HPDBC Chapter 29: Iron Smelting and Forging for Grain Coupons – A Secret Alleyway Deal Hides Unrest
Chapter 29: Iron Smelting and Forging for Grain Coupons – A Secret Alleyway Deal Hides Unrest
The March night wind still carried a chill. As Lin Chen walked into the Hongxing courtyard, his shadow cast by the last extinguished streetlamp in the workshop, the public water tap in the middle courtyard was still dripping. Qin Huairu had just finished washing the clothes of the Jia family and was squatting on the steps, wringing out the last coarse cloth jacket. Seeing him return, she looked up and gave him an apologetic look—the farce of Jia Zhangshi stealing Yan Bugui's cornmeal that afternoon had ultimately caused embarrassment among the neighbors.
"Director Lin, you're back?" Qin Huairu's voice was low, her fingertips red from the cold and still damp with water droplets. "Thank you so much for today. I'll definitely bring that three yuan to Master Yan tomorrow." Lin Chen nodded, his gaze sweeping over the basin of murky laundry water at her feet, in which floated a few thin cotton threads—clearly the work clothes threads she had accidentally snagged while learning to be a fitter in the workshop during the day.
"I've already spoken to Master Li. You can go directly to the fitter's workshop to report for duty tomorrow." Lin Chen softened his tone. "It's inevitable to get blisters on your hands when you're a beginner, so I prepared some glycerin for you and put it on your windowsill." Qin Huairu was stunned for a moment, her eyes instantly reddening. She quickly lowered her head and continued wringing out her clothes, her voice choked with emotion: "Thank you, Director Lin, I... I will definitely learn well."
Back in the north wing, Lin Chen bolted the door shut and pulled out the scrap metal he'd collected during the day from his work clothes pocket—old bearing outer rings salvaged from the workshop, and broken chisel heads, weighing about two pounds in total. He lit the kerosene lamp, its dim light illuminating the inconspicuous storage room door in the corner. This was his "secret base," built after his rebirth, containing not only half a bag of stale rice but also piles of various scraps he'd salvaged from the junkyard.
Opening the system panel, a pale blue halo shimmered in the dim room. "Materials detected for fusion: High-carbon steel bearing outer ring (1.2% chromium), tool steel chisel head (0.8% manganese), waste cotton and linen cloth (92% plant fiber). Fuse?" Lin Chen tapped "Yes," and the system immediately displayed a notification: "This fusion is a cross-category fusion of similar metals and plant fibers, with a success rate of 65%, consuming 5 points of mental energy. Expected result: Wear-resistant tool handle + high-hardness screwdriver head."
He pulled a worn-out ceramic crucible from under the bed. He had repaired it last week by fusing ceramic shards he'd gotten from the junkyard; the bottom still bore the scorch marks from the firing process. He smashed up scrap iron and put it into the crucible, then cut strips of old burlap that had been soaked in water beforehand, mixing in a small amount of wood ash—his best adhesive after many trials, which improved both grip and heat resistance. With everything ready, he lit the coal scraps under the crucible; the flames crackled and licked the ceramic walls, gradually raising the temperature in the room.
The fusion process went more smoothly than expected. When the scrap iron in the crucible melted into a dark red liquid, Lin Chen followed the system prompts, evenly sprinkling in cotton and linen fibers, and then quickly stirring with a thin iron rod. A thin, grayish-black film appeared on the surface of the molten metal; this was a protective layer formed after the fibers carbonized. He poured the molten metal into a pre-made clay mold, which was made of a mixture of yellow clay and fine sand, with a layer of wood ash applied to the inner wall to prevent sticking.
While waiting for the water to cool, Lin Chen picked up the enamel mug on the table and poured half a mug of warm water. After clearing Sha Zhu's name during the day, the system rewarded him with 1000 points. Combined with the 800 points he earned guiding Liu Haizhong and Qin Huairu, his points on the panel had now accumulated to 2300. He exchanged for a packet of "Mental Strength Restoration Agent." The colorless and odorless liquid dissolved instantly in the water, and after drinking it, the fatigue from adjusting the fetal apparatus that afternoon dissipated by more than half.
About half an hour later, the clay mold had completely cooled. Lin Chen smashed the mold, revealing a brand-new screwdriver inside—the tip was a silver-gray alloy with a cold luster, its hardness far exceeding that of ordinary tool steel; the handle was dark brown, with the unique texture of cotton and linen fibers, a comfortable thickness for the hand, both non-slip and sturdy. He used the system to assess it: "High-chromium manganese alloy screwdriver, hardness HRC62, compatible with PH2 Phillips head grooves, handle impact resistance 12J, overall rating: excellent."
Such a screwdriver would cost at least 1.2 yuan in a state-run hardware store, and you needed industrial coupons to buy it. But Lin Chen's target wasn't the store, but the black market on the outskirts of the city—where Old Wang from the scrap yard could act as a go-between, directly exchanging it for the much-needed grain coupons. He wrapped the screwdriver in an old cloth, stuffed it into his pocket, and then pulled out two more pairs of pliers and a wrench that he had made earlier from a crack in the wall; this was his "stockpile" accumulated over a week.
At three in the morning, while everyone in the courtyard was asleep, Lin Chen quietly pushed open the gate. The streets were deserted, with only the occasional sound of the night watchman's clapper, which was particularly clear in the quiet night. He walked quickly along the wall, and after passing through three alleys, a low-lying shantytown appeared before him. This was the trading point that Old Wang had mentioned—a small wooden hut with a sign that read "Shoe Repair Shop."
"Who is it?" The door to the wooden hut was ajar, and Old Wang's hoarse voice came from inside. Lin Chen pushed the door open and went in. A smell of kerosene and leather hit him. Old Wang was sitting on a small stool, mending a pair of old leather shoes by the light of an oil lamp. When he saw Lin Chen come in, he immediately put down his work, looked warily at the door, and then bolted it shut.
"Master Lin, you've finally arrived." Old Wang rubbed his hands, his eyes glancing at the cloth bag in Lin Chen's arms. "The wrench you gave me last time was bought by Master Li from the hardware factory. He said he wanted a few more." Lin Chen untied the cloth bag, and three tools were neatly placed on the table. The light from the oil lamp reflected on the alloy surface, making Old Wang's eyes light up instantly.
"The tip of this screwdriver, is it hardened?" Old Wang picked up the screwdriver, scraped the tip with his fingernail, and said in surprise, "It's even shinier than the ones sold in hardware stores, the hardness must be pretty good." Lin Chen didn't explain, but just asked, "Old Wang, how's the market price? I need grain coupons, preferably the nationwide ones, and some cash in return."
Old Wang pondered for a moment, then pulled a tin box from under the bed. Inside, a neat stack of grain coupons and a few crumpled banknotes were laid out. "Grain coupons are in short supply nationwide right now; one jin (500 grams) can be exchanged for eight mao (0.8 yuan) in cash. These three tools of yours are all practical items. I'll give you ten jin of national grain coupons, plus five yuan in cash, how about that?" He looked into Lin Chen's eyes. "If you think it's not enough, I'll add another jin of local grain coupons."
Lin Chen quickly calculated in his mind: ten jin of national grain coupons would be enough for him to eat for half a month, and five yuan in cash could buy some daily necessities—the price was fair. Just as he was about to nod, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door, followed by a hushed, stern voice: "This is it! Someone reported that there's a private transaction here!" Old Wang's face changed drastically. He hurriedly stuffed the tin box under the bed and said to Lin Chen, "Quick, go out the back door! It's the street security team!"
Without a second thought, Lin Chen grabbed the grain coupons and cash from the table, stuffed them into his pocket, and followed Old Wang into the narrow alley behind the wooden house. The alley was very narrow, only wide enough for one person to pass at a time, and the walls on both sides were covered with moss, emitting a damp, musty smell. The wooden door behind them was slammed open with a "bang," and the shouts of the security guards came from behind: "Don't move! All of you, stand still!"
Old Wang led Lin Chen around two corners and into a yard piled high with junk. There was a dry well in the yard, its opening covered by a worn-out wooden plank. "Quick, hide in the well!" Old Wang lifted the plank, revealing a makeshift platform made of planks, just big enough for two people to curl up. "This is where I hide my goods; the security team won't find it."
Just as the two hid in the well, they heard footsteps coming from the courtyard gate. Lin Chen held his breath and looked out through the gaps in the wooden planks. He saw three security guards in blue uniforms carrying kerosene lamps walking in. The one in the lead was Captain Zhang of the street security team—he was the one who led the team to handle the last time Jia Zhangshi was caught stealing chickens.
"Captain Zhang, I really didn't do any shady dealings! I'm just a shoe repairman!" Old Wang's voice, trembling with tears, came from outside the well. "Look at my yard, it's full of junk and broken shoes, there's nothing to trade." Captain Zhang sneered and kicked at the junk on the ground: "Someone reported you for receiving and selling stolen goods, and you still dare to deny it? Search! Search thoroughly!"
The light from the kerosene lamp flickered in the courtyard, and Lin Chen's heart leaped into his throat. The grain coupons and cash in his pocket were all "black market goods." If they were found, not only would they be confiscated, but he would also be taken to the street office for investigation. What was even more troublesome was that the tools he had made were all made from scrap metal from the workshop. If he were investigated, it would also implicate the workshop director, Zhou Jianguo.
Just then, a dog barked outside the well, followed by Qin Huairu's voice: "Captain Zhang, what are you doing here? My Huaihua suddenly has a fever. Could you please send someone to take us to the hospital?" Lin Chen was stunned. Through the crack, he saw Qin Huairu holding the swaddled Jia Huaihua at the gate of the yard. Her hair was disheveled, and her face was full of anxiety. Jia Geng and Jia Dang stood behind her, crying as well.
Captain Zhang frowned, clearly not wanting to get involved in such a trivial matter, but looking at the child in Qin Huairu's arms, whose face was flushed red from fever, he hesitated. "How long has the child had a fever?" he asked. "Almost an hour, her face is all red, and she's even having convulsions!" Qin Huairu's voice was trembling with tears, and Jia Huaihua in her arms whimpered in response. Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat; he had seen Jia Huaihua perfectly fine that afternoon, so it was clear that Qin Huairu had deliberately come to the rescue.
"Alright, alright, take the child to the hospital first!" Captain Zhang waved his hand impatiently and said to the two team members, "You two take them to the clinic first, I'll stay here and watch over them." The two team members nodded, took the child from Qin Huairu's arms, and quickly walked out. Captain Zhang watched their backs and cursed, "Meddlesome," but didn't continue the search. He just said to Old Wang, "If anyone reports this again, I won't be so polite! Clean up the yard quickly!" After saying that, he turned and left.
Only after the footsteps of the security team completely disappeared did Old Wang lift the wooden plank, still shaken, and say to Lin Chen, "Master Lin, we owe you a lot, thanks to your neighbor, otherwise we would have been in deep trouble today." Lin Chen climbed out, dusted himself off, and was filled with gratitude—he hadn't expected Qin Huairu to risk her life to save him. This woman, who used to gain sympathy by feigning pitifulness, had truly changed after starting to learn the skills.
"Old Wang, thank you for today." Lin Chen handed him five yuan in cash. "Take this money; consider it my compensation." Old Wang quickly waved his hand. "No, no, we agreed on the price. How can I take more than what you owe? Besides, if it weren't for your neighbor's help today, I wouldn't be able to keep this shop." He paused, then added, "If you ever need to sell any more tools, just go to my nephew's scrap yard. It's safer there."
Lin Chen nodded, put away the money and food coupons, and walked back along the narrow alley. When he reached the alley entrance, he saw Qin Huairu holding Jia Huaihua under the streetlight, with Jia Geng and Jia Dang squatting at her feet. Seeing Lin Chen return, Qin Huairu quickly came to greet him: "Director Lin, are you alright?" Jia Huaihua was sleeping soundly in her arms, with no trace of fever on her face.
"Thank you, Sister-in-law Jia," Lin Chen said sincerely. "If it weren't for you today, I'm afraid I would have been arrested by the security team." Qin Huai smiled shyly, looking down at the child in her arms. "You've helped me so much, what's this little favor? Besides, you genuinely wanted to help me learn a skill, I couldn't just watch you get into trouble." She paused, then added, "Judging from Captain Zhang's demeanor just now, it seemed like someone deliberately reported Old Wang."
Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat. He recalled how Xu Damao had followed him suspiciously in the workshop earlier that day, even asking if he was going to the scrap yard on the outskirts of the city. He hadn't paid much attention then, but now it seemed Xu Damao was holding a grudge and deliberately reporting Lao Wang to get back at him. This man was too petty; he'd have to be more careful in the future.
When Lin Chen returned to the courtyard, it was already dawn. As soon as he entered the central courtyard, he saw Liu Haizhong squatting by the public water tap, sharpening his old kitchen knife with a whetstone. Seeing Lin Chen return, Liu Haizhong put down the knife, stood up, rubbed his hands, and gave an embarrassed smile: "Director Lin, good morning. Thank you so much for yesterday."
Lin Chen knew he was referring to the compensation for the steel, and waved his hand, "Master Liu, let's not talk about the past. Focus on working hard in the precision group and teaching your apprentices; that's more important than anything else." Liu Haizhong nodded repeatedly, took a paper package from his pocket, and handed it to Lin Chen, "These are cornbreads my sister-in-law made. Take them for breakfast. They're not worth much, but they're a small token of my appreciation."
Lin Chen took the oil paper package; the cornbread inside was still warm, emitting a faint aroma of caramelization. He opened it and saw five cornbreads in total, each quite thick, clearly made with a generous amount of cornmeal. "Master Liu, you're too kind," Lin Chen said with a smile. "I'm working overtime today, so I don't need to go to the cafeteria for lunch."
When Lin Chen entered the workshop, most of the workers from the precision machining group had already arrived. Liu Guangtian saw Lin Chen come in and quickly greeted him, "Director Lin, you're here! I tried out the jig you asked me to adjust yesterday, and the pass rate has increased by another two percentage points!" Lin Chen nodded, took out a newly made screwdriver from his pocket, and handed it to Liu Guangtian, "Here, take this. It's much better than the old screwdrivers in the workshop."
Liu Guangtian took the screwdriver and was surprised to find that the tip was sharper than a regular screwdriver, and the handle was more comfortable to hold. He tried tightening the screws on the machine, and sure enough, it was effortless—much better than the tools issued in the workshop. "Director Lin, did you make this yourself?" Liu Guangtian's eyes widened. "It's amazing! It's even better than the ones sold in hardware stores!"
Hearing this, the surrounding workers gathered around, praising Lin Chen's skills. Lin Chen smiled and said, "This is nothing. From now on, our precision group will make our own tools; they'll be more useful and save costs." He paused, then said to everyone, "Today our task is to rush-produce a batch of crankshaft blanks. Director Zhou said the client is pressing us hard, so let's try to finish it today. Tonight, I'll treat everyone to braised pork!"
The workers cheered and threw themselves into their work with renewed vigor. Lin Chen walked to his workstation, opened the system panel, and began planning a new tool fusion scheme. He noticed a lot of discarded drill bits in the workshop. If they could be fused into high-hardness twist drills, it would not only improve drilling efficiency but also reduce the scrap rate. With that in mind, he immediately picked up several discarded drill bits and began studying the fusion parameters.
During the lunch break, Lin Chen took out the cornbread Liu Haizhong had given him. He'd just taken a bite when he saw Zhou Jianguo walk into the workshop. Seeing everyone's energetic appearance, Zhou Jianguo nodded in satisfaction and walked over to Lin Chen: "Lin, yesterday Xu Damao went to the factory headquarters to complain that you were hoarding scrap metal from the workshop and engaging in smuggling. I've already dealt with it for you, but be more careful in the future, don't let him find any fault with you."
Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart, not expecting Zhou Jianguo to defend him so much. "Director Zhou, thank you sincerely," Lin Chen said. "Xu Damao is narrow-minded; I'll be careful. By the way, I've recently been researching how to fuse scrap drill bits into high-hardness twist drills. If it's successful, it could increase our workshop's drilling efficiency by at least 30%."
Zhou Jianguo's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "Really? When can we try it?" Lin Chen thought for a moment, "I'll try it after get off work today, and we should have a finished product by tomorrow." Zhou Jianguo nodded, "Great! Just tell me what materials you need, the workshop will fully support you. If it really works, I'll apply for a technological innovation award for you!"
The afternoon's work went smoothly. Under Lin Chen's guidance, the precision group workers skillfully operated the jigs, and the pass rate of the crankshaft blanks remained consistently above 98%. Liu Haizhong also showed great enthusiasm, not only teaching his apprentices his skills without reservation but also proactively helping to debug the equipment. When he encountered problems he didn't understand, he humbly asked Lin Chen for advice, completely shedding his previous arrogance.
As evening fell, the first batch of crankshaft blanks was finally completed. When Zhou Jianguo came to inspect them, he saw the finished products neatly stacked on the shelves and patted Lin Chen on the shoulder with satisfaction: "Xiao Lin, well done! A whole day ahead of schedule! If the customer is satisfied, we won't have to worry about orders in the future." He paused, then added, "I'll cover the braised pork for tonight; I'll have the canteen add an extra dish for you!"
After get off work, Lin Chen didn't go home immediately but stayed in the workshop to begin fusing new tools. He collected ten discarded drill bits, all scrapped from the workshop, with their cutting edges already ground smooth, along with some broken taps. The system notification read: "Fused materials detected: High-speed steel drill bit (containing 18% tungsten), alloy tap (containing 0.5% vanadium), can be fused into: High-hardness twist drill (specification: φ10mm), success rate 85%, consuming 8 points of mental energy."
Lin Chen lit the crucible and crushed the old drill bits and taps before putting them inside. This time, he deliberately added some tungsten carbide shavings he found in the workshop's scrap heap, a key material for making high-speed steel tools. After the molten metal cooled, he carefully sanded the cutting head, and soon, a brand-new twist drill appeared in his hand. He used the system to evaluate it: "High-tungsten alloy twist drill, hardness HRC65, drilling speed increased by 35%, suitable materials: stainless steel, alloy steel, overall rating: excellent."
Just then, a soft footstep sounded at the workshop door. Lin Chen looked up warily, thinking it was Xu Damao causing trouble again, but instead saw Qin Huairu standing at the door, holding a cloth bag. "Director Lin, are you still working overtime?" Qin Huairu said softly, "I brought you some dinner, some millet porridge I cooked, and two eggs."
Lin Chen paused for a moment, then took the cloth bag. The millet porridge inside was still steaming, and two eggs were wrapped in oil paper, clearly specially cooked. "Sister-in-law Jia, you've gone to so much trouble," Lin Chen said, touched. Qin Huai smiled shyly, "You've helped me so much, I don't have much to repay you with. These eggs are what I've been saving for several days; you've been working hard, so they're good for your health."
As the two were talking, Xu Damao's voice suddenly came from outside the workshop: "Lin Chen, you come out here! You've been hoarding scrap metal from the workshop and engaging in smuggling. I've already told the factory manager!" Lin Chen's face darkened. He hadn't expected Xu Damao to be so persistent, actually going directly to the factory manager. Qin Huairu also panicked and quickly said, "Director Lin, please don't go out. I'll go talk to him."
Lin Chen pulled her back and shook his head: "No need, I'll go with him to see the factory manager. I have nothing to hide, I want to see what kind of nonsense he can come up with." He picked up the twist drill he had just made and said to Qin Huairu: "You go back first, don't worry, I'm fine." After saying that, he walked out of the workshop and saw Xu Damao standing at the door with the factory manager and several factory leaders, looking smug.
"Factory Manager, look, that's Lin Chen!" Xu Damao pointed at Lin Chen and said to the factory manager, "I personally saw him secretly smuggling scrap metal from the workshop out and selling it to a scrap yard on the outskirts of the city, engaging in shady deals! This kind of person who enriches himself at the expense of the company must be dealt with seriously!" The factory manager frowned and looked at Lin Chen: "Xiao Lin, is what he said true?"
Lin Chen didn't argue, but simply took out the twist drill from his pocket and handed it to the factory manager: "Manager, this is a high-hardness twist drill that I forged by fusing scrap drill bits from the workshop. You can test it; its drilling speed is 35% faster than the drill bits we're currently using, and the pass rate is also much higher. I collect scrap iron not for shady dealings, but to develop new tools and improve the workshop's production efficiency."
The factory manager took the twist drill, examined it carefully, and then handed it to the head of the technical department. The head of the technical department took out a hardness tester, tested it, and exclaimed in surprise, "Manager, this drill bit has a hardness of HRC65, harder than our imported drill bits! If it can really improve efficiency by 35%, that would be a huge boon for our workshop!"
Lin Chen then took out the screwdriver and wrench he had made earlier and handed them to the factory manager: "These are tools I made from scrap materials. The workers in the precision group are all using them, and you can all testify to that. I did go to the scrap yard in the suburbs before, but not to sell scrap metal. I went to ask Old Wang about material fusion and also exchanged some food stamps for living expenses."
Zhou Jianguo quickly stepped forward and said to the factory manager, "Factory manager, what Xiao Lin said is true. The crankshaft blanks that the precision group rushed to produce yesterday had a pass rate of 98%, which is five percentage points higher than before, all thanks to the tools he made. Moreover, he also helps us train apprentices. Liu Haizhong is now in the precision group, and his skills are improving very quickly."
The factory manager looked at the tools in his hand, then at the neatly stacked finished products in the precision assembly workshop, and his expression gradually softened. He turned and glared at Xu Damao: "Xu Damao, you falsely accused your colleague without even knowing the facts, and it affected the workshop's production. Your bonus for this month will be deducted! If you dare to spread rumors and cause trouble again, get out of the steel rolling mill!" Xu Damao's face turned pale. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but he was intimidated by the factory manager's stern gaze and could only lower his head dejectedly.
"Xiao Lin, well done!" The factory manager patted Lin Chen on the shoulder, his tone much more amiable. "Technological innovation requires daring to think and act. You used scrap materials to create new tools, saving costs and improving efficiency. You deserve praise! I've decided to award you the first prize for technological innovation, with a bonus of fifty yuan! In addition, you'll have priority access to the workshop's scrap materials from now on, fully supporting your research and development!"
Lin Chen was overjoyed and quickly thanked him, "Thank you, Factory Director! I will definitely work hard to develop new tools and make more contributions to the workshop!" The factory director nodded, gave Zhou Jianguo a few more instructions, and then left with the factory leaders. Xu Damao looked at Lin Chen, his eyes filled with jealousy and resentment, but he didn't dare to say anything more. He could only glare at Lin Chen fiercely before turning and leaving.
That evening, the precision machining team enjoyed a sumptuous meal of braised pork in the canteen. Everyone surrounded Lin Chen, toasting him and praising his skills and courage. Liu Haizhong, holding his glass, sincerely said, "Director Lin, I was foolish before and disrespectful to you. Please don't take it to heart. From now on, I'll work hard under your guidance and teach all my skills to my apprentices without holding back!"
Lin Chen took the wine glass and clinked it with Liu Haizhong's: "Master Liu, what's past is past. Our precision group is a whole. As long as we work together, we will definitely improve our technology and make our workshop the best in the whole factory!" The workers echoed his sentiments, and the canteen was filled with laughter.
It was already late at night when Lin Chen returned to the courtyard house. As soon as Lin Chen reached the door, he saw Qin Huairu standing under his window, holding a cloth bag. "Director Lin, you're back," Qin Huairu said softly. "This is a tool bag I sewed for you. It will be convenient for you to keep your tools here." Lin Chen took the bag. Inside was a tool bag made of coarse cloth, with very fine stitches and a simple embroidered character "Chen".
"Thank you, Sister-in-law Jia," Lin Chen said, moved. Qin Huairu smiled and turned to leave, but Lin Chen stopped her. "Sister-in-law Jia, tomorrow I'll talk to Master Li and have him teach you how to sharpen tools. If you learn this skill well, you can make a living even if you don't work in the workshop anymore." Qin Huairu was stunned, tears instantly streaming down her face. She choked out, "Director Lin, you're such a good person. I... I will definitely learn well and never let you down."
Back inside, Lin Chen opened the system panel, which displayed: "Host has successfully developed a high-hardness twist drill, earning a technological innovation reward of +1000 points. Resolved Xu Damao's false accusation crisis, completing the 'Guardian of Justice' mission, earning +500 points. Current total points: 3800. System level increased to 8, unlocking 'Equipment Improvement Blueprint' access."
Lin Chen was overjoyed. After unlocking the "Equipment Improvement Blueprint" permission, he could improve the large equipment in the workshop and further increase production efficiency.