Fusion System: Rebirth in a Courtyard - Bird Fighting Chronicles

Chapter 81: A Drunken Scheme Conceals a Plan for Retirement; Cleverly Unraveling the Treacherous Sch

The joy of the successful trial production of the precision mold hadn't even faded at the steel rolling mill when the Hongxing Courtyard was enveloped in an unusual flurry of activity. It all started with Sha Zhu's thirtieth birthday—this man, who worked as the cook in the canteen, was often exploited by the Jia family, but thanks to his excellent culinary skills and reputation for loyalty, he was quite popular in the courtyard. Even more surprisingly, this birthday celebration was spearheaded by Yi Zhonghai, who had Aunt Yi go to the market early in the morning to buy two jin of pork belly and even specially arranged for someone to buy two bottles of "Hongxing Erguotou" liquor. The celebration was even more grand than his own family's New Year celebration.

Lin Chen had just returned from the workshop when he saw several cold dishes already laid out on the stone table in the courtyard: smashed cucumber sprinkled with sesame seeds, cold seaweed salad drizzled with sesame oil, and a plate of braised pork knuckle, glistening with oil and exuding a fragrant aroma. Yi Zhonghai was standing to the side directing Sha Zhu to set out the bowls and chopsticks, his face beaming with an unusually warm smile: "Zhu Zi, it's your birthday today, don't do anything, just sit and wait to eat. When Jiefang and Jiecheng come over later, we'll all have a good drink together."

Sha Zhu, dressed in faded work clothes, nervously rubbed a rag in his hand. "Uncle Yi, this is too much trouble. I can just cook myself a bowl of noodles." He knew that Yi Zhonghai was always calculating, and his sudden enthusiasm must mean something was up. But considering the other party's "care" over the years, he couldn't refuse and could only bite the bullet and agree.

As Lin Chen passed the stone table, Yi Zhonghai's gaze inadvertently swept over him, carrying a hint of deliberate attempt to win him over: "Master Lin is back? Perfect timing, it's Zhu Zi's birthday tonight, let's celebrate together. You've made a great contribution to the mold development, you should take a good rest." His words seemed ordinary, but they were actually a test—ever since Lin Chen had established himself in the workshop and disrupted the balance of the "old rules" in the yard several times, Yi Zhonghai had been trying to include this technical backbone in his "retirement system," but he had never found the opportunity.

"No thanks, Uncle Yi. I need to finish some mechanical drawings for Jie Kuang tonight, so I won't join in the fun." Lin Chen waved his hand with a smile, his gaze lingering on the two bottles of Erguotou and three empty wine glasses on the stone table. He already had a plan in mind. Sha Zhu was thirty years old and still unmarried. Yi Zhonghai's sudden mobilization was most likely because of Qin Huairu—the old couple had long planned to have Sha Zhu take care of them in their old age, and pushing Qin Huairu to Sha Zhu was the most crucial step.

As soon as Lin Chen entered the north wing, he heard Qin Huairu's voice coming from the courtyard gate, her tone deliberately gentle: "Uncle Yi, I've made a pot of chicken soup to nourish Zhu Zi." Lin Chen peeked through the window and saw Qin Huairu wearing a slightly worn blue cloth jacket, carrying a clay pot in her hands. A small velvet flower was specially pinned to her temple, and her hands, which were originally covered with chilblains, now looked much smoother—clearly, they had been carefully tended to. Behind her was Jia Dang, carrying a rough porcelain bowl containing several white steamed buns, which Sha Zhu had specially given him yesterday.

Yi Zhonghai's eyes lit up, and he quickly went to greet her: "Qin's wife is so thoughtful, come in and sit down. Zhuzi, see how much Qin's wife loves you, she specially made chicken soup for your birthday." He deliberately spoke loudly, as if hinting at something to Sha Zhu. Sha Zhu scratched his head, his face flushed, and awkwardly stepped aside: "Sister-in-law, come in quickly, it's windy outside."

Lin Chen was tidying up the teaching materials for Yan Jiekuang when he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find He Yushui there. She was wearing her textile factory uniform and looked anxious. As she entered, she lowered her voice and said, "Master Lin, you have to help my brother! I just passed by Uncle Yi's house and overheard Aunt Yi telling Qin Huairu that she was going to get my brother drunk tonight so that Qin Huairu could..." She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.

Lin Chen wasn't surprised, but asked, "What do you plan to do? Go and stop him?" He Yushui stamped her foot anxiously, "Can I stop him? My brother's personality is such that he softens when someone tries to persuade him to drink, and besides, Uncle Yi is fanning the flames. If something really happens, my brother will be tied to the Jia family for life!" After marrying the police officer Li Jianguo, she had seen a lot about human relationships and was no longer the naive girl she used to be. Naturally, she understood the danger behind this "drunken scheme."

Lin Chen pondered for a moment, then took out a paper package from the storage room containing several small, yellowish-brown candies. "These are hangover candies I made using the system, combining licorice, honey, and kudzu flower. They're even more effective than hangover cures on the market. Give these to your brother and tell him to eat two before meals. When he drinks, he should try to drink slowly, and if he really can't refuse, he should find a chance to run to the toilet." He paused, then added, "Also, when you go to the Intermediate People's Court later, tell them that Li Jianguo is coming over after his shift tonight, and that your brother should drink less so he can have a couple of drinks with his brother-in-law. With the police as an excuse, Yi Zhonghai won't dare to push him too hard."

He Yushui took the hangover candy and looked at Lin Chen gratefully, "Thank you, Master Lin. You always help my brother when he's in trouble." Lin Chen waved his hand, "It's nothing. It's just that your brother isn't a bad person, he's too honest and easily taken advantage of." He Yushui nodded, clutched the hangover candy, and quickly walked out.

Just as the textbooks were laid out, Yan Jiekuang arrived. He was wearing a faded student uniform and holding an old notebook filled with mechanical formulas he had learned the day before. "Master Lin, I still don't quite understand the three-view drawings you explained yesterday, especially the sectional view." Lin Chen patiently explained, pointing to the drawings, but out of the corner of his eye, he kept an eye on the commotion in the courtyard. He could vaguely hear Yi Zhonghai urging people to drink, and Qin Huairu occasionally chiming in with a few soft words.

"Jie Kuang, you figure out this example problem on your own first. I'm going out for a bit." Lin Chen heard Sha Zhu's voice sound a little unsteady and knew it was time. When he arrived at the central courtyard, he saw that Sha Zhu's face was already flushed from drinking, and Yi Zhonghai had filled his glass again: "Zhu Zi, you have to drink this! Turning thirty is a big birthday, not drinking is disrespecting your master!" Qin Huairu sat to the side, occasionally putting a piece of meat on Sha Zhu's plate, her eyes carrying a hint of calculation that was hard to detect.

"Uncle Yi, Brother Zhu is waiting for my Jianguo, so please drink less." He Yushui spoke up at the right moment, stepping forward to pick up Sha Zhu's glass. "I'll drink this one for my brother; he has serious business to discuss with Jianguo tonight." Yi Zhonghai's face darkened, and he was about to say something when he heard Lin Chen's voice: "Uncle Yi, Comrade He is right. Drinking can lead to trouble. Besides, Brother Zhu has to go to work; it wouldn't be good if he made a mistake in the cafeteria tomorrow after drinking too much."

Yi Zhonghai was surprised by Lin Chen's sudden intervention and felt somewhat displeased, but he couldn't show it—Lin Chen was now a key technical staff member valued by the factory, and it wouldn't do him any good if things got really tense. He could only say with a forced smile, "Master Lin is right, but it's Zhuzi's birthday today, a little bit won't hurt." As he spoke, he was about to pour more wine for Sha Zhu.

Lin Chen stepped forward, pretending to tidy up the bowls and chopsticks on the stone table. He quietly nudged Sha Zhu with his elbow and whispered, "Be careful, he might not be after you. Don't let him use you as a pawn." Sha Zhu paused, remembering the hangover candy He Yushui had given him and Lin Chen's earlier hint, and instantly sobered up considerably. He pushed away his wine glass and stood up: "Uncle Yi, I really can't drink anymore. I have to get up early tomorrow to prepare breakfast for the factory."

Yi Zhonghai's face immediately darkened, and Qin Huairu quickly spoke up, "Brother Zhu, it's a rare occasion to have such a lively gathering today, let's have another drink. Look, this chicken soup is still warm, it goes perfectly with the wine." She reached out to grab Sha Zhu's arm, but Sha Zhu subtly avoided her. Only then did Sha Zhu realize that Qin Huairu's hands didn't have any frostbite at all; her skin was so smooth that it didn't look like someone who did heavy labor all year round. All that "hardship" she had shown earlier was an act.

"No, sister-in-law, I really need to drink less." Sha Zhu's tone was somewhat distant. He looked at Yi Zhonghai, "Uncle Yi, thank you for your kindness. I had a very happy birthday. I'll treat you to drinks another day." After saying that, he picked up his coat and was about to walk out the door. Yi Zhonghai didn't expect his plan to be ruined. He was so angry that his hands were trembling, but he couldn't do anything about it and could only watch Sha Zhu leave.

Qin Huairu was also somewhat flustered. She glanced at Yi Zhonghai, then at Lin Chen, and forced a smile. "Then I'll go back too. There are children waiting for me at home." With that, she picked up the casserole and hurriedly left the courtyard. The once lively courtyard was instantly left with only Yi Zhonghai and Aunt Yi. The food and wine on the stone table were still steaming, but no one had any appetite anymore.

Lin Chen had just returned to the north wing when he heard Yi Zhonghai's cursing coming from the central courtyard: "They're all ungrateful bastards! Who am I doing this for? Isn't it so that someone will take care of me in my old age!" Aunt Yi advised, "Alright, old man, stop cursing. It's not good if the neighbors hear. We can find another opportunity next time." Lin Chen shook his head and continued explaining the problem to Yan Jiekuang, but he knew in his heart that Yi Zhonghai would never let it go, and this game was far from over.

In the following days, Yi Zhonghai's gaze towards Lin Chen was tinged with hostility. On Wednesday afternoon, Lin Chen was in the workshop instructing Liu Guangtian on processing precision parts when Zhou Jianguo suddenly approached him, his expression grave: "Lin Chen, there's a tricky matter I need you to handle. There's a problem with the gears in the military order; the tolerances of several parts are out of specification. The military side is pressing us hard, wanting us to resolve it within three days."

Lin Chen's heart sank, and he quickly followed Zhou Jianguo to the quality inspection workshop. Several gears were placed on the inspection table. After measuring them with a high-precision micrometer, it was discovered that the tolerances indeed exceeded the standard range, with the largest error reaching 0.02 millimeters. "This is impossible! The mold I designed was clearly within 0.005 millimeters in precision." Lin Chen picked up a gear and examined it closely, discovering fine scratches on the surface, seemingly caused by uneven force during processing.

"Could it be a problem with the milling machine?" Liu Guangtian asked. "When I used the milling machine yesterday, I felt something was off; it was a bit jerky when it was turning." Lin Chen nodded: "That's possible. I'll go take a look at the milling machine." He followed Liu Guangtian to the milling machine and began to examine it carefully. This milling machine had just been transferred from another workshop and looked very new, but after Lin Chen used the system to identify it, he found that the spindle of the milling machine had a slight deformation, which was the reason for the machining accuracy exceeding the standard.

"We've found the problem; the spindle is deformed," Lin Chen said. "We either need to replace the spindle or repair it. Replacing it will take at least a week, which definitely won't meet the deadline. Repairing it will be much more difficult, but we should be able to get it done within three days." Zhou Jianguo quickly said, "Then let's repair it! Lin Chen, this is your job. Just let us know what manpower and materials you need!"

Lin Chen pondered for a moment: "I need tungsten alloy welding rods and a high-precision grinding machine. Also, have Liu Guangtian assist me; he has a solid foundation and can be of great help." Zhou Jianguo patted his chest and said, "No problem! I'll have someone procure the materials immediately, and I'll coordinate with the equipment department to get the grinding machine in place this afternoon."

Back in the workshop, Liu Guangtian was a little worried: "Master, repairing the spindle is so difficult, can we finish it in three days?" Lin Chen smiled: "Don't worry, I have a way. But we'll have to work overtime for these three days." He took out paper and pen and began to draw up a repair plan. Suddenly, the system popped up a prompt: "Spindle repair needs detected. You can spend 300 points to unlock 'Spindle Precision Repair Technology'. Unlock now?" Lin Chen chose to unlock without hesitation. Detailed repair steps instantly appeared before his eyes, from welding to grinding, every step was clearly marked.

At 2 PM, the materials and grinding machine arrived on time. Lin Chen first disassembled the spindle, sanded off the rust, and then welded it with alloy welding rods. During welding, he carefully controlled the current to ensure a uniform and smooth weld. Liu Guangtian helped by handing him tools and occasionally used a thermometer to measure the temperature to prevent the spindle from deforming due to overheating.

"Master, the temperature is almost 800 degrees, should we stop?" Liu Guangtian reminded him. Lin Chen nodded: "Stop for a bit, let the spindle cool naturally. When it's cooling, be careful not to place it near a vent, otherwise the temperature difference between the inside and outside will be too large, causing cracks." He placed the spindle in the insulation box and then began preparing for the next step of the polishing work.

At 8 PM, only Lin Chen and Liu Guangtian remained in the workshop. The spindle had cooled down, and Lin Chen began grinding it with the grinder. This was the most crucial step, requiring extremely high precision; each grinding pass had to be measured with a micrometer. "Guangtian, keep an eye on the grinder's speed, maintaining it at 500 revolutions per minute, and controlling the feed rate at 0.001 millimeters per revolution," Lin Chen said, his eyes fixed on the surface of the spindle.

Liu Guangtian meticulously adjusted the grinding machine's parameters, daring not to be careless in the slightest. Sweat streamed down their foreheads, dripping onto the control panel, but neither of them bothered to wipe it away. The grinding of the spindle wasn't completed until 1 a.m. Lin Chen measured it with a micrometer and nodded in satisfaction: "Error 0.003 millimeters, meets the requirements." Liu Guangtian jumped up excitedly: "Great, Master! We succeeded!"

The next morning, the repaired spindle was installed on the milling machine, and several gears were test-machined. After inspection, all tolerances met the standards. The military personnel who came to inspect the product also praised its quality highly. Zhou Jianguo patted Lin Chen on the shoulder: "Lin Chen, you're truly a savior of our factory! I've already applied to the factory management to have you and Liu Guangtian both awarded merit!"

When Lin Chen returned to the courtyard, he found a crowd gathered. Yan Bugui was standing in the center, holding an account book, yelling at Liu Haizhong, "Liu Haizhong, your son borrowed my wrench yesterday and lost it. According to the market price, you have to compensate me five yuan! It's all recorded in this account book, you can't get away with it!" Liu Haizhong was so angry his face turned red: "Yan Bugui, you're trying to extort me! That wrench is over ten years old, it's worth at most one yuan!"

Lin Chen stepped forward, took the ledger from Yan Bugui's hand, and looked at it. He saw that it read, "Liu Guangtian borrowed a wrench, lost, five yuan to be compensated." He smiled and said, "Teacher Yan, I've seen this wrench before. You picked it up from the scrap yard. You probably spent two cents on it, right? Besides, Guangtian said he's already found the wrench and left it at your doorstep."

Yan Bugui was stunned for a moment, then rushed home to his front door and saw the old wrench on the steps. His face flushed red and then turned pale, and he gave an awkward laugh: "So you found it. I thought I lost it." Liu Haizhong glared at him: "You're just trying to scam me! Don't try that on me again!" He then turned and went home. Seeing that there was no more excitement to watch, the neighbors gradually dispersed.

Yan Bugui walked up to Lin Chen, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Master Lin, thank you. I was confused just now." Lin Chen shook his head, "Teacher Yan, it's only right for neighbors to help each other; there's no need to be so calculating. Jie Kuang is still waiting for me to tutor him inside; let's go in." Yan Bugui nodded and followed Lin Chen into the north wing room, his opinion of Lin Chen changing somewhat—this young man was not only skilled, but also a much better person than Yi Zhonghai and the others.

After tutoring Yan Jiekuang that evening, Lin Chen had just finished washing up when he heard a knock on the door. Opening it, he saw Sha Zhu holding a lunchbox. Sha Zhu said somewhat apologetically, "Master Lin, thank you for reminding me last time. This is braised pork I made in the cafeteria today, have a taste." Lin Chen took the lunchbox, and the aroma of meat wafted out. "Thank you, Brother Zhu, you're too kind."

Sha Zhu walked into the room, looked at the blueprints on the table, and exclaimed, "Master Lin, you're amazing! You've become a key technical member at such a young age. Unlike me, all I can do is cook." Lin Chen smiled and said, "Every profession has its own skills. Everyone loves your cooking, that's a skill in itself." He paused, then added, "Brother Zhu, if Uncle Yi invites you for drinks again, you'd better be careful, don't get tricked."

Sha Zhu nodded: "I understand. After last time, I haven't gotten too close to Qin Huairu. I understand what Grandpa Yi is thinking; he wants me to take care of them in their old age. But I have my own life to live, and I can't be tied to them forever." Lin Chen nodded with relief: "It's good that you understand. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just tell me."

After Sha Zhu left, Lin Chen opened the system panel and found that his points had increased to 2800, and his system level had also increased to level 9. He knew that as his position in the factory became more and more secure, the conflicts in the courtyard would also become more and more intense. Yi Zhonghai would never give up scheming against Sha Zhu, and Yan Bugui's plans would not stop. All he could do was adhere to his principles, establish himself with his skills, and at the same time help those who were being schemed against to get out of their predicaments as much as possible.

The next morning, as soon as Lin Chen arrived at the workshop, he heard that Yi Zhonghai had argued with Liu Haizhong about Yan Bugui's matter the day before. It turned out that Yi Zhonghai, seeing that Yan Bugui was getting close to Lin Chen, deliberately spoke ill of Lin Chen in front of Liu Haizhong, saying that Lin Chen was "forming cliques and trying to undermine him." Liu Haizhong retorted, "Master Lin helped my son learn the skills and also helped our workshop solve problems. He's much better than you!" The two argued until they were red in the face and parted on bad terms.

Lin Chen simply smiled after hearing this, not taking it to heart. He knew that people's hearts were like scales, and everyone knew who was good and who was bad. What he needed to do now was focus on technology, fulfill the military orders, and at the same time cultivate young people like Liu Guangtian and Yan Jiekuang, making them his capable assistants. As for the scheming and disputes in the courtyard, he naturally had ways to deal with them.

On Wednesday afternoon, the last batch of gears for the military order was successfully delivered. After rigorous testing, all gears met the standards. The factory held a special commendation meeting, awarding Lin Chen and Liu Guangtian with cash and certificates for their outstanding contributions. When the news reached the courtyard, everyone looked at Lin Chen with new respect. Even Yi Zhonghai had to admit Lin Chen's abilities, though his jealousy and scheming remained undiminished.

After the commendation ceremony, Zhou Jianguo spoke with Lin Chen, hoping he could lead the formation of a technical research and development team specifically responsible for the development of new molds and parts. Lin Chen agreed without hesitation. He recommended Liu Guangtian and several veteran technicians from the workshop to join, and also suggested that Yan Jiekuang come to the workshop as an apprentice after graduation to cultivate future talent. Zhou Jianguo was very supportive and approved his application on the spot.

Back at the courtyard house, Lin Chen shared the news with Liu Guangtian and Yan Jiekuang, both of whom were overjoyed. Liu Guangtian said, "Master, I will definitely work hard and live up to your expectations!" Yan Jiekuang also said, "Master Lin, I will definitely study diligently and work with you on research and development in the future!" Looking at the two young men's energetic faces, Lin Chen felt a surge of hope. He knew that as long as they stayed true to their original aspirations and worked diligently, the future would definitely be brighter.

That evening, Liu Haizhong specially prepared a feast and invited Lin Chen and Yan Jiekuang to his home for dinner. At the table, Liu Haizhong raised his glass to Lin Chen, saying, "Master Lin, thank you for helping Guangtian, and thank you for helping Jiekuang too. If you ever need my help in the future, just let me know!" Yan Bugui also arrived. Looking at Lin Chen, he sincerely said, "Master Lin, I was too calculating before. I won't do that again. Please take good care of Jiekuang."

Lin Chen stood up and clinked glasses with the two men: "Master Liu, Teacher Yan, no need for such formalities. We're neighbors, it's only right that we help each other out. Let's work together, and things will get better and better."