Fusion System: Rebirth in a Courtyard - Bird Fighting Chronicles

Chapter 96 Red Silk Reflects Craftsmanship, Wedding Banquet Expresses Gratitude to Benefactors

Spring arrived unexpectedly in 1966. Just a few days earlier, a few snowflakes were falling in the courtyard, but overnight, the peach tree in the corner burst into bloom. In the backyard, Liu Haizhong's chimney was emitting smoke half an hour earlier than usual. Aunt Liu was tiptoeing to add firewood to the stove. The firelight illuminated her wrinkled face, which was full of smiles. The pork belly stewing in the pot was bubbling and the aroma was wafting out through the cracks in the wind, attracting the children in the front yard to peek over.

Today is Liu Guangtian's wedding day.

As Liu Haizhong's second son, Liu Guangtian's marriage was once the biggest worry for the Liu family. Two years ago, he was just an apprentice working odd jobs in the forging workshop with his father. He was constantly scolded by the irritable Liu Haizhong and always smelled of iron filings. Matchmakers flocked to his door, but no one was willing to marry their daughter to him. But no one expected that after learning forging techniques from Lin Chen for two years, Liu Guangtian not only became a key technical member of the precision forging group at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, but also won the heart of Zhao Xiaomei, a female worker in the same workshop, with his excellent skills.

As dawn broke, the courtyard bustled with activity. Sha Zhu had specially rushed back from the military district guesthouse, bringing with him braised pork hock and smoked fish made by the guesthouse chef himself. The dishes were placed in a rough porcelain basin, covered with a clean gauze. As soon as he entered, he shouted, "Guangtian, your sister-in-law asked me to bring you a congratulatory gift!" He was now dressed in a crisp cadre uniform, his hair neatly combed. He was no longer the naive young man who had been completely manipulated by Qin Huairu. However, upon seeing his old neighbor in the courtyard, he couldn't help but greet him warmly.

Qin Huairu also arrived with her daughter, Jia Dang, carrying a red pillowcase embroidered with the words "May you have a long and happy marriage." She had spent three sleepless nights embroidering it; the stitches were fine and the colors vibrant. "Guangtian's mother, this is a small token of my appreciation," she said with a smile, handing the pillowcase to Aunt Liu, her face beaming with genuine joy. Qin Huairu was no longer the person she used to be, deliberately feigning pitifulness. Her sewing stall was thriving; she not only supported her three children but also saved a considerable amount of money, radiating a spirit of contentment and hard work.

Lin Chen was the first to arrive. He brought two gifts: a hand-forged brass door knocker, engraved with a lotus scroll pattern and polished to a mirror shine; and a brand-new set of fitter's tools, made by fusing high-strength alloys with his system, more than ten times more durable than those sold on the market. "Guangtian, this door knocker is for your new house, symbolizing a prosperous and thriving life; take this set of tools with you, it'll be helpful when you're working in the workshop." Lin Chen patted Liu Guangtian on the shoulder, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Liu Guangtian, dressed in a brand-new blue Zhongshan suit with a large red flower pinned to his chest, never stopped smiling. He took the tools, clutching them tightly in his hands, his voice choked with emotion: "Master Lin, without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. This skill, this marriage, are all thanks to you." Two years ago, he was secretly watching the forging operations outside the workshop when Lin Chen handed him a handwritten technical manual and patiently guided him in forging techniques. Later, it was Lin Chen who recommended him for the apprentice selection, giving him the opportunity to enter the precision forging group. Even this blind date was arranged by Lin Chen through the workshop director.

Liu Haizhong stood to the side, watching his son's promising appearance, his eyes slightly reddening. Today, he wore a black woolen overcoat he rarely wore, his hair neatly combed, and his usually volatile temper had subsided considerably; he bowed and thanked everyone he met. No one could have imagined that this hot-tempered father, who used to vent his anger on his children, would undergo such a transformation. Since Liu Guangtian became a key technical worker, he had completely given up drinking, helped with household chores every day, and stopped frequently beating and scolding Liu Guangfu; the atmosphere at home had gradually become harmonious.

"Xiao Lin," Liu Haizhong walked up to Lin Chen, holding a paper package in both hands, and solemnly handed it to him, "This is my life savings, fifty yuan in total. You must accept it. I can never repay the kindness you've shown to my son, Guangtian." He used to think Lin Chen was stingy and even tried to steal Lin Chen's food coupons, but ever since Lin Chen helped Liu Guangtian get on the right path, he had been truly grateful to this young man. This money was a small token of his appreciation and also his recognition of Lin Chen.

Lin Chen quickly declined, saying, "Master Liu, you're being too polite. Guangtian is where he is today because he's willing to learn and work hard. You should keep this money for Guangtian's wedding; I can't accept it." He knew that Liu Haizhong had worked hard to save this money. Back then, Liu Haizhong had almost emptied his savings to get Liu Guangqi a wife. After Liu Guangqi ran away, the family had been struggling financially ever since.

After much back and forth, Sha Zhu finally smoothed things over: "Master Liu, Master Lin isn't an outsider. He'll appreciate your kindness. You should keep the money; the young couple will need it for a long time." Liu Haizhong then gave up and put the money away, but his eyes were full of gratitude as he looked at Lin Chen.

At ten o'clock in the morning, the bride, Zhao Xiaomei, arrived. She wore a red cotton-padded jacket and a red veil, and was helped into the courtyard by her brother. The courtyard was already crowded with people. Yan Bugui from the front yard had also arrived, holding a red envelope in his hand, his face bearing a complex expression. Since the last accounting, he had rarely left the house. He had hesitated for a long time before coming to Liu Guangtian's wedding. Looking at Liu Guangtian's glamorous appearance, and then thinking of his own children, he felt a mix of emotions.

The wedding ceremony was held in the central courtyard. Lin Chen, as the officiant, stood beside the newlyweds, holding a prepared wedding speech. "Respected elders, neighbors, and fellow workers, today is the auspicious day for Mr. Liu Guangtian and Ms. Zhao Xiaomei to tie the knot..." Lin Chen's voice was loud and clear, from their meeting and falling in love to Liu Guangtian's diligent study, and then to his expectations for the newlyweds' future, every word was sincere.

When the speaker said, "I hope you two will respect and love each other after your marriage, help each other, Liu Guangtian will continue to uphold the spirit of craftsmanship, and Zhao Xiaomei will be a good wife, so that you can create a happy life together," enthusiastic applause erupted in the courtyard. Liu Haizhong was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes, and Aunt Liu wiped away her tears, repeatedly saying, "Good, well said!"

The wedding ceremony began. "First bow to Heaven and Earth!" With the master of ceremonies' call, the newlyweds bowed deeply to the sky outside the courtyard. "Second bow to the parents!" Liu Haizhong and his wife sat around the eight-immortal table, accepting the newlyweds' kneeling bows. Liu Haizhong trembled as he helped his son and daughter-in-law up, choking back tears as he said, "Live a good life, Dad will never scold you again." These words were what he had kept hidden for many years, and also his repentance to his children.

"Husband and wife bow to each other!" The newlyweds stood facing each other, bowed deeply, and their faces beamed with happiness. Jia Dang and several children scattered wedding candies nearby, and the courtyard was filled with laughter. Lin Chen watched this scene, and his heart was filled with warmth. He recalled the hardships he had faced after his rebirth, the various power struggles in the courtyard, and now, seeing the former "problem family" become harmonious, seeing the people he had helped living good lives, all the hardships had been worthwhile.

The wedding banquet had eight tables set up in the courtyard. The tables were borrowed from the neighborhood canteen, and since there weren't enough chairs, neighbors brought their own from home. The dishes weren't lavish, but every dish had a homely flavor: the braised pork knuckle and smoked fish brought by Sha Zhu were served on the main table, Qin Huairu stir-fried a large plate of eggs and chives, Aunt Liu's stewed pork belly smelled delicious, and there were also cucumber salad and stir-fried potato shreds brought by the neighbors, filling the table to the brim.

Lin Chen was seated at the head table, between Liu Haizhong and Sha Zhu. Liu Haizhong kept pouring wine for Lin Chen, repeatedly expressing his gratitude: "Little Lin, I was foolish before and offended you a lot, please don't take it to heart. Guangtian is in your hands from now on. If he dares to slack off, feel free to scold him." Lin Chen smiled and said, "Don't worry, Master Liu, Guangtian is a good prospect, he will definitely become more and more successful in the future."

Sha Zhu raised his glass and clinked it against Lin Chen's: "Lin Chen, I was foolish before, used as a pawn. Thanks to you for enlightening me, I'm doing quite well at the guesthouse now, and my salary has increased a lot. This glass is for you!" Lin Chen took a sip of his drink and said, "Sha Zhu, you're a good cook, you'll definitely have a better future."

During the meal, Yan Bugui approached Lin Chen with a wine glass in hand. After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke: "Little Lin, I was wrong before. I shouldn't have always schemed against others and even falsely accused you. I'd like to toast you and wish you a bright future." His voice was a little hoarse, tinged with guilt. Since retiring, he had thought a lot and finally realized how ridiculous his past scheming had been.

Lin Chen stood up and clinked glasses with Yan Bugui: "Teacher Yan, let's not dwell on the past. Take good care of yourself in your old age; your children will be filial to you." He could sense Yan Bugui's remorse and didn't want to hold grudges anymore. In the small society of the courtyard house, everyone has their own helplessness and obsessions; it's good that they can finally see the truth.

Zhao Xiaomei's brother also came over to toast Lin Chen, saying gratefully, "Master Lin, my sister's marriage to Guangtian is all thanks to you. Guangtian is doing well now, and we, as her family, are relieved. This toast is for you!" Lin Chen smiled and said, "It's mainly because Guangtian and Xiaomei are destined for each other; I just acted as a matchmaker."

Halfway through the wedding banquet, Yi Zhonghai arrived. He'd been having a tough time in the workshop lately. Ever since he was exposed for helping Qin Huairu modify the test sample, his "fair" image had plummeted. Apprentices were unwilling to learn from him, and even the factory leaders had a negative opinion of him. He came to the wedding today, carrying a small red envelope and wearing an awkward smile.

Liu Haizhong was taken aback when he saw Yi Zhonghai, then greeted him warmly, "Old Yi, you're here! Please have a seat!" Although the two had some disagreements in the courtyard before, they had been neighbors for many years, and now that his son was getting married, he couldn't very well turn him away. After sitting down, Yi Zhonghai looked at the lively scene and felt a pang of sadness. He thought about how he had meticulously planned his retirement, only to end up alienated by everyone, while Liu Haizhong, who used to be short-tempered, was now enjoying family happiness. He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

Lin Chen saw Yi Zhonghai and simply nodded, saying nothing more. He knew Yi Zhonghai's thoughts, but didn't want to spoil the fun on such a joyous occasion. Yi Zhonghai took a sip of his drink, walked over to Liu Guangtian, and said, "Guangtian, congratulations. Work hard in the workshop from now on. Feel free to ask me any technical questions." Liu Guangtian politely replied, "Thank you, Master Yi, I will."

In the afternoon, the wedding banquet ended, and the neighbors gradually left. Lin Chen helped Liu Guangtian pack up his things, and Liu Haizhong held his hand, insisting that he stay for dinner. "Little Lin, eat here tonight, I'll have your aunt make you your favorite dumplings." Lin Chen smiled and said, "Master Liu, no thanks, I have to go back to the workshop tonight to work overtime, researching a new forging die."

Liu Guangtian saw Lin Chen off, holding the set of tools Lin Chen had given him. He said, "Master Lin, don't worry, I will definitely learn the skills well and live up to your expectations. If you need anything in the future, just let me know." Lin Chen patted him on the shoulder and said, "Guangtian, live a good life and take good care of your parents and wife. If you have any technical problems, come to me anytime."

Stepping out of the courtyard, Lin Chen looked up at the sky. The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing. He recalled how, when he was first reborn, this courtyard was filled with scheming and conflict. Now, he had not only established himself but also changed the fates of many people. Liu Guangtian had found a wife through his skills, Liu Haizhong had become gentler, Qin Huairu had earned a living through her craft, and even Yan Bugui had begun to regret his actions.

He knew this was just the beginning. Yi Zhonghai's schemes weren't over yet, and Xu Damao was still plotting revenge. Beneath the tranquility of the courtyard, undercurrents still lurked. But he was no longer as panicked as before, because he had the system's help, solid technical skills, and a group of friends who trusted him.

Back in the workshop, Lin Chen walked into the scrap heap and used the system to identify various scrap metals. He was currently researching a new, highly efficient forging die, which, if successful, would greatly improve the workshop's production efficiency. He picked up a piece of alloy scrap, and the die's design appeared in his mind. A prompt popped up on the system panel: "Fusing material detected. Initiate fusion?" Lin Chen clicked "Yes," and slowly channeled his mental energy, causing the alloy scrap and the ordinary iron block to begin fusing.

The fusion process went smoothly, and half an hour later, a brand-new forging die appeared in his hands. The die's hardness and precision far exceeded expectations, and Lin Chen smiled with satisfaction. He knew that as long as he persisted in relying on technology and continuously improved himself, he would definitely be able to gain a foothold in this era and create his own legend.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Liu Haizhong was talking with Liu Guangtian and Zhao Xiaomei. Aunt Liu brought out freshly cooked dumplings, and the family sat together, enjoying a warm and harmonious time. Looking at his son and daughter-in-law, Liu Haizhong suddenly said, "Guangtian, you must take good care of Master Lin from now on. He's a great benefactor to our family. In a few days, we'll go and bring him some dumplings." Liu Guangtian and Zhao Xiaomei replied in unison, "Dad, we understand."