Chapter 323: Tiger‑Head Ben Sets Out, Is a Courtyard in the Capital City a Proper Welcome Gift?

On the second day, just as dawn was breaking, a black Tiger‑Head Ben sedan silently stopped at the courtyard gate.

Lu Qingjun always handles affairs meticulously, and he himself took the role of driver.

Lin Yue'e had already packed the simple luggage and then carefully inspected the house's doors and windows again.

Lin Yueqiang, however, had not slept all night, a faint bluish tint under his eyes, yet his spirit was surprisingly good. He stood before the sedan, a vehicle rarely seen in the whole county, not knowing where to place his hands or feet, not daring to touch the door, his gaze a mix of excitement, novelty and a bone‑deep unease.

"What are you standing there for, get in," Lu Qingshan patted his back, his tone gentle, and pushed him into the soft rear seat.

The car started smoothly and slowly drove out of the alley. Lin Yueqiang almost pressed his face to the window, watching the familiar houses, field ridges, and trees rush away, eventually merging into a tiny dot that vanished from sight. For the first time he felt that his life, too, seemed to be heading, along with this car, toward a completely unknown direction.

Lin Yue'e sat beside Lu Qingshan, sensed her younger brother's tension, turned back and gently said, "Xiao Qiang, don't be afraid; when we reach the Capital City, you'll have me and your brother‑in‑law."

Lu Qingshan leaned against the seat, eyes closed, said lightly, "Let him see for himself, feel for himself. From today onward, he must learn to face a new world on his own."

The car fell quiet again, only the engine's faint hum. In Lu Qingshan's mind, the British Telecom K-line Chart was long gone, replaced by a grand blueprint of the future. This return to the Capital City was not only for the London stock market's earth‑shaking leap, but also to place every person around him securely onto the coming age's massive wheel.

The journey sped like lightning, and when the sedan entered the Capital City, the scene outside the window completely shattered Lin Yueqiang's perception. On the wide avenues, traffic surged, skyscrapers rose, and the onslaught of splendor and clamor made his heart race, both excited and ashamed.

Finally, when the car stopped before the vermilion gate of Fuqiang Hutong 23 Courtyard, Lin Yueqiang was utterly stunned.

He looked up at the gate tower, several times more imposing than the County Committee's main gate, with carved beams and painted rafters, majestically towering, two stone Lions at the entrance alive with detail, making him almost forget to breathe. This… is my brother‑in‑law's home in the Capital City? This is not a home; it looks like a palace straight out of a painting!

"You're back," Brother Lu Qingyuan had already been waiting at the door, wearing a simple white shirt and a blue cotton coat, his demeanor as steady as a mountain; upon seeing them, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Brother," Lu Qingshan got out of the car, the two brothers exchanged a knowing glance, everything unspoken.

"This must be Yueqiang, come in quickly; your elder sister has mentioned you many times," Lu Qingyuan's gaze fell on Lin Yueqiang, showing no contempt, but the warm kindness of an elder brother.

Lin Yueqiang felt a bit embarrassed under the stare, his face flushed bright red, and politely called out, "Brother, hello."

The group entered the courtyard, and Lu Hong and Lu Fang also came out to greet them. Elder sister Lu Hong, dressed in a tasteful dress with a bright smile, walked a few steps to Lin Yueqiang, kindly took his hand: "Oh, this is Yueqiang? You look so vigorous! Let elder sister see you; you must be exhausted from the road, right? Come in quickly and rest; the meal is already ready!"

When the family met, they exchanged warm greetings, naturally a lively scene. Lin Yueqiang followed behind, walking through the layered pavilions and towers of the courtyard, feeling his eyes insufficient, each step like treading on clouds.

After dinner, Lu Qingshan invited Lu Qingyuan into the study.

"Brother, Yueqiang came with me this time; I want him to stay in the Capital City to learn something,"

Lu Qingyuan brewed tea, and upon hearing this, nodded. "Of course, it's good for a young person to learn more skills. What are you planning?"

"I want him to first follow elder sister and brother‑in‑law, helping at the Xinghan Hotel, starting with the most basic tasks. Also, I'd like you, Brother, to lead him and pick a courtyard for him to settle in," Lu Qingshan's voice was very calm.

Giving a man a fish is not as good as teaching him to fish. Giving money directly only raises a deadbeat. Giving him a place to settle, and a direction to strive, the rest must be his own path.

"No problem, we still have seven or eight vacant units on our side of number 23; I'll take him there shortly," Lu Qingyuan replied cheerfully. "As for the hotel, rest assured, with me and your elder sister watching, we won't mistreat him."

The next day, Lu Qingyuan worked with great efficiency and quickly selected a modest small courtyard within the compound for Lin Yueqiang. Though the courtyard was not large, it was cleaned and tidy, fully furnished, enough for him to settle.

Lu Qingshan led Lin Yueqiang to the entrance of the new courtyard and handed him a brass key.

Lin Yueqiang stared at the heavy string of keys, his palm instantly grew hot, his mind went blank, his lips moved a few times yet no word could be spoken. "Brother‑in‑law… I… this… is too precious…"

"Starting tomorrow, go to the Xinghan Hotel to report to your elder sister; she will assign you tasks. Pay will be issued, but food and lodging are yours here," Lu Qingshan said, his gaze steady yet imbued with unquestionable authority. "A man must first have his own home before he can settle his career peacefully."

"I have only one request."

Lin Yueqiang instantly straightened his posture, like a soldier awaiting orders, and loudly replied, "Brother‑in‑law, you speak!"

Lu Qingshan took several brand‑new books from his bag and handed them over: "Fundamentals of Accounting," "Introduction to Financial Management," and "Hotel Operations and Management."

"Study these books thoroughly. I don't expect you to understand them instantly, but you must learn every day. The hotel's accounts, your elder sister will let you handle; you must learn to read them, to analyze them," Lu Qingshan's voice was steady and strong. "When you can independently produce a clear financial report for your elder sister, then come find me again."

Lin Yueqiang stared blankly at the books in his hands, then at the key that could open a home. He finally understood that the brother‑in‑law was giving him not money nor a comfortable job, but a path he had never even dared to imagine, leading to an entirely new world.

This road requires him to walk it step by step on his own.

A tremendous excitement and an unprecedented sense of responsibility instantly filled his chest. He gripped the books and the key tightly, his knuckles whitening from the pressure.

He suddenly lifted his head, looking at Lu Qingshan, his eyes instantly reddening, his voice hoarse from extreme excitement, yet every word was unwavering.

"Brother‑in‑law, rest assured!"

"I will study hard! Follow elder sister, learn skills well, learn to do business!"

"I, Lin Yueqiang, will never embarrass you!"