Courtyard House: A Prosperous and Joyful Life

After Wang Jun finished calculating, he couldn't hide the smile on his face. In an era when the average wage was only a few dozen yuan, earning 40,000 yuan a day was simply a windfall.

But he knew perfectly well that if those electronics factories saw him making a fortune, they would definitely follow suit and produce antennas, and then his business would collapse. He estimated that this crazy money-making period would only last a month at most, and the electronics factories would have to get back to work after the New Year.

Therefore, Wang Jun had to work like crazy during this month to earn as much as possible.

"We made a total of one thousand antennas today." He counted on his fingers. "Once everyone gets more skilled, we can increase production by another five or six hundred. If everyone in the courtyard gets involved, we can reach one thousand five hundred a day."

"If you calculate it that way, I can earn 60,000 a day." Wang Jun became more and more energetic as he calculated, "That's 1.8 million a month!"

With this money, after opening a garment factory, he could also set up a cannery. Whether he continued the antenna business or not wouldn't matter anymore; Wang Jun had already figured out his next move: opening a factory.

Before 1983, privately owned factories were virtually impossible; only state-owned enterprises and state-run companies were permitted to operate them. It wasn't until Chen Huagen and Wang Huasen applied to establish the nation's first joint-stock company, "Munan Arts and Crafts Factory" (essentially a private enterprise with only the two of them as shareholders), that the ice was broken. In 1984, "Guangcai Industry" became the nation's first privately owned enterprise. From then on, policies became increasingly relaxed, and private factory ownership finally became a viable path.

1985 was the golden age for setting up a factory. If production started at this time, the products could be distributed in the national market ahead of others.

"I have the equipment for a garment factory, and I also have the design blueprints," Wang Jun said confidently. "My next step is to make the garment factory a resounding success, selling our products all over the country, and even expanding globally!"

Looking at his watch, it was five o'clock in the afternoon. Wang Jun packed his things and prepared to return to the hotel. Just as he stepped out, the Liu brothers, Guangtian and Guangfu, came over, their obsequious manner particularly noticeable.

Wang Jun was puzzled. He had never dealt with these two people before, so what did they want from him?

"You need something from me?" he asked.

Liu Guangtian smiled broadly: "Brother Jun, we two brothers don't want to work anymore, we want to work for you, is that alright?"

Liu Guangfu quickly chimed in, "Brother Jun, we're sincere. If you ever need anything, just let us know!"

Wang Jun immediately understood: these two were envious of his making money and wanted to curry favor and become his underlings. He figured that he had been so busy lately that having two underlings to run errands would save him some trouble.

"You really want to come with me?" he asked deliberately.

"Sincerely!" "Absolutely sincerely!"

"Okay, you can follow me from now on," Wang Jun replied with a smile.

The Liu brothers were overjoyed. Who among those who followed Wang Jun hadn't lived a good life? Take Huaihua, for example; after following Wang Jun, not only did she become rich, but she also became even more beautiful. With them following him, wasn't it only a matter of time before they got rich?

Liu Guangtian suddenly remembered a scene from a TV drama: following a leader meant having to swear an oath of loyalty. Now that they were following Wang Jun, they also had to show their loyalty.

"Boss, that old hag Jia Zhangshi is always hiding at home cursing you," Liu Guangtian chimed in. "Shall we find a chance to beat her up and vent your anger?"

Liu Guangfu chimed in, "That's right! That old hag has such a sharp tongue, we should give her a good beating to vent our anger!"

Wang Jun laughed out loud. These two young men were quite bold, actually trying to beat up the old lady.

He waved his hand in refusal: "No, no, no, you can't do that. Jia Zhangshi takes painkillers every day, and her body is already weak. If you touch her, she'll lie on the ground and try to extort money from you, and that will be a huge problem. Leave this to me; I have a way to deal with her."

其实王军压根不用动手，他打算用「指定符」把贾张氏的钱「钓」过来。那老太婆爱藏钱，钱没了比挨揍还难受。

Seeing that Wang Jun wouldn't agree, Liu Guangtian said with a hint of regret, "Boss, if you want to deal with someone in the future, just say so. We two brothers are really good at fighting!"

Liu Guangfu added, "Yes, we've all practiced Qigong!"

Wang Jun couldn't help but laugh out loud. Qigong was all the rage in the 1980s; it was said that 60 million people across the country practiced it, and qigong books sold better than anything else in bookstores. Some people even bought aluminum pots to put on their heads while practicing, claiming they were "information pots" that could receive the "cosmic atmospheric field." Could these two brothers have gotten one too?

The devastating forest fire in the Greater Khingan Mountains in 1987 prompted the government to invite qigong masters to participate in firefighting efforts, causing a national sensation. At that time, various qigong organizations sprang up like mushrooms after rain, including the National Association for the Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine Qigong, the National Association for the Study of Qigong Science, the World Medical Qigong Society, and the Human Science Research Association. The Central Newsreel and Documentary Film Studio even produced documentaries like "Master Hai Deng of Shaolin," which garnered immense popularity. It can be said that the qigong craze of the 1980s was both lively and somewhat absurd.

In Wang Jun's view, qigong was nothing but a deceptive trick, but most people in this era believed in it without question. He didn't say much, just chuckled and said, "I didn't expect you two to practice qigong. How about this, when I open a clothing factory, you two can become security captains."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu's eyes lit up instantly. These days, being a security guard is prestigious enough, let alone being a team leader!

"Thank you, boss!" The two brothers rubbed their hands together excitedly.

Wang Jun remembered something and said, "I'm planning to buy a large courtyard house to use as a garment factory. You guys go and inquire if anyone is selling a courtyard house. If so, help me ask about the price."

"Thank you, boss!" The two brothers rubbed their hands together excitedly.

Wang Jun remembered something and said, "I'm planning to buy a large courtyard house to use as a garment factory. You guys go and inquire if anyone is selling a courtyard house. If so, help me ask about the price."

In those days, it was impossible for individuals to buy land to build factories, but buying a courtyard house to use as a factory was feasible. Courtyard houses in Beijing were large: a two-courtyard house was about 600 square meters, a three-courtyard house was 1300 square meters, and a four-courtyard house was even more extravagant, reaching 1800 or even 2000 square meters, equivalent to three acres of land, which was barely enough to use as a factory.

Liu Guangtian patted his chest and assured him, "Don't worry, boss! I'll find you a big and cheap one within three days!"

Wang Jun took out forty yuan and gave twenty to each person: "It's a tip for your hard work."

The two brothers were overjoyed as they took the money. Twenty yuan was almost a month's salary. Following Wang Jun, they really had a bright future!

After giving his instructions, Wang Jun left the courtyard and headed towards the hotel.

Just then, Bang Geng was driving a Volga sedan on the street, intending to return it to his workplace. Seeing Wang Jun, his eyes lit up – his chance had come! He had to drive over and show off.

With a turn of the steering wheel, the Volga sped up beside Wang Jun. Bang Geng rolled down the window, beaming, "Wang Jun, I heard you've struck it rich? How come you don't even have a bicycle? How outdated!" He then deliberately honked the horn twice, the noise so loud it hurt everyone's ears.

These days, riding a motorcycle is cool enough, but driving a car is every man's dream.

Wang Jun glanced at the car and chuckled. This Volga GAZ-24 was clearly a company vehicle. What did it have to do with Bang Geng? Besides, the car looked old, the manufacturing process was poor, the interior was noisy, there was no air conditioning, and the clutch was prone to breaking down. It hadn't been upgraded from 1968 to 1984. The technology was so outdated that it was considered industrial waste. What was there to show off?

Bang Geng had no idea that Wang Jun was secretly gloating. He slapped the steering wheel and yelled, "Wang Jun, you've definitely never ridden in a car before! Give me ten yuan, and I'll let you get in and sit for a bit, how about it?"

Wang Jun glared at him: "Get lost! What's so great about this piece of junk? Believe me or I'll report you!"

The word "report" hit Bang Geng's sore spot. Being reported these days is no joke, and he immediately backed down: "Wang Jun, you report me all the time, are you just jealous? Fine, I won't bother with you. Anyway, you'll never own a car in your life!"

Bang Geng stepped on the gas, and the old Volga sputtered out a puff of black smoke from its rear, disappearing in a flash like a rat that had stolen oil.

Wang Jun stood there shaking his head. What was there to brag about in this 15- or 16-year-old Volgaz-24? It was an import from the 1960s, the parts were worn out like sieves, and it could break down at any moment. Even if he were given this piece of junk for free, he wouldn't want it to take up too much space. He had been thinking about saving up more money to buy a decent car. In the 1980s, besides Mercedes-Benz and BMW, there were also Cadillacs and Toyotas, with air conditioning, radios, and some could even play cassette tapes—much more advanced than this antique.

Back at the hotel, Wang Jun immediately turned on the hot water for a bath. Six yuan a night was expensive, but convenient; hot water was available 12 hours a day, so he could enjoy a comfortable hot bath without even leaving the hotel. Soaking in the tub, he thought of Bang Geng's smug expression and felt a surge of anger: "That kid, he actually dared to show off his car in front of me, saying I'd never own a car in my life? Too arrogant, he needs to be taught a lesson!"

He was thinking of trying a "pay-to-win fishing" session to see if he could get the designated charm.

"System, I want twenty beginner fishing sessions!"

Twenty times is two thousand yuan, but Wang Jun can earn forty thousand yuan a day, so this amount of money is like a drop in the ocean.

[Order received.]

[Twenty beginner fishing sessions are about to begin.]

[2000 yuan has been deducted.]

Fishing begins.

A semi-transparent fishing line "whooshed" out and disappeared somewhere. The next second, a series of notification sounds rang out:

Congratulations on obtaining 3 designated charms!

Congratulations on acquiring two used Changjiang 750 motorcycles!

Congratulations on acquiring a set of used medium-sized canning equipment!

Fishing complete!

Wang Jun was overjoyed, snapping photos of the bathtub. This was a huge win! The designated charms came at just the right time; three were enough to deal with Bang Geng and Jia Zhangshi. The Changjiang 750 was even better—a replica of the BMW R71, a favorite of police in the 70s and 80s. Riding it on the street would turn heads; it was incredibly prestigious. The key was that this motorcycle had a reverse gear! Unlike ordinary cars, it had four forward gears and one reverse, making it incredibly stylish. Decades later, it would still fetch a high price from collectors. With these two, he wouldn't need to squeeze onto the bus anymore; riding the 750 would be both convenient and cool.

Looking at that medium-sized canning equipment, it was impressive! The most advanced technology of the 1980s, complete with washing machines, peeling machines, pre-cooking pots, and sterilization and cooling equipment, capable of producing 10,000 tons of canned goods a year. Wang Jun checked the panel: 【This equipment can produce 10,000 tons of canned goods per year.】 "10,000 tons?" His eyes lit up. "That's a high output!" Perfect for opening a cannery, producing goods to sell to foreigners. In the 1980s, the country lacked foreign exchange; making money from foreigners was the real skill. Domestic canneries were highly competitive; going the export route was definitely the right choice.

Wang Jun's imagination ran wild, and he decided to use the designation rune to create some more "surprises." He stared at the system interface, a smirk playing on his lips: "Use designation rune for fishing! Target: Sticky rice! Begin!"

In the blink of an eye, a virtual fishing line was cast out, circled around, and then pulled back, catching a brand-new genuine leather wallet!

He opened it and was stunned—the wallet contained a neatly stacked wad of cash, a shockingly thick wad of money, at least a thousand yuan!

"Holy crap!" Wang Jun gasped. "That kid Bang Geng actually had over a thousand yuan on him? He's got money to burn!" He quickly put away his wallet, secretly amazed. No wonder Bang Geng's been walking around with such swagger lately; he's got some money now. But having lured someone away with their wallet, that kid's probably heartbroken.

Meanwhile, Banggeng drove his car back to work, then switched to a bicycle and rode home. Passing a steamed bun stall, he stopped, intending to buy a few hot meat buns. But when he reached into his pocket to pay, his face changed instantly—his wallet was gone!

"Holy crap! What happened?" he panicked. "It was still here when I left work!"

The more than 1,000 yuan in the wallet was money he had withdrawn from Yi Zhonghai's savings account to rent a shop, equivalent to two years' salary. If he lost it, Qin Huairu and Yi Zhonghai would definitely scold him to death. He frantically searched through all his pockets, even prying open the inner pockets, but the wallet was nowhere to be found.

A passerby, seeing him sweating profusely with anxiety, advised, "Young man, you probably lost it while riding your bike. Go back and look for it!"

Banggeng snapped out of his daze, hopped on his bike, and started pedaling back. His eyes were wide open the whole way; he didn't even notice the chain had come loose. But he searched all the way to his workplace without finding his wallet. His face was deathly pale, as if he'd suffered a funeral.

"Wait a minute!" he suddenly realized. "My wallet was securely in my pocket; it couldn't have fallen out! It must have been stolen!" A surge of anger rushed to his head. "Damn thief, I'll skin you alive!"

He hopped on his bicycle, his eyes scanning the street like knives, quickly locking onto a target—a homeless man who often loitered outside his workplace. "It's definitely that bastard!" he gritted his teeth. "Sneaking around like that, nothing good can come of it!"

Banggeng locked his bike and rushed over, grabbing the homeless man by the collar: "Thief! Hand over my wallet!"

The homeless man was stunned by what he was doing, looking completely bewildered: "What's wrong with you? What did I steal from you?"

Seeing him feigning ignorance, Banggeng became even more convinced that he was "guilty," and laughed smugly: "Stop pretending! Hand it over now, or I'll call the police and have you arrested!"

"You're insane!" the homeless man snapped, shoving him aside. The two began to push and shove, wrestling. The homeless man was stronger, punching Bang Geng squarely in the nose, causing him to cry out in pain, tears and snot streaming down his face: "You broke my nose! I'll bite you to death!"

Enraged, Bang Geng opened his mouth and started biting the homeless man's arm. The two fought from the roadside to a garbage dump, making quite a commotion. Soon, the police arrived and took them both to the police station.

Only after asking did I learn that the homeless man spent his days scavenging for trash on the streets and had never touched Banggeng's wallet. On the contrary, Banggeng was the one who hit the homeless man, and was clearly in the wrong, so he had to pay the homeless man ten yuan for medical expenses.

Well, that's great. He didn't find his wallet, but he lost ten yuan, and he even got a bruise on his nose. Banggeng was so frustrated that he kept rolling his eyes, looking like he'd swallowed a fly.

"Officer, is it really true that he didn't steal that wallet?" he persisted. "You have to investigate thoroughly!"

The policeman waved his hand: "We've checked, no one was stolen. Pay up and leave."

"But I've already lost my wallet, how am I going to get the money to pay for it?"

"Simple," the policeman said. "I'll go home with you to get it, and then I'll give it to you."

Bang Geng had no choice but to nod.

That evening, as the families in the courtyard were eating and chatting, the sight of the police returning with Bang Geng caused an uproar throughout the entire courtyard.

"What's going on? Why are the police coming back with Bang Geng?"

"Hey, this can't be good! Bang Geng must have gotten himself into some trouble!"

"My God, could it be murder? Look at the blood on his face..."

"You bet! That kid Banggeng is usually so arrogant, but he's finally met his match. You have to be humble and honest!"

"Let's go, let's go see what's going on!"

"Yeah, let's go join the fun!"