Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 74 Clothing and Car Purchase, New Home and New Life

The next morning, as dawn broke, Lin Yan awoke from his deep meditation, his Qi Refining Ninth Level cultivation now completely stable. He got up, pushed open the heavy, carved wooden window of his second-floor bedroom, and a wave of moist air, a mixture of the salty smell of the sea, the sweet taste of dew, and the fragrance of mountain forests and plants, immediately rushed in, refreshing his soul.

Looking out the window, the view suddenly opens up. Before me lies the pristine, untouched natural beauty of Deep Water Bay. This was in 1958; Deep Water Bay was far from the wealthy enclave it would become. Surrounded by dense subtropical forests, it was a secluded and rarely visited place.

This modern-style three-story villa was built by Lin Yi at Lin Yan's instruction to purchase the land and hire a reliable foreign architect to strictly follow his requirements. Spanning approximately 500 square meters, it stands like a quietly embedded pearl in this almost pristine environment.

Footsteps sounded downstairs; Lin Yi and Lin Er were already waiting on the first floor. With a thought, Lin Gang and Wang Cuihua instantly appeared beside him. The two had already rested in the space, changed into clean cotton clothes, and their eyes showed a mixture of curiosity and nervousness about the new environment.

"Let's go downstairs," Lin Yan said, taking the lead up the stairs. Lin Gang and Wang Cuihua followed closely behind.

The living room on the first floor was bright and airy. Lin Yi and Lin Er, dressed in well-fitting dark suits, stood respectfully with their hands at their sides. Upon seeing Lin Yan, they bowed and greeted him, "Master, you've had a good rest."

"Hmm." Lin Yan nodded slightly, then turned to the two people behind him and introduced them to Lin Yi and Lin Er: "From now on, Lin Gang will be the housekeeper, responsible for coordinating internal and external affairs." Then, he looked at Wang Cuihua and pondered for a moment: "As for you—the name 'Wang Cuihua' is simple and unpretentious in mainland China, but in Hong Kong, it sounds a bit too rustic and out of place. From now on, you will be called Wang Yuling; it's more elegant and easier to use when you're out and about."

A look of joy flashed in Wang Yuling's eyes, and she quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, Master! Wang Yuling has remembered it, thank you for bestowing this name upon me!" She did indeed think the new name sounded nice and was respectable.

Lin Yi and Lin Er immediately turned to Lin Gang and Wang Yuling, nodding slightly in greeting: "Butler Lin, Steward Wang." Lin Gang and Wang Yuling quickly returned the greeting, trying to adapt to their new identities and titles.

"Lin Yi, show us around this house carefully," Lin Yan instructed.

"Yes, Master, please come with me."

The first floor is extremely spacious, with Philippine teak floors. A sofa surrounds a marble-topped coffee table. A General Electric floor fan stands in the corner.

A solid wood dining table large enough for eight people, paired with high-backed carved dining chairs. Against the wall is a Chinese-style retro carved sideboard, used to store exquisite porcelain and silverware.

Compared to the coal stoves still used in ordinary households, this place is a step ahead of its time. There are neatly laid white tile countertops, a gas stove, wooden wall cabinets above, and a Frigidaire refrigerator.

The three large rooms are just the right size to serve as bedrooms for the two butlers and storage rooms for various cleaning and maintenance tools.

The spacious master bedroom on the second floor features a private balcony with panoramic views of Deep Water Bay. The room includes a large Western-style spring mattress bed, a solid wood wardrobe, and a five-drawer chest. The ensuite bathroom is fully equipped with a flush toilet, ceramic sink, a simple shower, and a large bathtub.

There are two guest rooms with simple furniture, sharing a clean and tidy bathroom.

One wall of the study is a floor-to-ceiling solid wood bookcase, and a large desk faces the window, ensuring excellent lighting for reading and handling business.

The semi-basement was planned as a storage room, a constant-temperature wine cellar, and an equipment room.

After the tour, they returned to the living room. Lin Yan sat down on the main sofa and began to assign tasks.

"Lin Er, there are a few things you need to take care of immediately today."

1. "Take Lin Gang and Wang Yuling with you and find a way to get us three legal Hong Kong identity documents that can withstand inspection." Lin Er bowed and accepted the order: "Understood, Master."

2. "As for purchasing... Prepare all daily necessities according to the list. Lin Gang, Yu Ling, buy several sets of clothes for various occasions. Don't be stingy, just buy the best. But there's no need to skimp on ingredients." Lin Yan emphasized, "My cultivation requires special nutrition. Xiao Qi will take care of all my food from now on, so you don't need to worry about it."

3. "Language is key. When you're abroad, you must master Cantonese and English as soon as possible. You can speak Mandarin in special circumstances."

4. "The most important point," Lin Yan emphasized, glancing out the window, "is to quietly buy up all the vacant land surrounding this house, regardless of size, in batches. Land prices are low now, it's the perfect time. After buying it, preserve its original landscape and do not allow development. I don't want to see any neighbors; we must ensure absolute quiet and privacy here. This is very important."

"You two, first familiarize yourselves with Lin Yi's customs and traditions in Hong Kong, then quickly register to learn to drive and get your driver's licenses. These are essential skills here."

Finally, he said to Lin Yi, "Get the car ready. Let's go to the city to buy some clothes first, and then look at a car."

"Yes, Master!" Lin Yi replied calmly.

The black Ford smoothly drove out of Deep Water Bay, merging into the bustling traffic on the north shore of Hong Kong Island. Through the car window, Lin Yan observed the morning in this colonial city with great interest: double-decker trams jingled, various cars, bicycles, and rickshaws mingled, and the sidewalks were teeming with people. Most men wore shirts and trousers, while women mostly wore cheongsams or dresses; foreigners could also be seen. Shop windows displayed a dazzling array of goods, from imported cosmetics to the latest radios, testifying to Hong Kong's early prosperity as a free port and "shopping paradise"—all thanks to the absence of import and sales taxes, making many goods even cheaper than in their country of origin. Wan Chai and Causeway Bay were already lined with shopping malls, with the signs of Japanese-owned department stores such as Daimaru and Matsuzakaya particularly eye-catching.

They first arrived at "Arthur Wong Tailor Shop" near Wyndham Street in Central. As the door opened, wind chimes tinkled. The shop was filled with the distinctive scent of textiles and a faint aroma of cedar. The walls were covered with samples of various imported British wool fabrics, Italian cotton and linen, and silk fabrics.

A sprightly Chinese master craftsman came to greet us.

Although Lin Yan was dressed simply today, his nearly 1.9-meter height, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs made him a walking clothes hanger in the old tailor's eyes, instantly igniting his creative passion. Several young female shop assistants couldn't help but steal glances, their cheeks flushed, whispering amongst themselves.

"Sir, you are truly a gift from heaven!" The master tailor circled Lin Yan, gesturing with his fingers in the air. "This physique! The strong shoulders of the English structure, combined with the precise tailoring of the Italian style, and the slightly loose straight-leg trousers to balance the overall visual height... Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Sir, please allow me to have a few suits custom-made for you, otherwise it would be a waste of such a gift!"

Lin Yan looked at Lin Yi. Lin Yi stepped forward: "Master Wang, please take my young master's measurements. A total of twenty suits are needed, made of fabrics suitable for all seasons, and for various occasions including formal business attire, evening wear, and semi-casual styles."

"Twenty sets!!" Master Wang gasped. "That's quite a generous offer! Rest assured, I will personally handle the tailoring for you, using the finest fabrics in the shop, and paying meticulous attention to details such as the lining, shoulder pads, and buttons."

He immediately took out a soft measuring tape and began to meticulously measure Lin Yan, constantly calling out various data while his eyes were focused. Master Wang's soft measuring tape skillfully traversed Lin Yan's body. When he measured the leg size, his eyes were filled with amazement.

"Sir, please stand up straight and relax..." Master Wang said as he measured Lin Yan's ankle with a soft measuring tape, starting from the outside of his leg and precisely along the outside of his leg to the protruding point of his hip bone. He carefully examined the markings on the tape, and after confirming that they were correct, he looked up at Lin Yan.

"108cm! Your figure is truly a gift from God!"

Hearing the teacher's exclamation, the female shop assistants couldn't help but steal glances at Lin Yan again. Lin Yan nodded slightly, letting Master Wang continue his measurement work. After the measurements were completed, he carefully selected the fabric and style details.

After paying the deposit, Lin Yi took Lin Yan to a nearby upscale menswear store called "Peninsula Gentlemen." This store carries many well-known British and European ready-to-wear brands. Lin Yan, tired of trying on clothes repeatedly, quickly selected over twenty outfits suitable for different casual occasions, roughly based on his size: classic trench coats and lightweight jackets from Aquascutum, shirts, scarves, and trench coats from Burberry, fine cotton shirts from Hilditch & Key, and cashmere knitwear from Pringle of Scotland. Lin Yi meticulously checked the size, workmanship, and quality of each piece.

Afterwards, they moved to the high-end shoe department of the "Swiss Trading Company". After trying on several pairs, Lin Yan said to Lin Yi, "Choose a few more pairs of leather shoes and casual shoes, with different colors, leathers, and styles to save us the trouble of going back and forth later." So, in addition to the two pairs of Oxford shoes and one pair of monk strap shoes that were custom-made, they also bought four pairs of ready-made casual shoes with soft textures and exquisite workmanship, including soft-soled loafers and calfskin sneakers. Finally, at the wardrobe counter, they purchased a sufficient amount of high-quality cotton underwear and other necessities.

Stepping out of the shoe department of "Swiss Watch Company," Lin Yi hesitated for a moment before respectfully suggesting to Lin Yan, "Master, now that you've purchased your attire, a matching watch is also essential. Not far ahead is Queen's Road Central, where many top watch shops are located, such as 'Swiss Watch Company' and 'De Cheng Watch Company,' both of which have a wide selection of classic models."

He nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's go take a look."

They entered a prestigious Swiss watch store. The interior was softly lit, the atmosphere tranquil, and the air filled with the unique aromas of leather, sandalwood, and a hint of fine watch oil. A senior sales manager in a dark suit immediately greeted them.

"Good afternoon, sir, welcome. Are you here to admire the watches?" The manager led them to the glass display case.

Inside the cabinet, velvet cushions displayed masterpieces of mechanical art. In late 50s Hong Kong, Swiss watches were naturally the most coveted. Major brands included Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Omega, and Longines.

Wearing white gloves, the sales manager carefully took out several of the store's prized pieces for Lin Yan to admire. There was a Rolex Datejust in gold, a Patek Philippe Calatrava with a low-key and understated white gold case, and an Omega Constellation with its famous "pie plate" dial and exquisite triple case.

Lin Yan's gaze finally settled on a platinum Patek Philippe Ref. 96. The dial was clean and elegant, with only slender baton hour markers and leaf-shaped hands. The ultra-thin movement fit perfectly on the wrist, which was very much in line with Lin Yan's aesthetic.

"Try this one," Lin Yan gestured.

The manager carefully put the watch on Lin Yan's wrist. The watch fit him perfectly on his well-defined wrist.

"Sir, you have excellent taste. This watch..." The manager began to explain in detail its hand-finished movement, its long history, and its rarity.

Lin Yan didn't dwell on it too much; he trusted his first impression more. "This one. Also, let's choose another one..." His gaze shifted to two watches more suitable for everyday casual wear: an Omega Seamaster in stainless steel and a Longines Conquest, which was more sporty and durable.

"Yes, sir!" The manager barely suppressed his excitement; the customer's speed of decision was as astonishing as his taste. The value of these two watches was enough to buy a sizable apartment on Hong Kong Island.

Packaging, payment, filling out the warranty card… everything was completed efficiently and silently. Lin Yan put on the understated top-of-the-line dress watch, while the other two casual watches were handed over to Lin Yi for safekeeping.

After completing all of this, Lin Yancai said to Lin Yi, "Let's go have lunch." Another important task of the purchasing trip was successfully completed.

After a series of purchases, Lin Yan rubbed his temples and sighed to Lin Yi, "Shopping is indeed time-consuming and exhausting. I wonder how those women who can shop all day in high heels manage to keep going? In the future, try to arrange for them to provide door-to-door service for all clothing and footwear customization and purchasing matters."

"Yes, Master, I have noted it down," Lin Yi replied respectfully.

As noon approached, Lin Yan pondered, "After all this morning's efforts, I still feel it's more convenient to have a convenient place to stay in the bustling city. Help me buy a large apartment in this area, in a prime location that's quiet despite the hustle and bustle, with new facilities and, of course, parking."

"Understood, Master. I can contact the agent this afternoon to check," Lin Yi replied.

In the afternoon, another important agenda item of the trip was to purchase a vehicle.

Lin drove to the Chong Ming Building on Hysan Avenue in Causeway Bay—home to Zung Fu Group's first Mercedes-Benz showroom, opened in 1955. Inside the bright showroom, the polished floor reflected the lights, and several brand-new, gleaming Mercedes-Benz cars were displayed like works of art, shining brightly.

The sales consultant, with his keen eye, immediately recognized the extraordinary bearing of Lin Yan and his companion, especially Lin Yan. Although dressed casually, his demeanor was far from that of an ordinary wealthy young man. The consultant immediately greeted them with a beaming smile: "Good afternoon, sir! Welcome to Renfu Store. How may I help you?"

Lin Yi stepped forward and explained the purpose of the visit: "My young master wants to purchase a few vehicles for daily use. His primary requirements are spacious interiors, comfortable and quiet rides, and absolutely reliable quality."

The sales consultant understood immediately and led them to the flagship model in the center of the showroom—the Mercedes-Benz 300d "Adenauer".

"Sir, please take a look. This 300d is our current top-of-the-line model. It not only has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with very smooth and abundant power output, but more importantly, its wheelbase has been specially lengthened, making the rear space extremely luxurious. Even a tall gentleman like yourself can definitely stretch out comfortably. It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art suspension system..." The sales consultant introduced the details in detail.

Lin Yan personally sat in the driver's seat, adjusted the seat, and found ample headroom and legroom. He then switched to the back seat to experience the comfort of the "boss's seat," even finding it easy to cross his legs. He nodded in satisfaction. He then glanced at another Mercedes-Benz 220S next to him, slightly smaller in size but equally exquisite, elegant, and meticulously crafted.

"Two 300Ds and one 220S," Lin Yan decided without much hesitation. "They must all be black or dark blue." In Hong Kong in 1958, this order was undoubtedly an astonishing transaction.

"Absolutely no problem! Sir, you have an excellent eye for talent!" The sales consultant, barely containing his excitement, his voice trembling slightly, quickly assured him, "Please rest assured, we will handle all customs clearance, vehicle inspection, and registration procedures for you as quickly as possible, and deliver the car to you perfectly as soon as possible!"

Following Lin Yi's suggestion, they then visited a dealership specializing in imported American luxury cars. There, Lin Yantong was immediately drawn to a Cadillac Coupe De Ville with its exaggerated rocket-like tail fins and imposing presence. Opening the door revealed an interior space far exceeding expectations, resembling a mobile American living room, complete with plush sofa-style seats, a powerful 6.0-liter V8 engine, and an advanced automatic transmission.

"I'll take this one too." Lin Yan nodded again. Different types of vehicles are suitable for different occasions, which is very necessary.

After completing the car purchase procedures and paying a huge deposit, the sun was already setting, casting a golden glow on the buildings of Hong Kong Island.

The long-standing pretense and repression within the traditional courtyard houses of northern China were completely swept away at this moment. A sense of unbridled freedom and exhilaration, like fish leaping freely in the sea or birds soaring in the sky, unfolded before them.

Meanwhile, Lin Er was leading Lin Gang and Wang Yuling, shuttling between various institutions on Hong Kong Island to process their identity documents.