Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 61 Open Source and Cost Reduction and the Miraculous Effects of Elixir

After seeing off the two excited ministers, the courtyard returned to tranquility. Lin San sat quietly for a moment, then used his divine sense to report all the details of the discussion, especially the part about transportation arrangements, to Lin Yan in the space.

Inside the space, Lin Yan stood with his hands behind his back by the spirit field, listening to Lin San's report. When he heard that Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong had each promised to provide 100,000 tons of transport capacity per month, he nodded slightly, as this was within his expectations. However, his mind raced, and he immediately calculated a long-term benefit.

"Even at the lowest cost, shipping 200,000 tons of grain by sea every month, over the years until the end of the three-year hardship period, will accumulate to a considerable sum in freight costs," Lin Yan thought to himself. "Although the current output and previous reserves are sufficient to support this, simply living off past reserves is not a good strategy. In Hong Kong, we must accelerate the pace of 'increasing revenue' and establish a stable and strong cash flow to support this long-term plan and conceal the true source of the grain."

With a thought, he immediately contacted Lin Yi through divine sense.

"Lin Yi, how has the group's development progressed in the past few months?" Lin Yan's voice rang directly in Lin Yi's mind, calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

Lin Yi's voice responded immediately, respectful and clear: "Reporting to Master, everything is progressing according to plan. As per your instructions, we have used funds to acquire a total of fifty-seven street-front shops in major commercial areas and densely populated residential areas on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. All shops have been renovated in a unified style, with shelves and counters fully equipped."

He paused briefly before continuing his report: "The supplies for the four types of shops—grain and oil stores, fresh meat shops, tea shops, and Chinese medicine pharmacies—have been replenished through normal trade channels and our 'special channels,' and they are expected to open for business by the end of this month. At that time, dozens of 'Lin's' shops will appear on the streets of Hong Kong."

"Regarding security," Lin Yi then reported on another key matter, "the security department, composed of veterans and selected local young men, currently numbers 120 and is still recruiting and training. We can now ensure that every street with a Lin family shop has our security personnel patrolling in 12-hour shifts. In the event of disturbances by thugs or other unexpected situations, we can arrive immediately to handle the situation, ensuring the smooth operation of the shops."

"However..." Lin Yi's tone carried a hint of apology, "The construction of the winery involves customized equipment and a longer fermentation cycle, which is taking a little longer than expected, and it's not yet in production. Therefore, the planned store specializing in selling alcoholic beverages will probably have to be delayed for some time."

"It's alright. Just build the factory as planned. I'll have Xiao Qi arrange for the fermentation of the liquor to take place in the space for the time being, which will save a lot of time," Lin Yan replied calmly, not caring about the matter. Although the liquor business was profitable, it wasn't the absolute core business at the moment, so it wouldn't be a big deal to postpone it. He was more concerned about another issue.

"Regarding the antiques, jade, and gold used for trading in the mainland," Lin Yan's thoughts jumped to another crucial matter, "you must remember that these items should never be hastily sold off in large quantities on the Hong Kong market."

His tone became exceptionally solemn, carrying a kind of timeless foresight: "Firstly, releasing such a massive quantity of antiques and rare artifacts in a short period will inevitably impact the market, causing their value to plummet, which would be a huge loss for us. Secondly, the Hong Kong market simply cannot absorb such a large volume."

"These things are our 'hard currency reserves,' and also our future 'gold mine.'" Lin Yan's eyes gleamed with a keen insight into the future. "We must proceed slowly and selectively over the next few decades, gradually realizing their value in the Hong Kong, Southeast Asian, and even European and American art markets. It's especially important to remember that once we enter the 21st century, particularly after 2000, with China's economic boom and national strength, the global demand for Chinese art will reach unprecedented heights. At that time, the value of these 'stones,' 'tiles,' and 'metals,' which we currently acquire by exchanging grain for, will increase many times over, even dozens or hundreds of times. Selling them now would be a complete waste."

"I will heed your teachings, Master!" Lin Yi replied respectfully, deeply understanding the profound significance of Lin Yan's plan. This was not merely about solving the immediate food crisis, but also about laying the groundwork for immense wealth over the next few decades.

After completing the communication, Lin Yan withdrew his divine sense. He gazed at the vast fields and mountains of grain within the space, his eyes deep and thoughtful. Hong Kong's commercial network was about to be fully launched, acting like a highly efficient cash-generating machine, providing a continuous stream of funds for this grand plan and perfectly concealing the astonishing source of the grain.

In late May, the weather in Hong Kong was already getting humid and hot. As evening approached, Lin Er reappeared outside the Bao family mansion in Deep Water Bay. He carried an antique-style food box with a handle, made of sandalwood, which exuded a faint, cool aura.

The butler, already instructed, respectfully led Lin Er into the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Bao Yugang were already waiting there, their expressions a mixture of barely suppressed anticipation and excitement, and a hint of barely perceptible tension. They knew that this medicine, praised by Mr. Chen Jitang as a "miracle cure of the ages" and made with legendary "extinct" medicinal herbs, might determine the future succession of the Bao family.

"Sir Bao, Madam Bao." Lin Er smiled and nodded, gently placing the food box on the coffee table. "The medicine has been prepared according to ancient methods, brewed at a specific time. Now is the moment when its medicinal properties are at their most mellow and mild. Please take it while it's hot."

He opened the first layer of the food box, which contained not a medicine jar, but two clean white soft towels and two sets of simple, light cotton and linen clothing. "After taking the medicine, your body will naturally expel some of the accumulated impurities. This is an auspicious sign that the medicine's power has reached the whole body, cleansing the internal organs and clearing the meridians. You two don't need to panic. Just wipe yourselves with these soft towels and change into these clean clothes. These clothes have been steamed with a special medicinal solution, which can help close the pores and protect the newly generated pure energy," Lin Er explained, showing great thoughtfulness.

Then, he carefully took out two white porcelain bowls from the bottom of the food box. The bowls were warm to the touch, and the rims were sealed perfectly with some kind of translucent thin wax, so that not a trace of medicinal odor escaped. Strangely, the liquid in the bowls was not the dark brown he had imagined, but a clear and lustrous amber color. Upon closer inspection, it seemed that there were extremely fine, almost imperceptible specks of luminescence floating and flowing in the liquid, emitting an indescribable, refreshing herbal fragrance and a vibrant aroma of life.

Lin Er gently scratched open the wax seal with his fingernail, and an even richer and more exotic fragrance instantly spread out. It was neither bitter nor astringent, but rather had a refreshing sweetness that invigorated the spirit and made one feel open-minded.

"Please, gentlemen." Lin Er handed the medicine bowls to Bao Yugang and his wife.

Bao Yugang and his wife exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination and expectation in each other's eyes. Without further hesitation, they picked up the medicine bowl with both hands. The medicine was unexpectedly warm and sweet, without the bitterness of ordinary decoctions. Instead, it was like a gentle spring flowing down their throats, leaving an indescribable feeling of comfort.

Soon after the medicine entered their bodies, a gentle yet undeniable warmth slowly rose from their dantian (lower abdomen). It wasn't a burning sensation, but a vibrant, life-giving warmth, like the warm winter sun, quickly spreading and flowing throughout their limbs and bones. The two felt as if every meridian, every joint, and even the deepest bone marrow of their bodies was being gently enveloped, soaked, and cleansed by this warm, vital force.

An indescribable feeling of ease and comfort swept over their entire bodies, as if a heavy, invisible shackle that had been borne for years had been removed, or as if parched land had been thoroughly nourished by sweet rain. They unconsciously closed their eyes slightly, letting out a satisfied, almost sighing groan, their faces revealing an expression of extreme comfort, peace, and even a touch of ecstasy. The fatigue, anxiety, and accumulated minor discomfort of the past few days melted away like snow under the sun under the gentle yet powerful medicinal effect.

However, this miraculous process did not end there. About an incense stick's time later, Bao Yugang and his wife almost simultaneously felt their pores open slightly, and a layer of extremely fine, slightly oily sweat began to seep from their skin. At first, the sweat was colorless, but it quickly turned into a faint, hazy gray, with a very slight, faint scent like old mud or rust.

This layer of gray, fine oily sweat gradually covered most of their skin surface, forming a thin, sticky gray sludge that felt slightly cool to the touch.

"Mr. Lin, this..." Bao Yugang opened his eyes, looking in surprise at the thin stains seeping from his arm, and then at his wife who was in the same situation. His tone was surprised, but not flustered, because at the same time he felt an unprecedented sense of ease and vitality inside his body.

"Sir, Madam, there's no need to worry," Lin Er confirmed calmly. "This is the medicine taking effect, expelling the dampness, toxins, and turbidity deep within the internal organs, meridians, and bones through the pores. This process is highly beneficial to the body; it's the first step in a complete transformation. The more that's expelled, the more turbidity has accumulated in the body, and the better the treatment will be."

Upon hearing this, the Bao couple were completely relieved, and overjoyed. They immediately did as instructed, picking up the prepared soft towels to wipe each other. As the towels passed over their skin, the gray grime was wiped away, revealing skin that appeared smoother, more delicate, and rosier than before, as if they had become several years younger, with even the fine lines of dryness seemingly fading.

After they were cleaned up and changed into clean and soft cotton and linen clothes, the two stood facing each other, and saw in each other's eyes an unbelievable shock and ecstasy!

They not only felt unprecedentedly relaxed and comfortable, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from their bodies, but also radiant with health, clear and sharp eyes, and exceptionally clear and keen thinking. The deep fatigue accumulated from past work vanished, replaced by a vigorous and inexhaustible energy, as if they had returned to their early twenties, the age of peak energy.

"A miracle drug! It's truly a miracle drug!" Bao Yugang's voice trembled with excitement. He clenched his fist, feeling the long-lost surge of power within him, and couldn't help but exclaim loudly, "I never imagined that such a miraculous medicine existed in the world! Just a bowl of herbal soup, yet it has the effect of cleansing the marrow and transforming the body! Mr. Lin, your master is truly a divine being! This... this is simply the work of immortals!"

Mrs. Bao was also moved to tears, her cheeks flushed. She carefully felt the changes in her body; the lightness and vitality she felt from within were experiences she hadn't had in years: "It's amazing! I feel so light, like I've been reborn! Mr. Lin, we truly don't know how to repay this kindness!"

At this moment, they revered Lin Er and the "Lin Group" behind him as gods. This astonishing effect, far exceeding their comprehension, completely conquered the well-informed couple. The legendary "thousand-year-old He Shou Wu," "snow mountain purple ganoderma," and the Lin family's unpredictable "ancient refining methods" had become real and powerful entities in their minds.

Seeing their excited reactions, Lin Er understood that the spiritual spring water had worked perfectly. He had successfully attributed this "miracle" to the Lin family's mystery and power through the packaging of the "ancient formula" and "extinct medicinal herbs." He smiled modestly, "Sir Bao, Madam Bao, you flatter me. Your good health is the best outcome. This medicine needs to be taken four times consecutively to strengthen your foundation and completely improve your health. I will send the second dose in seven days."

Bao Yugang grasped Lin Er's hand tightly, his tone extremely solemn, even tinged with reverence: "Mr. Lin, I cannot thank you enough! In the future, if there is anything I need you to do, I and the Bao family will do our utmost, even at the cost of our lives!"

This delivery of medicine not only greatly improved the health of the Bao couple, but also strengthened the bond between the Bao family and the Lin Group to an unbreakable level.