Fusion System: Rebirth in a Courtyard - Bird Fighting Chronicles

Chapter 46 A discerning eye recognizes a gem, a hidden alliance conceals treacherous intentions.

As the June morning light began to spill over the brick walls of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, the roar of the machines in the forging workshop already made the windowpanes tremble slightly. Lin Chen walked into the workshop, his feet damp with dew, and saw a tall, thin figure squatting beside a pile of scrap materials, scribbles on the ground with a stick of charcoal in his hand, oblivious to Lin Chen's approach. The figure was wearing faded coarse cloth overalls, with mud stains on the cuffs from the previous night's rain; it was Liu Haizhong's second son—Liu Guangtian.

"What are you drawing?" Lin Chen's voice startled Liu Guangtian, who jumped to his feet. The charcoal in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud," leaving a black mark on the forging mold sketch he had just drawn. The boy blushed and hurriedly shuffled his feet on the ground, stammering, "Master Lin, I wasn't slacking off, it's just... I saw you repairing the forging press mold yesterday and I had some ideas." His eyes were full of panic, but he couldn't help but steal glances at the sketch on the ground. It was a simple but precisely proportioned schematic diagram of a crank mold, even more standardized than the first draft drawn by the old technicians in the workshop.

Lin Chen bent down to pick up the charcoal and added a crucial stress support line next to the sketch: "We need to add a reinforcing rib here. Although the 30CrMnSiA alloy has good toughness, it's prone to cracking during high-frequency forging." He looked up at Liu Guangtian and found the boy's gaze fixed on the line, the confusion in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by a bright understanding. Lin Chen's heart stirred—this child, though lacking professional training, possessed a natural sense of spatial structure; he was a good candidate for forging.

"Did your father teach you to draw?" Lin Chen asked. Liu Guangtian lowered his head even further: "No, my father always said I wasn't cut out for manual labor, and made me and my third brother collect scrap. I just... I just watched the workshop foremen draw blueprints, secretly memorized them, and drew them on the floor at home for fun." His voice grew softer and softer, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with the buttons on his work clothes. "Last time I saw you repairing the forging press with your homemade wrench, I spent three days memorizing the angle of that wrench, and drew five diagrams before I finally figured it out."

Lin Chen patted his shoulder and stuffed the charcoal back into his hand: "Don't just draw on the ground. Tomorrow I'll find you a book called 'Fundamentals of Forging Technology' and give you a scrap ledger to use as drawing paper. Leave half an hour after get off work every day, and I'll teach you how to read blueprints." Liu Guangtian suddenly looked up, his eyes shining like tempered steel balls: "Really? Master Lin, I can learn the technology?" Lin Chen smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping over the workshop door—there stood someone there at some point, it was Liu Haizhong, who had just finished get off work, the enamel mug in his hand still steaming, his expression complex and unreadable.

Liu Haizhong turned to leave, but his steps were much slower than usual. Lin Chen knew that this father, who had been irritable for most of his life, ultimately hoped that his son would succeed. He turned back to Liu Guangtian: "Come early tomorrow, I'll show you the operating procedures of the forging press. Remember, learning a skill requires dedication, not brute force." Liu Guangtian nodded vigorously, the veins on his hand gripping the charcoal bulging, as if it weren't just ordinary charcoal, but the key to changing his destiny.

The workshop was exceptionally busy in the morning. The turbine blade processing for the military order had entered a critical stage. Lin Chen had just completed the first batch of finishing work with the newly fused ceramic cutting tools when a notification popped up on the system panel: "Abnormal metal fluctuations detected. Source: scrap pile on the west side of the workshop." He frowned, and under the pretext of checking the equipment, walked to the scrap pile. Sure enough, he smelled a faint smell of machine oil—someone had touched the alloy scraps he had stored the night before.

"Master Lin, did you lose something?" Old Zhang, the storekeeper, leaned over and whispered, "This morning, just as I started work, Yi Zhonghai came to the scrap heap, saying he wanted to find some scrap iron to repair the furnace. I didn't stop him. When he left, his arms were bulging, and he even asked me how you made those ceramic knives." Lin Chen sneered inwardly. Yi Zhonghai was still up to no good, wanting to steal the technology and also collect materials for his own shady dealings. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Yan Bugui carrying a cloth bag walk into the workshop and head straight for Yi Zhonghai's workstation.

The two men spoke in hushed tones beside their workstations. Yan Bugui pulled a yellowed ledger from his cloth bag, his finger rapidly tapping across it. Yi Zhonghai's face shifted between livid and sinister expressions. Lin Chen activated the system's recording function, and fragmented words drifted into his ears: "...I've found out about the training course. That kid Liu Guangtian got a perfect score; Lin Chen will definitely be giving him special attention..." "I have evidence of him withholding apprentice benefits. If I report it to management, he can forget about being a key technical worker..." "Once I get the ceramic knife formula, we'll jointly report him for illegally manufacturing equipment..."

Lin Chen calmly returned to the machine tool, his fingertips swiping across the system panel to bring up the footage from the hidden camera he'd installed the night before—under the old locust tree in the courtyard, Yan Bugui was stuffing something into Yi Zhonghai's hand; it looked like a key. He instantly understood that the two were plotting something, most likely stealing the workshop's technical data or his fusion tools. A cold, sharp smile curved Lin Chen's lips. Since they wanted to play, he'd play along.

During the lunch break, Liu Guangtian was indeed waiting early at the workshop entrance, holding something wrapped in coarse paper. "Master Lin, this is a steamed cornbread made by my mother, with some cornmeal mixed in. Please try it." The boy's face was flushed from the sun, and beads of sweat still clung to his forehead. "My mother said that you are a great benefactor to our family for teaching me this skill. This is just a small token of my appreciation." Lin Chen took the cornbread. The warmth emanated from the coarse paper, and inside was a dried red date—in those years of food scarcity, this was an extremely precious token of affection.

The two sat on the stone steps of the workshop eating cornbread. Lin Chen opened the "Fundamentals of Forging Technology" he had brought and pointed to the mold structure diagram, saying, "The key to forging lies in the temperature and the fit of the mold. Just like the crank diagram you drew, if the mold tolerance exceeds 0.05 millimeters, the forged part will be unusable." He took out a small caliper from his pocket. "This is what I forged from scrap steel. Take it and measure the old molds in the workshop this afternoon, and write down the data."

Liu Guangtian took the calipers, his fingers carefully tracing the markings, when he suddenly asked, "Master Lin, will my dad... will he object to me learning a trade?" Lin Chen glanced towards the workshop entrance; Liu Haizhong was peeking from the corner, forgetting to drink from his enamel mug. He patted Liu Guangtian on the shoulder: "If your dad really objected, he wouldn't have stood there listening for half an hour. I'll talk to him this afternoon and tell him the workshop needs an apprentice, and you're the most suitable candidate."

As soon as work started in the afternoon, Lin Chen took Liu Guangtian's mold sketch to workshop foreman Zhou Jianguo. "Director Zhou, look at this kid's talent," Lin Chen said, spreading the sketch on his desk. "He can draw a mold sketch with this level of precision without any training. If he's properly trained, he'll definitely be a key technical member of the workshop in the future. We're short-staffed right now, and I'd like to recommend him for the apprenticeship selection." Zhou Jianguo adjusted his glasses, carefully examining the sketch, becoming increasingly surprised: "Whose apprentice is this? The lines are even more precise than mine!"

"It's Liu Haizhong's second son, Liu Guangtian, a self-taught young man," Lin Chen added. "This kid is hardworking and eager to learn, much better than those who try to take shortcuts. Although Liu Haizhong has a fiery temper, he's still quite dedicated to the workshop. If his son can get a job there, he'll definitely work even harder." Zhou Jianguo nodded: "I've heard that Liu Haizhong's second son is quite talented, but his father's beatings and scoldings have eroded his confidence. Okay, I agree. Let him come to the workshop to intern with you tomorrow. I'll put in a good word for you during the apprentice selection."

As soon as Lin Chen returned to the workshop, he saw Liu Haizhong squatting beside the machine tool, helping Liu Guangtian calibrate the measuring tool. "Dad, this scale needs to be aligned with the edge of the workpiece. You're looking at it crookedly, aren't you?" Liu Guangtian's voice carried a hint of smugness. Liu Haizhong said sternly, "You brat, you've only been learning for half a day and you dare to lecture your old man?" Although his words were harsh, he obediently adjusted the measuring tool, his eyes revealing undisguised satisfaction. Lin Chen walked over and smiled, "Master Liu, Guangtian has talent. Please give him some pointers in the future."

Liu Haizhong suddenly stood up, a rare hint of shyness appearing on his dark face: "Master Lin, I was foolish before, too harsh on this kid. I, Liu Haizhong, will remember your kindness for life. From now on, if there's any dirty or strenuous work in the workshop, just let me know!" He patted his chest to assure him, his voice so loud the entire workshop could hear. Lin Chen seized the opportunity and said, "The workshop is rushing to meet a military order, and we need someone to work overtime at night to watch the furnaces. If Guangtian is willing, he can learn to stokeep the fire and control the temperature with me."

That evening, while working overtime, Lin Chen took Liu Guangtian to the forging press and explained the temperature control techniques in detail: "The forging temperature of 30CrMnSiA alloy should be controlled between 1050 and 1100 degrees Celsius. Below this temperature, cold cracks will occur, and above this temperature, the grains will coarsen." He opened the furnace door, and the firelight illuminated the boy's face. "Look at the color of this flame. Cherry red is the optimal temperature. If it turns orange, it means the temperature is too high." Liu Guangtian took notes carefully, his notebook filled with dense writing, even drawing diagrams illustrating the changes in the flame color.

At 11 p.m., the machines in the workshop gradually quieted down. Lin Chen told Liu Guangtian to go home first, while he stayed in the workshop to organize the tools. Just as he put the ceramic knives into the tool bag sewn by Qin Huairu, he heard a slight noise coming from the back door of the workshop. He immediately hid behind the machine tool and activated the system's night vision function—two dark figures sneaked in furtively; it was Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui.

"Are you sure Lin Chen's tools are all here?" Yi Zhonghai's voice was low, holding a crowbar in his hand. "If we can't find the ceramic knife formula, our report won't be convincing." Yan Bugui took out a bunch of keys: "I stole a copy from the custodian. His tool cabinet must be here. Last time I saw him lock a blue notebook in there; it must be the formula!" The two tiptoed to the tool cabinet, and Yan Bugui inserted the key and gently turned the lock.

With a click, the lock opened. Yi Zhonghai eagerly pulled open the drawer, but instead of the blue notebook, he found a few technical manuals and a simple recording device. "Oh no, it's a trap!" Just as Yi Zhonghai was about to close the drawer, the recording device suddenly started playing, playing their conversation from earlier that day at their workstations: "I have evidence that he's withholding apprentice benefits..." "Once I get the ceramic knife formula, we'll jointly report him..."

The two men were terrified and turned to run, only to find the workshop lights suddenly turned on. Lin Chen stood at the door, holding an account book. "Master Yi, Teacher Yan, what are you looking for in my tool cabinet so late at night? Is this what you're looking for?" He waved the account book in his hand. "This is the record of your deductions from apprentice benefits, and it even has your signature on it. Should I take it to Director Zhou to take a look?"

Yi Zhonghai's face turned pale, but he forced himself to remain calm and said, "Lin Chen, don't make false accusations! We were just passing by the workshop and wanted to check if the equipment was turned off properly." Yan Bugui's legs went weak, and he almost knelt on the ground. "Master Lin, we were wrong. We were confused for a moment. Please don't tell the factory!" He lunged forward to grab the ledger, but Lin Chen dodged him.

"You want me to keep quiet? Fine." Lin Chen walked to the tool cabinet, took out a brand new notebook, and said, "Master Yi, you're an eighth-grade fitter with solid technical skills. Starting tomorrow, teach Guangtian two hours of fitter basics every day after get off work until he passes the apprentice assessment. Teacher Yan, you're the arithmetic instructor, so help me organize the workshop's material consumption ledger. Every single account must be calculated accurately. If there's even the slightest mistake, we'll go to the factory management and have a word with them."

The two men exchanged bewildered glances, not expecting Lin Chen to make such a request. Yi Zhonghai hesitated, "Teaching Liu Guangtian the techniques is fine, but you have to return the recordings and ledgers to us." Lin Chen sneered, "I'll keep them for now. Once Guangtian passes the assessment and the ledgers are sorted out, I'll naturally return them to you. If you dare to try anything funny, I guarantee you won't be able to stay at the steel mill!"

Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui had no choice but to agree. As they left the workshop, their backs were noticeably hunched, their previous arrogance completely gone. Lin Chen watched their retreating figures, carefully putting away the recording equipment and ledgers—he didn't want revenge, but rather for these two cunning men to atone for their mistakes through skill and labor.

The next morning, Yi Zhonghai arrived at the workshop on time, carrying a well-worn copy of the "Fitter's Operation Manual." Liu Guangtian was initially a little timid; his fingers trembled as Yi Zhonghai explained filing techniques. "Hold the file firmly, apply force evenly with your arm, like this..." Yi Zhonghai grasped Liu Guangtian's hand, guiding him step by step. His movements were stiff, but exceptionally earnest. Lin Chen watched from afar, a gratified smile on his lips.

Yan Bugui took his abacus to the supplies warehouse. Old Zhang placed a pile of documents in front of him: "Teacher Yan, these are last month's supply consumption records. Master Lin said to calculate to two decimal places." Yan Bugui frowned, but still picked up the abacus and started calculating rapidly. His arithmetic skills were indeed solid; he had completed half of the documents by noon, his handwriting neat and his data accurate. Even Old Zhang couldn't help but praise him: "Teacher Yan, your accounting is clearer than the accountant's!"

At lunchtime, Qin Huairu led Jia Geng into the workshop, carrying a thermos. "Junior Brother Lin, this is millet porridge I cooked for Guangtian to nourish his body." She handed the porridge to Liu Guangtian, then took out a cloth bag and handed it to Lin Chen. "This is a knife sheath I made for you. I added a layer of velvet inside to protect the knives from rusting." Lin Chen opened the bag, and inside was a knife sheath embroidered with simple patterns. The stitches were fine, showing that a lot of thought had been put into it.

"Senior Sister Qin, thank you." Lin Chen took the knife sheath and placed the ceramic knife inside; the size was just right. A notification popped up on the system panel: "Hand-sewn knife sheath detected. Maker: Qin Huairu. Emotional attachment: Gratitude + Sincerity. Points +500. Current points: 48500." Lin Chen's heart stirred. It seemed Qin Huairu had truly changed. She no longer relied on feigning weakness and scheming to make a living, but instead earned respect through her own hands and sincerity.

Jia Geng tugged at Liu Guangtian's sleeve, holding a notebook filled with drawings. "Brother Guangtian, can you teach me how to draw molds? I want to learn a skill from Uncle Lin too." Liu Guangtian patted his head. "Sure, I'll teach you once I've learned. But you have to promise me you'll never steal again." Jia Geng nodded vigorously. "I promise! Uncle Lin said earning a living with a skill is the most reliable thing!"

The atmosphere in the workshop gradually became more harmonious. Yi Zhonghai taught Liu Guangtian fitter techniques for two hours every day, and the gloom on his face gradually disappeared. Occasionally, he would even discuss forging processes with Lin Chen. Yan Bugui kept meticulous records and even took the initiative to use arithmetic methods to optimize material allocation, saving the workshop a lot of raw materials. Liu Guangtian's technical skills improved rapidly. He not only mastered basic forging and fitter skills but could also independently complete simple parts processing.

A week later, in the apprentice selection exam, Liu Guangtian, with his solid theoretical knowledge and skillful operation, passed the exam with the highest score and officially became an apprentice in the forging workshop. Upon hearing the news, Liu Haizhong bought a pound of pig's head and delivered it to Lin Chen's house, choking back tears as he said, "Master Lin, thank you for making this child successful. I, Liu Haizhong, have never admired anyone in my life, only you!"

Lin Chen watched Liu Haizhong's excited expression, then glanced out the window at Liu Guangtian discussing blueprints with Jia Geng, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This courtyard, once rife with scheming and strife, this workshop where everyone once plotted against each other for survival, was becoming warmer because of everyone's transformation. He knew this was just the beginning; more challenges lay ahead, but as long as he held fast to his original aspiration of "making a living through craftsmanship and treating people with sincerity," no difficulty was insurmountable.

That evening, Lin Chen opened the system panel, looking at the 48500 points and the new "Skill Copy" function, a determined smile appeared on his lips. He clicked the system prompt and copied Yi Zhonghai's basic fitter skills and Yan Bugui's arithmetic calculation skills, turning them into teaching materials for the training course. Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the four neat characters "Inheritance of Craftsmanship," and also illuminating the blueprint in Lin Chen's heart—he wanted to enable more young people like Liu Guangtian to change their destiny through technology, filling this era with craftsmanship and warmth.