Siheyuan log in and protect his sister

Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The City's Pulse and a Future Forged



Li Wei awoke with a profound desire to always give Xiaolian the very best. He leaned down, pressing gentle kisses to her cheeks and the soft curve of her neck until her eyes fluttered open. Her beautiful little sister, sensing his affection, responded by showering him with her own innocent kisses, a small but powerful exchange between them. They giggled and relished in the simple joy of learning new things together, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

Today, Li Wei decided it was time for them to explore. He took Xiaolian by the hand, and they ventured out into the bustling city. Their journey wasn't about following any predictable plotline from the novel. Instead, Li Wei steered them away from the typical hero's journey, seeking out the heart of everyday life. They visited vibrant food markets, savoring the aromas and the lively chatter, but also made their way to significant, unassuming places: the state-owned factories where common workers toiled.

This era, Li Wei recalled from his past life's understanding of history, was a more rustic time in China, before the great wave of mass layoffs that would soon affect countless state factory workers. Before many would suffer the brutal shift in the internal economic structure. He remembered reading a poignant story on a real-life forum once, about an individual who had dedicated their sweat, effort, and years of their life to building a bridge, only for the state to later deem their labor in manufacturing obsolete. It was a cruel reality, how industries could change so drastically and quickly.

Focused on the present of this parallel novel, Li Wei brought Xiaolian to the entrances of these state factories – both food production plants and machinery workshops, places that genuinely required staff in this era. He knew the value of these locations. With each visit, a series of system notifications chimed in his mind, showering him with rewards.

"Location Check-in Successful: State Food Production Factory!"

"Reward Granted: Multiplied! Advanced Food Preservation Techniques & Bulk Food Rations (x5 crates)!"

"Location Check-in Successful: State Machinery Workshop!"

"Reward Granted: Multiplied! Specialized Manufacturing Blueprints (Mechanics) & Enhanced Production Efficiency Records!"

"Location Check-in Successful: Central Logistics Hub!"

"Reward Granted: Multiplied! Strategic Trade Routes (Food & Goods) & Commercial Development Insights!"

The System had truly outdone itself. The rewards were incredibly practical, providing him with knowledge, resources, and even blueprints that would be invaluable for their future.

As they moved through the city, Li Wei made sure to balance these serious endeavors with moments of pure fun. He'd tell Xiaolian silly jokes, point out funny-looking street performers, or simply let her lead them to a small, colorful toy stall for a few minutes of playful wonder.

The city itself, viewed through Li Wei's perspective, was both beautiful and seemingly prosperous on the surface. The streets bustled with people going about their daily lives, the air thick with the scents of street food and blooming flowers. Old, traditional buildings stood proudly next to newly constructed ones, a blend of past and nascent future. Children laughed as they chased each other through open squares, and merchants called out their wares with robust cheer. Yet, beneath this idyllic veneer, Li Wei knew the hidden, darker currents of an era on the cusp of profound change, a reality largely unseen by the common public.

As evening approached, Li Wei scooped up Xiaolian, holding her like his precious little princess. Her small head rested contentedly on his shoulder as he navigated the path back home, subtly avoiding the inquisitive glances and hushed whispers of the neighbors. He carried her carefully, supporting her until she drifted off to sleep, a happy, secure smile on her face. With a vast array of new resources and knowledge at his disposal, Li Wei knew their future was becoming more secure, all for the sake of his beloved Xiaolian.


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