The drafting room emptied by late afternoon, sunlight slanting through dusty windows and painting gold lines across the blueprints. Most new hires would have been dismissed early.
But not Lin Wei.
Professor Han stood behind him with arms crossed, watching the young man's pen glide as if guided by instinct.
Finally, the professor spoke.
"That's enough for today."
Lin Wei set down the pen and straightened his back.It was stiff.His hands were trembling.His mind felt like it had been stretched to its limit.
But—
He wasn't tired.
He felt alive.
Professor Han placed a hand on the table, leaning forward with a mysterious expression.
"You realize," he said slowly, "I gave you a senior-level assessment."
Lin Wei blinked."…Senior?"
The professor nodded.
"And you passed."
Silence settled between them.Then—
Professor Han burst into laughter, deep and booming.
"Hah! You really are something, boy!"
A few engineers passing by peeked in through the doorway, startled by the sudden noise. They whispered to each other, glancing curiously at Lin Wei. The rumor of a miracle rookie was already spreading.
Assignment of Fate
The professor finally calmed himself and pointed toward the far wall, where dozens of project files were pinned.
"Most new hires start with paperwork and observation," he said. "You won't."
Lin Wei's eyes widened.
Professor Han pulled a folder free and handed it to him.
"Your first assignment: assist in evaluating structural integrity for the North Alley Housing Block. It's old, messy, full of hidden issues. Perfect training."
Lin Wei swallowed, opening the folder.
The moment his eyes touched the diagrams, the system chimed:
[New Project Detected: North Alley Housing Block][Project Difficulty: Moderate–High][Primary Challenges: Hidden Rot | Foundation Shifts | Poor Renovation History]
[Heavenly Bonus Activated:Hard Work Resonance — Increased insight during field inspection.]
Lin Wei inhaled sharply.
He wanted to do this.
He wanted to learn—grow—prove that the trust placed in him wasn't misplaced.
Professor Han watched him quietly.
"You are not expected to be perfect," he said. "Only diligent. And judging by your eyes, boy, you carry diligence like a second soul."
Lin Wei bowed deeply.
"I will do my best."
"I know," the professor said, turning away. "That's why I chose you."
Evening Shadows and a New Routine
Work ended officially at six.
But Lin Wei remained until seven reviewing his materials, copying notes, sketching reinforcement ideas. Only when the sky turned dim and lamps flickered on did he realize the time.
He packed up, placing Liu Fang's lantern gently atop his tools.He hadn't lit it—But the presence of it comforted him.
A quiet reminder of the courtyard waiting behind him.His roots.
He stepped outside.
The evening city was alive—stalls flaring with smoke, chatter filling the streets, factories releasing their final whistles of the day.
Lin Wei breathed in the scent of roast chestnuts, oily gears, warm bread.
A world larger than the siheyuan.A world that expected something from him.
He began the long walk home.
The Courtyard in Twilight
When he pushed open the red gate, he wasn't prepared for what he saw.
The entire siheyuan, every neighbor, was gathered around a long table filled with bowls and steaming dishes.
Auntie Zhang immediately threw down her apron.
"There he is! Our worker among workers!"
Uncle Luo slapped his shoulder so hard Lin Wei nearly coughed.
"Tell me! Did you scold your supervisor yet? Did you smack around some lazy apprentices?"
Lin Wei choked on air. "Uncle—what—no—!"
Old Madam Chen laughed, waving for him to sit.
"Let the boy breathe, Luo!"
Even the kids from the neighboring courtyard peeked in, whispering excitedly.
"He looks tired—""No, he looks cool—""Is that dirt on his face? Awesome—"
And then—Liu Fang stepped out from behind the apricot tree.
Her hair was tied back loosely, stray strands catching the lamplight. She was holding a tray of soup, but her hands shook ever so slightly.
She approached him.
"How was it?"
Lin Wei opened his mouth—But no words came.
The emotions hit too strongly—pride, fear, excitement, gratitude.
Finally, he managed:
"…Good."
Her lips curved into a soft smile.
"Welcome home."
His heart stuttered.
Dinner Under the Apricot Tree
They ate beneath lanterns hung from every branch, laughing, chatting, celebrating his first day.
The dishes were overflowing—braised ribs, dumplings, pickled vegetables, sesame noodles. The neighbors poured him tea as if he were returning from war.
At one point, Auntie Zhang leaned over and whispered loudly, "If you keep staring at her like that, her father will start sharpening knives."
Lin Wei nearly inhaled a dumpling.
Liu Fang glanced over, cheeks faintly pink.
He looked away immediately—heart thundering.
But Auntie Zhang wasn't wrong.
Every time he caught a glimpse of Liu Fang, something tightened in his chest.
Something he didn't yet know how to face.
Nightfall and the Lantern
Later that night, after everyone had dispersed and the courtyard grew quiet, Lin Wei walked to the apricot tree alone.
He reached into his bag and took out the lantern.
Still unlit.
He hung it on the branch where it had once swayed before.
As he did, the system chimed softly:
[Heaven Acknowledges Your Effort][+1 Courtyard Affinity][+1 Personal Resolve]
Hard work earns growth.Growth earns harmony.
Lin Wei looked up at the lantern, gently glowing from within as if reflecting his determination.
He whispered into the stillness:
"…I won't let you down."
The courtyard.The professor.His neighbors.Himself.
And, though he didn't say it aloud—
Liu Fang.
The lantern swayed gently, as if answering.