Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

"I heard your trade market is going to hold a large-scale trade fair soon?" Xiao Yao suddenly looked up.

"Yeah! Several major state-owned factories are all here, showing off their new machines and products. It's quite a spectacle—what does this have to do with us?" Han Chunming was taken aback.

"You receive purchasing agents, technicians, and inspection teams from all over the country every day. How can you manage by just borrowing temporary places? A guesthouse needs to be built. You may have difficulty arranging positions for chefs, receptionists, room service staff, kitchen apprentices, etc., but surely you can manage these frontline positions without being held back?" Xiao Yao said confidently.

Han Chunming slapped his forehead, hooked his elbow around Xiao Yao's neck, and laughed so hard he almost fell over: "Great! I knew I wasn't wrong about you, you're reliable!"

……

Han Chunming's heart warmed; this method was a lifesaver. But upon further reflection, his spirits immediately sank – the "urban household registration" requirement alone was enough to give him a hard time.

"Xiao Yao, you can't get past the household registration hurdle." He frowned, his voice dropping eight octaves.

"You pick a few people, submit the quota to the leader in charge of job placement at the labor bureau, and they'll naturally find a way," Xiao Yao patted his shoulder, his tone relaxed. "Relatives might not really care about this job, but there are plenty of people lining up for work outside! If you don't bring a little something as a token of your appreciation, why would they care? On the other hand, if you're offering a real position, why worry about not finding someone to handle it smoothly for you?"

"I knew it! No matter how big the hole is, you can patch it up perfectly!" Han Chunming laughed loudly, wrinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes.

He had just left happily when Su Man leaned in close behind: "My mom's inviting you over for dinner tomorrow. She's already seen your admission notice and kept praising you for being steady and promising."

Xiao Yao nodded, but her gaze swept over Su Meng, who was looking down, fiddling with the rice in her bowl with her chopsticks, her expression sullen. She knew in her heart that the gap between herself and Han Chunming was widening day by day—even after graduation, she probably wouldn't be able to catch up with him.

"Brother... could it be that Chunming... has changed his mind?" Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum.

In the past few days, matchmakers have been knocking down the threshold of the Han family's house, with many young women asking around about him. Grandma Su, out of consideration for her family, has not yet sent anyone to propose marriage; Han Chunming, on the other hand, is focused on his studies and work, assuming that Su Meng is currently focused on her studies and that the marriage is temporarily put on hold, and has not yet brought it up.

"Let's get engaged first." Xiao Yao placed a piece of meat in her bowl. "Chunming isn't that kind of person. Even after getting engaged, he'll still focus on his studies. Who can stop him?"

"But he didn't ask anyone to come and mention it... My grandma is too ashamed to do it." Su Meng twisted the hem of her clothes with her fingers, her voice filled with grievance.

"I'll talk to him in person tomorrow, and he'll definitely be happy. Just don't make excuses or try to back out then," Xiao Yao replied with a smile.

As soon as Su Meng returned home, Cheng Jianjun entered the Su family compound with his teacher's college admission notice in hand, and the food on the table was still steaming.

"Grandma, Uncle, and Auntie, hello! I've also been admitted to the Normal University! My dad said that both families should have a banquet together to celebrate!" Cheng Jianjun's face lit up.

The room was so quiet that the only sound was the soft clinking of chopsticks against the rim of the bowl.

"Jianjun... he passed the exam? That's great, that's great. We'll discuss the graduation banquet later." Su's father glossed over the matter.

Grandma Su didn't even lift her eyelids, put down her chopsticks and said, "The rice jar at home is empty, so you're not coming out." Her words were a clear order to leave.

Cheng Jianjun's smile froze on his face, and he silently turned and left.

At this moment, the Su family was discussing Han Chunming's marriage proposal the next day. Han Chunming had grown up under their noses since childhood, was of good character and good looks, and now he was traveling in a jeep. His future was limitless. Who would want to listen to Cheng Jianjun's rambling?

"In my opinion, we can just go through the motions. We can have a meal together and settle things. Su Meng still has several years before graduation, so we can have the wedding then," Su's mother said with a smile.

The family chatted more and more happily, and Su Meng blushed so much that her ears turned bright red. She buried her head even lower, almost as if she were trying to hide in her rice bowl.

When Han Chunming returned home, he considered who he could accommodate: Meng Xiaoxing, his aunt's youngest daughter, and Xiaozao, who was still too young—just two people, no big deal. But to his surprise, his aunts immediately presented a list of five people! He gritted his teeth, counted three times, and finally nodded.

As soon as the two families left, Han Chunyan immediately grabbed her younger brother: "Wu Zi, you better watch yourself! Your future isn't like toilet paper that you can crumple up and then smooth out again. Helping relatives is fine, but you can't use your own path as a stepping stone."

"Don't worry, Second Sister, I know what I'm doing." Han Chunming grinned. "I've even saved you a cushy job—a trade market supervisor position, which is much easier than what you have in the factory."

Han's mother looked at her son with a complicated expression, and after a long while she finally spoke: "Wu Zi, it's my fault for dragging you down... but you need to know where the line is and where the hurdle is."

"Mom, don't worry. Xiao Yao gave me some advice, so I dared to agree on this." Han Chunming smiled confidently, his eyebrows revealing a strong determination.

Upon hearing that it was Xiao Yao's idea, Han Chunxue immediately felt relieved. Over the years, Han Chunming had been able to establish himself and make a name for himself, thanks in no small part to Xiao Yao's quiet help and suggestions. The two had discussed this matter in private many times before, to the point that it had become tiresome.

But they were also puzzled—with Xiao Yao's brains and skills, why didn't he take matters into his own hands? But after thinking about it, his tendency to quit suddenly and act like a carefree hermit made it all make sense.

"Then, Wu Zi, did your second brother go to the trade market with proper procedures?" Han Chunyan asked, frowning.

"Second sister, the transfer order will be in your hands tomorrow or the day after! From now on, you can leave home on time for get off work, and it'll be just around the corner." Han Chunming said fluently, gesturing with his hands.

"Wu Zi, can your older brother and sister's jobs be moved over here too?" Han's mother asked tentatively.

"For now, let's stabilize Xing and the others' situation first, and then we'll talk about it again once things have settled down." Han Chunming waved his hand, his tone calm but leaving no room for doubt.

Carrying two boxes of pastries and a bottle of wine, Han Chunming walked towards the Nine Gates Admiral's residence in the morning light. It had been a whole month since he last visited.

"Oh, this admiral has made a fortune by being a grandson, and has forgotten about his master!" Old Guan sat cross-legged on the kang, holding a walnut in his hand, without even lifting his eyelids.

"How could I dare! I'm so busy every day, I'm practically spinning like a top." Han Chunming grinned and leaned forward to adjust the old man's pillow.

"Stop being so glib, tell me, what are you after this time?" The Nine Gates Admiral finally raised his eyes, his gaze carrying three parts mockery and seven parts understanding.

"I just came to keep you company—but I actually found you a job: guarding the gate at the trade market. It's easy, you won't be exposed to the wind or rain, and we can see each other every day, with hot soup and meals. It's very reassuring," Han Chunming said lightly.

"What about the treatment? Don't try to fool this admiral with sweet talk."

"To tell you the truth—working with Old Li, I get eighteen yuan a month; I pay out of my own pocket, half a jin of 'Jingxi No. 1' cigarettes every day, one yuan and ten cents a jin, very mellow!" Han Chunming took out his cigarette case, shook out a cigarette and handed it over.

"Alright, for your sincerity, I'll give you face." The Nine Gates Admiral snorted, but reached out and took the cigarette.

Han Chunming hummed a tune that was out of tune and walked briskly out of the Guan family's courtyard.

Inside the room, Old Guan watched the lingering ripples of the swaying curtain and nodded silently—this apprentice has a strong backbone, a loyal heart, and has not forgotten his roots even after soaring high.

The next morning, as soon as Han Chunming opened the courtyard gate, he saw Xiao Yao leaning against the door frame, his coat collar turned up, like a tall poplar tree, clearly waiting for someone.

"So early? Didn't you finish your exams?" Han Chunming laughed and punched him lightly.

"I have important business to attend to." Xiao Yao straightened up, his voice not loud, but carrying weight.

"speak."

"About you and Su Meng—after you left yesterday, she asked me if you would ever change your mind." Xiao Yao stared into his eyes. "I advised them to get engaged first. You can focus on your work, and she can focus on her studies. Both families will feel at ease."

"I...I'm afraid it won't be easy to bring this up with Grandma Su." Han Chunming scratched the back of his neck, feeling a little embarrassed.

"I've already told Su Meng that. You wait for news at work at noon, I'll go and sound her out." Xiao Yao turned to leave, then paused, "If you trust me, don't overthink it."

"Alright! I'll wait for your good news, buddy. I'm off!" Han Chunming straightened his collar and strode out of the yard.

……

Upon receiving his son's letter, Xiao Zhiyuan immediately reported to the army and, along with Lin Wan and his youngest son Xiao Yun, rushed to Kyoto. His son's acceptance into university was a momentous occasion, and he wanted to personally celebrate with him.

The Xiao family of four spent five days exploring Beijing, as lively as if it were Chinese New Year. After strolling around the Peking University campus, they pointed to a teaching building and said, "This is where your brother will study in the future." They took their youngest son to squeeze into Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony, standing on tiptoe to catch a glimpse of the national flag rising. They climbed the Great Wall at Badaling, pointing to the winding city wall and laughing, "Even the cracks in these bricks have stories to tell." They went into the Forbidden City, listening to the tour guide talk about the roof beasts of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Xiao Yun squatted on the ground counting the small beasts on the glazed tiles, forgetting the beginning after counting to the seventh one. They even forced themselves to eat a Western meal, but in the end, the whole family shook their heads and said, "Our stewed ribs are still the most delicious, and they're so satisfying when eaten with rice and dipped in sauce."

Once Xiao Yun arrived in Kyoto, he was completely free. Without the burden of schoolwork, he spent his days chasing after candied hawthorns and his nights snuggling in bed eating snacks. Apart from studying for three hours every night without fail, he spent the rest of his time "eating, shopping, lying down, and laughing".

When Xiao Yao heard that his parents were leaving, his heart felt a sudden, empty ache, as if something had clenched it. Although it was a father-son relationship arranged by the system, over the past few months, he had etched those two rough yet warm hands, the bowl they used to serve him food at every meal, and the way they would quietly tuck him in late at night into his very bones. As soon as the letter arrived, they came without even taking enough leave, carrying their saved-up family visit tickets.

"You're leaving already?" His throat tightened slightly.

While folding clothes, Lin Wan replied, "The military is pressing us hard, so getting this leave wasn't easy. Your brother has a mountain of homework, and if he doesn't go back soon, he'll really get a scolding—Mom will definitely come earlier next time!" She raised her hand and gently stroked his temple.