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

On Thursday morning, Chen Yu completed his cultivation in the small world. The spiritual energy he had cultivated after breaking through the previous night had stabilized, and now he could clearly feel the flow of spiritual energy within his body with each breath, and the range of his spiritual sense was also stable at about ten feet.

"System, weekly sign-in."

[Ding! Weekly check-in successful]

【获得：中级中医技能经验包×1、微型照相机（间谍型，附胶捲三卷）×1、霉国1962年《科学》期刊合订本（已翻译适配）×1、初级防护玉佩×1、现金100元（已适配）】

Chen Yu's eyes lit up at the weekly sign-in reward!

After using the Intermediate Traditional Chinese Medicine Skills Experience Pack, a vast amount of TCM knowledge flooded my mind: the four diagnostic methods of observation, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation; meridian and acupoint diagrams; syndrome differentiation and treatment of common diseases; hundreds of prescription combinations... In an instant, I went from a novice with some knowledge of herbal medicine to a true TCM expert. Although I'm not a veteran TCM doctor with decades of experience, my skill level is already comparable to that of an attending physician who graduated from a regular medical school.

The miniature camera was only the size of a matchbox, with a jet-black metal body—a true high-tech product for its time. According to the system instructions, this camera could shoot in extremely low light, with a shutter sound that was almost inaudible, and the accompanying film was a special high-sensitivity model.

The bound volume of the journal Science contains abstracts of cutting-edge scientific papers from the United States throughout 1962, covering multiple fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Although it is only an abstract, the ideas and directions contained therein were ahead of their time.

The most practical basic protective jade pendant is a safety buckle carved from mutton-fat white jade. Wearing it automatically blocks one fatal attack, with a three-day cooldown. Although it's only basic, in this ordinary world, it's like having an extra life.

100 yuan in cash is real hard currency. With his previous savings, Chen Yu had more than 200 yuan in cash, which was a huge sum of money in those days.

"The system is very generous this time." Chen Yu put the protective jade pendant close to his body, put the miniature camera into his space, and placed the Science journal in the thatched hut in the small world—this thing cannot be taken out casually.

After exiting the mini-world, it was just past six in the real world. Chen Yu finished washing up, changed into his work clothes, and headed to the steel rolling mill for an important meeting—a review meeting regarding his formal employment.

Before leaving, he took out the film from the Seagull brand ordinary camera and carefully put it away. This roll of film contained evidence of Xu Damao's trade in cultural relics, which was a key weapon.

As soon as he arrived at the front yard, he saw Uncle Yan Bugui squatting by his door tending to the few half-dead potted plants. Seeing Chen Yu come out, he adjusted his glasses and, unusually, greeted him, "Little Chen, so early?"

"Good morning, Uncle. There's a meeting at the factory today."

"Oh...about getting a permanent position, right?" Yan Bugui lowered his voice. "I heard about it. Someone's been sabotaging us behind our backs. Xiao Chen, the people in this department are a complicated bunch. You have to be careful."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. Yan Bugui was usually shrewd and calculating, but today he was actually taking the initiative to be friendly?

"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle."

"Don't mention it, we're neighbors." Yan Bugui stood up, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and took a step closer. "Little Chen, I heard you can dispense medicine? I haven't been sleeping well lately, could you sell me some of your sedatives?"

So that's how it is. Chen Yu understood; Yan Bugui needed something from him.

"If you need any, Uncle, I'll give you a few." Chen Yu took out a small porcelain bottle from his pocket, poured out three ordinary-quality Qingxin Powder, and said, "Take one before bed every night, it will work."

Yan Bugui took the pills, smelled them, and beamed with joy: "How could I... How much is it? I'll pay."

"Why talk about money between neighbors?" Chen Yu waved his hand. "If Uncle San finds it useful, just help me spread the word."

"Definitely, definitely!" Yan Bugui nodded repeatedly, his gaze towards Chen Yu becoming much more affectionate.

Leaving the courtyard, Chen Yu pondered. Although Yan Bugui was fond of taking advantage of others, he was, after all, the third eldest man in the courtyard and had some prestige among the neighbors. Winning him over would be beneficial to him.

The atmosphere at the steel rolling mill was somewhat delicate today. As soon as Chen Yu entered Workshop 3, he noticed the workers' complex gazes towards him—a mixture of sympathy, worry, and schadenfreude.

Liu Jianjun leaned closer and whispered, "Chen Yu, I heard that the factory's discipline inspection commission is coming to hold a meeting today to investigate your case. Director Li wants you to go to his office first."

In the workshop office, Director Li was smoking, his brow furrowed. Seeing Chen Yu enter, he stubbed out his cigarette: "Xiao Chen, things aren't looking good. The whistleblower letter is quite detailed, saying your parents' martyr status is questionable, and there are also issues with your lifestyle—saying you often buy meat, wear a luxury watch, and live a lavish life, unlike what one would expect from a martyr's orphan."

"Director Li, there are official documents from the military and records from the neighborhood office regarding my parents' sacrifice," Chen Yu said calmly. "As for living expenses... I collected and sold some medicinal herbs, and I bought the watch for work convenience. All of this is documented."

"I know, I know," Director Li sighed. "But someone is determined to get you. Section Chief Wang from the Discipline Inspection Commission who came today is notoriously strict. Be careful what you say later, and bring out any evidence you have."

At nine o'clock in the morning, the review meeting was held in the workshop conference room. Seven or eight people sat in the small room: Section Chief Wang of the factory's Discipline Inspection Commission, the personnel officer, Director Li, the workshop branch secretary, and... Jia Dongxu.

Seeing Jia Dongxu present, Chen Yu sneered inwardly. It really was him.

Section Chief Wang, in his forties with a square face and a serious expression, said, "Comrade Chen Yu, we've called you here today because someone has reported some problems with you. The organization needs to verify this clearly; this is for your sake and for the sake of the factory."

"Section Chief Wang, I understand, and I will definitely cooperate with the investigation," Chen Yu said, neither humble nor arrogant.

"My first question is, is there conclusive proof that your parents were martyrs?"

Chen Yu took out a file folder from his bag, which contained a certificate issued by the neighborhood committee, photocopies of his parents' martyr certificates from their former military unit, and certification materials from the local government in Northeast China—all of which he had asked Director Wang to help him obtain yesterday.

Section Chief Wang carefully reviewed the documents and nodded: "These materials are complete, so there shouldn't be any problem with the martyr's status."

Jia Dongxu's expression changed, clearly not expecting Chen Yu to be so well-prepared.

"My second question concerns your lifestyle," Section Chief Wang continued. "Some people have reported that you live a lavish lifestyle, frequently eating meat and even buying a Shanghai brand watch. Where did you, a temporary worker, get so much money?"

All eyes were on Chen Yu.

Chen Yu took out a small notebook from his bag: "Section Chief Wang, this is my herb-collecting record. Over the past month, I used my rest time to go into the mountains to collect herbs, and the income from selling them to pharmacies is all here. I collected herbs seven times in total, earning 127 yuan from the sales. These pharmacies have records, which can be verified."

He handed the notebook to Section Chief Wang, which contained detailed records of the time, type, quantity, and price of each medicinal herb collection, and even the signature of the pharmacy owner.

"In addition, I also sold some of the calming medicine I concocted, Qingxin San, earning thirty yuan." Chen Yu then took out a small ledger. "All income and expenses are recorded. That's how the money to buy the watch came about. As for eating meat... I have food coupons and meat coupons every month. Occasionally treating myself shouldn't be considered extravagant, right?"

Section Chief Wang flipped through the ledgers; the records were detailed, the logic was clear, and there were no flaws.

"Won't collecting and selling medicinal herbs interfere with your work?" Section Chief Wang asked.

"I went on my days off, and the factory can check my attendance records," Chen Yu replied. "Besides, collecting herbs requires physical strength, which has improved my physical fitness and is helpful for my work in the workshop."

Director Li interjected at the opportune moment: "Section Chief Wang, Chen Yu's performance in the workshop is indeed outstanding. His proposed waste utilization plan has been adopted by the production department, and it is expected to save the factory more than 300 yuan per month. Young people like him should be encouraged."

The workshop branch secretary nodded in agreement: "I know Comrade Chen well. He's hardworking, gets along well with his colleagues, and even saved Lao Zhao's life. A comrade like him shouldn't be doubted."

The situation reversed. Jia Dongxu's face turned ashen; he wanted to say something but couldn't utter a word.

Section Chief Wang closed the ledger and looked at Jia Dongxu: "Comrade Jia Dongxu, you are the whistleblower, what do you have to say?"

"I...I also heard some rumors..." Jia Dongxu stammered.

"Rumors? You wrote a report without any evidence?" Section Chief Wang's face darkened. "Do you even know what kind of problem false accusation is?"

Jia Dongxu broke out in a cold sweat.

Section Chief Wang stood up: "The situation is clear. Comrade Chen Yu's status as a martyr is genuine, his income is legal, and his work performance is excellent. The allegations are untrue, and this matter ends here. Comrade Chen Yu's formal employment procedures will proceed as planned."

He looked at Jia Dongxu: "Comrade Jia Dongxu, write a self-criticism and submit it to the factory's discipline inspection commission tomorrow. From now on, be truthful and don't believe everything you hear!"

The meeting ended, and Jia Dongxu slunk away. Director Li patted Chen Yu on the shoulder: "Well done! Well prepared and handled it well!"

"Thank you for your support, Director Li," Chen Yu said.

After leaving the meeting room, Chen Yu did not immediately return to the workshop. He walked to a quiet corner of the factory area and summoned Pseudo-Man No. 1.

"Master, there's new information from last night," reported Man No. 1. "Among the artifacts Xu Damao and Liu Haizhong traded, there was a piece of Ming Dynasty blue and white porcelain, which they acquired at a low price from a descendant of a down-on-his-luck Manchu. They plan to resell it to a Hong Kong businessman for ten times the price."

"A Hong Kong businessman?" Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. "What's his background?"

"His surname is Li. On the surface, he's in the textile trade, but in reality, he's an antique dealer who specializes in buying antiques in mainland China and shipping them to Hong Kong and overseas," said the fake man number one. "Xu Damao made contact through his relatives in Guangzhou, and they've already made two transactions."

"Keep an eye on them. I need solid evidence," Chen Yu instructed, "especially the time and place of their next transaction."

"Yes. Also, that mysterious dark figure appeared again last night. This time it lingered outside the Jia family's window for a long time, seemingly looking for something."

Chen Yu frowned. What exactly was this shadowy figure looking for? What was there about the Jia family that was worth paying attention to?

At lunchtime in the cafeteria, Chen Yu clearly sensed a change in the attitudes of those around him. The controversy surrounding his promotion had been resolved smoothly, and the whistleblower, Jia Dongxu, had even been forced to write a self-criticism; the news had spread throughout the workshop. Now, the workers looked at him with more admiration—to turn things around so quickly was no easy feat.

Zhou Xiaomei sat down with a lunchbox in hand, a smile on her face: "Comrade Chen Yu, I heard you're alright? That's great!"

"Thank you for your concern," Chen Yu said with a smile.

"My dad heard about what happened today and said you handled it very well," Zhou Xiaomei said in a low voice. "He also said... Jia Dongxu has really messed up this time, and it won't be easy for him to work at the factory anymore."

Chen Yu remained silent. Jia Dongxu reaped what he sowed; he had no one else to blame but himself.

"Oh, right," Zhou Xiaomei pulled a ticket from her pocket, "a gift from my dad's friend. There's a cultural performance at the Workers' Cultural Palace on Sunday, and they have two tickets. Do you...want to go?"

The meaning was already quite clear. Chen Yu looked at Zhou Xiaomei's expectant eyes and felt a little helpless. This girl was indeed good, but his heart only belonged to Qin Huairu.

"Sorry, I have plans for Sunday," Chen Yu politely declined.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Zhou Xiaomei's eyes, but she still smiled and said, "It's nothing, I was just asking."

After returning to the workshop after lunch, Director Li called Chen Yu over: "Xiao Chen, your probationary period can be processed this afternoon. Also, the production section chief saw your waste utilization plan and is very interested. He wants to transfer you to the production section as a technician assistant, specifically responsible for this work. Are you willing?"

Technician Assistant! This is a level higher than a regular worker, and the salary can rise to over thirty-five yuan, plus it's a cadre position.

"I'm willing! Thank you for the recommendation, Director Li!" Chen Yu said sincerely.

"It's because you're capable," Director Li said with a smile. "Go to the personnel department to complete the formalities, and report to the production department tomorrow."

In the afternoon, Chen Yu successfully completed his formal employment procedures at the personnel department. When he received the red work permit, he felt much more at ease—in this era, formal worker status was the foundation of everything.

As Chen Yu left the steel rolling mill, the sun was setting. He made a point of going to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy two jin of pork belly and a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), preparing to celebrate that evening.

Back at the courtyard house, as soon as they entered the front yard, they heard Jia Zhangshi's cursing voice coming from the middle courtyard: "...You heartless wretch! Bullying us orphans and widows!"

Chen Yu walked around and saw Jia Zhangshi sitting on the ground throwing a tantrum, with Jia Dongxu standing to the side with a livid face, while his uncles Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong were trying to persuade her.

"Sister-in-law, get up quickly, the ground is cold." Yi Zhonghai went to help her up.

"I won't get up! Dongxu is being bullied at the factory, and the leaders even made him write a self-criticism! I can't live like this anymore!" Jia Zhangshi cried and wailed.

A crowd gathered in the courtyard to watch the spectacle. He Yuzhu leaned against his doorframe, cracking sunflower seeds with a smug look on his face.

Chen Yu watched coldly, about to return to his room, when Jia Zhangshi suddenly saw him and jumped up as if she had found an outlet for her anger: "Chen Yu! Was it you who did this? You made my Dongxu write a self-criticism!"

Everyone looked at Chen Yu.

Chen Yu stopped and said calmly, "Aunt Jia, you need to make things clear. Your son falsely accused me. After the factory investigated, they made him write a self-criticism. How could I have harmed him?"

"It's you! You're an outsider, what makes you think you're a permanent employee? What makes you think you're doing better than us?" Jia Zhangshi blurted out, "You're just jealous that my Dongxu is a permanent employee, you're deliberately trying to ruin him!"

This statement made no sense, and everyone in the courtyard shook their heads.

He Yuzhu couldn't hold back any longer: "Aunt Jia, this is unreasonable. It was clearly Jia Dongxu who reported Chen Yu, and now it's been found out it was a false accusation. Shouldn't he write a self-criticism? Why are you turning around and blaming him?"

"Silly Zhu! What's it to you?" Jia Zhangshi changed her target.

"How can it not concern me? Everyone in the compound saw it!" He Yuzhu shouted. "Chen Yu got his promotion through his own merit, he got into the production department as a technician assistant through his own ability, he did it all honestly! Your Jia Dongxu stabbed you in the back, and you still have the nerve to complain?"

Technician assistant? The people in the factory were in an uproar. This was a level above ordinary workers!

Madam Jia was stunned, and Jia Dongxu also looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Chen Yu glanced at He Yuzhu, that big mouth... but it's fine, saves him the trouble of explaining.

"Chen Yu...you really went to the production department?" Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses, his tone complicated.

"I was just transferred there today," Chen Yu said casually.

The entire institute was abuzz with discussion. The production department's assistant technician was a real talent! He could easily become a section chief or even a department head!

Jia Zhangshi was speechless, and Jia Dongxu's face turned ashen. They had intended to suppress Chen Yu, but unexpectedly, they had inadvertently helped him succeed.

Chen Yu ignored them and carried the meat and wine back into the house. He closed the door, shutting out the noise from outside.

He put down his things and entered the small world. The medicinal herbs beside the spiritual spring were growing well, and the purple-gold grass had grown another inch taller, with the golden buds at the top already half-open, emitting a faint spiritual fragrance.

"It will be ready to harvest in another month," Chen Yu estimated. He planned to use the Purple Gold Grass to refine Qi-Nourishing Pills, which would significantly increase cultivation speed.

He exited the small world and began preparing dinner. The aroma of braised pork soon wafted out of the house, filling the entire courtyard.

From the Jia family came Banggeng's cries: "I want meat! I want meat!"

The faint sound of Jia Zhangshi's curses could be heard: "Eat, eat, eat! All you know is how to eat! Where do we get the money to buy meat!"

Chen Yu shook his head and continued enjoying his dinner. The braised pork was especially fragrant tonight, and the Erguotou liquor was particularly strong.

After the meal, he entered his small world to cultivate. Having broken through to the first level of the Qi Refining stage, he could clearly feel progress with each cultivation session. At this rate, he should be able to break through to the second level within three months.

After completing his training, Pseudo-Man Number One came to report.

"Master, Xu Damao and Liu Haizhong have arranged to make the transaction the day after tomorrow night at the Land God Temple in the east of the city. The Hong Kong businessman will bring cash, and the transaction amount is expected to be around five hundred yuan."

Five hundred yuan! That's a huge sum of money in those days. Xu Damao and Liu Haizhong are really bold.

"Keep an eye on it. I need solid evidence of the transaction," Chen Yu ordered. "Take clear pictures with a miniature camera."

"Yes. Also, that mysterious shadowy figure appeared again tonight, this time going to Liu Haizhong's house in the backyard."

It's Liu Haizhong's house again. Chen Yu frowned. What exactly is this dark figure looking for? Artifacts? Or something else?

It was late at night, and Chen Yu lay in bed, thinking about his next plan.

With the probationary period over, my job has reached a new level, and now it's time to prepare for the wedding. The housing issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible; we can't continue living in government housing.

There's also the matter of Xu Damao and Liu Haizhong; the night after tomorrow will be an opportunity. If the evidence is conclusive, we can resolve these two potential threats in one fell swoop.

But how to use this evidence requires careful planning. Reporting them directly? That's too lenient on them. We need to make them pay the price without implicating ourselves...

Lost in thought, Chen Yu fell asleep.

In his dream, he saw Qin Huairu in her red wedding dress, he saw his future business empire, and he saw the dazzling night view of Hong Kong...

The courtyard was unusually quiet that night.

But Chen Yu knew that this was the calm before the storm.

The day after tomorrow night, a great show will be staged at the Land God Temple in the east of the city.

And he was the director of this play.