Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 368 The Visit

Evening

The autumn sunset bathed the courtyard in a warm golden hue. Lin Yan lay half-reclined in a rattan recliner, resting with his eyes closed. Xiao Qi was curled up on a futon at his feet, its snow-white fur appearing to be edged with gold in the afterglow.

Footsteps came from the hanging flower gate leading to the backyard, accompanied by low conversation.

Dan Lao's voice rang out first, "Young Master, we have a guest."

Lin Yan opened his eyes and nimbly got up from the recliner. Xiao Qi also raised her head, her golden amber eyes looking at the newcomer.

Then, the man from the West Flower Hall slowly emerged from the shadow of the hanging flower gate, wearing a gray Zhongshan suit, though it seemed a bit looser.

His brows bore a lingering weariness, but his eyes lit up with a gentle yet complex light the moment he saw Lin Yan.

He was supported by Elder Dan, and although his steps were slow, they were steady.

Lin Yan smiled warmly and took a few steps forward, "Long time no see! You've lost weight!"

He stopped in front of Lin Yan and carefully looked him over, his gaze seemingly piercing through years of time.

After a long pause, he sighed softly, his voice filled with emotion and a hint of disbelief: "Xiao Yan... all these years, you haven't changed at all." Time seemed to have left no trace on him; he was still the same refreshing and bright young man he remembered.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yan raised his hand and touched his cheek, his tone relaxed: "Right? I think so too, still so handsome." These words eased the heaviness and sense of temporal dislocation that had just passed.

Lin Yan amused her, and she smiled helplessly. She pointed at him twice with her finger and shook her head, saying, "You..." Her expression was like that of an elder looking at a child who will never grow up.

Before his smile faded, he gently pushed away Elder Dan's supporting hand, faced Lin Yan, and bowed deeply with utmost solemnity.

Lin Yan's expression changed slightly. She took a step forward and firmly supported his arms with both hands: "What are you doing? Get up!"

With Lin Yan's help, he slowly straightened up and managed to complete the bow.

He raised his head and looked at Lin Yan. In his eyes, which had seen the vicissitudes of life, was a heavy gratitude, as well as a lingering fear. "Xiao Yan, this bow is on behalf of the millions of people who survived in Tangshan, on behalf of those families, to thank you. If it weren't for you... sigh..." He shook his head, not finishing his sentence, but the tragic consequences implied in his unspoken words were understood between them.

Lin Yan sighed inwardly, his teasing expression vanishing, replaced by genuine respect.

Lin Yan led him into the study, saying, "You flatter me. Please have a seat." At the same time, he turned and called into the room, "Lin Gang, cut some fruit!"

Lin Yan sat down in the chair opposite him and said earnestly, "I really just delivered a message, it was a small favor. The ones who should truly be remembered and thanked are the PLA officers and soldiers who acted on orders and worked day and night, the doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to snatch people from the jaws of death, the Tangshan people who put the overall situation first and obeyed the evacuation order, and the compatriots from all over the country who provided selfless support. It is they who created the miracle."

Lin Gang quietly brought over a plate of washed and sliced ​​apples and pears, placed it on the desk, and then silently withdrew.

He picked up a piece of apple but didn't eat it. "You're right, the power of the people is always the greatest. But those who guide us are equally indispensable."

He looked at Lin Yan, his eyes deep, "At that moment, a clear direction is worth more than a thousand troops. Xiao Yan, your 'friend'... he not only saved lives, but also gave this country unprecedented confidence and experience in dealing with major disasters. This wealth cannot be measured in numbers."

The sun sank a little lower, the sky turned a dark blue, and a chill began to rise. Little Qi had somehow wandered to his feet and gently nuzzled against him. He looked down at the snow-white little creature, a gentle smile spreading across his face.

Lin Yan smiled and didn't dwell on the topic of "friends," simply saying gently, "It's all in the past now, things will get better. Take good care of yourself; there are many things that will require your leadership in the future."

"Xiao Yan, did you deliver those steel furnaces?" He looked at Lin Yan with a smile.

"Huh? Where did I slip up again? Can't we keep a little mystery? Seriously!" Lin Yan was genuinely annoyed, as he always got guessed right.

"You're still too young and impatient. The report submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade states that the country will open up the market in the future, and Mr. James wants land in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. I knew it was you who did this as soon as I saw it!" He tapped Lin Yan's forehead lightly.

"Huh? This... this round doesn't count. Anyone else would never have guessed me. You're cheating, humph!"

"Alright, be careful to conceal your motives in the future. Xiaoyan, I thank you on behalf of the country. I've agreed to your request this time. I believe you're a good child!"

He sighed, "Xiao Yan, I'm getting old too. Next time, I'll introduce you to someone!"

"Don't say that, you look perfectly healthy! You're sure to live to be a hundred! By the way, when are those people I sent out ten years ago able to return home?"

"No rush. I'll let you know once things are settled back home!"

The two talked a lot about China's future development direction, and Lin Yan's many ideas were both novel and inspiring to him.

"Xiao Yan," he pondered for a moment, then looked at him with piercing eyes, "according to the line of thought you just mentioned, if the country really opened its doors, what do you think would be the greatest benefits and the greatest difficulties?"

Lin Yan did not answer immediately. He sat up slightly, his expression becoming serious and cautious.

"Your question is too broad, and I really dare not make a judgment at this moment."

He paused, then spoke earnestly, "Before you ask about the pros and cons, perhaps you should first ask yourself a few questions: Facing this open door, are we, from top to bottom, truly prepared? What preparations have we quietly made? In the eyes of the world, what role will China play in the future—a huge market, or the world's factory? What will we rely on to attract others to invest real money? Is it cheap labor, a complete industrial chain, or future potential? Conversely, how much of a shock will the influx of other people's capital, technology, and management bring to our own factories, and even to everyone's thinking?"

Lin Yan finished speaking in one breath, looked at him, and said with clear eyes, "This is not a question with a standard answer. We have to keep these questions in mind and find the answers as we go."

He listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on his knees unconsciously, but the light in his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"You've raised some good questions." He leaned forward, lowered his voice, and said with the admonition of an elder, "Here's what we'll do: don't go out tomorrow night, just stay home and wait. I'll bring a few comrades over to sit and have some tea."

"I'm very busy... but I'll reluctantly agree to meet you for your sake..."

"You really have the temper of a spoiled brat..."