Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Yan Fugui practically dragged and pulled Yan Jiecheng, who was distraught and still had red marks from a spatula on his face, back to their dimly lit, cramped front room. Auntie San was eating some thin porridge with pickled vegetables when she saw the father and son enter in this state. She was startled, especially when she saw the clear, oily red marks on her eldest son's face, and exclaimed, "Oh dear! Jiecheng! What happened to you? Who did you fight with?"

"Shut up! What are you yelling about!" Yan Fugui snapped irritably, slamming the door shut to shut out the neighbors' probing gazes and murmurs. His face darkened, he pressed Yan Jiecheng onto a stool, then paced anxiously a couple of times in the cramped room with his hands behind his back. He then abruptly turned, pointing at Yan Jiecheng, his finger trembling slightly with anger and embarrassment.

"You! What am I supposed to say to you?! Huh?! Yan Jiecheng! How old are you?! Did a donkey kick your brain or squeeze it through a door?! You went and provoked Yu Li?! Do you even know who she is?! She's Sha Zhu's fiancée! The whole compound knows she's getting married at the end of September! And you went and stopped her, saying those awful things?! You even laid a hand on her?! You... where am I supposed to put my face?!"

Yan Fugui grew angrier with each word, his voice low but barely audible, as if squeezed out between clenched teeth: "What have I taught you? Be honest and down-to-earth! Don't be unrealistic! Focus on learning the skills at the Hongxing Factory, get a permanent position, earn a higher salary, and you won't have to worry about finding a partner! Yu Li may be pretty and capable, but is she someone you can even dream about?! Take Sha Zhu, the canteen manager! A cadre! He only makes 75 yuan a month! To marry her, he demolished his house and rebuilt it, even installing a flush toilet! What makes you think you can compare?! With your 35 yuan that you haven't even received yet? With that 'pie in the sky' of housing allocation five years from now? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?!"

Yan Jiecheng covered his face, which burned with pain, but the anger and resentment in his heart made him feel even worse. He raised his head, his eyes a little red, not from crying, but from holding back his anger and resentment. He looked at his father's face, which looked exceptionally shrewd from years of scheming, but was now full of anger at his father's lack of ambition, and, with a stiff neck, blurted out:

"Dad! I didn't... I didn't fall for her! I... I just felt that she was meant to be my wife! The moment I saw her, a voice inside me told me that she was meant to be mine! You don't know, just now at the door, when I held her arm, that feeling... it felt so familiar, so right! It was like, like we were a couple in a past life! Really! I'm not lying to you!"

He stammered, trying to describe the inexplicable, intense sense of belonging and possessiveness. The feeling was so real, so intense, that when Yu Li pushed him away, scolded him, and left with Sha Zhu, he felt not the embarrassment of rejection, but a boundless rage of betrayal and plunder! It was as if… as if Sha Zhu had stolen what was rightfully his! He had placed an invisible, yet undeniably green, hat on his head!

"You scoundrel!" Yan Fugui was so enraged by his twisted logic that he almost fainted. He grabbed a feather duster from the table, threatening to hit him. "You dare spout nonsense! What about past lives and this life! What about what should be yours! I think you've gone mad! You're delusional! Yu Li and Sha Zhu are seriously dating, their parents have met, and they're engaged! Who do you think you are? You dare to dream about it? And it should be yours? Why don't you say that even the fairies in heaven should be yours?!"

The feather duster didn't fall in the end, and the three women quickly stopped her: "Old man! Calm down! Jie Cheng was just confused for a moment! Stop hitting him!"

Yan Fugui, panting heavily, threw down the feather duster, pointed at Yan Jiecheng's nose, and growled through gritted teeth, "I'm telling you, Yan Jiecheng! Give up on that idea completely! Yu Li, that's Shazhu's wife! It's a done deal! If you go and mess with her again, it won't be as simple as Shazhu hitting you with a spatula! That'll be breaking up someone else's marriage, that'll be indecent assault! Shazhu is a ruthless scoundrel; if you really push him too far, he could break your legs! Then, forget about getting a permanent position, you'll lose your job! Our whole family will be disgraced because of you! Do you want our Yan family to be unable to hold our heads up in this courtyard?!"

"But..." Yan Jiecheng wanted to argue, but the obsession in his heart was growing wildly like weeds, and he couldn't suppress it.

"No buts!" Yan Fugui interrupted him decisively, his tone cold and realistic. "No matter how good Yu Li is, she's still someone else's meat! Don't even think about it! Use that time to hone your fitter skills, get a permanent position as soon as possible, and earn more money! Once you're rich and have a house, what kind of wife can't you find? Why are you fixated on someone you're about to marry? You're a good-for-nothing!"

Yan Fugui's calculations were shrewd. He certainly wished a girl like Yu Li could marry into the Yan family. Beautiful, sensible, and with a job at the street printing factory (though unstable), she seemed capable of managing a household and supporting the family. But the reality was, she was already taken, and her new husband was Sha Zhu! He was a hothead, but a capable, well-connected, and wealthy one at that! For Yu Li, Sha Zhu had demolished their old house to build a new one without batting an eye, and even threatened his son with a spatula in public—clearly, he valued Yu Li highly. Compete with Sha Zhu? Not only could he not win, but even with a one in ten thousand chance, the price was far beyond what Yan Fugui was willing to pay. Behind Sha Zhu were Wang Huanbo, Deputy Factory Director Li, and the entire Hongxing Factory! What could Yan Fugui, a mere elementary school teacher, possibly do against them? For a daughter-in-law, offending such a powerful figure, potentially jeopardizing his son's future and his own family's reputation—it was a losing proposition no matter how you looked at it! Yan Fugui would never do a losing business!

Looking into his father's unwavering gaze, which even carried a hint of timidity and calculation, Yan Jiecheng knew he wouldn't get any support from him. His father only cared about gains and losses, about saving face, and about avoiding trouble; he was completely oblivious to the strange, churning feeling and intense resentment that was churning within him, almost consuming him.

He lowered his head, concealing the turbulent emotions in his eyes, and said in a muffled voice, "I understand, Dad. I... I don't want to anymore."

"That's right!" Yan Fugui breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that his son had finally come to his senses. His tone softened a bit. "Work hard at the factory. Once you're officially hired, save up some money, and Dad will ask someone to introduce you to a good job. There's no rush."

Yan Jiecheng didn't speak again, silently shoveling the long-cold, crystal-clear cornmeal porridge in his bowl, along with the half-eaten, hard cornbread mixed with a lot of bran. His father had already evenly distributed the pickled vegetable shreds to everyone; he only had a pitiful three strands in his bowl, as thin as a hair. He had eaten this kind of food for over twenty years. He looked at the dim, yellowish light bulb on the table, turned down to its lowest setting to save electricity; he looked at his parents' faces, which appeared particularly weary and harsh from years of frugal living; he thought back to the scene at the courtyard gate earlier, where Yu Li stood beside Sha Zhu, frightened but with clear and firm eyes, Sha Zhu protecting her like a mountain… and the faint, bright light and warm atmosphere emanating from Wang Huanbo's house in the west courtyard…

Why should I?!

A deeper resentment and twisted desire grew wildly in his heart. Why did that old codger, Sha Zhu, get to have a girl as good as Yu Li? Why could he be the canteen manager, drive a car, and build a big house? And I, Yan Jiecheng, had to stay in this dark and cramped home, eating food that tasted like pig swill, listening to my father's endless scheming, struggling for a slim chance of a permanent position, and even liking a girl meant being berated and mocked as a toad trying to eat swan meat?

No! He refused to accept it! Yu Li should be his! That feeling couldn't be wrong! They hadn't registered their marriage yet! They weren't married! As long as they hadn't gotten that piece of paper, anything was still possible! So what if Sha Zhu had a few bucks and a friend who was an official? I, Yan Jiecheng, am young, skilled, and about to become a full-time employee at the Hongxing Motorcycle Factory! My future is limitless! As long as… as long as I can make Yu Li see my good qualities, my future, my sincerity (although he wasn't sure if he even had "sincerity," it was more of a strong possessiveness and resentment), she will definitely change her mind! Yes! Sha Zhu must have used some tricks to bewitch her! As long as I put in a little more effort, before she gets married…

A dark, reckless thought took root in Yan Jiecheng's heart. Morality? He didn't care. His father's words? He ignored them. All he could think about now was how to "snatch" Yu Li back from Sha Zhu. As for the means... as long as it wasn't illegal, what did it matter if it was morally wrong! If he succeeded, he'd have a wife! A beautiful, capable wife who should have been his! Sha Zhu? He'd be crying now!

Yan Jiecheng clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms. On the surface, he remained silent and obedient to his father, but the evil fire in his heart burned brighter and more twisted.

Meanwhile, in the west courtyard, a completely different scene unfolded.

Yu Li was half-forced, half-coaxed by Sha Zhu into the courtyard. Although the conflict at the gate had ended with Yan Jiecheng's embarrassed apology, Yu Li still felt uneasy. It wasn't anger, but a vague, inexplicable unease and…a strange feeling. The way Yan Jiecheng looked at her, and the things he said at the end, made her feel something was off. It wasn't simple infatuation or the frustration of unrequited love; it was more like a kind of obsessive, almost fanatical, conviction. This gave her a chill.

"Lily, what's wrong? Are you still scared?" Sha Zhu cautiously looked at Yu Li's face. His previous fierce and domineering aura had long since vanished, leaving only a face full of concern and clumsy gentleness. "Your face is all pale. Did that bastard say something nasty? Tell me, and I'll go beat him up again!"

Yu Li shook her head and forced a smile: "No, he just... said some nonsensical things. I just felt that this person was a bit... strange." She didn't dare to say that she had that inexplicable feeling of being "watched," for fear that Sha Zhu would act impulsively again.

"Hmph, there's not a single normal person in Yan Laoxi's family! From top to bottom, they're all scheming to the bone!" Sha Zhu curled his lip and pulled Yu Li into the house. "Don't pay any attention to him! If he dares to come again, I'll beat him up every time I see him! Come on, let's go inside, Huanbo and Sister Xiao'e are waiting. I made some chicken soup to calm you down."

Upon entering the house, the warm, bright lights, the aroma of food, and Wang Huanbo's gentle greetings and Lou Xiao'e's kind smile instantly dispelled the gloom in Yu Li's heart. Especially when she saw the four dishes and one soup on the table—the braised pork ribs glistening and tempting, the steamed fish fragrant and delicious, the garlic-flavored greens vibrant and juicy, the Mapo tofu bright red and appetizing, and the large bowl of milky white chicken soup floating with golden oil, red dates, and goji berries—Yu Li was even more surprised, her mouth slightly agape.

"This...this is too lavish! Engineer Wang, Sister Xiao'e, this...this is too much..." Yu Li said somewhat awkwardly. She knew Wang Huanbo was the chief engineer and Sha Zhu's salary was high, but eating like this all the time was really too much...

"Hey, sister-in-law, don't be so polite." Wang Huanbo smiled and invited her to sit down. "It's usually pretty much like this. Brother Zhu manages the canteen, so it's convenient for him to bring some ingredients. My salary is also decent. Xiao'e needs nutrition right now, so Brother Zhu cooks all sorts of different dishes. You've been through a lot today, so you need to eat something good to calm down. Please sit down, make yourself at home."

Lou Xiao'e also took Yu Li's hand and made her sit down beside her, saying softly, "That's right, Lili, don't be shy. Brother Zhu has been preparing this since the afternoon, and this chicken soup has been simmering for more than two hours. Try it, it's so delicious."

Sha Zhu chuckled and ladled a full bowl of chicken soup for Yu Li, then placed a large piece of pork rib into her bowl: "Try it and see if it suits your taste. I specially picked out the spare ribs, stewed until they're very tender."

Yu Li felt a warmth in her heart; the feeling of being cherished and cared for dispelled the last trace of discomfort in her heart. She sipped the soup, the delicious flavor melting on her tongue and warming her all the way to her stomach. The atmosphere at the table was relaxed and harmonious. Wang Huanbo had no airs of a chief engineer, joking and chatting with Sha Zhu about interesting things at the factory; Lou Xiao'e spoke softly to Yu Li about intimate things between women, praising Sha Zhu for being thoughtful, honest, and caring, which made Sha Zhu so happy that his mouth almost stretched to his ears, and he kept putting food on Yu Li's plate.

"What about the rainwater?" Yu Li asked.

"I've gone to deliver food to the old lady in the backyard, I'll be right back." As soon as Sha Zhu finished speaking, He Yushui came skipping back. When she saw Yu Li, she sweetly called out "Sister-in-law" and joined the dinner table. She was at the lively age, chattering about the interesting things that happened at school, and pestering Yu Li to ask about the work at the printing factory. Laughter filled the dinner table.

Looking at all this, Yu Li felt a surge of peace and happiness. This was what home should be like: warm, relaxed, filled with laughter and conversation, and with mutual care. Then look at Yan Jiecheng's home… the dim lighting, the calculating words, the bland meals, the oppressive atmosphere… the difference was stark. She was incredibly grateful for her "clear-headedness" back then, grateful that she had chosen Sha Zhu. Sha Zhu might not be handsome, or young, but he was responsible, skilled, genuinely good to her, and had given her a warm and stable future to look forward to. That was enough.

After dinner, Sha Zhu eagerly cleared the dishes, while Wang Huanbo brewed tea and chatted with Yu Li and Lou Xiao'e in the living room. He Yushui obediently did her homework nearby. The lighting was soft, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the atmosphere was peaceful and beautiful.

"Lily," Sha Zhu said earnestly as he walked over, wiping his hands, "If it gets late after get off work, just let me know and I'll come pick you up. Or, you could just stay here; the apartment's almost ready anyway." He scratched his head a little sheepishly, "Anyway... you'll have to come and stay here sooner or later."

Yu Li blushed and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about! We're not even married yet, what kind of talk is this!" But she felt sweet inside.

Wang Huanbo laughed and said, "Brother Zhu is just worried about you. But it's good to be careful. Judging from the way Yan Jiecheng acted today, he doesn't seem like someone who can give up easily. When people like that get stubborn, there's no reasoning with them sometimes. Sister-in-law, you should be careful and try not to be alone. If anything happens, shout loudly, or go directly to the neighborhood committee or the factory. Don't try to tough it out on your own."

Yu Li nodded, keeping Wang Huanbo's instructions in mind.

After sitting for a while longer, seeing that it was getting late, Yu Li got up to say goodbye. Sha Zhu immediately grabbed his car keys: "I'll give you a ride!"

This time, Yu Li didn't refuse. After what happened that night, she really felt much more at ease with Sha Zhu by her side.

Sha Zhu drove his car smoothly along the nearly deserted street. The car was quiet. Yu Li leaned back in her seat, watching the dim streetlights flash by outside the window, and suddenly whispered, "Yu Zhu, thank you."

"Thank me for what?" Sha Zhu, who was focused on the road, paused for a moment upon hearing this.

"Thank you for protecting me today." Yu Li turned her head and looked at his strong profile, which looked particularly reliable in the dim light of the dial. "Thank you all too... for making me feel that marrying you was the best decision I ever made."

Sha Zhu's heart felt like it was soaked in honey, swollen with sweetness. He awkwardly reached out and grasped Yu Li's hand, which rested on her lap; his palm was warm and rough. "Nonsense. You're my wife. If I don't protect you, who will? From now on, no one will dare bully you. If that brat Yan Jiecheng dares to cause trouble again, I'll really break his legs!"

Yu Li grasped his hand in return and smiled, her smile filled with reassurance and trust.

The car stopped at the entrance of Yu Li's alley. Sha Zhu got out of the car, insisting on taking Yu Li to her doorstep. The moonlight, like water, shone on the two of them, casting long, intertwined shadows.

"Go inside quickly, it's chilly outside." Sha Zhu saw Yu Li off at the courtyard gate, reluctant to part with her.

"Okay, drive carefully." Yu Li nodded, turned to leave, then remembered something, turned back and quickly kissed Sha Zhu on the cheek, then ran into the yard like a startled deer.

Sha Zhu touched the spot on his face where he had been kissed, stood there grinning foolishly for a long time, before humming an off-key tune, starting the car and driving away. The troubles of the evening had vanished in the face of Yu Li's kiss and the overwhelming happiness in his heart. He felt like the luckiest person in the world.

However, unbeknownst to Sha Zhu and Yu Li, while they were enjoying their tenderness and sweetness, in the dimly lit room of the Yan family's house in the front yard, Yan Jiecheng lay on the hard wooden bed, staring wide-eyed at the dark ceiling, wide awake. His mind replayed Yu Li's delicate face, her clear, bright eyes when she scolded him, her cuddly backs as she and Sha Zhu left hand in hand… and, in his fantasies, Yu Li obediently following him, living in a spacious, bright apartment, smiling sweetly at him…

"It's mine...it must be mine..." He murmured to himself in the darkness, his eyes gleaming with an almost obsessive, dangerous light in the night. Wang Huanbo's time travel altered the trajectories of countless lives, severing many predetermined causal threads. But some deeply ingrained "plot attraction," or rather, that inexplicable obsession and resentment within human nature, seemed to still linger in some corner, attempting to pull the deviated path back to a poignant "origin." But this time, could the lucid Yu Li, the fierce Sha Zhu, and the solid, warm new "home" behind them firmly protect this hard-won happiness, shattering their obsessions and calculations? The night was deep; perhaps the answer lay hidden in the approaching tomorrow, full of life and uncertainty. Yan Jiecheng turned over, burying his face in the musty-smelling pillow. There was no fragrant chicken soup, no warm promises of the future, only a cold, increasingly distorted dream that belonged only to him.