Fusion System: Rebirth in a Courtyard - Bird Fighting Chronicles

Chapter 77 The lingering warmth of tempering melts away old rifts; recalculating the accounts reveal

As the May morning light began to spill over the roof ridge beasts of the Hongxing Courtyard, the soft clatter of wooden basins against the communal pond in the central courtyard echoed. Qin Huairu was washing freshly collected fabric with Jia Dang; soap bubbles shimmered with iridescent colors in the morning light, and the laughter of the mother and daughter startled the sparrows nesting under the eaves. Lin Chen, carrying his toolbox, happened to see Yan Bugui squatting on his doorstep, stroking a yellowed account book in his hand, his gaze complex as he watched Yan Jiecheng teach Yan Jiekuang to ride a bicycle.

"Good morning, Teacher Yan." Lin Chen greeted him with a smile, the durable wrench hanging on his toolbox gleaming coldly in the morning light—it was one of his early works, now a cherished memento. Yan Bugui hurriedly stuffed the account book into his pocket, stood up, and dusted off his trousers. Surprisingly, he didn't complain about being poor; instead, he said somewhat awkwardly, "Going to work, Master Lin? Thank you so much for helping me out yesterday."

Just as Lin Chen was about to speak, Yi Zhonghai came out of the east wing carrying a bamboo basket filled with freshly steamed white steamed buns, still bubbling with heat. "Master Lin, wait a moment!" Yi Zhonghai quickly stepped forward and shoved the basket into Lin Chen's hands. "Your sister-in-law specially steamed these this morning; you must accept them. Without you, I would have lost all face regarding the parts issue last time."

The coarse cloth wrapped around the bamboo basket still carried the warmth of the stove. Unable to refuse, Lin Chen took out two steamed buns and stuffed them into Jia Dang's hands, saying, "Take these for your little sister's breakfast." Jia Dang sweetly said, "Thank you, Uncle Lin." Qin Huairu straightened up and wiped the water droplets from her hands, saying, "Uncle Yi, it's also a favor that Master Lin helped you. How could we let you always spend money?"

Yi Zhonghai's face flushed slightly. He had never been so humble in the courtyard before, and now that Qin Huairu had pointed it out, he felt a little embarrassed: "I was foolish before, always thinking about my own retirement, and I even lost all my neighborly affection. Now I understand that people like Master Lin are truly reliable." He looked at Lin Chen, "I'm on the early shift today, shall we go together? I can ask you for some advice on quenching techniques."

The two walked side by side toward the steel rolling mill. Along the way, Yi Zhonghai kept talking about his regrets: "Back when Jia Dongxu was around, I secretly withheld the apprentices' welfare to make sure he would support me in my old age. Looking back now, I realize how unscrupulous I was. After Dongxu's accident, I also withheld Qin Huairu's resettlement fee. Now she earns money by mending clothes, and I always feel guilty towards her."

Lin Chen paused, pointing to the blacksmith's shop by the roadside: "Look at that blacksmith forging iron. You can't forge good steel if the heat isn't right. It's the same with people's hearts. Before, you always tried to bind others with favors, like a raw material that hadn't been tempered. It looked solid, but it would break if you dropped it. Now that you're willing to treat people sincerely, you've truly mastered the art of tempering."

Yi Zhonghai nodded thoughtfully. Just as he entered the workshop, he saw workshop foreman Zhou Jianguo standing beside the forging press, his face ashen, surrounded by a group of workers. "Yi Zhonghai! You come here!" Zhou Jianguo's roar shook the roof, causing dust to fall. "What's wrong with this batch of bearing forgings? The precision is completely substandard! The customer is already demanding compensation!"

Yi Zhonghai's heart sank. He quickly walked over and picked up the forging, his face instantly turning deathly pale—the tolerance of the forging was a full 0.05 millimeters larger than required. This was a job he had been rushing to complete with two apprentices yesterday. "Impossible! I clearly followed the blueprints..." Before he could finish speaking, he saw Xiao Li, the apprentice in charge of marking the lines, with his head down, the blueprints in his hand crumpled into a ball.

"It was me... I misread the dimensions when I was marking the lines." Xiao Li's voice was trembling with tears. "My child has a fever, and I didn't sleep well last night. This morning, when I was marking the lines, I misread the decimal point by one place." Zhou Jianguo angrily kicked the waste bin next to him: "Do you know how much damage this will cause? This batch of forgings is for military units. If the project is delayed, none of us can afford the responsibility!"

The surrounding workers fell silent. Everyone knew the importance of the military order; a delay would not only result in huge compensation losses, but also jeopardize the workshop's advanced worker title. Yi Zhonghai was sweating profusely with anxiety. He had just managed to salvage some of his reputation; if this happened again, he might even lose his eighth-grade fitter's allowance. "Director Zhou, is there any way to salvage this? Is it too late for us to reforge it?"

"In time my ass! The customer needs to pick up the goods the day after tomorrow!" Zhou Jianguo pointed to the clock on the wall. "If we start re-forging now, it will take at least three days, which is simply not enough time!" He looked at Lin Chen, his eyes filled with expectation, "Master Lin, you have a lot of ideas, do you have any way to salvage the precision of these forgings?"

All eyes were on Lin Chen. He picked up the forging and examined it carefully, repeatedly measuring it with calipers, his brows gradually furrowing. "The material of this batch of forgings is 40Cr alloy steel. It has enough hardness but not enough toughness. Direct cutting and repair will easily cause cracking." He pondered for a moment, then suddenly remembered the "skill transfer" function that the system had just unlocked, and a set of "cold extrusion repair process" instantly appeared in his mind.

"I have a solution." Lin Chen put down the forging. "We can use cold extrusion to correct the precision, utilizing the plastic deformation of the alloy to control the tolerance within the required range without damaging the material properties. But this requires a special mold, and two people to operate it together."

Zhou Jianguo's eyes lit up: "As long as it can be salvaged, I'll provide whatever you need! How long will it take to make the mold?" Lin Chen looked at Yi Zhonghai: "Master Yi, you are familiar with the structure of forging molds. If we make the mold together, it should be completed in about four hours. Xiao Li, go prepare the cold extrusion press, preheat the oil temperature to 45 degrees Celsius, and prepare the lubricating grease."

After the tasks were assigned, Lin Chen and Yi Zhonghai immediately began making the mold. Lin Chen drew a structural diagram of the mold with chalk and explained the key dimensions in detail: "The diameter of the cavity must be accurate to 0.005 millimeters, and the radius of the punch must be controlled at 1.5 millimeters to ensure that the force is evenly distributed during extrusion." Yi Zhonghai's hand holding the file trembled slightly. He had been engaged in forging for decades and had never seen such an exquisite mold design.

"Master Lin, can this structure withstand the pressure of cold extrusion?" Yi Zhonghai couldn't help but ask. Lin Chen, who was polishing the mating surfaces of the mold, looked up and smiled when he heard this, "Don't worry, I've calculated the stress area and adopted a modular structure to distribute the pressure while also facilitating disassembly and maintenance. Look here, I've specially added venting grooves to prevent air bubbles from forming during extrusion."

The two worked together seamlessly. Lin Chen was responsible for the design and controlling the key dimensions, while Yi Zhonghai relied on his years of experience to do the fine finishing. The only sounds in the workshop were the "scratching" of files rubbing against metal and the "clicking" of calipers. Zhou Jianguo personally stood by their side, not daring to drink too much water, for fear of disturbing them.

Four hours later, the two sets of cold extrusion dies were finally completed. Lin Chen led Yi Zhonghai and Xiao Li to the cold extrusion machine and carefully explained the operating steps: "First, apply a layer of high-temperature lubricating grease to the forging, then place it into the die for positioning. When the punch descends, the speed should be controlled at 5 millimeters per minute. After extruding to the predetermined position, hold it for 30 seconds before returning." He personally demonstrated one, and after opening the die, he used calipers to measure the accuracy, which was exactly as required.

"It's done!" Xiao Li jumped up excitedly. Zhou Jianguo also breathed a sigh of relief, patted Lin Chen on the shoulder and said, "Master Lin, you're truly our workshop's savior! If we can deliver the goods smoothly this time, I'll definitely apply for a third-class merit for you!" Yi Zhonghai looked at the forging that met the precision requirements, his heart filled with admiration: "Master Lin, your craftsmanship is truly amazing, I'm impressed!"

The three men took turns operating the cold extrusion press, working until late at night to finish correcting all the forgings. When the inspector ran over with the test report, his voice trembled with excitement: "All of them are qualified! The precision is even higher than required!" Zhou Jianguo immediately decided to personally deliver the batch of forgings to the military unit first thing the next morning, and also to recommend Lin Chen for credit.

As they left the workshop, the moonlight had already climbed to the treetops. Yi Zhonghai insisted on dragging Lin Chen out for a late-night snack. The two arrived at a wonton stall near the factory gate. The owner served two steaming bowls of wontons, sprinkled with scallions and sesame oil, the aroma instantly filling the air. "Master Lin, let me toast you with a bowl." Yi Zhonghai picked up an enamel mug, poured in some bulk white liquor, and said, "I used to think of myself as a level eight fitter, superior to everyone else in the yard and workshop. Now I realize that true skill isn't about putting on airs, but about solving problems and treating people sincerely."

Lin Chen took a sip of wonton soup, the warmth spreading from his stomach to his whole body: "Master Yi, it's good that you understand. Our steel rolling mill is like a big melting pot. Whether you're an eighth-grade worker or an apprentice, we're all brothers working together to refine steel. It's the same in the yard. Less scheming and more helping each other out will make our lives prosperous."

As the two were talking, they saw a familiar figure walk past the wonton stall, carrying a cloth bag and walking hurriedly. "Isn't that Yan Bugui? Why is he out so late?" Yi Zhonghai said suspiciously. Lin Chen narrowed his eyes and recognized that the blue cloth bag Yan Bugui was carrying was the one he used to keep his account books, and he immediately became suspicious.

"I'll follow him and see," Lin Chen said, putting down his chopsticks and quietly following Yan Bugui. He saw that Yan Bugui hadn't gone home, but instead turned into a quiet alley. A bicycle was parked at the alley entrance, and next to it stood a man in a Zhongshan suit, who looked like a school official. The two exchanged a few words in hushed tones. Yan Bugui took a notebook from his bag and handed it to the man, who in turn gave him an envelope before quickly riding away on his bicycle.

After the man left, Lin Chen emerged from the shadows: "Teacher Yan, still busy here so late?" Yan Bugui was startled, dropping the envelope in his hand, spilling the money inside. He hurriedly picked up the money, his face pale: "Master Lin, you... what are you doing here?"

"I was having a late-night snack with Master Yi when I saw you walk by your stall, so I came over to say hello." Lin Chen picked up the notebook from the ground; it was Yan Bugui's ledger, but the contents were different from before. It contained only students' names and tutoring fees. "Teacher Yan, are you tutoring students again? Didn't the school warn you last time?"

Yan Bugui's face flushed red, and he stammered, "I...I just tutored a few relatives' kids, I didn't charge them any money." Lin Chen pointed to the envelope in his hand: "Then what's this money about? Wasn't that Director Wang from the school? I remember he's in charge of discipline."

Under Lin Chen's persistent questioning, Yan Bugui finally told the truth. It turned out that after being disciplined by the school, his salary had been significantly reduced, and with increased household expenses, he had secretly contacted several wealthy parents to tutor their children in the evenings for 50 cents per lesson. The Director Wang he had just spoken to was his former colleague; instead of exposing him, Director Wang wanted his own son to attend tutoring sessions as well, and the envelope he had just handed over contained the advance payment for the tutoring.

"Master Lin, I have no choice," Yan Bugui said, squatting on the ground, his voice trembling with tears. "Jie Cheng just got a permanent position, his salary isn't high, Jie Kuang just started working and is still an apprentice, and Jie Di is getting married next month, we haven't even raised enough for the dowry. I only make so much money a month, how am I supposed to support the whole family if I don't tutor?"

Lin Chen felt a pang of pity for Yan Bugui, seeing his disheveled state. Although Yan Bugui was calculating, he wasn't a bad person at heart; he was simply forced by circumstances. "Teacher Yan, it's understandable to earn some money for tutoring to supplement your family's income, but you can't do it secretly, and you certainly can't let the school leaders know," Lin Chen said after a moment's thought. "I do have a way that allows you to utilize your talents while earning money legitimately."

Yan Bugui looked up, his eyes full of anticipation: "What solution? Master Lin, please tell me quickly." Lin Chen pulled him to sit down on the stone steps at the alley entrance: "Many children in our factory's affiliated primary school are bad at arithmetic, and their parents are very worried. I know the principal. If you're willing, you can work part-time as an arithmetic tutor at the affiliated primary school. The salary will be paid by the factory's labor union, and you can earn at least twenty yuan more per month. It's much safer than secretly tutoring them."

Yan Bugui's eyes lit up, then dimmed again: "I was disciplined by the school last time, will the affiliated primary school accept me?" Lin Chen patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, I'll talk to the principal. You have a solid foundation in arithmetic and teaching experience, as long as you work hard, you'll definitely be recognized. But I have one condition: that ledger of your schemes against your children has to be burned."

Mentioning the account book, Yan Bugui's face flushed slightly. He pulled out the yellowed account book from his pocket, his fingers tracing the cover, remaining silent for a long time. This account book had been kept for over a decade, containing not only family income and expenses, but also his calculations and debts to his children. "Fine, I'll burn it." Yan Bugui gritted his teeth, throwing the account book into the nearby trash can. "I was foolish before, always thinking that raising children to provide for me in old age required calculating the costs. Now I understand that family ties cannot be calculated, nor should they be."

Lin Chen looked at him and nodded in satisfaction: "I'll talk to the principal about this tomorrow. You prepare your lesson plan and try to leave a good impression on the children." The two walked out of the alley together and returned to the courtyard house in the early hours of the morning. The streetlights in the middle courtyard were still on, and there were still some un-dried fabrics on the windowsill of Qin Huairu's house, obviously the mother and daughter had been busy until very late that day.

The next morning, as soon as Lin Chen arrived at the workshop, Zhou Jianguo pulled him to the factory director's office. The factory director, beaming with joy, held a letter of thanks from the military unit: "Comrade Lin Chen, you have made a great contribution to our factory! The military unit not only praised us but also signed a long-term supply contract with us!" He immediately announced that Lin Chen would be awarded a third-class merit, a bonus of fifty yuan, and promoted to the position of foreman of the precision forging group, enjoying the treatment of a sixth-level worker.

When the news reached the workshop, the workers all gathered around to congratulate Lin Chen. Yi Zhonghai was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He grabbed Lin Chen's hand and said, "I knew you could do it! From now on, our precision group will rely on you to lead. I, Old Yi, will be the first to take your orders!" Xiao Li also ran over with a flushed face and bowed to Lin Chen: "Master Lin, thank you for not letting me get fired yesterday. I will definitely work hard from now on and never be careless again."

Lin Chen had just settled things at the workshop when he went to the factory's affiliated primary school. The principal, a retired teacher in his fifties, hesitated at first when he heard that Lin Chen was recommending Yan Bugui for a part-time job: "Teacher Yan's disciplinary action from last time hasn't been revoked yet. If the parents find out, they might have objections." Lin Chen smiled and said, "Principal, I know Teacher Yan's arithmetic skills. He'll definitely be able to teach the children without any problems. We can let him try teaching for a month first. If the parents aren't satisfied, we can find someone else."

After a moment's hesitation, the principal finally agreed to Lin Chen's proposal. When Lin Chen told Yan Bugui the news, he was grading students' homework when the red pen in his hand fell to the table with a "clatter." "Really...really? Mr. Lin, did I hear that right?" Yan Bugui's voice trembled with excitement, his eyes brimming with tears. This man, who had once shrewdness ingrained in his very being, finally revealed his most genuine emotion in the face of a perfectly legitimate opportunity.

Returning home from get off work in the evening, Lin Chen was stunned by the scene before him as soon as he stepped into the courtyard. Several tables were set up in the open space of the central courtyard. Yan Bugui was chopping firewood with Yan Jiecheng and Yan Jiekuang, Qin Huairu and Jia Dang were washing vegetables, Yi Zhonghai was setting up a stove nearby, and Sha Zhu, who had brought a lot of ingredients from the canteen, was wearing an apron and preparing to cook. "Chef Lin is back!" Sha Zhu greeted Lin Chen with a smile, "Today is our courtyard's reunion dinner. Thank you for helping so many of us!"

Lin Chen stood there, stunned, watching the busy figures in the courtyard, his heart warmed. The courtyard, once filled with scheming and quarrels, was now filled with the warmth of everyday life and laughter. Yan Bugui walked over, holding a new account book with "Neighborhood Mutual Assistance Income and Expenditure Account" written on the cover: "Master Lin, this is my new account book. From now on, if any family in the courtyard is in trouble, we'll help each other out. All expenses will be recorded here, no distinction between you and me."

Yi Zhonghai also came over and said, "I've spoken to Director Zhou. From now on, when there's technical training in the workshop, I'll take all the young people in the yard to learn. Our yard needs to produce a few technical backbones!" Qin Huairu walked over carrying a plate of sliced ​​cucumbers, smiling, and said, "Once Jia Dang and I open our sewing shop, we'll help anyone in the yard who needs clothes made, free of charge!"

The setting sun cast its warm glow on everyone's faces, reflecting gentle smiles. Looking at this harmonious scene, Lin Chen suddenly recalled the despair of that cold night after his rebirth, and the trepidation of first fusing with scrap metal. He knew that the change in this courtyard wasn't just due to his system, but also to the awakened kindness within each person's heart.

At dinner, everyone raised their glasses in celebration, laughing and talking, leaving past grievances behind. Yan Bugui placed a piece of meat on each child's plate, his eyes full of affection; Yi Zhonghai clinked glasses with Sha Zhu, apologizing for his past scheming; Qin Huairu brought Lin Chen a bowl of chicken soup, thanking him for his guidance. The laughter, clinking glasses, and children's playful shouts mingled together in the courtyard, echoing in the night sky for a long time.

When Lin Chen returned home late at night, the system suddenly popped up a notification: "The host has successfully resolved a neighborhood conflict and promoted the harmonious development of the courtyard, earning 1000 points. The system level has been upgraded to level 7, and the 'Equipment Improvement Blueprint Library' has been unlocked." Lin Chen smiled, closed the panel, and looked out the window.