Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Wu Xiaojun and Liu Guoqing's faces immediately fell, their expressions gloomy. A purchase quota of fifty yuan, especially for meat in an era of extreme scarcity, was a huge burden for newcomers like them, who had just been promoted and had little experience.

In contrast, Wei Chen exceeded his targets for the first two or three weeks immediately after joining the company. Even if he were to take a break this week and next, no one would utter a word of complaint. The contrast is stark.

"Alright! Meeting adjourned!" Liu Yuan waved his hand. "Those who need to get busy, get back to work! Those who need to go to the countryside, leave as soon as possible! Those who don't need to, don't just sit around in the office, go out and see if you can find any new opportunities!"

Everyone stood up. Wu Xiaojun and Liu Guoqing were almost the first to approach Wei Chen.

"Brother Chen!" Wu Xiaojun's baby face was full of ingratiating smiles as he rubbed his hands together. "Your skills... are simply amazing! In the future... if I'm really at a loss, just let a tiny bit slip through your fingers... that'll be enough for me to complete the mission! I... I'll treat you to a meal!" His voice was very low and pleading.

Liu Guoqing quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes! Comrade Wei Chen, you...you're amazing! We've been so worried this week...sigh! If...if you have any connections, please help us out, we'll definitely remember your kindness!" He was a little more composed than Wu Xiaojun, but the desire in his eyes was just as intense.

Wei Chen wore a faint, polite smile as he replied, "Brother Wu, Brother Liu, you're too kind. I was just lucky to run into you. Let's help each other out in the future."

He spoke tactfully, neither explicitly agreeing nor completely refusing, leaving himself ample room for maneuver. The two men, though knowing it was just polite talk, felt slightly relieved. After exchanging a few more compliments, they left together with long faces, clearly preparing to try their luck.

Only Hu Songnian remained in the office, still tidying up his worn-out black faux leather briefcase. Wei Chen walked over: "Master."

"Hmm." Hu Songnian looked up, pushed up his black-rimmed glasses, and smiled gently. Unlike his composure during the meeting, his smile carried a hint of an elder's casualness. "Don't pay too much attention to those two."

He gestured with his chin in the direction Wu Xiaojun and Liu Guoqing had left, his voice lowered, revealing the wisdom of someone with experience: "Anyone who gets into our purchasing department, regardless of age, has their own connections and networks. Xiaojun and Guoqing just got promoted, so their foundation is weak, and they're a bit impatient. But when the end of the month comes, their families or relatives and friends can always find a way to help them scrape together some supplies to complete their tasks, so they won't actually have their wages docked. It's just that the process is a bit of a hassle; they have to beg and plead."

He patted Wei Chen on the shoulder, his tone sincere: "Of course, there are two sides to this. If you really have the ability and spare the resources, it's a favor, a matter of goodwill. After all, we're all colleagues in the same boat, and the atmosphere in our group is pretty good; there's nothing messy going on. But whether you help or not is entirely up to you. If you don't help, that's also your right, and no one can say 'no.' In the purchasing business, everyone has times when they're short on funds and at a loss; it's not easy for anyone. If you put yourself in their shoes, you can understand."

These words were sincere and frank, pointing out the reality while giving Wei Chen ample autonomy, which warmed Wei Chen's heart. This master, at least for now, seemed to be a wise and kind person.

"I understand, Master. Thank you for your guidance." Wei Chen nodded earnestly.

"Hmm." Hu Songnian smiled with satisfaction, then instructed, "You don't have anything to do today. Oh, by the way, go to the logistics department and buy your meal tickets for this month. We need special meal tickets to eat at the factory canteen. Just buy the amount you need, so you won't have nowhere to eat at noon."

"After you buy your meal tickets, you're free to do as you please. Go out and explore, get familiar with the streets and alleys of Beijing, learn the ropes—it'll be helpful for future shopping trips. Tomorrow…" He glanced at the rising sun outside the window, "In this weather, it's too hot at midday. Let's leave early, meet at the factory gate at seven in the morning. We can ride our bikes and leave early, returning later in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun."

"Okay, Master. See you at the factory gate at seven in the morning," Wei Chen replied.

Hu Songnian picked up his bag, nodded to Wei Chen, and left the office.

Wei Chen didn't leave immediately. He walked to the window and looked down at the bustling crowds and roaring machines in the factory area, the torrent of steel radiating heat under the sun.

He touched the thick wad of banknotes in his pocket, still smelling of ink and sweat—it was 135.8 yuan from trading wild boars and roe deer, plus the money from selling meat at the ghost market, the income from hunting wild boar herds, and the continuous output from his space… In this era of widespread poverty, he had already acquired the capital to stand on his own two feet.

But wealth is only the foundation. What he needs is to establish himself in this era, gain a foothold, and have his own voice and power. The identity of a steel mill purchasing agent is an excellent starting point and cover.

Master Hu Songnian may seem ordinary, but his ability to hold this position must be due to his exceptional qualities. Tomorrow's "going to the countryside" trip may offer a glimpse into the workings of grassroots communities in this era.

As for Wu Xiaojun and Liu Guoqing's overtures... Wei Chen's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. Whether to help or not was up to him. Just as his master had said, he had his own measure to weigh the relationship between personal feelings and duty.

He withdrew his gaze, turned, and walked out of the now empty office. The faint sounds of conversations and ringing telephones from other departments echoed in the corridor.

He needed to go to the logistics department to buy meal tickets, and then it was time to properly measure out the vast and complex city of Beijing that would soon house his future life.

Sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, casting long patches of light on the ground, while fine dust particles floated in the air. Wei Chen's days in the vortex of the steel factory had officially begun.

Inside his spatial backpack lay a thick stack of cloth and cotton coupons, which he had scavenged from the "rats" at the ghost market—a symbol of his livelihood. Building a house, setting up a stove—a home that truly belonged to him was quietly taking shape within the blueprint.

Wei Chen walked briskly out of the purchasing group's office. The corridor was filled with the unique smell of the old building, a mixture of dust, ink, and cheap tobacco.

He was on his way to the logistics and finance department, calculating how many meal tickets he needed to buy to meet his monthly ration, when a young man wearing a gray Zhongshan suit, with a standard side parted hairstyle and a black faux leather briefcase tucked under his arm walked briskly toward him.

"Comrade Wei Chen!" The man greeted her with a perfectly measured warm smile, neither overly obsequious nor lacking in familiarity or respect. "We've finally found you. Deputy Factory Director Li requests your presence in his office now." He extended his hand with a natural, fluid motion. "I'm Liu Aiguo, Deputy Factory Director Li's secretary. If you need any coordination regarding work matters in the future, please feel free to contact me."

Liu Aiguo? Wei Chen's eyes flickered slightly; the name itself carried a distinct mark of the era. He reached out and shook hands with the other man. The man's hand was dry and strong, and his eyes revealed a shrewdness and keen observation honed through years of experience working alongside leaders.

Wei Chen understood immediately; this was definitely Li Huaide's confidant, and the man's attitude largely reflected Li Huaide's own. He nodded, his tone calm: "Hello, Secretary Liu. Thank you for your trouble. I'll be right there."

"No trouble at all!" Liu Aiguo's smile widened as he stepped aside to lead the way. "This way, Comrade Wei. Deputy Factory Director Li has been paying close attention to you." As he walked, he casually mentioned some recent personnel changes and the focus of logistics procurement in the factory, revealing information without being deliberate, striking a perfect balance.

Wei Chen listened quietly, occasionally offering a word or two in response, his opinion of Secretary Liu rising even higher. This man was indeed shrewd; Li Huaide had made a good choice in employing him.

Passing through several tall factory buildings, the air was filled with the smells of machine oil, rust, and a faint burnt smell (from the forging workshop). The office building was much quieter, with dark red terrazzo floors in the corridors that made clear footsteps. Liu Aiguo stopped in front of a door with a wooden sign that read "Deputy Factory Director's Office" and gently knocked three times.

"Please come in." Li Huaide's highly recognizable, slightly official-sounding voice came from inside.

Liu Aiguo pushed open the door, stepped aside to let Wei Chen go in first, and then followed in, gently closing the door behind him. The office was spacious and bright, with a large, dark-colored desk behind it and a full bookcase. Several propaganda posters with slogans like "Grasp revolution, promote production" hung on the wall.

Li Huaide was leaning back in a large leather chair, holding an enamel mug with a red star on it. When he saw Wei Chen come in, he immediately put on an extremely warm smile, stood up, and walked around the table to greet him.

"Oh! Comrade Wei Chen! Please have a seat!" Li Huaide gestured to the chair opposite the desk and then instructed Liu Aiguo, "Aiguo, pour Comrade Wei Chen a cup of tea!"

"Yes, Factory Director," Liu Aiguo replied, and quickly went out to make tea.

"Director Li, you're too kind." Wei Chen sat down as instructed, his posture neither humble nor arrogant.

"Of course! Of course!" Li Huaide sat back in his seat, leaned forward slightly, crossed his hands on the table, and looked at Wei Chen with a smile.

"Comrade Wei Chen, you've solved a huge problem for our steel rolling mill, for me, the deputy director in charge of logistics! On your first official day at work, you delivered a wild boar and a roe deer to the canteen! Your efficiency and ability are simply amazing!"

He gave a thumbs up, "When the workers can eat meat, they're more motivated! And that boosts productivity! It's all thanks to you!"

Wei Chen smiled and said, "Director Li, you flatter me. It's just my duty, and I just happened to be there at the right time."

"Hey! Young man, humility is a virtue, but merit is merit!" Li Huaide waved his hand, then changed the subject, his tone becoming more "concerned".

"How are you doing? Are you settling into the city? How's your accommodation? If you have any difficulties, just let the factory know. The factory is your home, and the organization will do its best to help you solve them!" His concern sounded sincere, like that of a caring leader.