Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

Although I didn't hesitate when I bought it, I still had a slight doubt in my heart: I was afraid that the actual product wouldn't be as good as the advertisement. But when I opened the screen, it was even more impressive than the salesperson had described—the image was so clear that you could count the fine hairs on the actor's earlobes.

"Mom, when did you buy this TV? I've never seen a color TV like this in the department store before!"

Gu Yuting's eyes lit up as she walked in after school.

"Go wash some apples and call Grandpa and Grandma over to watch them together."

Liang Hongmei answered casually.

Gu Yuting knew perfectly well that this was aimed at her aunt. But as a junior, she couldn't say anything, and she just quietly took a liking to the color TV—she wouldn't have to go to her aunt's house to watch TV anymore.

In Lin Siyue's eyes, all the gadgets Xiao Yao was tinkering with were frivolous: televisions, computers, cell phones, electric scooters, and the MP4 player he was currently working on...

She always thought Ji Fengnan and Wang Yutong were too enthusiastic; they would nod like crazy whenever Xiao Yao opened his mouth. Xu Wenxin and Qian Wentao, on the other hand, were reliable, focusing all their attention on precision instruments. It wasn't until Lin Siyue actually joined Qian Wentao's group that she was dumbfounded—it turned out that all those high-tech devices were just laying the foundation for Xiao Yao's "general store"! She immediately facepalmed, her forehead creased with exasperation.

This group of people has really changed—at the beginning of the year, they were diligently working on special steel, but once the results were achieved, the style changed drastically: all the steel was transferred to make instruments, and the instruments spurred new innovations; now even MP4 players are in mass production.

Lin Siyue shrugged and sighed: There's really nothing we can do about them.

At the end of the year, security at the research institute suddenly tightened, and three Hongqi sedans drove straight into the compound. The old leader walked briskly, pushed open the door, and entered Xiao Yao's team's conference room.

I just received a notification this morning: my former boss is coming to conduct research.

As soon as he entered, everyone stood up and burst into applause. The old leader smiled and nodded, then gently pressed his hand down, and the room instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Over the past two years, on behalf of all industrial workers in China, I extend my deepest respect to you! It is your daily dedication and breakthroughs that have enabled modern factories to rise from the ground, allowing Chinese technology to truly go global and letting the world witness our manufacturing strength and accelerated innovation! This year, 90% of our main export products were made by you—you have made invaluable contributions to boosting the economy, supporting scientific research, and stimulating investment!"

As soon as he finished speaking, applause erupted again and lasted for a long time.

"What I'm about to say is that, building on the solid foundation you've laid, we've assembled a top-notch team to undertake technological upgrades and in-depth research—and we've already achieved a key breakthrough. Next year, even greater responsibilities will be placed on your shoulders. Do you have the confidence?"

The old leader's gaze was sharp, and his tone was steady and powerful.

"have!"

Xiao Yao was the first to respond, his voice loud and resolute.

That year, China's new products flooded the world like a tidal wave: color TVs with remote controls were launched just half a month ago, and mobile MP4 players swept the globe, with everyone holding them to listen to music and watch dramas; then, the "second generation of voice" mobile phones appeared—once real-time video calls were turned on, it was as if stepping into a future dream, with everything glowing with the light of science fiction.

Tom felt he'd struck gold and decisively swallowed his pride, quickly signing the European distribution rights for the Chinese-language mobile phone. Initially, exchanging two frigates for the license had been a painful blow; but now, the deal was incredibly profitable—the phone sold out as soon as it appeared, and it was extremely difficult to find in the European market. Even with domestic production capacity increasing tenfold, it still couldn't keep up with the buying frenzy.

These days, it's almost embarrassing to attend a dinner party in Europe's high society without a few pieces of Chinese-made electronics; everyone takes pride in owning a Chinese-made smart device. Especially the Longxia electric scooter, which has just arrived in Europe—the moment you sit in the cockpit, it feels like you're gently drawn into a future time.

Despite the shockingly high prices, orders kept pouring in.

……

As Tom drove his Longxia electric scooter into the traffic, pedestrians on the roadside stopped and stared.

"Hey, did you catch the launch event? I watched the live stream on my MP4 player—the host's opening remarks were absolutely stunning! The leather seats gleamed with a warm sheen, the massive touchscreen was so clear you could see every pixel, there was a mini-fridge embedded in the center console, and with a simple twist of the hot and cold air knob, all the functions were just a tap away; the panoramic sunroof made it seem like you could reach out and pluck the stars; fold down the back seats, and it instantly transforms into a spacious double bed… This isn't just buying a car, it's like bringing a mobile apartment home! The value is so high it's like getting a steal!"

The passerby's eyes lit up. Before he could finish speaking, the old cell phone and MP4 in his hand suddenly seemed empty and shabby. A thought quietly rose in his mind: Only when I can buy a Longxia car will I truly understand life.

Tom knew perfectly well—he was able to secure one of the first Longxia motorcycles because he was among the first to grasp the hand of Sino-Manufacturing. While major European conglomerates were still observing with their coffee in hand, he had already sensed the opportunity. Otherwise, with his limited wealth, how could he have gotten his hands on the initial allocation of only 300 Longxia motorcycles that had just arrived in Europe this year? There were countless other wealthy patrons.

On the other hand, young people are going crazy queuing up to buy the newly launched MP4 players: they can download high-definition stage videos of their idols, store dozens of lossless audio tracks, and even come with independent earphones, so they can carry them in their pockets and listen to music wherever they go, making them lightweight and convenient.

Tom is responsible for all of Huayu's consumer electronics categories. Now, wherever he goes, people surround him asking about collaborations. This feeling of being surrounded makes him more clear-headed: keeping a close eye on Huayu's pace is the most important thing he can't let his guard down right now.

As soon as Xiao Yao's team received an export customs declaration, Lin Siyue instantly understood why he insisted on prioritizing civilian equipment—the pressure of military equipment was not imminent at the moment, and rather than putting on a brave face, it was better to first fill the purse strings and use the funds to support scientific research. Only with ample funding and complete materials could they truly have the confidence to tackle, explore, and break through those cutting-edge military equipment projects later on.

At the research institute, Xiao Yao and his team were waiting for the military region to arrive. Today's notification clearly stated that they would first visit the military region to observe the progress of the existing aircraft model development, while their team would take over the toughest challenge in the entire production line—the aircraft engine.

Outside the door, Han Chunming hummed a little tune as he pushed the door open and entered the house, only to be met with a room full of people: his eldest brother-in-law, eldest brother and sister-in-law, second brother and sister-in-law, second sister, and his mother, all sitting in the main room as if waiting for a court hearing.

"Chunming, we all know your toy factory is on track now and has even received foreign trade orders. We don't have any other hope at home, so we're counting on you to help our family members out—key positions like production director and deputy factory manager have to be held by trusted family members. You're often out doing business, so how can outsiders be as caring as your own brothers? We're not greedy; 1,500 a month is enough for peace of mind."

The eldest brother, Han Chunsong, spoke first, his tone calm but his words carrying weight.

Han Chunming's face darkened slightly, and he quickly waved his hand: "Brother, it's really not that I don't want to help—my position as factory manager sounds prestigious, but I'm practically the same as a frontline worker. It's all thanks to my friends setting up the framework and establishing the rules. At most, I just run orders and deliver goods. Weren't the jobs arranged by the trade market last time real positions? It's not that I don't want to this time, it's just that I simply don't have the authority to make the final decision."

"Oh, so you've gotten too big for your britches and now you think your relatives are too rustic? Afraid we'll tarnish your reputation as the 'factory manager's brother'?" The second brother, Han Chunsong, glanced at him sideways and sneered. "I saw through him long ago! Last time at the trade market, he was practically begging us to be his apprentices—I worked as a permanent employee at the old factory for ten years, and if I hadn't worked hard there, I'd probably still be a temporary worker! Now look at him, he won't even let us cross the threshold. He says it's 'run by a friend,' but if he really cared about us, he would have already brought gifts and come to invite us over. Why would he have waited for us to come knocking on his door?"

Han Chunming lifted his eyelids but didn't respond.

"Xiao Wu, your eldest sister wants to become the production manager at the factory. You know, brother-in-law, she's a key technical expert there!" Han Chunxue gave a thumbs up. "If it weren't for your young age and the fear that you'd ruin the business, we wouldn't bother with this. Such a big factory, handing it over to an outsider? Xing'er is right—what were you thinking, hiring a manager from another family? Give me a straight answer today: are we going to let ourselves take the helm of this factory?"

"Sister, the factory really isn't mine. I can't even sign off on the purchase order; everything, big or small, is decided by my friends. I really can't make any decisions about what you're saying," Han Chunming said softly, but his meaning was firm.

"Auntie, don't bother trying to persuade them!" The second son's wife slapped her thigh. "Our second son already said it—they don't take us seriously at all! Let's go, don't get in the way!"

Before she finished speaking, she grabbed Han Chunsong and strode away, rolling her eyes at Han Chunming as she left.

The room fell silent. The remaining people fidgeted, exchanging glances, and rose one after another, leaving without a word. In the end, only Han Chunyan remained, slowly finishing half a glass of water.

"Chunming, don't take it to heart. They have neither skills nor experience. If they go to your factory, they'll probably just be assigning tasks to others, and you'll have to coax and pamper them. I'll be honest with you—I was dragged here by my eldest sister today. Don't worry, I won't cause any trouble. I'm going back now."

Han Chunming suddenly smiled: "Second Sister, wait a minute. The factory is preparing to open a directly operated counter, and the location has been chosen. I'd like to invite you to be the store manager. All new products will be stocked first, as a test of market reaction—would you be willing to help me out?"

"Okay! Call me when you're ready to start. I need to hurry back and cook." Han Chunyan stood up briskly and turned to leave.

"Xiao Wu, Mom knows what you're thinking," Han's mother said slowly. "Do what you want. These people will only hold you back. If you want to get along, be friendly; if you don't want to see them, stay away. They're a bunch of ungrateful people, what's the point of saving face? Just want a comfortable life."

Han Chunming remained silent. She remembered her mother's words, "After all that hard work, you've only gotten trampled into the mud," all too well. Now she understood that blood ties and personal relationships were nothing compared to living a peaceful and stable life.

"Okay, Mom, I'll go check out the restaurant first." He paused, then turned and went out the door.