Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Section 1: Salted Fish and Old Wine Knock on the Door, the Stingy Old Man Offers Kindness with Tears in His Eyes.

The gray walls of the detention center isolated the outside world from the noise, but they couldn't shut out the volcano simmering beneath the surface of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang. When Yan Fugui held the thin administrative penalty decision document stamped with a bright red official seal, looking at the words "fine of twenty yuan" and "administrative detention for fifteen days," a surge of anger, heartache, and fear rose straight to the top of his head.

"Twenty yuan?! Fifteen days?!" Yan Fugui's voice trembled, his withered fingers digging into the paper as if he wanted to crush it along with the writing on it. Twenty yuan! That was his hard-earned money, saved from the cracks of his belt! Last month, when the canteen improved its meals, he couldn't even afford a bowl of fried liver, just to save this twenty yuan for emergencies. Now, it was all gone! And that wasn't enough, fifteen days! A full fifteen days! That bastard Yan Jiecheng was actually going to stay in that godforsaken place for half a month!

He slammed the decision document on the table, making the enamel mug rattle. "You good-for-nothing! You disgraceful wretch!" He pointed to the door, then at Yan Jiecheng, who had just been brought home by the police, his face bruised and swollen, barely able to walk, and cursed, "Look what you've done! Huh?! Twenty yuan fine! Fifteen days in detention! Where do you expect me to put my old face?! Huh?!"

Yan Jiecheng lowered his head, not daring to look his father in the eye. The excruciating pain in his lower body and the bruise on his chin from Sha Zhu's kick constantly reminded him of that crushing defeat. His lips moved, as if he wanted to say something in his defense, but under his father's fiery gaze, he ultimately uttered not a single word. He knew that nothing he said would make a difference. This time, he had thoroughly offended his father.

"And you too!" Yan Fugui's anger turned to his wife, Yang Ruihua, who was trembling beside him. "How many times have I told you?! Don't spoil him! Don't let him have his way! You just wouldn't listen! Look at this mess! You've caused such a huge disaster! Now you'll lose your job! Your reputation is ruined! Our Yan family is completely finished!"

The old woman was scolded until tears streamed down her face, but she dared not refute him. She knew that everything her husband said was true. Yan Jiecheng was able to get a temporary job at the Hongxing Motorcycle Factory because Yan Fugui had gone to great lengths to get close to Wang Huanbo, and because the Hongxing Factory was expanding rapidly and needed to expand into a motorcycle manufacturing plant, requiring a group of young workers with high school educations. That place was a large state-owned factory that could earn foreign exchange, and countless people would fight tooth and nail to get in. But now, because he was detained for harassing a female colleague, not only was his chance of getting a permanent position slim, but even keeping his job was in jeopardy!

Yan Fugui paced back and forth in the cramped main room, like an old beast trapped in a cage. His mind raced, each loss feeling like a sharp knife stabbing into his heart.

First expense: a 20 yuan fine. That's a real loss, and it hurts!

The second penalty: fifteen days of detention. What does this mean? It means Yan Jiecheng will be absent from work for fifteen days! What kind of place is Hongxing Motorcycle Factory? It's a place that values ​​discipline and dedication! Let alone fifteen days of unexcused absence, even three days would be enough to get him fired several times over!

The third problem: job loss. This is the most fatal! Yan Jiecheng earns twenty yuan a month at the factory. This twenty yuan is a vital source of income for the Yan family! Yan Fugui is very frugal, only leaving Yan Jiecheng five yuan for pocket money, and the remaining fifteen yuan is all confiscated to supplement the family income. But now, if he loses this job, all twenty yuan, along with that pitiful hope of becoming a permanent employee, will be lost!

The fourth blow: a ruined reputation. With a criminal record for "harassing women" and a history of detention, what respectable organization would dare hire him? What girl would dare marry him? The marriages of the three Yan sons were already uncertain due to their family's frugal (stingy and calculating) traditions, and now this is adding insult to injury!

"No! Absolutely not!" Yan Fugui abruptly stopped, a resolute madness flashing in his eyes. "This job, I absolutely cannot lose it! This is the path I've paved for my eldest son with eighteen years of hard work and countless sums of money! It can't just end like this! Absolutely not!"

He glanced at the dejected Yan Jiecheng, then at his weeping wife, and had already made up his mind.

"Jiecheng," he walked up to his son, his voice low and hoarse, yet carrying an undeniable command, "You, go to the detention center tomorrow and reflect on your actions! Remember, in there, you need to know what you should and shouldn't say! Don't cause me any more trouble!"

Yan Jiecheng nodded blankly.

"As for me," Yan Fugui turned around, his gaze fixed on the window, as if he could see through the wall and see the person who could change his son's fate, "I will go and beg He Yuzhu."

Section 2: In the west courtyard, Sha Zhu's anger was hard to quell.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Yan Fugui got up. He rummaged through drawers and cupboards, finding a piece of "family heirloom salted fish" wrapped tightly in oiled paper and emitting a strong, salty smell. He also pulled out a bottle of "Erguotou" (a type of Chinese liquor) from under the bed, bottled in an ordinary white liquor bottle. This bottle of liquor was diluted with water after each use; the repeated dilutions meant that there was hardly any original liquor left in it; it was at most just water with a slight alcoholic taste.

He carefully tucked the two "treasures" into his pocket, then looked in the mirror and used a broken wooden comb to comb his sparse hair back, trying to make himself look more presentable. Then, he took a deep breath and walked with slightly unsteady steps toward the west courtyard.

The west wing was Wang Huanbo's residence. Since the two main rooms of Sha Zhu in the middle courtyard were converted into new houses, Sha Zhu and his sister Yu Shui had been temporarily staying here, keeping Wang Huanbo and the pregnant Lou Xiao'e company.

Yan Fugui walked to the gate of the west courtyard and hesitated whether to knock when the gate creaked open. Sha Zhu, with a cigarette dangling from his lips and wearing cloth shoes, yawned as he walked out. He had obviously just gotten up; his hair was a mess, and he was still wearing his faded old vest.

"Hey, Uncle San, what's this...?" Sha Zhu was stunned when he saw Yan Fugui, then realized what was going on and his expression instantly turned cold. He glanced at the bulging thing in Yan Fugui's arms and knew perfectly well what the old man had come for.

"Ahem, Zhu Zi," Yan Fugui forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, took a step forward, and pushed the things he was carrying forward. "I...I came to see you. And I brought you a little something...a small token of my appreciation."

Sha Zhu didn't even look at it, taking a step back to avoid the strange smell of salted fish and cheap alcohol. "Third Uncle, please speak plainly. My place is small, and I don't have anything good to offer you." His tone was stiff and distant.

Yan Fugui was taken aback by Sha Zhu's attitude, but thinking of his son's future, he gritted his teeth and pushed the bag of salted fish and the bottle of "Erguotou" forward again. "Zhu Zi, we're all from the same courtyard, we'll see each other all the time. As his father, I've failed in raising him, letting that scoundrel Jie Cheng offend you and Yu Li. This... this matter, our Yan family is truly sorry."

He paused, observing Sha Zhu's expression. Seeing that he didn't continue his sarcastic remarks, he continued, "Zhu Zi, you know Jie Cheng is stubborn and immature. When I got back, I gave him a good beating and locked him at home to reflect on his actions. It was our fault, we admit it. But... but this job is a big deal! Hongxing Motorcycle Factory, that's a place so many people would kill to get into! It's a state-owned factory that earns foreign exchange! If Jie Cheng loses this job, his life is truly over!"

As he spoke, tears welled up in Yan Fugui's cloudy eyes. He grabbed Shazhu's arm, his voice almost pleading, "Zhuzi, I know you're close to Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide. Please, for the sake of this old man, for the sake of our neighborly relationship, help me out. Put in a good word for him with Deputy Factory Director Li... say that Jiecheng is a first-time offender, that he was just confused, and give him a chance. Don't fire him for such a small thing, okay? I promise, I'll never let Jiecheng bother you and Yu Li again! I swear!"

Sha Zhu felt nauseous as Yan Fugui grabbed his arm. He abruptly shook off Yan Fugui's hand, spat the cigarette butt from his mouth onto the ground, and stomped it out.

"Third Uncle, what you're saying is a bit shameless!" Sha Zhu's voice suddenly rose, filled with barely suppressed anger. "Didn't I warn Yan Jiecheng to stay away from Yu Li back then? Didn't your Third Uncle also personally promise me that he would discipline him properly and would never let him come here to disgust people again?"

He pointed at Yan Fugui's nose and said, word by word, "I, He Yuzhu, may be a rough man, a scoundrel, but my woman is none of anyone else's business! Yan Jiecheng has repeatedly harassed me, going to Yu Li's house to speak ill of me to her parents, harassing her at her workplace, and even trying to physically assault her! Am I, He Yuzhu, a dead man? Am I just going to stand by and watch my wife be bullied?!"

"It was my right to hit him! It was acting on behalf of Heaven! It was self-defense! You stingy old man Yan, instead of thanking me for helping you discipline your son, you shamelessly come to me begging me to plead with the leaders not to fire him? What do you take me for? Huh?! Do you think I'm an accomplice in your Yan family protecting your scoundrel son?!"

Sha Zhu grew increasingly angry, his chest heaving violently, veins bulging on his forehead. He stepped forward, almost touching Yan Fugui's face, spitting on the other man's face: "Let me tell you, Yan Fugui! This is non-negotiable! I'm going to teach Yan Jiecheng a lesson he'll never forget! He'll never forget that Yu Li is my wife, He Yuzhu's wife! No one can take her away! No one can touch her! If he dares to have even the slightest ulterior motive, I'll beat him every time I see him! I'll beat him until he submits!"

Section 3: Wang Huanbo cleverly resolves the dispute; the stingy man's scheming finally succeeds.

The tense atmosphere in the west courtyard drew Wang Huanbo and Lou Xiao'e out as they were about to go out to get some water.

"What's going on? What's all this noise so early in the morning?" Wang Huanbo frowned, looking at Sha Zhu glaring angrily in the courtyard and Yan Fugui with a bitter expression, and asked in confusion.

When Sha Zhu saw it was Wang Huanbo, he angrily pointed at Yan Fugui: "Huanbo, you've come at the right time! Ask this Uncle Yan what he's here for! He's here to ask me to plead with Deputy Factory Director Li not to fire him because his scoundrel son is harassing Yu Li! Tell me, what kind of nonsense is this?!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Huanbo understood. He glanced at Yan Fugui and saw that Yan Fugui was secretly observing him with his shrewd, triangular eyes, seemingly seeking his support.

"Third Uncle, please don't be hasty, let's talk this out." Wang Huanbo stepped forward, pulled Sha Zhu aside, and gestured for him to calm down. Then, he turned to Yan Fugui and asked in a calm tone, "Third Uncle, I heard everything you just said. You're worried that Jie Cheng won't be able to stay at the factory because of this incident, right?"

Yan Fugui nodded repeatedly, like a chicken pecking at rice: "Yes, yes, Huanbo, you must help me think of a way! If we lose this job, our Yan family will be finished!"

Wang Huanbo pondered for a moment, quickly weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that Sha Zhu's anger was justified, and Yan Jiecheng's behavior was indeed egregious and must be punished. However, he also understood Yan Fugui's concerns. In this era, a stable job, especially in a good company like the Hongxing Motorcycle Factory, meant something self-evident to an ordinary family.

More importantly, Wang Huanbo had a deeper consideration in mind. He came from the future and knew that in the original timeline, Yan Jiecheng and Yu Li eventually got together. Although Yu Li got engaged to Sha Zhu ahead of schedule because of his intervention, Yan Jiecheng's almost pathological obsession with Yu Li did not seem to be entirely out of his own will, but rather more like a kind of... dimensional will.

Perhaps, letting Yan Jiecheng experience such a painful lesson, suffer some physical pain, and endure the consequences of legal punishment, is actually a good thing. It can make him completely wake up, realize that forced relationships are never sweet, and understand how ridiculous and pathetic his obsession was.

"Third Uncle," Wang Huanbo spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable force, "I understand your feelings. Any family would have a headache dealing with such a scoundrel of a son. However, it's a fact that Sha Zhu hit someone. Although there are extenuating circumstances, it still caused harm and alerted the police station. You want me to plead with Deputy Factory Director Li to not fire Yan Jiecheng? That... I'm afraid it will be a bit difficult."

Yan Fugui's face instantly fell, and the last glimmer of light in his eyes went out. He murmured, "Then... what do we do... if Jie Cheng does this, my life is over..."

"However," Wang Huanbo changed the subject, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, "it's not entirely without room for maneuver."

He looked at Yan Fugui's eyes, which lit up again in an instant, and continued, "Third Uncle, think about it, why was Yan Jiecheng detained? It was because he harassed women, and the circumstances were egregious. But, in essence, he wasn't an irredeemably evil person. He was just... confused for a moment, blinded by greed."

"Now, he has paid the price for his actions, fined twenty yuan and detained for fifteen days. Isn't that a profound lesson?"

Yan Fugui nodded repeatedly, like a chicken pecking at rice: "Enough! Absolutely enough! That beating Zhu Zi received, plus the detention at the police station, will be something he'll remember for the rest of his life!"

"That's right." Wang Huanbo smiled. "So, what you need to do now is not to beg Sha Zhu or Deputy Factory Director Li, but to properly educate Yan Jiecheng, make him realize his mistakes, and promise that he will never do it again. As long as he can sincerely repent and has a good attitude, I believe that Deputy Factory Director Li is not the kind of unreasonable person. After all, it's not easy for Hongxing Motorcycle Factory to train a skilled worker."

He paused, looked at Yan Fugui, and emphasized, "Of course, this requires your cooperation as his father. You need to make him understand that you are truly disappointed in him and genuinely hope that he can change his ways, instead of indulging and spoiling him as before."

Yan Fugui nodded repeatedly, a sudden realization dawning on him. He hadn't expected Wang Huanbo to mean this! It wasn't about him pleading for leniency, but about him "educating" his son! This…this was practically a perfect excuse tailor-made for him!

He immediately put on a grateful expression and bowed deeply to Wang Huanbo: "Huanbo! You're so insightful! I understand! I'll go back right now and teach that unfilial son a lesson! Let him know that this time, he's really messed things up! I... I really thank you!"

Sha Zhu stood to the side, watching Wang Huanbo and Yan Fugui put on their act, feeling nauseous as if he had swallowed a fly. He wanted to continue his outburst, but when he saw Wang Huanbo wink at him, signaling him to stop, he had no choice but to suppress his anger.

"Alright, Huanbo has spoken, what can I say?" Shazhu sullenly curled his lip. "Third Uncle, let me be clear, I will mention this to Deputy Factory Director Li tomorrow, but I can't guarantee it will work out. After all, that kid Jiecheng is really outrageous! If I find out he's causing trouble for Yu Li again, I'll beat him up again!"

"Definitely! Definitely! Absolutely not!" Yan Fugui hurriedly assured him, afraid that Sha Zhu would change his mind.

"And also," Sha Zhu pointed to the bag of salted fish and the bottle of "Erguotou" in Yan Fugui's arms, "you should take these things back. I find them dirty."

Yan Fugui's smile froze for a moment, but then it spread even wider. He cursed Sha Zhu inwardly for being ungrateful, but said aloud, "Hey, look at my brain, I was so focused on the important matter that I forgot about this. This...this is all local specialty from my home, it's not worth much, please don't look down on it."

As he spoke, he made a gesture as if to shove something into Sha Zhu's hand.

Sha Zhu dodged away as if he were a plague carrier, waving his hand impatiently: "Take it away! I don't want it!"

Yan Fugui didn't insist, and casually stuffed the things back into his pocket, a helpless expression on his face saying, "I offered my heart to the bright moon, but the bright moon shines on the gutter." Inwardly, however, he was secretly laughing: "Silly Zhu, you little rascal, you really think I'm going to give you this for free? I only brought out this junk as a token because I was afraid you wouldn't help. Now that you've agreed, why should I keep these things? For the New Year?"

He thanked Wang Huanbo and Shazhu profusely again, then turned and left, satisfied. As he stepped out of the courtyard, he glanced back at the tightly closed gate of the west wing, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"Hmph, He Yuzhu, you're still too green. You're far from being able to compete with me, Old Man Yan!"

Section 4: The matchmaker haggles at the door, so stingy she's practically penny-pinching.

When Yan Fugui returned home, his third aunt greeted him anxiously as soon as he entered the door, asking, "Dad, how is it? Zhu Zi... is he willing to help?"

Yan Fugui proudly raised his chin and embellished his account of the "victories" he had just accomplished in the west courtyard, leaving the third aunt both happy and terrified.

"That's good, that's good..." The third aunt wiped away her tears, "As long as Zhu Zi is willing to help, there's hope for Jie Cheng's job."

"There's hope, but we can't rely entirely on him." Yan Fugui's smile faded, and his expression turned serious. "That kid Jie Cheng needs to be taught a lesson this time! Otherwise, he'll act recklessly again! Also, we need to hurry up with his marriage!"

"Marriage?" The third aunt was taken aback. "How old is he? Besides, what girl would want to marry into our family?"

"Hey, you don't understand," Yan Fugui whispered mysteriously in his wife's ear, "I've already thought it through. Jie Cheng is currently working at the factory, earning twenty yuan a month. It's not much, but it's a decent job. As long as we can find him a suitable partner and get him settled down, he'll have someone to rely on and will naturally settle down and stop overthinking."

The old woman's eyes lit up: "That's right! How come I didn't think of that? But... but, our family is so poor, what family's daughter would be willing to marry into our family?"

"That's where the matchmaker comes in," Yan Fugui said confidently. "I've inquired around. There's a matchmaker surnamed Sun in Jiaodaokou who specializes in finding partners for people in our area. She has a lot of girls in her circle. I plan to go to her place in a couple of days and ask her to find a suitable match for me."

"Then...the introduction fee for the matchmaker..." The third aunt hesitated. She knew that her husband was notoriously stingy. He would haggle with the vendor for ages even when buying a scallion, let alone such "extra expenses."

Sure enough, Yan Fugui's face darkened as soon as he heard the words "referral fee." He started counting on his fingers, "Referral fee? How much is appropriate? Generally speaking, three to five yuan is normal. But three to five yuan! That's a month's food expenses for our family! No, no, that's too expensive!"

He thought for a moment, then tentatively said, "How about... I give you 50 cents first? Consider it a deposit. And after the blind date goes smoothly, I'll give you the remaining 50 cents? That'll be a dollar in total, how about that?"

The three women were stunned, almost choking on their own breath: "You...you're crazy?! One yuan?! Do you think a matchmaker would agree to that? Why would she act as a matchmaker for your family?!"

"Hehe, that'll have to do with my skills." Yan Fugui chuckled smugly. "Then I'll tell her that although our family is poor, Jie Cheng works at the Hongxing Motorcycle Factory and can earn foreign exchange, so he definitely has a bright future. Besides, although our family isn't wealthy, we will never mistreat our daughter-in-law. I don't believe she won't be tempted!"

The three women were skeptical, but since things had come to this point, they could only let their husbands do as they pleased.

A few days later, Yan Fugui carefully "dressed up," put on an old jacket that was faded but still clean, and, with that huge sum of one yuan in his pocket, went to the matchmaker Sun's house.

Matchmaker Sun was a shrewd and capable middle-aged woman in her fifties, well-informed and quite famous in the neighborhood. She lived in a quiet alley, in a three-room brick house, which was kept clean and tidy, and it was clear that she lived a good life.

"Oh, it's Brother Yan! What brings you here?" Matchmaker Sun greeted Yan Fugui warmly as he entered, but her eyes held a subtle, almost imperceptible scrutiny. She had a deep impression of this notoriously stingy Yan Fugui.

"Hehe, Sister Sun, I have a favor to ask you." Yan Fugui smiled broadly, placing the gift (a package of pastries wrapped in newspaper, which looked like it had been sitting for a long time) on the table. He then rubbed his hands together, saying apologetically, "It's like this, my eldest son, Yan Jiecheng, works at the Hongxing Motorcycle Factory. He's... a nice guy, but... he's not young anymore and still not married. I was thinking... I was wondering if you could help me find a suitable girl, would that be alright?"

Upon hearing this, Matchmaker Sun's eyes lit up. Matchmaking for workers in a state-owned factory—that was a lucrative job! The commission was high, and the woman's family valued it. She was worried about not having suitable bachelors, and Yan Jiecheng, although from a poor family, was at least a "civil servant"—a promising prospect!

"Alright, Brother Yan, you're right. I may not have much else, but I have plenty of girls!" Matchmaker Sun grinned from ear to ear. "What are your requirements for a girl? Tell me about her age, appearance, and family background, and I'll keep an eye out for her."

Yan Fugui cleared his throat and said in a pretentious tone, "Well, my requirements aren't high. The main thing is that the person is honest and can make a living. As for looks, they just need to be presentable. I don't require them to be too beautiful. If they're too beautiful, I can't afford to support them, and I'm afraid my son will suffer. As for family background, it's best if they're not too rich either. It's better for both sides if they're well-matched."

His words were half true and half false, expressing his "sincerity" while subtly hinting at his family's "poverty," thus setting the stage for the subsequent bargaining.

Matchmaker Sun was incredibly shrewd; she immediately understood the implication in his words. She sneered inwardly: "Hmph, you old codger Yan, don't try that on me! I've been in this business for so many years, what kind of people haven't I seen? Do you think I don't know your little schemes?"

"Alright, I understand." Matchmaker Sun nodded, then changed the subject, getting straight to the point, "So... Brother Yan, what about the referral fee...?"

"A referral fee?" Yan Fugui feigned surprise and slapped his thigh. "Look at my memory, I almost forgot! Sister, we're neighbors, I won't beat around the bush. You see, my eldest son works in a factory, earning twenty yuan a month. As his father, I have to save it for him to supplement the family income. I'm not exactly rolling in money myself. How about this, I'll give you fifty cents as a deposit. Whether it works out or not depends on your ability. After it's done, I'll give you another fifty cents, making it a dollar in total. Is that alright?"

"One yuan?!" The matchmaker's smile froze instantly. Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, she jumped up from her chair, her voice shrill, "Yan Fugui! What are you talking about?! One yuan?! Are you trying to fob me off?! In this line of work, I get at least three yuan for each match! And that's only because we know each other! You're giving me one yuan? Do you think I'm doing a good deed like Lei Feng?!"

Yan Fugui cursed the matchmaker Sun inwardly for asking for an exorbitant price, but he still smiled obsequiously, "Oh, sister, don't be angry. That's not what I meant. I really don't have any money! You see, I have three sons, the eldest just started working, the second and third are still in school, and we need money for everything. I really had no other choice but to resort to this!"

As he spoke, he slowly pulled a small cloth bag wrapped in a handkerchief from his pocket. He unfolded it layer by layer, revealing a dozen crumpled one-mao, two-mao, and five-mao banknotes, along with some one-fen and two-fen coins. He counted them carefully, muttering to himself, "One mao, two mao, three mao... Oh, no, this one's five mao..."

The matchmaker, Sun, rolled her eyes. In all her years, she'd never seen such a stingy person! He wouldn't even give a little extra for the introduction fee when arranging a marriage for his son! She trembled with anger, pointing at Yan Fugui's nose and yelling, "Yan Fugui! You're a real miser! Not a penny spared! Do you think I'm a beggar? I'm arranging your marriage to solve a huge problem for your family! You have the nerve to give me even a dollar?! Isn't this like giving alms to a beggar?!"

"I..." Yan Fugui was somewhat embarrassed by the scolding, but he had his own plans. He knew that although Matchmaker Sun was verbally abusive, she actually wanted to earn the money. After all, it wasn't easy to find a matchmaker for workers in a large state-owned factory.

He took a deep breath, a troubled expression on his face, and said, "Sister, I know one yuan is a bit little. But I really tried my best. Okay, I won't argue with you anymore. Tell me, how much do you want? As long as it's not too outrageous, I... I'll try my best to figure something out."

Seeing that he had relented, the matchmaker felt a little relieved. She snorted coldly and said, "At least three yuan! Not a penny less! That's the rule!"

"Three yuan?" Yan Fugui gasped, his facial muscles twitching. Three yuan! That was his food expenses for a month! He trembled with heartache.

"No! Absolutely not!" he refused firmly. "One dollar and fifty cents at most! Any more than that, I really can't afford!"

"One dollar and fifty cents? Are you kidding me?!" Matchmaker Sun bluntly exposed him. "Didn't you just say it was only one dollar? Now it's one dollar and fifty cents? Do you think I'm stupid?"

"Hey, little sister, let me explain..." Yan Fugui wanted to struggle a little more.

"Don't explain!" Matchmaker Sun waved her hand impatiently. "It's only three yuan! Take it or leave it! I have plenty of clients, I don't need you!"

The two engaged in a fierce tug-of-war, exchanging words back and forth. From three yuan to two yuan and fifty cents, then to two yuan, and finally, under Yan Fugui's "threat" that "I really only have this much money left, and if you don't agree, I'll have to beg someone else," the matchmaker gritted her teeth and agreed to give a one-yuan deposit first, with the remaining one-yuan payment after the deal was done!

When Yan Fugui counted out that one yuan from the pile of loose change, one bill at a time, and counted it several times before reluctantly handing it to Matchmaker Sun, Matchmaker Sun's face was already as cold as an ice cellar.

Seeing Yan Fugui's pained expression, she had already calculated the cost clearly in her mind. One yuan? Humph! I worked so hard to arrange this marriage for your family, running around and exhausting myself, and I'm only worth one yuan? Do you think I'm doing charity?

No! I can't let this go! I have to think of a way to prevent this good girl from falling into the fire pit of your Yan family! Otherwise, my reputation will be ruined!

A sinister glint flashed in the eyes of Matchmaker Sun. She had made up her mind: the girl she would introduce to Yan Jiecheng this time would either be somewhat disabled, or a rural girl who desperately wanted to marry into the city, or… simply a widow with a child! In any case, she absolutely could not be one of those well-off, beautiful city girls!

Only in this way can I make my one-yuan "hardship fee" worthwhile! Only in this way can I keep those good girls away from the Yan family, that notoriously stingy place!

Section 5: The foolish child finally realizes the futility of his past dreams, and the old man's stingy calculations are all in vain.

Yan Fugui, holding the few slips of paper with the girl's basic information given to him by the matchmaker Sun, excitedly returned home, ready to "share the good news" with his son. However, before he could even speak, a summons from the police station was delivered to him first.

When he brought his son, with a bruised and swollen face and vacant eyes, back from the detention center, all his joy and expectations vanished.

Yan Jiecheng is finished.

It wasn't physical devastation, but mental devastation. Fifteen days of detention, coupled with the beating Sha Zhu gave him—a beating he would never forget—completely shattered that ridiculous, morbid obsession in his heart.

He was no longer like before, his eyes darting around, muttering Yu Li's name to himself. He became taciturn, locking himself in his room all day, either lost in thought or flipping through the pages of "Fitter's Craftsmanship," as if trying to find some comfort in those dry words.

Yan Fugui was both anxious and angry seeing his son like this. He had thought that after this lesson, his son would learn his lesson, work diligently, and accept the blind dates he arranged. But now it seemed that his son had completely "wilted."

He took the note given to him by the matchmaker and subtly brought up the matter of blind dates with his son.

"Jiecheng, look, Matchmaker Sun has introduced you to a few girls. Although... although their conditions aren't particularly good, they're all honest people and can manage a household. Why don't you... why don't you go and meet them when you have some free time?"

Yan Jiecheng didn't even look up, simply saying, "Dad, I don't have time to think about these things right now."

"No interest?! How old are you?! Look at Xu Damao in the backyard, he's getting married in October! And look at you, loafing around all day, what kind of person are you!" Yan Fugui was furious.

"I'm idle and lazy?" Yan Jiecheng suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with pain and confusion. "Dad, am I... am I really that bad? Am I incapable of doing anything right? Am I... destined to never get what I want?"

His voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Yan Fugui was taken aback by his question, then flew into a rage: "What are you talking about?! I raised you all these years, fed you, clothed you, sent you to school, and now you're telling me this?! Don't you have any conscience?!"

"Conscience?" Yan Jiecheng gave a bitter laugh. "Dad, do you know why I've become like this? Because I can never get what I want! I study hard, wanting to go to university, but you won't let me! I work hard, wanting to get a permanent position, but you always say I'm not good enough! I like Yu Li, but you tell me I'm not good enough for her! I... what am I supposed to do to gain your approval? To get the life I want?"

These words were like a sharp dagger, piercing Yan Fugui's heart. He opened his mouth, but found himself unable to utter a single word. He always said his son was useless, but had he ever truly cared about his son's inner thoughts? He only knew how to use his "meticulous" survival rules to control his son, to exploit him, and to maximize the family's profits.

He thought that as long as he had money, a job, and a house, he could solve all his problems. But he forgot that people have feelings. They need to be understood, respected, and loved.

"I...I..." Yan Fugui stammered, unable to speak.

Looking at his father's panicked face, Yan Jiecheng felt the last trace of resentment in his heart dissipate. He lowered his head again, picked up the book, and said softly, "Dad, don't say anymore. I know you're doing this for my own good. I... I just need some time."

He paused, his voice becoming unusually calm: "Yu Li, I've given up. I wish her happiness. I won't bother her anymore."

These words struck Yan Fugui like a thunderclap. He abruptly looked up at his son's calm, almost numb face, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He didn't know if his son's words were a sign of genuine remorse or utter despair. All he knew was that his eldest son, whom he had once both loved and hated, and on whom he had placed so much hope, seemed to have truly changed.

Section Six: The Dust Settles, Everyone Goes Their Own Way; All the scheming and plotting came to naught.

Time is the best healer, but also the most merciless judge.

Under the "dual education" of the detention center and Sha Zhu, Yan Jiecheng finally completely "turned over a new leaf." He stopped having wild thoughts and unrealistic fantasies. He devoted all his energy to his work. He apprenticed himself to the experienced workers in the factory, humbly learning their skills, and eagerly took on the dirtiest and hardest jobs. He no longer asked his father for his five yuan "pocket money," but instead handed over his entire monthly salary.

His performance surprised even Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide. He personally spoke with Yan Jiecheng, highly praising his transformation and promising that as long as he continued to maintain this level, he would be officially hired by the end of the year without any problem.

When Deputy Factory Director Li told Sha Zhu the good news, Sha Zhu simply said "Oh," without showing much joy. In his view, the fact that Yan Jiecheng was behaving himself and no longer harassing Yu Li was already the best "good news." As for whether he could get a permanent position, what did that have to do with him?

When Yan Fugui learned that his son had "turned over a new leaf," he was so moved that tears streamed down his face. He told everyone he met that it was because of his "effective parenting" and the results of his "strict discipline." He even went to the west wing and, in front of Wang Huanbo and Sha Zhu, bowed and thanked them profusely, praising Wang Huanbo to the skies and mentioning Sha Zhu's "contribution," but his tone was more about boasting about his own "brilliance and prowess."

Sha Zhu merely responded with a cold laugh. He knew in his heart that Yan Jiecheng's "turning back" was not because of Yan Fugui's "discipline," but because he himself had finally been battered and bruised by reality and had come to his senses.

As for Matchmaker Sun, Yan Fugui had urged her several times, but she always gave him excuses like "good girls need time to be chosen" or "the time isn't right." Yan Fugui knew in his heart that Matchmaker Sun was deliberately making things difficult for him and getting revenge for his "stinginess" back then.

He couldn't afford to lose his temper, so he could only continue to plead with "kind words." He even went to several other matchmakers, but the results were all the same. Either the introduction fee was too high, or the girl they introduced was "unsuitable."

Gradually, Yan Fugui understood. In this era, for a family like his—poor, stingy, and with a bad reputation—finding a good marriage for their son was practically impossible.

He watched his son leave early and return late every day, working diligently in the factory. Although he didn't talk much, his eyes were much more determined than before. He suddenly felt that perhaps letting his son establish his career first before starting a family wasn't such a bad idea.

As for marriage, let fate decide.