Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

"Brother, today's the last day, probably not much work left, right?" Wei Feng exhaled a puff of white breath, a relaxed smile on his face. After working at the factory for a week, although it was all basic odd jobs, he had begun to adapt to the pace and experienced the sense of security of being a worker. More importantly, he received his New Year's gifts and wages yesterday, and with money in his pocket, he felt quite confident.

"Yes, the main tasks for each department and workshop are finishing up, taking inventory of tools, conducting safety checks, and writing summaries." Wei Chen nodded. "Your workshop is probably the same; just maintain the machine tools and do some cleaning, and that should be about it. You should be able to leave early this afternoon."

"That's great!" Wei Feng said happily, "It'll allow us to go back earlier." He meant going back to his hometown in the countryside for the Chinese New Year.

Yesterday, after receiving his welfare benefits, Wei Chen told him that he would leave work early this afternoon and take him to the station so that he could take some New Year's goods back to his grandparents, uncles, and other relatives to share and have a good New Year together.

This was Wei Feng's first time returning home since he started working in the city, making it a very significant occasion.

The two brothers chatted as they rode their bikes to the factory. Just as Wei Chen had predicted, the atmosphere in the factory was unusually relaxed today. Most of the machines had stopped, and the workshop was quieter than usual, filled with the sounds of workers greeting each other and laughing. Everyone had the joy of an upcoming holiday on their faces, and they were working at a leisurely pace.

Wei Chen went to the security department to roll call, and then, as usual, went to the office next to the armory. Master Li Zhijun was already there, holding a large teacup and slowly blowing on the tea leaves floating on the water.

"You're here?" Li Zhijun glanced at Wei Chen, then lowered his head to take a sip of hot tea. "Nothing much to do today. Just do a final inventory of the warehouse, check the registers, lock the doors and windows, and seal them. That'll be all done. Once that's done, we'll linger here until noon, have lunch at the canteen, and then go home in the afternoon."

"Alright, Uncle Li." Wei Chen replied with a smile. He knew Li Zhijun's temperament; he was meticulous at work, but not the rigid type. He was never tense when he needed to relax. It was the last day before the New Year, and there really wasn't anything urgent.

The two men first went to the armory, carefully counting the firearms and ammunition in stock to confirm that the quantities were correct and the equipment was in good condition. They then inspected every corner of the armory to ensure there were no security risks. Finally, Li Zhijun personally locked the heavy iron door and affixed a seal bearing the official seal of the Security Department.

"Alright, that's all set before the New Year." Li Zhijun clapped his hands, as if he had accomplished a great task. "Come on, let's go back inside and have some tea. I brought some Gao Mo (a type of Chinese tea), it's not as good as yours, but it'll do."

Back in the office, the kettle on the stove was bubbling away. Li Zhijun took out a crumpled paper packet, pinched off a small amount of tea leaves, and put them into two enamel mugs printed with the words "Labor is Glorious," then poured in boiling water. Instantly, a slightly bitter aroma of tea filled the air.

"Master, please try this." Wei Chen took out a small tin can from his drawer, opened it, and inside were dark green tea leaves with tightly rolled leaves, clearly not ordinary. He had taken these from his game world warehouse; they were of excellent quality, and he had brought some with him today.

"Wow, this is good stuff!" Li Zhijun's eyes lit up. Without any hesitation, he took the tin can and smelled it. "Fragrant! Authentic roasted green tea! You've got a lot of good stuff, kid." He carefully pinched off a small pinch, put it into his own container, and rinsed it again. The tea leaves unfurled in the water, the liquor was clear, and the aroma was irresistible.

"It was a gift from a friend. It's just a little bit; I usually can't bear to drink it, but today it's the New Year, so I'm giving it to Uncle Li as a token of my respect," Wei Chen said with a smile.

He then handed a paper package of tea, weighing over half a pound, to Li Zhijun: "Uncle Li, I know you don't lack anything, please take this half pound of tea! Consider it my early New Year's greeting!"

"You've got a conscience, kid." Li Zhijun took a satisfying sip, not bothering to be polite with Wei Chen, and readily handed over his teacup. He squinted his eyes to savor the taste, "Mmm, this is the taste! So satisfying!" He put down his teacup, looked at Wei Chen, and his tone became casual, "How's it going? Is everything prepared for the New Year at home? Yesterday, seeing all the stuff you brought back, it made quite a few people envious."

Wei Chen took a sip of tea, his expression calm: "It's alright, the factory is taking care of me. There are only three people in my family, so we can't eat that much. I mainly want to bring some back to my hometown; things are even harder there."

Li Zhijun nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Hmm, not forgetting your roots, that's good. Your cousin, Wei Feng, right? How's he doing in Workshop Two? He hasn't let you down, has he?"

"According to Director Liu and Master Li, he's alright, hardworking, and obedient, but his foundation is weak, so he needs to learn slowly," Wei Chen answered truthfully.

"As long as he's willing to work and listens, that's fine! For us working class, the most important thing is to be down-to-earth!" Li Zhijun waved his hand. "Skills can be learned, and it's okay if he's a little slow-witted. What's scary is being lazy, cheating, and having high aspirations but low abilities. I think that kid is an honest person. If he works hard, he won't go wrong."

The two men drank tea and chatted casually. They talked about factory matters, recent rumors, and their plans for the New Year. Li Zhijun, unusually, didn't put on airs and chatted with Wei Chen like an ordinary elder. The fire crackled, the tea aroma wafted, and time flowed slowly in the relaxed atmosphere.

It was almost noon when the cafeteria's opening bell rang in the distance. The two locked their office door and strolled towards the cafeteria. The cafeteria was busier than usual today, with a relaxed atmosphere prevalent before the holiday.

Although the meals were still the same three dishes—cabbage stew with vermicelli, radish soup, and steamed buns made from mixed flour—the chef seemed to be in a good mood since it's a holiday starting tomorrow, and there seemed to be a little more oil in the dishes.

After getting his food, Li Zhijun found a corner to sit down. He took a bite of his steamed bun and mumbled, "I don't think there'll be anything much to do this afternoon. After you finish eating, go find your brother in Workshop Two and head back early. The roads are slippery, be careful riding your bike."

"Okay, Uncle Li. You should go back early too; Aunt Li is definitely waiting for you to buy New Year's goods," Wei Chen replied.

"Her? What could she possibly buy? She's just relying on the little stuff the factory gives out." Li Zhijun shook his head, but a smile played on his lips. "But thanks to you this year, there's a bit more meat. We can have a good New Year. My two boys have been craving meat for ages."

After finishing their meal, the master and apprentice parted ways. Wei Chen went straight to Workshop Two. There were hardly any people left in the workshop; the machines were all covered with tarpaulins, and the floor was spotless. Wei Feng and several apprentices were doing a final check and putting away of the tools under the guidance of their master, Li Dahai.

"Master, Wei Chen is here." Wei Feng's eyes lit up when he saw his younger brother, and he said to Li Dahai.

Li Dahai was inspecting the maintenance of a lathe with his hands behind his back when he heard this. He turned around, saw Wei Chen, and nodded: "Here to pick up your brother? Almost done. Finish this work and you can leave."

"Thank you, Master Li," Wei Chen said politely.

"No need to thank me, it's just my job." Li Dahai waved his hand, then said to Wei Feng, "Alright, let them handle the rest. You pack up and go. When you get back, give my regards to the elders at home, and tell them to eat well for the New Year. When you come back after the New Year, study hard and don't be lazy!"

"Yes, Master! I've got it!" Wei Feng replied loudly, his face showing genuine respect.

After saying goodbye to Li Dahai, the two brothers pushed their bicycles out of the factory gate. The afternoon sun, unusually bright, pierced through the clouds, casting a warm glow. Many workers were already carrying large and small bags, happily heading home. Their annual leave had begun.

Back in the courtyard house, in the east wing, Wang Xiulan had already prepared the things she wanted to take back to Wei Feng's hometown. There were quite a few things, packed in a slightly worn but clean burlap sack, bulging with moisture.

"Fengzi, come here." Wang Xiulan opened the sack and pointed out each item to Wei Feng. "This is five jin of wheat flour, issued by the factory, refined wheat flour, to be kept for Grandpa and Grandma to make dumplings. This is twenty jin of cornmeal, to be mixed in, it'll keep you full. This is two jin of pork, lots of fat, good for rendering lard or stir-frying. And this..." She took out a large package wrapped tightly in oil paper, carefully opened a corner, revealing dark red, clearly textured meat inside. "This is ten jin of yellow sheep meat, your Chenzi brought it back from Inner Mongolia, it's been air-dried, it keeps well. It's delicious in soups or stir-fries, to nourish Grandpa and Grandma, and also to share with your eldest and third uncles."

Wei Feng's eyes stung as he looked at the huge pile of stuff. Five jin of wheat flour! Twenty jin of cornmeal! And so much meat! Back in his hometown, this was something he could only dream of! In previous years, it was a treat to be able to eat a cornbread mixed with wheat flour for the New Year, and meat was an even rarer commodity. At most, they would buy two ounces of fatty meat to render into lard, and the cracklings were considered a treat.

"Auntie...this...this is too much...you, Chenzi, and Ranran should keep it for yourselves..." Wei Feng rubbed his hands, so moved he didn't know what to say.

"Take it!" Without further ado, Wang Xiulan rewrapped the items, stuffed them into a burlap sack, and carefully tied them securely with rope. "We have more at home, we don't need these. This is your first time working away from home for the New Year, what would it look like if you didn't bring anything?"

"Let your grandparents, and your uncles and aunts see that you've made something of yourself in the city and can help support the family! Let our Wei family have a good, prosperous New Year!" She spoke with unwavering resolve, but tears welled in her eyes. She wasn't just preparing for Wei Feng; she also wanted to tell her relatives back home that she and her two children were doing well in the city and hadn't brought shame to the Wei family!

Wei Chen patted his cousin on the shoulder: "Feng, don't refuse. If Mom tells you to take it, just take it. I'll take care of things at home, you won't go hungry. When you get back, please wish Grandpa and Grandma, Uncle and Third Uncle a Happy New Year for me. Be careful on the road, the bundle is heavy, drive slowly."

"Okay! I understand!" Wei Feng nodded emphatically, keeping this weighty sentiment and entrustment firmly in his heart. He carefully tested the weight of the sack; it was heavy, but it made him feel more at ease and warmer.

Wei Chen pushed out his bicycle and placed the sack in the basket on the side. Wei Feng jumped onto the back seat, and the two brothers, watched by Wang Xiulan and their younger sister Wei Ran, left the courtyard and rode towards the long-distance bus station.