Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 102 Deep Water Bay: A Spirit Banquet and New Year's Eve Vigil

The Qiankun Dingshi Plate does not record years. Lin Yan was completely immersed in the mysterious world of weapon crafting until he had thoroughly mastered all the key points of the first and second stages. When he emerged from seclusion with satisfaction, his mind stirred slightly, and he sensed the time outside. He then realized that it was February 4, 1959 in the Gregorian calendar, the 2th day of the twelfth lunar month. In a few days, it would be New Year's Eve.

While the space was pleasant, it lacked the warmth and vibrancy of everyday life. On a whim, Lin Yan decided to take Lin Gang and Wang Yuling to experience the festive atmosphere of Hong Kong Island. He changed into the everyday clothes that were the "Flowing Clouds" robes, and led his two butlers into the bustling crowds on the street.

The streets were already brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. The air was filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and grilled squid, mingled with the fragrance of daffodils and peach blossoms from the flower stalls. The market was bustling with people, the sounds of vendors calling out their wares, bargaining, and children's laughter rising and falling, creating a lively and joyful festive atmosphere.

Lin Yan arrived at "Arthur King Tailor Shop" in Central again. Pushing open the door, the wind chimes tinkled, and the shop was still filled with the scent of high-end textiles and cedar wood.

Master Wang was cutting and trimming when he heard the sound. He looked up and his gaze behind his gold-rimmed glasses fell on Lin Yan. At first, a hint of doubt flashed across his face, but then he seemed to recognize something! He put down his scissors, strode over, and looked Lin Yan up and down.

"Young Master Lin! It's you!..." Master Wang excitedly circled Lin Yan, his finger unconsciously gesturing in the air to indicate his name. "It hasn't been that long since we last met, sir, you seem... even more upright?"

Lin Yan smiled slightly, naturally understanding that this was a subtle change brought about by the minor success of body refinement and the improvement of cultivation; his figure had indeed grown a little taller. He said calmly, "Master Wang has a good eye. I've been training occasionally lately, so there may be slight changes. That's why I've come today to trouble you to take my measurements again and make me new clothes."

"No trouble at all! No trouble at all! It's my greatest honor to serve Young Master Lin!" Master Wang waved his hands repeatedly, his face beaming with joy, his eyes filled with excitement at seeing the "perfect material" evolve once again. "Please wait a moment, I'll get the measuring tape right away! It must be measured again, not a single detail can be overlooked!"

He quickly retrieved his tools, his expression becoming incredibly focused, and the soft ruler, as if it had come to life, carefully traversed Lin Yan's body.

"Height... 188 centimeters! Sure enough!" Master Wang pulled out the previous record, "Last time it was 187!" His tone was full of envy.

Lin Yan simply stood calmly, letting the old tailor, brimming with creative passion, meticulously take his measurements. He was fully aware of the changes in himself, but seeing someone so excited and professional about it was quite amusing.

After taking the measurements, Master Wang held up his notebook, a broad smile on his face: "Mr. Lin, rest assured, I have memorized your new data! Twelve suits and ten overcoats will be made to perfectly match your height!"

"Twelve suits and ten overcoats, still covering various fabrics and occasions." After Lin Yan finished speaking, he turned to Lin Gang and Wang Yuling behind him, "In addition, please ask the tailor to take their measurements and make twelve sets of everyday clothes for each of them for all four seasons. They can choose the styles and fabrics that suit them."

Only then did Master Wang notice the two distinguished and taciturn attendants behind Lin Yan. Although they weren't as striking as Lin Yan, they possessed their own unique air of refinement. He readily agreed.

Lin Gang and Wang Yuling were led to the fabric shop. The shop assistant respectfully inquired about their preferences. Lin Gang's fingers brushed over a thick piece of British wool, while Wang Yuling took a second look at a piece of warm-colored Suzhou and Hangzhou silk. The young master had personally brought them here to have new clothes made and even let them choose for themselves... This feeling of being treated like true "family" made them feel very warm.

After the measurements were taken, Lin Gang stepped forward, ready to pay the deposit as usual. Lin Yan looked at the stack of measurements written down by Master Wang, then suddenly remembered something and said to Lin Gang and Lin Yan, "Please wait here for a moment, I'll be right back."

He turned and went out, quickly walking into a nearby deserted alley. A moment later, he emerged carrying a fluffy, round, snow-white puppy—it was Xiao Qi, who had been forcibly pulled from the spatial dimension and transformed. Xiao Qi squirmed unhappily in his arms, making whimpering sounds, but Lin Yan ruthlessly suppressed them.

Upon returning to the tailor shop, Master Wang and the shop assistants all looked curiously at the exceptionally clever little dog in his arms.

"Master Wang," Lin Yan said with a smile, lifting the lifeless-looking Xiao Qi in front of him. "Please take its size again and make several sets of clothes for the New Year using the most festive bright red fabric. They should have frog buttons for good luck."

Master Wang was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, his wrinkles crinkling into a flower shape: "Oh my! Mr. Lin, you're truly a wonderful person! I've been making clothes for decades, for dignitaries and foreigners, but this is the first time I've ever made new clothes for such a handsome little dog! Very well! I'll take the job, I guarantee it will be both smart and festive!"

Xiao Qi struggled to jump down, went to Master Wang's feet, gently and affectionately rubbed its fluffy little head against his trouser leg, and even let out a soft "woof," wagging its tail like a propeller.

This completely melted Master Wang's heart. He squatted down and patted Xiao Qi's head: "Oh my, you're so clever! So sensible! Don't worry, Grandpa will definitely make you the prettiest little clothes!"

Once outside the tailor shop, the group truly began their "shopping spree." Lin Yan was in high spirits, and whenever she saw any novel or interesting New Year's goods, food, or trinkets that she liked, she would signal Lin Gang to pay for them. Poor Lin Gang and Wang Yuling, their hands were soon filled with large and small bags.

In stark contrast to Lin Yan's leisurely shopping, Lin Yi and Lin Er were in a state of utter chaos.

As the year draws to a close, all businesses under the Lin Group have entered the final sprint and settlement phase. Stores are packed with customers, sales are soaring, and security is under immense pressure, operating at near-capacity. Even Master Ip Man and Master Yang, who are usually responsible for training and internal security, have been temporarily called upon to lead a team of skilled security personnel to provide support at key stores.

Lin Yi and Lin Er were extremely busy. They not only had to represent Lin Yan and the Lin Group to deliver carefully prepared New Year's gifts to important business partners and Hong Kong government officials, and personally visit them to maintain relationships, but they also had to oversee the overall situation, handle massive year-end reports, settle various costs and profits, and calculate the year-end bonuses and generous New Year's gifts for all employees. With countless tasks, constant phone calls, and mountains of documents, they were practically working non-stop.

This chaotic situation didn't begin to get a little sorted out until February 6th, the 2th day of the twelfth lunar month.

On New Year's Eve, the Deep Water Bay villa was quiet and peaceful. Lin Yan leaned back leisurely on the sofa, sipping spiritual tea and gazing at the sea view outside the window. Beside him, the telephone rang incessantly. Lin Yi and Lin Er were conducting final instructions and confirmations through multiple lines, speaking rapidly, with thick documents spread out in front of them.

Seeing how busy the two of them were, Lin Yan couldn't help but secretly rejoice that he had made the decisive choice to stay behind the scenes and hand over all the specific business affairs to the puppet clone.

This scene is so similar to the days in his previous life when he was working day and night at an investment bank on Wall Street in the United States to strive for year-end performance targets!

"Sigh," Lin Yan gently blew away the tea froth, took a satisfying sip, and sighed deeply, "I finally managed to cultivate immortality in this lifetime, and now that I'm a capitalist, of course I have to be a leisurely... salted fish capitalist!"

The thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.

Deep Water Bay is enveloped in a faint spiritual aura tonight. The villa is decorated festively inside and out, and upon closer inspection, the paper-cut window decorations faintly glow, while the lanterns under the eaves burn with gentle spiritual light, not ordinary fire.

As evening approached, Lin San, covered in dust, arrived on time.

"Young Master, Lin San has returned to report." He bowed respectfully to Lin Yan, his breath slightly ragged, but his eyes bright.

"You're back just in time; the banquet is ready." Lin Yan smiled and nodded. "Go change your clothes. Tonight's wine is 'Hundred Fruit Brew,' you can't miss it."

"Yes!" Lin San's eyes flashed with anticipation as he quickly left.

Inside the restaurant, on the huge mahogany round table, there was a silver mandarin fish symbolizing "abundance year after year," a roasted spirit pig leg symbolizing "good fortune," and various vegetables that looked fresh and green. The soup was made by simmering jasmine rice with a variety of spirit fungi, and the dessert was spirit wheat cake made with purple cloud wheat flour, which had a soft texture and a slightly sweet aftertaste.

In the center of the table were several jade pots filled with the Hundred Fruit Spirit Wine that Lin Yan had personally brewed. The wine was amber in color and emitted an enticing fruity aroma and mellow fragrance that invigorated the spirit.

Lin Gang changed into a newly made dark blue long gown and silently placed a jar of strong Chiyang liquor sealed in mud next to his seat. Lin Yi and Lin Er were also seated. Xiao Qi, wearing its red mandarin jacket, squatted on a specially made high chair with a small plate in front of it containing a special appetizer of spirit beast jerky.

"Everyone's here, please take your seats." Lin Yan sat down in the main seat, his smile gentle. "As the old year draws to a close, let's drink to this cup together, and wish the Lin family a long and prosperous new year."

Everyone raised their cups, the aroma of the spiritual wine filling the air. A sip sent a gentle yet abundant surge of spiritual energy through their bodies, bringing a sense of comfort and instantly erasing Lin San's fatigue from the journey.

During the meal, Lin San briefly recounted his observations of the mainland, avoiding official business and only speaking of the wonders of the mountains and rivers. Lin Yi and Lin Er spoke of the workers' heartfelt joy when they received their year-end bonuses. Wang Yuling introduced the wonders of each spiritual dish. Lin Gang silently drank his wine; the fiery red liquor swelled in his stomach, and a rosy glow rose on his bronze face. Xiao Qi munched on dried meat, making satisfied whimpering sounds.

After several rounds of drinks, the banquet reached its climax.

Lin Yan put down his wine glass, his eyes flickering slightly, as if gazing into the far distance through the void. With a thought, he used that invisible spatial imprint to send a New Year's greeting to all the puppet leaders scattered across the globe and throughout the land:

Today is Lunar New Year's Eve, a night for family reunion. I am deeply saddened by your hard work. With this thought, I extend my New Year's greetings from afar, wishing you all good fortune, clear minds, and a peaceful and healthy Spring Festival.

Without elaborate words, just a simple greeting and recognition, it flowed like a warm stream, instantly crossing mountains and rivers to soothe the hearts of every loyal "ox and horse." No matter where they were or what they were doing, they could feel this care from the source and responded in their hearts or silently.

After doing all this, Lin Yan regained his composure, his smile widening. He took out a thick stack of red envelopes he had prepared beforehand.

"Here, have some New Year's red envelopes for good luck." He smiled and first handed the two largest red envelopes to Lin Gang and Wang Yuling. "Thank you for taking care of this family this year."

The two men were slightly taken aback, then their eyes showed "gratitude," and they respectfully accepted the gift with both hands: "Thank you for the reward, young master!"

Then, Lin Yan distributed red envelopes to Lin Yi, Lin Er, and Lin San, saying, "Thanks to you all for your hard work in handling things outside."

"Thank you, young master!" The three men accepted the red envelopes with smiles on their faces. Although they didn't need the money, the sentiment and recognition meant a great deal to them.

Finally, Lin Yan even took out a specially made small red envelope, stuffed it into Xiao Qi's jacket pocket, and rubbed its head: "You'll get one too. Be good in the new year."

Feeling her brother's affection, Xiaoqi happily rubbed her head against Lin Yan's hand, whimpering softly.

Everyone exchanged smiles and said in unison, "Thank you for the reward, Young Master! We wish you continued progress in your martial arts in the New Year and that you will soon attain the Great Dao!"

Finally, he took out a warm jade bead strung on a red string, emitting a faint milky white glow, and hung it around Xiao Qi's neck: "Here, wear it and play with it, it can nourish your body."

Xiao Qi curiously pawed at the warm, smooth bead, seemingly enjoying it, and happily licked Lin Yan's finger.

After distributing the "red envelopes," Lin Yan raised his glass again: "May the Lin family, year after year, enjoy the same reunion and progress as today. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" everyone responded in unison.

Outside the window, the faint sound of firecrackers drifted in; inside the villa, the aroma of spirit wine wafted, and laughter filled the air. A group of "non-human" beings, in this corner of the mortal world, were spending their special night of reunion.

Lin Yan leaned back lazily in his chair, looking at everything before him, a sense of complete peace and contentment filling his heart. His home, his deepest bond in this world.