Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Section 1: The Invisible Web is Woven, and the Information Torrent Begins to Surge

In the late autumn of 1958 in Beijing, the cold wind swept withered leaves across the red walls and yellow tiles, but it could not dispel the scorching yet secretive atmosphere that shrouded several special compounds. Since the launch of the "Network Weaving" project, with the Red Star Research Institute as its origin, an invisible network consisting of automatic switches, coaxial cables, and "Dragon Soaring II" computer nodes, covering the core and key departments of the military and government, was quietly expanding at an unprecedented speed.

Meanwhile, at a heavy machinery design and research institute in Northeast China.

Chief Engineer Lao Ma was frowning at a thick report, over 300 pages long, titled "Structural Optimization Analysis Report of the Main Cylinder of the 10,000-Ton Hydraulic Press," which had just been printed from the "Longteng II" research vessel. The report was filled with various curves, contour maps, data tables, and dozens of stress distribution diagrams labeled with different line types.

"This...this thing, was it written by a god?" Old Ma adjusted his reading glasses, his voice trembling. He had spent his entire life in mechanical design and knew all too well that the main cylinder was the "heart" of a 10,000-ton hydraulic press. The complexity of its structural strength calculations involved multiple fields such as materials mechanics, elasticity mechanics, and fatigue analysis. The slightest mistake could result in the equipment being scrapped, or even more serious damage, such as the destruction of the machine and loss of life. In the past, to accurately calculate the stress concentration coefficient of a critical part, he had to organize a five-person team, using slide rules and hand-cranked calculators, to painstakingly calculate for half a year, and even then, the result was not always accurate.

But this report is the "answer" produced by the design institute's newly equipped "Longteng-2" computer after only 48 hours of operation, after inputting all design parameters, boundary conditions, and material properties. What alarmed him even more was that the report not only provided the optimized structural dimensions but also detailed the potential hazards of the original design under extreme conditions and proposed three improvement suggestions, each accompanied by a detailed cost assessment and expected life prediction.

"This isn't a report! This is clearly a 'miracle doctor' diagnosing and prescribing a cure for our equipment!" Old Ma slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups clink. He immediately convened a meeting with the design team, giving each member a copy of the report and having them "digest" it chapter by chapter. The meeting room was filled with the sounds of keyboards clicking, drawings turning, and heated discussions—the atmosphere was more intense than ever before.

"Old Wang, look at this transition fillet. The report recommends increasing it to R15, saying it can reduce peak stress by 12%! Using our old methods, how many trials and tests would that take? It's time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive!"

"Old Li, this material alternative is great! Using the newly developed 'Red Star Alloy Steel' instead of the old grade increases strength by 8% and reduces weight by 5%! How much money will that save on materials?"

"The key is this 'fatigue life prediction model'! Previously, we could only estimate it based on experience, but now the computer can give a specific number of cycles! This is the 'life and death record' of our equipment!"

The efficiency improvement is revolutionary. The design verification cycle, which used to take six months to a year, has been compressed to just a few weeks. The iteration speed of design solutions has accelerated to an unprecedented degree. Looking at his young engineers gathered around the computer, passionately discussing printed reports, Lao Ma seemed to see the dawn of a new era for China's heavy equipment manufacturing industry. He took a deep breath and addressed the room full of "future": "Comrades! From today onwards, our design institute is undergoing a transformation! Anyone still clinging to old calendars and abacuses will fall behind the times! This 'Dragon Soaring' computer is the 'new dragon head' of our design institute! Everyone must learn to use it! Everyone must be able to use it! We must make it the 'most powerful brain' for designing more advanced, reliable, and powerful equipment!"

In a computer lab at a university in Jiangnan.

The atmosphere was equally lively in the elective course "Computer Principles and Applications" at Tsinghua University. The young students stared wide-eyed at the teaching assistant on the podium as he wrote a simple program in Chinese to solve a quadratic equation.

"Students, please look," the teaching assistant explained while typing on the "Dragon Soaring II" terminal, "'Define variables a, b, c', 'Input the values ​​of a, b, c', 'Calculate the discriminant delta = b^2 - 4ac', 'If delta >= 0, then calculate x1 = (-b + sqrt(delta)) / (2a), x2 = (-b - sqrt(delta)) / (2a), and output x1, x2', 'Otherwise, output 'No real roots'..."

As each line of instructions was entered, the program's execution process and final result were clearly displayed on the screen. There were no complicated English words, no obscure symbols; the logic was clear, and the structure was straightforward, just like writing a short essay in Chinese outlining the steps to solve a problem.

"Wow! That's amazing!" a bespectacled boy exclaimed in a low voice. "This is so much simpler than learning English grammar! And... and it really does calculate!"

"Yeah! I used to think computers were unattainable, all that code that looked like gibberish. Now, programming in 'Chinese language' feels like talking to a smart partner. I just tell it what I want to do, and it does it for me!" Another girl excitedly chimed in.

The teaching assistant smiled and nodded, continuing to demonstrate how to use the graphical interface of the "HarmonyOS" system to call up a pre-programmed mathematical function library to draw a sine function graph or perform simple statistical analysis. In the back row of the classroom, Wang Huanbo sat quietly, looking at these young, inquisitive faces and listening to their enthusiastic discussions, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

He knew that these young people were the backbone of China's future computer industry. The seeds he had sown were taking root and sprouting in this fertile soil. And the "Chinese language" programming and the "HarmonyOS" system were the most handy tools he had prepared for these future pioneers.

Section Two: Obsessive thoughts gnaw at the bones, fueling evil fire; stubbornness leads to a deep abyss.

However, while an invisible network of information was quietly weaving deep within the body of the Republic, injecting strong momentum into the rise of the nation, in that small courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, a poisonous fire called "obsession," originating from the darkest corner of human nature, was quietly burning and growing ever more intense.

Yan Jiecheng felt like he was going crazy.

Since the last time he was slapped on the arm with a spatula by Sha Zhu in front of the Intermediate People's Court and then scolded by his father Yan Fugui, he outwardly obeyed his father's will, went to get off work on time every day, learned fitter skills from his master at the Hongxing Motorcycle Factory, and no longer wandered around after get off work like before. Instead, he went home early to help his mother with housework or stared blankly at a book on fitter technology in that dimly lit little room.

He thought that time would heal all wounds. He thought that as long as he acted obediently and "normally" enough, his father would lower his guard, and he would find an opportunity to "snatch" Yu Li back from that "old geezer" Sha Zhu.

But he was wrong.

Every night, when all was quiet and he lay on his hard wooden bed, Yu Li's delicate face, her clear and bright eyes when she scolded him, and the image of her and Sha Zhu walking hand in hand, would haunt his mind like ghosts, refusing to leave. Especially Sha Zhu's words, "Yu Li is my lawfully wedded wife, He Yuzhu's soon-to-be-married daughter-in-law! If anyone dares to lay a finger on her again, don't blame me, He Yuzhu, for turning my back on them!" were like a poisoned steel needle, repeatedly piercing his heart.

Why should I?!

Why is it that Sha Zhu, who looks ten years older than me, has a simple-minded face, and is only good at cooking, can have a girl as good as Yu Li? Why can he be the canteen manager, drive a car, build a big house, and live in a new apartment building? And I, Yan Jiecheng, have to eat pig swill-like food in this dark and cramped home, listen to my father's endless scheming, work myself to the bone for a slim chance of getting a permanent position, and even if I like a girl, I will be scolded and ridiculed as a toad trying to eat swan meat?

"She's mine...she must be mine!" In the darkness, Yan Jie clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, drawing blood. That intense sense of belonging and possessiveness, originating from the depths of his soul, coiled around his heart like vines, tightening ever more, making it hard for him to breathe. He firmly believed that there was some kind of unseen connection between Yu Li and him, a destiny ordained by heaven! The appearance of Sha Zhu was merely a temporary, hateful accident!

He began to become sensitive and suspicious. If anyone in the courtyard praised Sha Zhu, he felt it was an insult; if anyone spoke to Yu Li, he felt they were trying to steal her away. He even started secretly observing Sha Zhu and Yu Li's every move, like a ghost wandering the corners of courtyard number 95, greedily capturing every intimate moment between them.

He saw Sha Zhu driving his car, taking Yu Li shopping in Wangfujing; he saw Sha Zhu humming a tune as he cooked for Yu Li in their new house; he saw Sha Zhu frantically taking care of Yu Li when she was sick… Every time he saw it, it was like a dull knife cutting into his heart. Jealousy, resentment, unwillingness… all sorts of negative emotions fermented and swelled in his heart, eventually turning into a crazy impulse to destroy everything.

He couldn't wait any longer! Sha Zhu and Yu Li's wedding was drawing ever closer—September 28th! Less than ten days left! If he didn't act now, he would lose Yu Li forever!

A bold, crazy, even insane plan gradually took shape in his mind.

He couldn't just talk the talk or harass her secretly like before. He had to go directly to Yu Li's parents and express his "feelings" to their faces! He wanted to tell them that he, Yan Jiecheng, was the man more suitable for Yu Li! He was young, skilled, promising, and could give Yu Li a better life! He wanted Yu Li's parents to realize Sha Zhu's "incompetence" and "deception," and to support him instead!

As for Sha Zhu… Hmph! A cafeteria cook, a rough and unruly guy, what can he possibly do? At worst, we'll fight again! He refuses to believe that he can't defeat that big, dumb guy if he fights to the death!

After making up his mind, Yan Jiecheng began intensive preparations. He inquired with his colleagues at the factory for a long time and finally learned the exact address of Yu Li's home—a large courtyard near Jiaodaokou Street. He then secretly went to the supply and marketing cooperative, bought a pound of fruit candy that was in high demand at the time, wrapped it in oil paper, and put it in his pocket.

That evening, Yan Jiecheng took the day off and didn't go to work. He changed into what he considered his most presentable blue khaki Zhongshan suit (though it was bought a few years ago, and the cuffs and elbows were worn shiny), looked in the mirror, splashed cold water on his face, and forced out what he thought was his most sincere and genuine smile. Then, clutching the bag of fruit candies, and with a heart full of trepidation and morbid anticipation, he headed towards Yu Li's house.

Section 3: A visit to incur evil is met with expulsion; wishful thinking vanishes.

The alley where Yu Li's family lived was narrow and crowded, filled with the mingled smells of coal stoves and cooked food. Yan Jiecheng stood at the gate, staring at the peeling paint on the wooden door, his heart pounding like a drum. He took a deep breath, suppressing his nervousness and elation, and raised his hand to knock on the door.

The person who opened the door was Yu Li's mother, Li Yumei. She had just finished preparing dinner and was about to eat when she saw a young man who looked both strange and somewhat familiar standing at the door, carrying something in his hand, which made her a little puzzled.

"Who are you looking for?" Li Yumei asked, frowning.

"Hello, ma'am," Yan Jiecheng forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, and bowed slightly. "My name is Yan Jiecheng, I'm from No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, and I'm neighbors with He Yuzhu... uh, Shazhu. I... I've come to talk to you about Yu Li."

"Yu Li?" Li Yumei's face immediately darkened. "You need to see Yu Li? She hasn't gotten off work yet."

"No, Auntie, I'm not looking for Yu Li," Yan Jiecheng quickly waved his hand and handed over the oil paper package he was carrying. "I came here specifically to visit you and Uncle Yu. Please accept this small token of my appreciation."

Li Yumei didn't even glance at the packet of candy, and reached out to block it, saying, "We don't do this in our family! Just say what you want to say."

Yan Jiecheng felt a chill in his heart, but he still forced himself to say, "Auntie, I know that Lily... Comrade Yu Li is about to marry Sha Zhu. But I think... I think this marriage is not appropriate."

"Not suitable?" Li Yumei's voice suddenly rose. "What do you mean 'not suitable'? We've met Zhu Zi; he's honest, hardworking, and good to our Lili! We, the old couple, have long since decided he's the right son-in-law!"

"Auntie, please listen to me," Yan Jiecheng hurriedly explained, "Shazhu... he's not good enough for Lili! He looks old, and he's stubborn. Besides cooking, he has no other skills! 75 yuan a month sounds like a lot, but he's a big spender. He spent so much money building the house, where would he get the money to buy Lili a radio, a sewing machine, and a smart speaker? Where would he get the money to live a good life?"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he were truly thinking about Yu Li's happiness: "Besides, his job, the canteen manager, sounds nice, but it's really just a cook! It's a job serving people, there's no real future in it! Unlike me, I'm at the Hongxing Motorcycle Factory, about to be promoted to a permanent position! After that, it'll be 35 yuan a month! After five years, the factory will even give me an apartment! A new building! With an elevator, a balcony, and a separate kitchen and toilet! That's what I call a good life! If Lili comes with me, she'll eat well, drink well, live in a big house, wear new clothes, and never have to suffer again!"

Li Yumei trembled with rage as she listened to his rambling, incoherent words. Pointing her finger at Yan Jiecheng's nose, she roared, "Shut up! Who do you think you are? How dare you come to my house and speak ill of my Zhuzi? How dare you covet my daughter? Let me tell you, Yu Li is our family's precious darling. The husband we found for her must be someone we know well, someone reliable, and someone who truly cares for her! We trust Zhuzi! We don't trust you! Get out of here right now! Don't ever set foot in our house again! Otherwise, I'll call the police and have you arrested!"

"Auntie, please don't be angry, let me explain..." Yan Jiecheng still wanted to try to persuade her.

"Explain your ass!" Yu Li's father, Yu Jianguo, came out of the inner room upon hearing the commotion outside. He was an honest, hardworking man who had never argued with anyone in his life, but at this moment, looking at the glib, lying young man in front of him, a nameless rage surged up within him. He strode to the door, grabbed Yan Jiecheng by the collar, and dragged him out like a sack of potatoes.

"You little brat, you're up to no good! Who are you to interfere in my daughter's marriage? Get out of here! If you don't, I'll show you the power of my fists!" Although Yu Jianguo was old, he was once a star athlete in the factory and had considerable strength. With this move, he pulled Yan Jiecheng so hard that he stumbled.

Yan Jiecheng was terrified by Yu Jianguo's fierce gaze and violent actions. He struggled, still shouting, "Uncle Yu! Listen to me! I truly love Lili! I'm younger than Shazhu, I have a brighter future, and I can give Lili a better life! Please give me a chance! I promise I'll treat Lili well! A hundred times better than Shazhu!"

"Good my ass!" Yu Jianguo was so angry his face turned purple. He kicked Yan Jiecheng in the shin. "Pah! With your character, you dare to say 'good to Lili'? Is my daughter missing an arm or a leg, or blind and deaf, that she would fall for a scheming, two-faced scoundrel like you? Get out! Get out of my sight right now!"

Without further ado, he pushed and shoved Yan Jiecheng out of the yard like he was shooing away flies, and then slammed the gate shut with a loud bang.

Yan Jiecheng was thrown onto the cold alley floor, feeling dizzy and disoriented. He struggled to his feet, looking at the tightly closed door, listening to the faint sounds of Yu Jianguo's angry curses and Li Yumei's sobs coming from inside. A huge wave of humiliation and despair overwhelmed him.

He was unwilling to accept it! He couldn't believe he had lost like this! What was so great about that idiot Zhu?! All he had was a little money and a friend who was an official, right? All he could do was cook, right?

"Yu Li is mine! She must be mine!" Yan Jiecheng roared like a wild beast at the tightly closed door. He knew that conventional methods were no longer working. He had to take more direct and radical action!

Section 4: Street scuffle turns into farce, wife-protecting maniac displays his divine power

The next day, Yan Jiecheng didn't go to work. He took a sick day, locked himself at home, and refused to eat or drink. Only one thought occupied his mind: to see Yu Li! To tell her face to face that he, Yan Jiecheng, was her only and right choice!

He went to the street office printing factory where Yu Li worked again. He didn't go in, but found a secluded spot under a big tree opposite the factory gate, and hid there, like a jackal patiently waiting for its prey, staring intently at the factory gate.

Time ticked by. Finally, around 5:30 p.m., the printing factory's closing bell rang. Workers began to emerge from the factory one after another. Yan Jiecheng's heart suddenly raced as he anxiously searched for Yu Li's figure.

Soon, he saw Yu Li. She was wearing that familiar floral shirt and blue trousers, her hair styled in two shiny braids, chatting and laughing with several female coworkers as she walked out. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed her in a warm golden light, making her look so beautiful and captivating.

Yan Jiecheng's breathing instantly became heavy. He felt his blood boiling. Now!

He suddenly rushed out from behind the tree, spread his arms, and blocked Yu Li's way.

"Yu Li! Comrade Yu Li!" he shouted breathlessly, a distorted smile on his face.

Yu Li and her coworkers were startled by the sudden turn of events. Upon recognizing Yan Jiecheng as the person blocking their way, Yu Li's face instantly darkened, her eyes filled with disgust and vigilance.

"Yan Jiecheng! What are you doing here again?!" Yu Li demanded sharply, "Weren't you kicked out by my dad? How dare you still bother me?!"

"Lily, let me explain..." Yan Jiecheng ignored Yu Li's anger and continued, "Yesterday at your house, I didn't explain things clearly. I truly love you! I'm better than Sha Zhu! I'm young, I have skills, I have a future! I can buy you a bicycle, a radio, a TV! I can let you live in a big house! If you're with me, you definitely won't suffer! If you marry Sha Zhu, with his violent temper and tendency to beat people, what will you do in the future? Can you bear to see our child born into that kind of environment?"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke, and his spittle even landed on Yu Li's face.

"Shut up!" Yu Li trembled with anger. She shoved Yan Jiecheng hard. "Who wants to have a child with you?! Who wants to live in your big house?! My affairs are none of your business! I'm already engaged to Sha Zhu, and we're getting married at the end of September! If you dare to bother me again, I'll go to the police station and report you for harassment!"

"So what if you're engaged?! You haven't even registered your marriage! You're not married yet!" Yan Jiecheng stumbled as Yu Li pushed him, but he quickly regained his footing. His eyes grew even more obsessive and crazed. "Lili, believe me! Come with me! We'll leave here, go somewhere no one knows us. I promise, I'll treat you well! I'll make you the happiest woman in the world! That idiot Zhu, he doesn't deserve you at all! He's just a selfish, domineering, incompetent old bastard!"

As he spoke, he actually reached out and tried to grab Yu Li's wrist!

At this critical moment, an angry roar, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploded at the entrance of the printing factory!

"Yan Jiecheng!!! You fucking want to die!!!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a grass-green Red Star brand car speeding towards them like a wild beast out of control! In the driver's seat was a tall, burly man with a ferocious face—it was Sha Zhu! He had obviously come to pick up Yu Li from get off work, but unexpectedly stumbled upon this scene!

Sha Zhu slammed on the brakes, and the car screeched to a halt less than half a meter from Yan Jiecheng. He pushed open the car door, not even having time to close it, and rushed to Yan Jiecheng in a few steps, his eyes bloodshot, like a lion whose territory had been invaded.

"You bastard! You dare to harass my wife again?! I didn't break your legs last time, you fucking forgetful, huh?!" Sha Zhu roared, swinging his fist, which was as big as a casserole dish, and smashed it towards Yan Jiecheng!

Yan Jiecheng was stunned by Sha Zhu's sudden outburst of rage. He instinctively tried to dodge, but it was too late. The fist slammed solidly into his nose!

"Ah—!" Yan Jiecheng let out a shrill scream, blood gushing from his nose. He staggered back several steps and fell to the ground with a thud.

"Shazhu! Stop hitting him! Stop hitting him!" Yu Li was terrified. She was afraid that Shazhu would accidentally kill Yan Jiecheng in his anger, so she rushed over and hugged Shazhu's arm tightly.

But at this moment, Sha Zhu was blinded by rage. He shoved Yu Li aside, pointed at Yan Jiecheng on the ground, and roared, "I'll teach you to harass her! I'll teach you to talk nonsense! I'll teach you to slander me! I'll cripple you today!"

As he spoke, he bent down, grabbed Yan Jiecheng by the collar, lifted him up, and then kicked him hard and precisely in the crotch!

"Agh—!!!" A bloodcurdling, agonizing scream erupted from Yan Jiecheng's throat. He felt as if a red-hot iron rod had pierced his lower body; the excruciating pain instantly swept through his entire body, causing his vision to blur and almost making him faint on the spot. His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground like a rag doll, his body curling up in agony, his hands clutching his groin tightly, his whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Seeing his miserable state, Sha Zhu's anger subsided slightly, but he was still seething with resentment. He stepped forward and began punching and kicking Yan Jiecheng on the ground again!

"You toad trying to eat swan meat!"

"I'll teach you to spew filth!"

"You dared to bully my wife!"

Every punch and every kick landed squarely on Yan Jiecheng's body. Completely powerless to resist, Yan Jiecheng could only passively endure the relentless beating like a sandbag. His Zhongshan suit was quickly torn, and his face and body were covered in bruises.

Yu Li was so anxious that tears streamed down her face. She knew Sha Zhu was heavy-handed and was afraid he would really beat Yan Jiecheng to death. Crying, she clung tightly to Sha Zhu's waist, pleading, "Sha Zhu! Sha Zhu! Stop! Please, don't hit him anymore! He'll die if you keep hitting him! I beg you!"

Sha Zhu's fist froze in mid-air. He gasped for breath, looking at Yan Jiecheng, who was lying on the ground, barely alive and hunched over like a boiled shrimp, and then at Yu Li, who was crying her eyes out. Finally, reason slowly returned to his mind.

He sighed deeply and lowered his fist.

Section 5: The wailing sirens startled everyone; the gavel brought down the final blow, protecting the precious union.

Sha Zhu stopped, but the farce at the printing factory gate was far from over.

Just as Sha Zhu was beating Yan Jiecheng, a young male worker in the printing factory happened to see everything through the window. His name was Zhao Yuejin, an apprentice who had just joined the factory last year. He was fair-skinned and liked to dabble in literature, writing sentimental poems and the like. A few months ago, he had mustered up the courage to confess his feelings to Yu Li on her way home from get off work, only to be rejected without hesitation.

At that moment, seeing Sha Zhu beating Yan Jiecheng like a mad bull, Zhao Yuejin's eyes lit up. A wicked thought rose in his mind.

He quietly slipped out of the workshop, ran to the gatehouse at the factory entrance, grabbed the phone, and dialed the emergency number for the Nanluoguxiang Police Station.

"Hello! Is this the Nanluoguxiang Police Station?" Zhao Yuejin's voice trembled with excitement. "I need to report a crime! Quick! Someone come here! There's a vagrant beating up an innocent person in front of the printing factory on Jiaodaokou Street! That vagrant is Yan Jiecheng from No. 95 Nanluoguxiang! He's beating up a woman named Yu Li! Now, a man named He Yuzhu has joined in! The two of them are ganging up on Yan Jiecheng! Yan Jiecheng is almost beaten to death! If you don't come soon, someone will die! Quick! Send the police!"

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Yuejin hid behind the door of the guardhouse, a sinister and smug smile spreading across his face. He thought to himself: "Silly Zhu, silly Zhu, weren't you so arrogant? Weren't you protecting your wife? Well, now you've seriously injured someone, let's see how you get out of this! Yu Li, didn't you look down on me? Now, let's see how you marry him!"

In the duty room of Nanluoguxiang Police Station, the phone rang urgently. Officer Liu, a veteran policeman with over twenty years of service, answered the phone and listened to Zhao Yuejin's incoherent yet inflammatory "report," his brow furrowing.

"What? A brawl in broad daylight, resulting in serious injury? And a woman was also harassed?" Old Liu's face turned grave. He glanced at the clock on the wall; it was only 5:40, rush hour, and the streets were crowded and noisy. If such a serious case wasn't dealt with promptly, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Xiao Li! Xiao Wang!" Old Liu shouted into the inner room, "There's an urgent case! Grab your gear and come with me to the printing factory on Jiaodaokou Street! Hurry!"

Two young police officers, Xiao Li and Xiao Wang, immediately ran out of the inner room. One picked up a pistol hanging on the wall, and the other picked up a baton. They followed Lao Liu and rushed out of the police station.

They drove the only police car in the police station, the newly issued one, a dark blue hatchback with a white roof, and with the siren blaring. They sped towards the scene of the incident through the streets at dusk.

Soon, the police car arrived at the printing factory gate. The piercing siren and flashing lights attracted the attention of everyone around.

The three men, including Lao Liu, jumped out of the police car and were immediately stunned by what they saw.

A tall, imposing man (Sha Zhu) stood angrily beside a young man (Yan Jiecheng) curled up on the ground, his face covered in blood and unconscious. A young, beautiful female worker (Yu Li) was crying and tugging at the tall man's arm, while the man looked at the injured man on the ground with resentment.

"Police! Don't move!" Old Liu shouted, raising his gun and aiming it at Sha Zhu.

Sha Zhu and Yu Li were both startled by this sudden turn of events. When Sha Zhu saw the police, he was initially taken aback, but then, with his neck stiffened, he declared defiantly, "Officers! You've come at the right time! I beat this bastard up on behalf of God! He bullied my wife! This was self-defense!"

"Your wife?" Old Liu's gaze turned to Yu Li.

Yu Li sobbed, nodded, pointed at Sha Zhu, then at Yan Jiecheng on the ground, and said haltingly, "He...he is He Yuzhu, he...he's my fiancé! We...we're getting married at the end of this month! This Yan Jiecheng, he...he's been harassing me, and today he even came to my workplace to bother me, saying...saying he likes me, and wants...want me to marry him! I...I didn't agree, and he...he tried to grab me! It was...it was Sha Zhu who saved me! He...he was angry, so...that's why he hit him..."

On the other side, Xiao Li and Xiao Wang had already squatted down and started to check Yan Jiecheng's injuries.

"Officer Liu! Officer Liu! He's still alive! But he's badly injured! His lower body... his lower body looks like it was hit hard, and he's bleeding heavily from his nose! His body... his body is covered in soft tissue contusions and subcutaneous hematomas! I estimate... I estimate he's out of danger!" Xiao Wang shouted loudly.

Old Liu's expression grew even more serious. He glanced at Yan Jiecheng, who was still "unconscious," then at Sha Zhu, who looked "innocent," and Yu Li, who was crying. He had already formed a preliminary judgment in his mind. But as a policeman, he had to remain objective and impartial.

"Xiao Li, take that woman (Yu Li) and that guy who hit someone (Sha Zhu) into the car first! Xiao Wang, you stay here and protect the scene!" Lao Liu instructed.

"Yes!" Xiao Li responded, walked to Yu Li's side, and said politely, "Comrade Yu, please come with us to the police station to assist with the investigation."

Yu Li nodded, wiped away her tears, and followed Xiao Li to the police car.

Sha Zhu wanted to get on the bus too, but Lao Liu stopped him.

"You, and the one on the ground," Old Liu pointed at Yan Jiecheng, "you all have to get on the bus! But in his current condition, he can't sit in the front."

As he spoke, Lao Liu opened the tailgate of the police car. It was a hatchback version of the Hongxing brand car, with the rear seats that could be folded down to create a sizable trunk space.

"Carry him inside!" Old Liu said to Xiao Li and Xiao Wang.

Xiao Li and Xiao Wang worked together to lift Yan Jiecheng, who was limp and unconscious, and stuffed him into the trunk of the police car. With a "bang," the tailgate slammed shut, and the police car started up again, carrying Yu Li, Sha Zhu, Yan Jiecheng in the trunk, and two serious-looking police officers, heading towards the Nanluoguxiang Police Station.

Section Six: Right and Wrong Become Clear in the Police Station; The Chief Slams His Hand and Decides the Fate

Inside the interrogation room of Nanluoguxiang Police Station.

The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.

Yu Li sat in the chair, her eyes red and swollen, tears still streaming down her face. She had already recounted to the police her relationship with Sha Zhu, the repeated harassment and harassment by Yan Jiecheng, and the conflict that occurred at the printing factory gate today.

Sha Zhu sat next to Yu Li, his hands cuffed, but his neck remained stiff, his face full of defiance. He recounted how he discovered Yan Jiecheng harassing Yu Li, how he angrily attacked him, and how Yu Li tried to stop him. He emphasized that he hit Yan Jiecheng because he was harassing his fiancée, that it was "doing good for the people," and that it was "self-defense"!

In another isolation detention room, Yan Jiecheng had already woken up. He lay on the cold floor, still experiencing excruciating pain in his lower body, making it difficult for him to even move. Two police officers were questioning him.

When questioned by the police, Yan Jiecheng initially tried to argue and portray himself as a "victim." However, when the police presented eyewitness testimonies from the printing factory entrance (including those of Zhao Yuejin, who called the police, and several workers who happened to be passing by), as well as testimonies from Yu Li and Sha Zhu, all his lies were exposed.

Faced with irrefutable evidence, Yan Jiecheng finally lowered his proud and stubborn head. He admitted to his unrequited love for Yu Li, his repeated harassment and pestering, and the fact that he had tried to forcibly pull Yu Li and made rude remarks at the printing factory gate that day.

Just then, the police station door was pushed open. Yu Li's parents, Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei, rushed over, accompanied by Director Wang from the neighborhood committee. They had come immediately after being notified by the printing factory workers.

As soon as she entered the door, Li Yumei rushed to Yu Li's side, hugged her daughter, and burst into tears: "Lili! My daughter! You've suffered so much! That heartless Yan Jiecheng, how could he bully you like this!"

Yu Jianguo's face was ashen. He walked up to Sha Zhu, unlocked his handcuffs, patted him hard on the shoulder, and said in a choked voice, "Zhu Zi! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't take good care of Lili! I've made you suffer!"

Sha Zhu chuckled憨厚ly and scratched his head: "Uncle Yu, what are you talking about! Protecting Lily is what I should do! If anyone dares to bully her, I'll fight them to the death!"

Afterwards, Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei recounted in detail the events of that day when Yan Jiecheng came to their door, talked nonsense, and was driven out of their home.

At this point, the entire sequence of events is crystal clear.

In the office of the police station chief.

Police Chief Zhao Yuanchao, a veteran of the Eighth Route Army who participated in the Liberation War, remained silent for a long time after listening to the detailed report on the entire incident by Officer Liu. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, his brows furrowed.

The atmosphere in the office was oppressive and heavy.

Zhao Yuanchao's experience was far richer than that of the average person. He had witnessed far too many bloody conflicts stemming from momentary impulses or emotional entanglements. He knew that Sha Zhu's actions were undoubtedly illegal. Intentionally injuring another person, causing serious bodily harm, is a serious criminal offense in any era.

but……

He looked at the investigation report on Yan Jiecheng's personal conduct and harassment behavior that Lao Liu handed him, at the heartbroken statements of Yu Li's parents, at Sha Zhu's reckless yet righteous eyes, and at Yu Li's steadfast stance by Sha Zhu's side despite her fear...

He felt a mix of emotions.

This is a typical case where "emotion, reason, and law" are intertwined and conflicting. Legally speaking, Sha Zhu's actions undeniably constitute intentional injury. However, from an emotional and rational perspective, his motive was to protect his fiancée who was being harassed and pestered. Yan Jiecheng, on the other hand, is the instigator of this tragedy; his obsession, his madness, and his harassing behavior are the root cause of this conflict.

"Sigh..." Zhao Yuanchao sighed deeply, stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the deep night outside.

He knew that his decision would affect the lives of three young people.

After a long while, he turned around, his gaze becoming firm and sharp.

"Old Liu," he said in a deep voice, "call them all in."

Soon, Yu Li, Sha Zhu, Yan Jiecheng, Yu Jianguo, and Li Yumei were all brought in.

Zhao Yuanchao asked everyone to sit down, and then he slowly began to speak in his distinctive Mandarin with a heavy Shaanxi accent.

"I've called you all here today to deal with a serious public security case. You all know what happened. I also have my own judgment on right and wrong."

He first glanced at Yan Jiecheng, his eyes stern: "Yan Jiecheng! You're so young, yet you don't work hard or study properly, instead you've set your sights on some wicked girl! To achieve your goal, you've resorted to any means necessary, repeatedly harassing and pestering her! Today, you even went to her workplace and harassed her in public, even attempting to use violence! Your actions have seriously violated the 'Regulations on Administrative Penalties for Public Security,' constituting the illegal act of 'harassing women'! You have only yourself to blame; you brought this upon yourself!"

Yan Jiecheng lowered his head, remaining silent, his face filled with shame and regret.

Zhao Yuanchao's gaze then turned to Sha Zhu: "He Yuzhu! You too! I know you're an honest man. But your way of solving problems is too simplistic and brutal! Who do you think you are? Are you Wu Song? You think you can just draw your sword whenever you see injustice? That kick might have felt good, but have you thought about the consequences? What if... what if you really kicked someone to death? Your life would be ruined! What will Yu Li do? What will your sister do?"

Sha Zhu lowered his head, muttering softly, "Chief, I... I was just angry for a moment..."

"Angry? Does anger justify breaking the law?!" Zhao Yuanchao raised his voice. "The law is the last line of defense for maintaining social order! No matter how valid your reasons are, they cannot be an excuse for resorting to violence! Hitting someone is wrong! It's illegal!"

Sha Zhu fell silent; he knew the director was right.

Zhao Yuanchao's gaze finally settled on Yu Li and her husband, Yu Jianguo. His eyes softened considerably.

"Comrade Yu Li, Master Yu, Aunt Yu," he said slowly, "don't worry. The law is just. It won't let a bad person go unpunished, nor will it wrong an innocent person. The responsibility for today's incident mainly lies with Yan Jiecheng. It was he who stirred up trouble, it was he who repeatedly refused to mend his ways, and it was he who forced He Yuzhu to take action."

He paused, looked around at everyone present, and then, in his booming voice, delivered his final verdict:

"After deliberation, this institute has decided:"

I. Comrade He Yuzhu, in order to protect his fiancée Yu Li, who was being harassed and pestered, physically assaulted Yan Jiecheng while under threat of unlawful harm himself. Although his actions were inappropriate, they were understandable given the circumstances, his subjective malice was not strong, and no serious consequences resulted (a forensic examination later determined that Yan Jiecheng's injuries constituted minor injuries), and therefore do not constitute a criminal offense. However, his actions constitute a violation of public security regulations. Given that he is a first-time offender and there were extenuating circumstances, this office has decided to exempt him from legal liability.

II. Yan Jiecheng, for his long-term harassment and disturbance of woman Yu Li, which constitutes the illegal act of "molesting a woman," is hereby fined RMB 20 and administratively detained for 15 days. He shall bear all the consequences of his actions.

Third, Yan Jiecheng is ordered to immediately cease all harassment of Comrade Li and is prohibited from interfering with her normal life and work in any way. Any violation will be severely punished according to law.

The verdict shocked everyone present.

Sha Zhu suddenly looked up, staring at the warden in disbelief. He hadn't expected the warden to make such a judgment! He thought he would at least be detained for a few days, or fined.

Yu Li and Yu Jianguo, a married couple, were moved to tears. They hadn't expected the police chief to be so discerning and so impartial! He had not only given Sha Zhu justice but also provided them with a satisfactory explanation!

Yan Jiecheng slumped completely in his chair. He looked at the director, then at the people around him, his eyes filled with despair and resentment. He knew he had lost. He had lost utterly. He had not only lost Yu Li, lost his love, but also faced legal punishment and imprisonment. His life would henceforth be shrouded in a thick shadow.

Section 7: The dust has settled and the storm has passed; love returns to its rightful place, and we look forward to a happy future.

The police station's ruling was like a boulder thrown into the seemingly calm pond of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, stirring up ripples.

The news that Yan Jiecheng had been fined twenty yuan and detained for fifteen days for "harassing women" quickly spread throughout the entire courtyard. Twenty yuan was undoubtedly a huge sum for Yan Fugui, the notorious "King of Stinginess." He was heartbroken and beat his chest in frustration, cursing Yan Jiecheng at home, calling him a disgrace to his ancestors and a spendthrift. The third aunt also wept, feeling that her son's life was over.

Yan Jiecheng himself spent the darkest and most desperate fifteen days of his life in the detention center. The cold iron bars, the monotonous food, and the contemptuous looks from his cellmates made him fully realize reality. His so-called "love," his so-called "destiny," were utterly vulnerable in the face of the cold law and cruel reality. He finally understood that he was wrong, terribly wrong, irrevocably wrong.

Fifteen days later, Yan Jiecheng was released. He walked out of the detention center, looking at the long-absent sunlight, but felt no warmth. He knew he had nowhere to go. His father would never forgive him, the neighbors looked at him with contempt and mockery, and Yu Li… was a dream he could never reach in this lifetime.

He wandered aimlessly through the streets, like a lost soul. Passing a state-run photo studio, he saw a propaganda poster in the window that read, "Labor is glorious, build the motherland!" He stared blankly at those words, his mind filled with images of Sha Zhu's honest smile, Yu Li's happy face, and his own father's calculating face…

Maybe...maybe I really was wrong. Maybe working hard and earning money with my own hands is the most reliable way out. Maybe, like Sha Zhu, having a warm home even though I'm ordinary is true happiness.

This thought, like a glimmer of light in the darkness, offered him a sliver of comfort. He didn't know if he still had the courage to pursue that kind of life. But he knew his life had to start anew.

As for Sha Zhu and Yu Li, everyone was happy.

The police station's ruling not only cleared Sha Zhu's name but also completely relieved Yu Li's parents of a huge weight on their hearts. Looking at Sha Zhu, they became increasingly satisfied. This young man, though a bit hot-tempered, was kind-hearted, responsible, and genuinely good to their daughter. Having such a son-in-law was a blessing for the elderly couple.