Chapter 282: Clever Hands, Craftsmanship

Autumn deepens, and the last few stubborn locust leaves finally cannot resist the urging cold wind, spiraling down into the earth's embrace.

The days in the Siheyuan seem to slow with this withering rhythm, and people begin to prepare for the coming severe cold, both materially and spiritually.

In the Xi Kua Yuan, however, there is a lively and warm scene. After work, Li Ping'an sheds the factory fatigue and does not idle.

He erected a simple work shed in the courtyard corner, stocked with scavenged edge wood and a few worn yet handy tools—saw, plane, chisel, sandpaper. This became his Handcraft Workshop and also the playground where his son Li Yaozong lingers endlessly.

In Li Ping'an's Spiritual Spring Space there are plenty of supplies, but conspicuous items cannot be taken out lightly. So he pours his care for his family into his own hands.

After work, or during rare weekend leisure, he becomes the Clever Craftsman of the Xi Kua Yuan. He carefully selects from the factory's discarded wood piles some fine, knot‑free edge pieces, bringing them home like treasures.

The tools are ready-made; several planes, chisels, saws of different models, and a sharpened carving knife are all wiped spotless and arranged neatly.

His first Great Work is a wooden Handgun for his son Yaozong. Xiao Yaozong is at the age of idolizing heroes and fond of brandishing swords and guns.

Li Ping'an does not merely carve a shape, but meticulously sands it. The barrel's lines are smooth, and the grip is subtly adjusted to fit the child's small hand, polished to a sleek, rounded finish, never rough. He even uses a red‑hot thin iron rod to imprint realistic grain patterns on the body, making it look authentic.

When this unique wooden Handgun is handed to Yaozong, the little fellow's eyes widen, and he lets out a delighted shout, "Wow! Dad! It's a gun!" He can't put it down, straps it to his waist, runs around the house, making "Bang—bang" noises, looking spry as if he were the courtyard's most valiant warrior. Even Lin Xueqing watches and can't help but laugh, "You, you just spoil him!" her tone full of sweetness.

Next, Li Ping'an begins a more complex Engineering—a twist car. Lacking rubber tires, he carves round wheels from thick wood, drills a hole in the center, inserts a coarse iron wire as axle; though not as agile as later products, it slides across the flat courtyard enough to thrill Yaozong. He also creatively paints two red circles on the front as "headlights".

The thing that makes the courtyard children most envious is the tiny, all‑wooden bicycle. It has no chain, no pedals, relying entirely on the child's feet to push off the ground, yet it has handlebars, frame, and even a symbolic small bell (a little wooden slat with a slit that rattles when shaken), fully equipped. Once this bicycle appears, it instantly becomes the Siheyuan's most eye‑catching ride; not only Yaozong loves it, but He Xiao and the Yan Family children from the Front Courtyard gather around, eyes wide.

Li Ping'an is not stingy; when he sees the children's eager eyes, he gently calls out, "Everyone try it, take turns, no grabbing, watch safety."

This unintentionally improves Yaozong's popularity among the courtyard children. Sha Zhu watches his own son ride the wooden bicycle with goofy delight, pats Li Ping'an's shoulder, "Well done, Ping'an! Your craft is nearly catching up with our cafeteria master chef's radish‑flower carving!"

Besides toys for Yaozong, Li Ping'an devotes more energy to preparing items for the soon‑to‑be‑born second child. He sources finer wood and begins crafting a baby carriage.

The frame is sturdy, the wheels likewise meticulously sanded from wood, the body polished to an exceptional smoothness, with edges rounded to ensure no bruises to the delicate baby.

He also sews a comfortable seat cushion and a small wind‑shield canopy from soft old cotton cloth and cotton. Lin Xueqing touches the smooth wood and soft pad, feeling a surge of security and anticipation for the future.

This silent care also extends to his sister Li Pingle's family. Knowing that his sister's dragon‑phoenix twins are hard to manage, Chen Jianghe, though diligent, has limited energy.

Li Ping'an uses spare time, fashions two wooden cribs with railings from edge scraps, compact and sturdy, polished to a mirror‑like shine.

He also makes several Clapper Drums; their rounded bodies with tiny beads striking the surface emit crisp "Dong—dong" sounds, best at catching a baby's attention.

That weekend, Li Ping'an and Lin Xueqing bring a pile of finished trinkets to his sister's house. Upon seeing the two delicate wooden cribs and the cute Clapper Drums, Li Pingle is so surprised she doesn't know what to say.

"Brother! You… this is way too thoughtful!"

"Idle is idle," Li Ping'an says lightly, scooping up his babbling niece An Ning and gently shaking the Clapper Drum in his hand.

Little An Ning is drawn by the sound, her grape‑sized dark eyes following the motion, her toothless grin widening. Beside her, An Bang stretches a small hand, reaching for another Clapper Drum.

Chen Jianghe pats the sturdy wooden crib, his honest face full of gratitude, "Brother, thanks, this crib is great, sturdier than any bought one!"

"For children's items, sturdiness and safety are paramount," Li Ping'an laughs.

Inside, the two children giggle nonstop at the new toys, adults gather chatting about daily life, the air scented with pine and thick familial affection. Outside the window a cold winter day, yet inside warmth pervades.

These wooden pieces, each chiseled and crafted by Li Ping'an, lack dazzling brilliance but bear the simplest, profound emotions.

For his son they are companionship and joy; for the unborn child they are safety and care; for his sister's family they are support and concern. Unlike the supplies in the Spiritual Spring Space that can directly fill the stomach, these nourish the family's spirit in a more lasting, warmer way, linking the most precious warmth of ordinary days.

In this era of scarce resources and unpredictable hearts, Li Ping'an uses his clever hands and a delicate heart to silently build a sturdy, warm haven for his family.

Amidst swirling shavings and drifting sawdust lies the most sincere love for life, and the quiet yet strongest protection for those around. This transmission of craftsmanship and warmth resists the outside chill more than any words could.