Chapter 5: Livelihood (1)

After all this time, it turns out you are a computer expert, and you even deceived us into thinking you had never touched a computer before, the chubby man said with admiration

Although the fat man did not really believe that Xie Lang, a complete novice who had never played with a computer, could reassemble a machine, he had no choice but to give it a try, so he did not stop Xie Lang. However, soon his eyes were filled with astonishment.

With the commotion caused by the fat man, the other two individuals also woke up

The miraculous means referred to are intricate mechanisms. Xie Zhong told his grandson that long ago, people could actually fly into the sky, as early as the Shang Dynasty, when there were accounts of flying vehicles soaring in the wind, with people aboard, akin to modern airplanes. Initially, Xie Lang thought this was merely his grandfather's boast, but later he encountered similar stories in the "Shan Hai Jing," where the flying vehicle seemed to have been created by a nation called Qigong. Historical records indicate that during the Western Zhou period, a skilled craftsman named Yanshi developed performers who could sing and dance, resembling robots in a way. Xie Lang initially dismissed this as his grandfather's exaggeration, but he later found similar tales in the "Shan Hai Jing," where the flying vehicle appeared to be crafted by the nation of Qigong. Additionally, Xie Zhong mentioned the wooden horse used during the Three Kingdoms period, stating that Zhuge Liang utilized wooden horses to transport goods over mountains and valleys. However, stories remain just stories and lack persuasive power; what truly convinced Xie Lang of his grandfather's claims was witnessing the 'monsters' created by such mechanisms with his own eyes.

Seeing the fat man in such distress, Xie Lang also felt a bit embarrassed and said, "I have never played with this thing before, so I wanted to take a look at its structure. But don't worry, I will restore it for you right away"

"Oh, a wooden rooster alarm clock?" The chubby man rubbed his bleary eyes and became intrigued by the wooden rooster in Xie Lang's hand. The bright red wooden rooster was carved with exquisite detail, especially the comb, which looked just like a flame.

As Lin Qiang suddenly screamed, "Fatty, how did your computer turn into a pile of loose parts!" when getting out of bed

A crowing of a rooster disrupted Xie Lang's thoughts; it turned out that the fat man was fiddling with Xie Lang's wooden rooster alarm clock

Xie Lang has had a hobby since childhood, which is to understand the structure of anything that interests him. Although he has not fully grasped the principles of some components inside the computer, Xie Lang can completely reassemble them based on his memory and experience

The computer is the lifeline of the overweight individual, closely tied to the happiness of four years in university. While it is acceptable to use the computer for studying, the key point is that the online games and adult films that the individual loves the most are inseparable from this precious computer. Seeing the brand-new computer reduced to scattered parts, the expression on the individual's face resembles that of someone who has been dismembered.

At that time, Old Man Xie Zhong lit a bag of dry tobacco and then seriously told Xie Lang that he had once heard his grandfather recount the skills of ancient craftsmen. For instance, some carpenters could carve dragons and phoenixes on a single grain of millet, and some masons could build walls from mud that were even harder than stone. There were those who crafted porcelain that was smoother than a baby's skin. However, what was most captivating was when Xie Zhong told his grandson that among the craftsmen, there were even more miraculous techniques and mysterious arts, possessing powers that were unfathomable and supernatural. Some masons could build walls from mud that were even harder than stone, and there were those who crafted porcelain that was smoother than a baby's skin. However, what was most captivating was when Xie Zhong told his grandson that among the craftsmen, there were even more miraculous techniques and mysterious arts, possessing powers that were unfathomable and supernatural.

"Damn, why didn't you say so earlier!" Jiang Chengshi rolled over and sat up on the bed, exclaiming, "Why did I go through so much trouble to run from Shanghai to Sichuan? Isn't it all for the legendary, enchanting Sichuan girls? Let's go, set off immediately!"

Artisans such as earthworkers and heavenly craftsmen are rarely seen, akin to a dragon that shows its head but not its tail, thus Xie Zhong could not provide a clear explanation. However, in a book at Xie Lang's home titled "Records of Craftsmanship," the author is signed as: Third-Rank Earthworker Gui Yuanji. This book states that this individual was once a court craftsman during the Qing Dynasty, and it also contains records and commentary regarding the blood and the diagrams of the book.

In fact, it is not a monster at all, but merely a wooden mule. This wooden mule is locked inside a warehouse belonging to the Xie family, which has hardly ever been opened. The wooden mule is about the same size as an ordinary mule, but the astonishing thing is that when Xie Zhong lifts the mule's ears, it actually moves and even makes a couple of realistic sounds. Not only can the mule make sounds and walk, but after being harnessed, it can also grind, which is truly remarkable.

However, historically, Xie Lang knew that several decades ago was a very turbulent period. As for the time after the founding of the nation, many ancient traditions were abolished as feudal superstitions, not only the skills of various craftsmen but also many other industries. If it were not for the Xie family being in the deep mountains, their ancient books would have likely been completely destroyed long ago

Xie Lang still thought his grandfather was being modest. It should be known that his grandfather was a master carpenter renowned within a hundred miles, and everyone praised his woodworking skills. If such a person can only be described as a beginner, then what level could a true master possibly reach

Additionally, from his grandfather, Xie Lang learned that many skilled artisans and some ancient texts and secret techniques of craftsmanship suddenly disappeared several decades ago, and it remains unknown where these individuals and items have concealed themselves

"I’m sorry, I forgot to turn off the alarm last night," said Xie Lang to the chubby man, holding a wooden chicken the size of a fist in his hand

Xie Lang chuckled and said, "What expert? I have truly never had any contact with computers before"

Looking at Xie Lang, it did not seem like he was pretending; the fat man could only marvel inwardly, and then he picked up the wooden chicken alarm clock that was placed on the desk.

As a court artisan, https://www.hetushu.com is merely a third-grade craftsman, which provides a glimpse into the skills of local artisans and celestial artisans.

Alright, I am going out for a run. Lin Qiang climbed down from the bed, probably preparing to go for his morning exercise

A chubby fellow sprang up from the bed and exclaimed, "Oh my, whose rooster has flown into our dormitory!"

Oh-oh, hold on

"I made this myself when I was in high school. I didn't have a watch, and I didn't know the time in the morning when going to school, so I created this thing," Xie Lang said. Generally speaking, for problems he can solve on his own, Xie Lang would never think of troubling his family. In fact, since childhood, many things, including his toys, have been made by his own hands.

Oh-oh-oh

"Not going, not going, tomorrow there will be no chance for a lazy sleep, this handsome guy is going to sleep enough today!" Before Xie Lang had even nodded, Jiang Chengshi had already begun to protest.

Xie Lang shook his head; he did not answer the fat man, but a multitude of thoughts surged within him. Artisans have emerged almost simultaneously with the development of human society, boasting a history of several thousand years. Throughout this time, countless skilled individuals have emerged, and with his current meager abilities, he is merely at the threshold of mastery.

However, times are different now compared to ancient times. In the past, among those who roamed outside, half of them were craftsmen, but now there are very few true craftsmen left. Therefore, the legendary earth artisans and heavenly artisans are even less likely to be encountered. Moreover, it is even more improbable that one day, a person suddenly appears before Xie Lang and tells him: "Congratulations, you have become a first-class earth artisan..."

Therefore, in Xie Lang's heart, at least becoming a local craftsman is considered the entry point. It is also evident that he greatly aspires to one day become either a local craftsman or a celestial craftsman

The computer starts up, and everything is normal

The magical arts, hetushucomcom, are even more mysterious. Xie Zhong did not elaborate; he seemed reluctant to let his grandson venture into this realm.

"Then what if we go to Chunxi Road? It's the place where beautiful women in Chengdu appear most frequently—never mind, if you don't want to go, it's fine. Lin Qiang, Xie Lang, and I will go instead," said the fat man.

"Xie Lang, what are you thinking so deeply about? Are you perhaps feeling lovesick?" the chubby one joked, "Let me borrow this wooden chicken for a few days. By the way, starting tomorrow morning, we will begin the grueling military training. Today is the last day to relax, so I will take the three of you to Chengdu for some fun."

"Fatty, I took apart the computer." Seeing Fatty in such pain, Xie Lang quickly said, "Last night I asked if I could take it apart to have a look, and you said it was fine at that time"

skilled craftsmen, extraordinary craftsmanship

The alarm clock can be split into two halves, with the clock hands located inside the wooden chicken's belly. Additionally, there are many gears and springs inside, but the fat man cannot comprehend the purpose of these items. Once closed, it appears to be a beautifully crafted wooden chicken.

It seems that Xie Lang has already gotten up, even though it is just a little past 7:00 in the morning

As for whether craftsmen are also divided into ranks of three, six, and nine, Xie Zhong informed Sunzi that indeed there is such a matter. In the past, among craftsmen, there was a distinction between earth craftsmen and heavenly craftsmen, each of which was further divided into nine grades. However, the titles of earth craftsmen and heavenly craftsmen are not self-bestowed; it is said that they are conferred by celestial beings who oversee craftsmen. Those who are conferred are all endowed with extraordinary skills. Above the earth craftsmen and heavenly craftsmen, it is said that there are divine craftsmen, but even Xie Zhong cannot confirm this.

Isn't that so? Aside from items like chips that cannot be disassembled, Xie Lang has not overlooked even a single screw nut.

Since then, Xie Lang came to realize that the accumulation of craftsmanship over thousands of years was indeed extraordinary, and many Eastern and Western texts were far beyond his imagination. However, regarding that wooden mule, Xie Zhong still kept it locked away in the warehouse, as it was a family tradition

A few crisp crowing sounds of chickens echoed in the dormitory

In just a few minutes, the fat man's computer was completely restored, and Xie Lang's skilled demeanor made it seem as if he were a professional in assembling computers

Did you make this yourself? Impressive, simply impressive! The chubby one is already in complete admiration. With your skills, you can truly be regarded as a master craftsman, a genius of craftsmanship.

Under Xie Lang's guidance, the chubby man discovered that this wooden chicken could not only crow but also walk, glide, and peck at rice. Of course, this wooden chicken could not actually eat rice. Nevertheless, this was enough to greatly broaden the chubby man's horizons

In the past, Xie Lang was unaware of the vastness of the world and believed that his grandfather, that old miser, had already reached the level of a master carpenter. At that time, he had even praised his grandfather's skills with the phrase "divine craftsmanship." However, his grandfather, Xie Zhong, shook his head and said: "Only the King of Hell can be called a master carpenter; your grandfather's skills are merely at the beginner level, hardly deserving of the title of divine craftsmanship."

Brother, where did you buy this thing? It's simply wonderful! The chubby man was somewhat enamored with it.

Yesterday, that was—" the fat man only spoke half of his words. He was so tipsy from drinking that he couldn't even remember whether he had agreed to this matter. All he could do was resign himself to his misfortune and say with a pained heart: "It's fine, if it has to be taken apart, then so be it. At worst, I can find the technician who installed it to redo it. Hey, you really took it apart thoroughly."

What, my computer! The fat man was suddenly startled, completely awake.

"Please, I am still in my beauty sleep. Why wake me up so early? It can easily lead to acne." Jiang Chengshi turned over and then suddenly pulled the blanket over his head, continuing to sleep.