wanted to play dirty tricks against him would have to see who could outmaneuver whom.

After getting off work in the afternoon, Chen Yu didn't go straight back to the courtyard house. He found a quiet spot and summoned Pseudo-Man Number One.

"Find out who reported me. Focus on the Jia family, Xu Damao, and those in the courtyard who have connections at the steel mill."

"Yes, Master." Fake Man Number One accepted the order and left.

It was already dark when Chen Yu returned to the courtyard house. As soon as he entered the front yard, he heard Jia Zhangshi's smug laughter coming from the Jia family.

"...Some people, don't think that just because you've come to the city you're a city dweller. Whatever fate you're destined to have, that's your fate!"

These words were clearly meant for him.

Chen Yu sneered, ignored him, and went straight back to his room. He closed the door, entered his small world, and began his cultivation for the night.

Today's events taught him a lesson: in this era, ability and goodwill alone are not enough. Sometimes, you have to let others know that you're not someone to be trifled with.

After cultivating for two hours, the spiritual energy within his body had grown stronger. When he exited the small world, Pseudo-Human Number One was already waiting inside.

"Master, we've found out," reported Man-of-Fact No. 1. "The whistleblower letter was written by Jia Dongxu and submitted through his relative in the factory's propaganda department. Xu Damao was also involved; he provided evidence of your 'luxurious lifestyle' in the compound—mainly your buying of watches and your frequent consumption of meat."

Jia Dongxu, Xu Damao. A cold glint flashed in Chen Yu's eyes. It really was them.

Why is Jia Dongxu targeting me?

"According to our wiretapping, Jia Zhangshi has always been dissatisfied with you, believing that you, an outsider, live in public housing and are even better off than her family. She instigated Jia Dongxu to make things difficult for you, trying to drive you out of the courtyard house and make room for her relatives."

So that's how it is. Chen Yu understood. The Jia family had their eyes on the house he lived in.

"Where is Xu Damao? Why is he getting involved?"

"Xu Damao and Liu Haizhong are in the antique business. He's afraid you'll find out, so he wants to strike first and leave you with no time to defend yourself." The fake man paused. "Also, that mysterious shadowy figure appeared again last night, this time outside Xu Damao's window in the backyard."

Multiple clues connected, and Chen Yu formed a complete picture in his mind. In the courtyard house, the Jia family coveted his house, and Xu Damao was worried that he would ruin his business. The two hit it off and joined forces to bring him down.

"Fine, very well." Chen Yu smiled, a cold smile. "Since you made the first move, don't blame me for being impolite."

He instructed Agent Number One: "Continue to monitor the Jia family and Xu Damao, and gather evidence against them. In particular, I need solid evidence regarding Xu Damao's dealings with Liu Haizhong in the cultural relics."

"Yes."

After the fake man number one stepped down, Chen Yu pondered for a moment. Jia Dongxu's whistleblower letter needed to be addressed, but not through direct confrontation. He had a better way.

The next day, Chen Yu went to work as usual, as if nothing had happened. Seeing him like this, Director Li became somewhat worried: "Chen, don't take it too seriously. The innocent will clear themselves; everything will be fine after the investigation."

"Don't worry, Director Li, I understand." Chen Yu smiled. "By the way, I've been thinking about this for the past few days, and we can improve the utilization rate of waste materials in our workshop. I have an idea that I'd like to share with you."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Director Li became interested.

Chen Yu took out a small notebook, which contained some modern production concepts that he had "translated" into the language of this era: scrap steel sorting and recycling, solutions for reusing offcuts, and simple energy-saving renovation suggestions...

These things would be common sense in later generations, but they were quite novel in the 1960s. Director Li's eyes lit up as he read: "Great! Great idea! Little Chen, you've got a sharp mind!"

"It's all just random ideas," Chen Yu said modestly. "If it can improve production efficiency and reduce waste, it'll be a contribution to the factory."

"I'll go report to the production manager right away!" Director Li said hurriedly, taking his notebook with him.

Chen Yu continued working. He knew that in a factory, ability was the best protection. As long as he could create value, the leaders would protect him.

At noon, Zhou Xiaomei came to see him again, her face full of worry: "Comrade Chen Yu, I heard about your promotion... Don't worry too much, everyone believes you are innocent."

"Thank you for your concern, I'm fine." Chen Yu handed over a small porcelain bottle. "This is a newly prepared sedative, it works better than last time, give it to your grandma to try."

Zhou Xiaomei took it, her eyes filled with gratitude: "You're always so kind... By the way, my dad heard about your situation and said that if you need help, he can ask the factory's discipline inspection committee."

Zhou Xiaomei's father was the head of the supply and marketing department, and he did have some influence. But Chen Yu didn't want to owe him a favor: "Please thank your uncle for me, but don't bother. True gold fears no fire; the investigation will be over soon."

Looking at his composed demeanor, Zhou Xiaomei's eyes flashed with admiration.

That afternoon, Chen Yu's "waste utilization plan" spread throughout the workshop. The workers were buzzing with discussion, all saying that Chen Yu was smart and a talented person. Those few envious old temporary workers didn't dare to say anything now—the gap in ability was too great, and they didn't even have the confidence to be jealous.

After get off work, Chen Yu didn't go straight home. He went to the neighborhood office to see Director Wang.

"Director Wang, I need your help with something." Chen Yu got straight to the point. "Someone at the factory reported me for having questionable family background, and I need a certificate from my hometown. But my hometown is in Northeast China, and it's not easy to go back. Could you perhaps help me contact the local government through the neighborhood committee to get this certificate?"

Director Wang was furious upon hearing this: "Who's so shameless? Your parents are martyrs, it's on record at the street office! Leave this to me, I'll personally issue you the certificate and get the street party committee to stamp it! Let's see who dares to talk nonsense now!"

"Thank you, Director Wang." Chen Yu felt reassured. With the official certification from the street office and the approval of the steel rolling mill leaders, Jia Dongxu's report became nothing more than a piece of paper.

However, that's not enough. Passive defense isn't his style.

Back in the courtyard house, he noticed an unfamiliar bicycle parked in front of Xu Damao's house. Through the window, he could see Xu Damao talking quietly with a middle-aged man wearing glasses, and several items wrapped in newspapers on the table.

A scene from a cultural relics transaction.

Chen Yu had a sudden inspiration. He quietly returned to his room, took out the Seagull brand camera from his system space, loaded the film, adjusted the focus, and then aimed it at Xu Damao's house through the crack in the window.

With his spiritual eye activated, Xu Damao could clearly see the scene inside the room. He opened a newspaper package containing a blue-and-white porcelain vase; another package contained several ancient coins; and a third package contained an ancient painting scroll...

Chen Yu pressed the shutter button repeatedly, capturing the entire transaction process. Although the light was dim, the camera's performance was good enough to capture clear images.

After taking the photos, he quickly put away his camera. These photos will be very useful in the future.

After dinner, Chen Yu entered the small world. The medicinal herbs he had planted earlier had sprouted and were growing well under the nourishment of spiritual energy. He watered them with some spiritual spring water and then began his cultivation for the evening.

Today's events solidified his resolve: in this world, one must possess strength and resourcefulness. Kindness must have an edge, otherwise one will only be bullied.

After finishing his cultivation, he checked the system—it was time for his weekly sign-in again tomorrow.

"Hopefully I can get something useful this time," Chen Yu thought to himself.

When he exited the small world, it was already late at night. The courtyard was quiet, but Chen Yu knew that under the calm surface, undercurrents were surging.

The Jia family, Xu Damao, Liu Haizhong... each of these people harbors their own ulterior motives. And he must forge his own path in this complex situation.

The obstacles to becoming a full-fledged official wife will soon be cleared, and the wedding date will be set. Everything is moving forward.

But Chen Yu understood that the real challenge had only just begun.

The moonlight outside the window was like water, reflecting the turbulent courtyard and the determined gaze of a time traveler.