An extraordinary life journey through old Beijing courtyard houses

Jiang Baobin said with a big smile, "I'm hoping you can put in a good word for me."

"If I could rent a nice place, I would be so grateful!"

The deaf old lady laughed and said, "This is easy to handle. It doesn't matter who you rent it to, you're not refusing to pay."

"But you and your parents should make a deal, so don't go back on your word and leave this old lady in a bind."

"No, don't worry, a real man's word is his bond!"

"Alright then, I'll pick a good one for you."

"Okay, thank you so much. I'll buy some meat to thank you later."

The deaf old woman's face beamed with joy: "You rascal! You used to be such a clueless goose, when did you become so clever and resourceful?"

"Thank you for the compliment. I've just grown up, and besides, I was sick for a while and suddenly I had a breakthrough."

"Relying on yourself is better than relying on anyone else. I promise to work hard from now on and make something of myself!"

The deaf old woman exclaimed happily, "Hey! That's the right way to think! Men should stand tall and upright!"

Why did Jiang Baobin suddenly decide to rent a house? It's because the system issued another task.

With the incentives, he couldn't refuse to rent it.

Upon checking the "System Panel," Jiang Baobin discovered that he had indeed undergone significant changes:

"Game cheat codes for virtual world players in courtyard houses"

Current time: November 26, 1948

Player: Jiang Baobin

Health Status: 75%

"Physical Attributes:"

"Intelligence: 12 (The average value for ordinary people is 10, and the same applies to the following four items)"

"Explosiveness: 10 (Not yet at its peak, the same applies to the following two items)"

Endurance: 9

Agility: 8

"The five senses: 14 (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch; currently at their proper state)."

"Game map: The protagonist's previous activity area was limited to the eastern half of the inner city;"

"Task (No. 1): Restore the player's body to normal as quickly as possible (reward upon completion);"

"Ding! Your current health has recovered to 75%, meeting the mission completion standard."

"Task complete, reward issued:"

"① The main character's activity area covers the western half of the inner city, thus extending to the entire inner city;"

"②, 1 free attribute points can be allocated."

"New task (No. 2): Players move out of their original, unloving home (rewards upon completion)."

××××××

Jiang Baobin did not hesitate to add 1 point of free attribute to "Intelligence".

He has so much to learn right now, especially his spoken English, which needs to be significantly improved.

This attribute point came at the perfect time.

Jiang Baobin had just changed back into his old clothes and arrived home when his younger sister rushed over to deliver a message:

"Brother, what did you do this afternoon?"

Jiang Baobin casually replied, "It's too stuffy at home, I'm going out for a walk."

The younger sister stamped her feet anxiously, saying, "Mom's angry! She says you stole money from home!"

Jiang Baobin touched his nose and immediately realized how he had been exposed; in fact, he had somewhat expected it.

Even when dried, mugwort and wormwood still have a strong flavor.

When you come into this room from outside, the smell is perfectly normal.

Jiang Baobin looked towards the location of the fire rope, but there was no sign of it.

Looking around, I discovered that my bed had been turned over.

Fortunately, he hid the money in a very secret place, and even if Jiang Ma racked her brains, she would never figure out where it was.

"I didn't steal any money from my family." Jiang Baobin said this with a straight face.

The original owner of this body was an honest child who never even considered taking any of his family's money.

His money was originally a reward from the system, but now he earns it himself outside.

The younger sister asked anxiously, "If you didn't steal it, where did the matchlock come from?"

"You mean those matchlocks? I picked them up when I went for a walk."

"It's probably because the delivery person loaded too much cargo and accidentally spilled it out, but they haven't noticed yet."

"Really?" the younger sister asked doubtfully.

"It can't be 'steamed,' it's more like 'boiled,' right?" Jiang Baobin joked.

The younger sister was clearly not in the same relaxed mood as him, and pouted, letting out an "ouch".

She used her expression to complain that he was in the mood to make witty remarks at a time like this.

He then left in a hurry, presumably to explain to his stepmother.

Jiang Baobin hid all the money he had on him as quickly as possible.

Luckily, he acted quickly; just as he wiped away the traces, his sister-in-law rushed over in a panic.

"Third brother, come with me."

"What's wrong?" Jiang Baobin asked blankly, sitting still.

"You'll see when you get here, hurry up!" the sister-in-law said impatiently.

"Oh." Jiang Baobin slowly got out of bed, but he didn't take it seriously at all.

Upon reaching the east wing, a quick glance revealed two fire ropes on the table, and a grumpy-looking Jiang Ma.

Jiang Baobin pretended not to see it and glanced at the mirror.

As mentioned earlier, his eyesight is excellent, reaching the "2.0" standard.

So even though I was far away, I could still see myself clearly in the mirror—and yes, my complexion had indeed improved a lot.

With a loud "bang!", Jiang Baobin, who was admiring his own handsome face, was startled.

I forced myself to hold back the question: "You slammed the table so loudly, doesn't your hand hurt?"

However, a good man doesn't argue with a woman, so it's best not to provoke her.

He walked over to the stool, sat down, and said he was tired after a long day.

Jiang Ma suddenly rushed to his side and said in an unfriendly tone, "Stand up!"

Jiang Baobin had no choice but to comply, and then he was searched.

Of course, he gained nothing; he had anticipated this move.

Seeing that Jiang Ma had returned empty-handed, the eldest sister-in-law was unwilling to give up and searched again.

This was going too far, but given the original owner's personality, Jiang Baobin chose to endure it.

The eldest sister-in-law searched even more thoroughly than Jiang Ma, but since there was nothing there to begin with, her efforts were in vain.

After her sister-in-law went back to sit down, she realized something was wrong.

Summer clothes are already thin, and these days poor people are lucky to even have a pair of pants to wear.

Therefore, the sister-in-law thought indignantly: How can the difference between people be so great?

They are siblings from the same mother, yet one is like a defective product while the other is vigorous and energetic. This is just too unfair.

Without mentioning how indignant the sister-in-law was.

At this point, Aunt Jiang began to question, "Tell me, where did you get the money to buy matchlocks? And why did you buy so many?"

The eldest sister-in-law also perked up and said, "Third brother, quickly apologize to Mom."

"As long as you honestly admit to stealing the money, Mom won't make a fuss and will definitely be lenient with you."

"Hiss!" Jiang Baobin gasped: Damn! I underestimated this woman!

His skill in digging this hole is second only to that of Prime Minister Cao!

No matter how much you threaten or bribe me, I just won't admit it, you stubborn monkey!

He was really angry with them.

Since you want to get out of this family, the more you make them angry and hate you, the better.