I painted an aircraft carrier on the courtyard house for Dongda University.

Zhou Weiguo had essentially acquiesced, but still maintained a stern face, saying, "As long as she's willing, I have no objection. However, I have one condition: she must give you a child, boy or girl, it doesn't matter. Otherwise, in the end, you'll still be a 'labor trap,' and you'll drag my nephew and niece down with you!"

The two whispered for a while before entering the guesthouse. Pushing open the door, they saw Liang Ladi sitting on the edge of the bed, with two children nestled beside her and a sleeping baby in her arms.

He Daqing's eyes softened instantly as he watched this heartwarming scene. He quietly sat down next to Liang Ladi and said cautiously, "Ladi, I have something to tell you." Liang Ladi nervously looked up. Seeing this, Zhou Weiguo tactfully walked to the window, pretending to admire the scenery, but actually eavesdropping.

He Daqing took a deep breath, his face filled with tension and anticipation: "Ladi, I know you've had a tough life, and I'm not exactly rich. But I have a skill that can provide for you and your children. If you don't mind, come with me, and I promise you'll never suffer again. To be honest, you look remarkably like my late wife, so you don't need to worry that I'm just playing around. If you agree, your son will be my son. By the way, I also have a son and a daughter in Beijing. If you're willing, just nod. If not, just say so, and I'll help you as much as I can."

These words stunned Liang Ladi, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, unsure of what to do. Silence fell over the room, broken only by the soft breathing of the few people inside.

Just as He Daqing was filled with disappointment, thinking he was about to be rejected, Liang Ladi suddenly pulled her two children and knelt down in front of him with a "plop," her voice somewhat dazed: "Brother He, I don't understand any grand principles. I only know that no one in this world cares about us, mother and children, anymore. If it weren't for you and Brother Weiguo saving our lives, we would have starved to death long ago. Since you saved us, from now on I am yours, and I'm willing to be your slave!"

He Daqing was so excited that he trembled all over and hurriedly went to help them up: "No! Get up! From today onwards, you are my family! Once the children have recovered, I will take you to get your marriage certificate, and I will raise all three children!" He was flustered and afraid of hurting them by using too much force, and he was so anxious that cold sweat was pouring down his forehead.

Liang Ladi's expression changed drastically. He turned to the two children and said, "Da Mao, Er Mao, from today onwards, you will both bear the surname He! Remember, this He Daqing is your father. From now on, you must be as filial to him as you are to me. If you dare to disrespect him, I will kill myself right in front of you! Do you hear me?"

Da Mao and Er Mao, their faces filled with excitement, knelt down in unison and called out in their clear voices, "Dad!" He Daqing's throat tightened, and he hugged the children tightly, tears welling up in his eyes.

Zhou Weiguo, watching this dramatic scene, was both amused and annoyed. He stepped forward and pulled everyone up, saying, "Alright, alright, what kind of behavior is this, crying and sobbing!"

He turned to Liang Ladi, his expression serious: "Sister Liang, since we've agreed to this marriage, let's get this straight. I have only one request—you and He Daqing must have a child. That's the bottom line. You should understand why without me explaining. If you don't, ask He Daqing tonight. If you agree, we'll be family; if you don't, we'll discuss it further. I also assure you, even if we have a child together, if He Daqing dares to favor one over the other, I will not let him off easily!"

Liang Ladi blushed deeply and replied softly, "Brother Zhou, I promise. I understand. Only with my own flesh and blood can I feel at ease. From now on, Daqing and I will live a good life and raise all the children." As she spoke, she secretly glanced at He Daqing, her smile widening.

Seeing that the matter was settled, Zhou Weiguo urged, "It's settled, I'm heading back to Beijing now. You guys handle the rest yourselves. If there are any problems, Lao He, remember to write. By the way, do you have enough money and coupons?"

He Daqing's face lit up with joy, and he nodded hurriedly, "That's enough! I've hidden some money outside, enough for now. I plan to get the marriage certificate first, then deal with work, and finally take her back to his home to demand justice. After that, I'll come back to Beijing to find you!"

Zhou Weiguo nodded, pulled out a wad of banknotes, and stuffed them into He Daqing's hand: "Be prepared for a difficult journey. Keep some money on hand for yourself. Get back here as soon as you're done; I'm cleaning up your mess!"

Unable to refuse, He Daqing grasped Zhou Weiguo's hand tightly, his voice choked with emotion: "Weiguo, thanks to you! I'll definitely thank you properly when I get back!"

Zhou Weiguo patted his hand: "Stop talking nonsense and get this done. I need to go back and oversee the construction, and also deal with that old bastard Yi Zhonghai!"

He then told Liang Ladi to take good care of himself and his child before turning and leaving.

On the other side, inside the He family's house in courtyard number 95.

Yi Zhonghai looked at He Yuzhu with concern and said earnestly, "Yuzhu, I'm doing this for your own good. Just listen to me. Your family's relationship with the neighbors is so strained right now. If you ever have any difficulties in the future, who will be willing to lend a hand? Don't you think that makes sense?"

He Yuzhu rolled his eyes, his tone clearly impatient: "Uncle, don't try to fool me with that excuse! My uncle specifically told me before he left that I absolutely must not help the Jia family. If you have any objections, wait until my uncle comes back and talk to him yourself. As long as he asks me to help someone, I'll do it without hesitation."

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai's face instantly darkened, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, yet he still forced a smile: "Your uncle has only been in the courtyard for a few days? You still need an old man like me to guide you through the ins and outs of this place."

As he spoke, he reached out to pat He Yuzhu's shoulder, but the other subtly dodged. His hand, hovering in mid-air, froze slightly, and Yi Zhonghai's tone took on a threatening tone: "Zhuzi, don't be foolish. You'll regret it if you offend people in the compound! I'll give you one more chance. As long as you agree to bring lunchboxes to the Jia family and persuade your uncle to write a letter of forgiveness, I guarantee the Jia family won't hold a grudge against you. Especially your sister Qin, I'll definitely persuade her to forgive you!"

The moment Qin Huairu's name was uttered, He Yuzhu almost nodded in agreement. Just then, He Yushui quietly pinched his butt. "Ouch!"

He Yuzhu jumped up in pain, as if waking from a dream. He glared at his sister and said firmly, "Uncle, please stop talking. The Jia family's affairs have nothing to do with my family. I won't help them. Let them hold a grudge if they want!"

Yi Zhonghai could no longer maintain his facade of harmony, and his face darkened completely: "Since you won't listen to the elders, then there's nothing I can do." With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Only He Yuzhu and He Yushui remained in the room, staring at each other in bewilderment. He Yushui frowned, her face full of worry: "Brother, Grandpa got so angry, I'm afraid he'll come after us later. What should we do?"