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

Upon hearing this, Master Li said excitedly, "Master, I have examined all your timber. They are all top-quality timber, and three of them are even pieces of the finest timber that were once reserved for the royal family."

These few pieces of material could easily be used to make roof beams, doors, windows, and so on. And to be honest, if you hadn't insisted, I would have thought it was a bit too extravagant.

"By the way, sir, before using the timber, I plan to use a recipe passed down from my master from the palace to process it again. After that treatment, your house won't have any problems, not just for decades, but even centuries."

Zhou Weiguo nodded in satisfaction after listening, then pointed to the workers who were breaking ground and asked, "Master Li, are these workers all trustworthy?"

Master Li puffed out his chest and patted his chest to assure everyone: "Don't worry, boss. They are all my apprentices and their descendants. They are tight-lipped and quick-witted. I have already given them instructions on how to handle these materials. If anyone dares to touch them, I will not only expel them from the school, but also report them to the authorities for arrest."

"Hey! By the way, boss, I've contacted quite a few people about those old items you mentioned last time. Sigh, it's just that these days, not many people really care about these things. Those old-fashioned folks have shown me quite a few things, and they're all in pretty good condition. What a pity."

Zhou Weiguo was taken aback upon hearing this and asked directly, "Master Li, do you mean you've finished looking at those antique furniture pieces?"

Upon hearing this, Master Li's face lit up with arrogance. He said haughtily, "Master, don't worry. I'm one of the few people in Beijing who has connections in this area! I've connected you with quite a few items, all top-notch. I looked at several furniture stores, and finally got it from a fallen prince's mansion. I picked out the best pieces from his entire collection—more than you could use in your courtyard, not to mention the huge pile of antiques and paintings. Most importantly, these things are really cheap right now! By the way, Master, would you like to go take a look?"

Zhou Weiguo was taken aback when he heard this. He thought to himself: Antiques and calligraphy? When did I ever ask you to collect antiques and calligraphy? But after thinking about it, he didn't say too much. Maybe he had misunderstood when he said "old furniture", or maybe "old furniture" was a code word for this era.

He then said directly, "Master Li, I won't go look at it. How about this, just pick out the best set of furniture for me, enough for my yard."

Also, once this courtyard is finished, I have several rooms in my other courtyard that you'd like to help me renovate, and then arrange the furniture and everything. As for the antiques and calligraphy, you can handle it as you see fit. I don't need the ordinary ones; they're not classy enough, and keeping them is pointless.

Then you should let me know in advance if there's anything good, and have it delivered to this yard. Let me put it this way, as long as I'm satisfied with what I receive, you'll definitely get your share of the kickbacks each time. There's just one thing…”

Zhou Weiguo pulled a pistol from his pocket, disassembled it into parts with a series of clicks, and then pretended to wipe it with a rag. "There's just one thing, Master Li," he said. "I won't skimp on the benefits, but if anyone asks me, I will never admit to having received any antiques or paintings. Do you understand?"

Master Li looked at the man in front of him, sweat pouring down his face. He was just chatting happily a moment ago, and then suddenly he performed a 10-second gun-disarming act—what did that mean? Even if he didn't have any ulterior motives to begin with, he quickly suppressed them all and said, "Boss, don't worry, we people are very discreet. Rest assured, every time I come to your yard, it's either to work or to thank you for giving me work, and at most, I'll bring you some local specialties."

Zhou Weiguo immediately put the gun back on and pretended to aim it, the muzzle passing right in front of Master Li several times. Master Li watched Zhou Weiguo fiddling with the pistol, his heart pounding with anxiety, and he looked at him with fear.

Zhou Weiguo laughed and said, "My gun is fast from seven paces away, and within seven paces, my gun is both accurate and fast. What do you think, Master Li?"

Master Li subconsciously thought that Zhou Weiguo was threatening him, and looked at Zhou Weiguo with a look of horror, thinking to himself that this speed and ability were definitely not those of an ordinary person.

Thinking of the relationship between Zhou Weiguo and Director Wang, he felt relieved. As long as they weren't enemy agents from outside, and as long as he did his job well and didn't cause trouble, they definitely wouldn't do anything to him.

Thinking of this, Master Li immediately prepared to kneel down. Zhou Weiguo reacted quickly and helped Master Li up, saying, "Master Li, it seems too hot. Your legs are so weak from the heat. Please sit down."

Upon hearing this, Master Li forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, and said in a trembling voice, "Yes, yes, it's really hot today..."

Zhou Weiguo understood the principle of giving a good beating before rewarding someone, so he took out five hundred yuan from his pocket and handed it to Master Li, saying in a calm tone, "Master Li, you can take this money and use it first. If it's not enough, just let me know, and I'll deduct your share as I see fit."

After saying that, he took Zhu Ziyu and left the east courtyard.

Zhou Weiguo sensed something was wrong as soon as he stepped out of the east courtyard. The door to one of his rooms was wide open. Zhou Weiguo frowned slightly, his eyes instantly turning wary.

Upon entering, the room was in a mess. The tea set on the table was overturned, all the drawers were pulled open, and items were scattered everywhere.

In the grain storage area, flour and mixed dough were scattered all over the floor, and the vegetables and fruits in the cupboard were smashed to pieces.

Zhou Weiguo was furious and knew without a doubt that it was Bang Geng who had done this.

Apart from this "master thief," no one would act like this simply to cause destruction.

Just then, a creak came from behind the bed. Zhou Weiguo darted behind the bed like an arrow, shouting sharply, "Who's there!"

A small, thin figure crawled out from the corner of the bed.

The person looked to be no more than four or five years old, his face covered in dust, clutching a cloth bag tightly in his arms, his eyes filled with panic yet revealing a strange, sinister glint.

Zhou Weiguo's shout startled the man, who trembled but still stubbornly stared at Zhou Weiguo with a defiant look, refusing to admit his mistake.

Without saying a word, Zhou Weiguo turned to Zhu Zi and ordered, "Go, call the police."

Zhu Zi hesitated, then stammered, "Uncle, Bang Geng is just a child. There's no need to call the police, Sister Qin..."

He Yushui glanced helplessly at He Yuzhu, shook her head slightly, and stepped aside.

Zhou Weiguo glared at Zhu Zi and said in a deep voice, "I'm from Shudao Mountain."

He Yuzhu trembled and ran out with a "whoosh".

Zhou Weiguo stared intently at the stick, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists as he slowly approached.