Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Wei Chen looked at the young man in front of him, who was probably a year or two younger than him and whose eyes were full of longing for city life, and felt no particular emotion.

That's just how society is—resource exchange and personal networks. As long as Xu Xiangqian isn't the kind of person who cheats or shirks his duties, and he works hard at the factory, he'll be happy to see it happen. After all, the essential purpose of this opportunity has already been achieved—helping his cousin's family.

"Brother Xiangqian, you flatter me. We're comrades in the revolution, learning from each other," Wei Chen said politely, then got to the point, "Have you brought all the necessary paperwork? Director Xu should have it all ready, right?"

"I've got everything, I've got everything!" Wei Changshuan hurriedly pulled out a small cloth bag from his pocket, which contained Xu Xiangqian's household registration transfer certificate, commune introduction letter, medical examination form and other materials, as well as the original "quota certificate" for the steel mill's reward quota that Wei Chen had given him.

Xu Zhiguo added, "Comrade Wei Chen, don't worry, all of Xiang Qian's materials are complete, and his political background check is fine. He comes from a poor peasant family, has a high school education, and has performed well in the commune. Do you think it would be convenient to take him to complete the onboarding procedures now? The sooner it's settled, the more at ease everyone will be."

"Alright, Director Xu, Uncle Wei, please wait a moment. I'll take Brother Xiangqian to the Political Work Section to complete the formalities." Wei Chen took the documents and said to Xu Xiangqian, "Xiangqian, come with me."

"Okay!" Xu Xiangqian replied excitedly, greeted his uncle and Wei Changshuan, and followed closely behind Wei Chen.

Upon arriving at the Political Work Section again, Officer Wang noticed that Wei Chen had brought another unfamiliar young man, whose appearance and demeanor suggested he wasn't from the countryside, giving him a general idea of ​​what was going on. After Wei Chen briefly explained the situation and handed over the materials, Officer Wang carefully reviewed them, paying particular attention to the document stamped with the bright red seals of the steel rolling mill and the Ministry of Industry. He also glanced at Xu Xiangqian's materials and nodded in approval.

"The materials are complete and meet the requirements," Officer Wang said in a businesslike manner, but his attitude was less casual and more formally polite than when he spoke to Wei Feng last time. "Comrade Xu Xiangqian, right? High school education, not bad. According to the requirements, you can start working. Which workshop or department would you like to go to? Any ideas?" He was mainly asking Wei Chen, since Wei Chen was the one who brought him.

Wei Chen looked at Xu Xiangqian: "Xiangqian, what are your own thoughts? You can learn technical skills in the workshop, while logistics or other departments are relatively easier."

Xu Xiangqian had clearly been instructed by his uncle before he arrived, and immediately straightened his back and said, "Reporting to the leader! I want to go to the workshop! To learn technology and contribute to the country! I am not afraid of hardship or fatigue!" Although he spoke loudly, his eyes clearly showed that he had no concept of what he would actually do in the workshop.

Officer Wang looked at Wei Chen, who nodded slightly: "Then I'll trouble Officer Wang to see which workshop has vacancies and make arrangements."

Officer Wang flipped through his notebook and said, "The Third Workshop is short-staffed recently. Comrade Xu Xiangqian, you can go to the Third Workshop. I'll write a note so you can go directly to Director Zhang of the Third Workshop."

After obtaining the receipts, labor protection supplies requisition form, and dormitory arrangement notice, Officer Wang filed the documents and said to Wei Chen, "Alright, the formalities are complete. Tell him to go directly to Workshop 3 and report to Director Zhang at 7:30 tomorrow morning. The factory will handle the household registration and grain ration records later."

"Thank you, Officer Wang." Wei Chen thanked him, took the note, and handed it to Xu Xiangqian.

Xu Xiangqian held the few sheets of paper, light yet incredibly heavy, his hands trembling slightly, his face beaming with barely suppressed elation. This was it? A permanent worker at the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill? Receiving government-subsidized grain rations? He felt like he was dreaming!

After leaving the political work section, Xu Xiangqian's attitude towards Wei Chen became even more respectful, even bordering on obsequious: "Brother Wei Chen, thank you so much! From now on, I'll listen to you in everything at the factory!"

Wei Chen waved his hand: "Once you're in the factory, you're all brothers-in-arms, and helping each other is only right. But the factory has its rules, and the workshop has its own regulations, which you must follow. When you get to the workshop, listen to the foreman and the master craftsmen, observe, learn, and do more, and talk less. Get along well with your coworkers. Don't be late for reporting tomorrow; first impressions are very important."

"Yes, yes, yes! I've got it! I'll definitely listen to the leader and my mentor!" Xu Xiangqian nodded vigorously.

Back at the factory gate, Wei Changshuan and Xu Zhiguo were anxiously waiting. Seeing the two of them come out, especially Xu Xiangqian holding the documents in his hand and his barely suppressed excitement, the two of them breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that things had gone smoothly.

"Is it all done?" Xu Zhiguo stepped forward and asked with concern.

"It's all taken care of. Officer Wang wrote a note and assigned me to Workshop 3. I'll report for duty tomorrow morning," Wei Chen said simply, handing the note to Xu Xiangqian and keeping it safe for himself.

"That's great! That's great!" Wei Changshuan's eyes were red with excitement as he tightly grasped Wei Chen's hand. "Chenzi, this time it's really... really all thanks to you! Zhenzhen and Qiangzi, they're finally settled! This is a major event in their lives!" He didn't know how to express his gratitude.

Xu Zhiguo, also beaming, patted his nephew's shoulder forcefully, then said to Wei Chen, "Comrade Wei Chen, thank you so much for your help this time! Look, it's almost lunchtime. Let's go to Donglaishun together for some hot pot, partly to celebrate, and partly so that Lao Wei and I can express our gratitude!" He put it well, adopting a very humble attitude.

Wei Chen smiled and politely declined, "Director Xu, you're too kind. Uncle Wei is like family to me, so it's only right that I help him out. You and Uncle Wei are old colleagues and have a long-standing relationship, so it's only natural that you help each other out. I won't have the meal; I have things to do at the factory, and I need to go back to work. We'll both be in Beijing from now on, and Brother Xiangqian is also at the factory, so we'll have plenty of opportunities to meet."

His words were perfectly worded, showing both closeness and flattery towards Xu Zhiguo, while also hinting at future interactions. However, he resolutely refused to go to the dinner. Firstly, he disliked such social engagements; secondly, he didn't want to owe Xu Zhiguo, a clear veteran of officialdom, a favor; and thirdly, he wanted to avoid Wei Changshuan incurring expenses.

Seeing his resolute attitude, Xu Zhiguo didn't press the matter. After all, the main objective had been achieved, and Wei Chen had given him ample face in his words. He smiled and said, "Alright then, Comrade Wei Chen is busy with work, so we won't bother you any longer. In the future, we'll need your guidance when Xiang Qian is at the factory. Old Wei, shall we head back now? Let Xiang Qian settle in as soon as possible."

Wei Changshuan thanked Wei Chen profusely and expressed his gratitude repeatedly before leaving with Xu Zhiguo and Xu Xiangqian. Before leaving, Xu Xiangqian turned back and waved vigorously at Wei Chen, his face filled with undisguised excitement and anticipation for the future.

Watching the three figures disappear into the distance, Wei Chen breathed a soft sigh of relief. This matter was finally resolved satisfactorily. His cousin and brother-in-law had received the ideal arrangement—both had secured stable jobs locally, their family was reunited, and their livelihood was guaranteed.

Wei Changshuan finally felt relieved of his biggest worry. Xu Zhiguo had secured a future for his nephew, and he himself had finally repaid his cousin for the kindness she had shown him in his time of need. Although the precious Beijing residency permit ultimately didn't benefit his own family, seeing that Zhenzhen's family could enjoy a stable and happy life because of it made it all worthwhile for him.

As for Xu Xiangqian… Wei Chen shook his head. He hoped that this young man, who got in through his uncle's connections, would cherish this opportunity and work hard in the factory. Otherwise, in this large factory with thousands of employees and hidden talents, connections alone, without real skills and good character, might not guarantee a long career.

When Wei Chen returned to the courtyard house after get off work, his mother, Wang Xiulan, had already prepared dinner: simple cornmeal porridge, cornbread, and a small dish of stir-fried potato shreds. Seeing Wei Chen come home, she served him the food while asking, "How was your day? Busy at the factory?"

Wei Chen washed his hands, sat down at the table, took the chopsticks handed to him by his younger sister Wei Ran, and said, "It's alright. By the way, Mom, the matter with Zhenzhen's family is settled."

"It's done?" Wang Xiulan paused, looking at her son with surprise. "Really? Two jobs?"

"Hmm." Wei Chen nodded and briefly recounted how Wei Changshuan and Xu Zhiguo had brought people to see him today, and how the job swap and Xu Xiangqian's replacement of the quota for entering the factory had happened. "...That's how it is. Sister Zhenzhen went to the commune's supply and marketing cooperative as a saleswoman, and Brother Qiangzi took over his father's job at the grain station. Both of them stayed in the local area and are permanent employees."

"Oh! This is wonderful!" Wang Xiulan exclaimed excitedly, wiping her hands on her apron repeatedly, her face beaming with relief. "Zhenzhen, you've finally made it through! Both of you have jobs, permanent ones, with guaranteed food rations. Now there's hope for the future! You don't have to be apart, and you can take care of the elderly and children. This is better than anything!" She was genuinely happy for her niece, her eyes even a little moist. "Your Uncle Wei has finally accomplished something great! And that Director Xu is quite capable too!"

"Yes, Uncle Wei really put in a lot of effort, and that Director Xu does have some connections." Wei Chen picked up a piece of shredded potato with his chopsticks. "This arrangement is indeed the best outcome. I can rest assured that Sister Zhenzhen and Brother Qiangzi can live a peaceful life."

"That's right!" Wang Xiulan exclaimed with emotion. "When our family was going through tough times, Zhenzhen helped us a lot. Now that she's doing well, I'm so happy for her! Chen'er, you did the right thing, you did a great job!" She looked at her son, her eyes filled with pride and love. Not only had her son become successful, but he also remembered old friendships, helped out relatives, and acted with integrity and responsibility. As his mother, she felt sweeter than if she had drunk honey.

Although Wei Ran didn't quite understand what had happened, she knew from her mother and brother that something great had happened to Zhenzhen's family, and she smiled sweetly to the side.

A warm and content atmosphere filled the small dining table. Outside the window, lights gradually came on in each household of the courtyard house, accompanied by the sounds of pots and pans clattering and the faint whispers of conversation. This ordinary, everyday life is perhaps the best gift life can offer.

Wei Chen slowly sipped his porridge, his heart at peace. Helping those who deserve help, protecting his family, and steadily navigating this turbulent era—that was enough.