Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

It was still early after the movie ended.

The two pushed their bicycles and walked slowly along the moat.

The winter night wind was biting, but the atmosphere between the two was quite harmonious.

They talked about the plot of the movie, the interesting things that happened in their work, and occasionally their views on the current situation.

Li Zhenhua always knew how to strike the right balance, never being too sharp, yet offering unique insights that captivated Lin Taotao.

"I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about literature and art."

Lin Taotao said sincerely.

"Just looking around and speculating."

Li Zhenhua said modestly.

"Actually, many principles are the same. Solving cases requires understanding people's hearts, and appreciating works of art also requires understanding human nature. However, compared to these, I'm probably more interested in how to improve the food in the factory canteen and let the workers eat better."

He skillfully steered the conversation in a more pragmatic direction, avoiding touching on overly sensitive areas.

Lin Taotao was amused.

"You're quite competent as the deputy director of logistics."

She paused, then said seemingly casually.

"Sometimes I feel quite frustrated. Some cases, even with solid evidence, can't be thoroughly investigated for one reason or another."

Her words subtly revealed a sense of helplessness in her work and indirectly hinted at the constraints imposed by her background, rather than a boast.

Li Zhenhua understood immediately and nodded.

"Water that is too clear has no fish. Some things cannot be rushed. Just do what is truly meaningful within your authority and have a clear conscience."

His words were both a comfort and a demonstration of his pragmatic attitude, making Lin Taotao feel that he was insightful, neither pedantic nor impetuous.

The two stopped at the entrance of the compound.

Under the lamplight, Lin Taotao's face was flushed from the cold, but her eyes were bright and sparkling.

"Thank you, Li Zhenhua, the movie was great."

Lin Taotao's tone became much more relaxed, and she called him by his name directly.

"Don't mention it. I'll invite you again next time there's something good."

Li Zhenhua smiled.

"Come inside quickly, it's cold outside."

"Okay, be careful on the road."

Lin Taotao waved and turned to walk into the courtyard.

Only after watching her figure disappear did Li Zhenhua get on his bicycle and leave.

He could sense that after this relaxed date, their relationship had clearly taken a step closer.

Lin Taotao no longer looked scrutinizing and provocative as before, but instead showed more sincerity and closeness.

The next day, Lin Taotao and Dafeng went to the military service center to buy things together.

While picking out the face cream, Da Feng nudged Lin Tao Tao with her elbow and asked with a wink.

"Hey, I'm telling you, things are progressing really fast between you and Li Zhenhua lately, aren't they? You've even gone to the movies together?"

Lin Taotao blushed.

"What nonsense are you talking about! It's just normal gay dating."

"Come on, you!"

Da Feng scoffed.

"Do you think I don't know you? You get impatient if any guy talks to you for more than a couple of minutes. I heard you came out of the movie with a smirk on your face! And you're not telling me the truth?"

Lin Taotao, realizing her secret had been exposed, glared at her reproachfully.

"You talk too much! He's actually quite an interesting person."

"Oh, oh, oh, is this interesting?"

Da Feng exaggeratedly imitated Lin Tao Tao's tone.

"A man who can make our Miss Lin find 'interesting' is truly a rare find! I think you're really interested in him! But seriously, Tao Tao, Li Zhenhua, apart from his family background possibly not being as good as those... well, you know, in other aspects—looks, skills, brains, and his current position—is really hard to fault. Most importantly, he seems to be able to keep you in check, and you seem to enjoy being controlled by him."

Da Feng's teasing, though blunt, precisely revealed an inner change that Lin Tao Tao herself was not fully aware of.

Her feelings for Li Zhenhua had indeed gone beyond the boundaries of ordinary comrades or friends; a complex emotion, a mixture of admiration, dependence, and attraction, was quietly growing.

All of this was clearly grasped by Li Zhenhua, who seemed nonchalant but was actually meticulous in his planning.

at the same time.

This is the courtyard house.

The 31st day after Jia Dongxu's death had just passed, and the white lanterns and mourning tent in the courtyard were removed, but the grief and oppression had not completely dissipated; they were simply replaced by a more subtle and tense atmosphere.

The news that Jia Zhangshi had been sent to a labor camp had already spread, like a silent bomb dropped in the courtyard, leaving everyone feeling uneasy.

The Jia family of Zhongyuan remains the same, but the world has changed.

Qin Huairu seemed to have undergone a complete transformation.

She shed her glaring white mourning clothes and put on a dark cotton-padded jacket, old but clean and dry. Her hair was neatly combed, and the fragility in her eyes was replaced by a quiet resilience.

She no longer bowed her head as easily as before; when faced with the neighbors' scrutiny, her gaze was calm and even somewhat distant.

She kept the five hundred yuan in compensation money locked in a small wooden box in the kang cabinet, keeping the key close to her body day and night; it was the lifeline for her and her three children.

She was meticulous in her calculations, keeping a clear account of how much grain and vegetables she needed to buy each day, and would never again allow Jia Zhangshi to squander money as she had before.

However, the burdens of life have not lessened.

With three teenagers to feed and clothe, Banggeng seemed to have matured overnight after losing his father, but his silence and the dependent yet fearful look in his eyes when he occasionally looked at his mother made Qin Huairu feel even more sorry for him.

Relying solely on the pension to live off her savings is not a long-term solution. She has to wait more than ten years to be replaced, so she must find some odd jobs to supplement her family's income. But with three children to support, this is no easy task.

Just when things were in a transitional period, Sha Zhu's eagerness came like a timely rain, even more intense and blatant.

"Sister Qin, the cafeteria had a complimentary meal today, and there were some leftovers, so I brought them back! Braised pork, let's give Banggeng and the others something to eat!"

Sha Zhu did this almost every day. The first thing he did after get off work was to carry an aluminum lunchbox and run happily to the Jia family's house, pouring the oily food into the Jia family's bowl.

The aroma of the food was an immense temptation for the Jia family, who rarely had any oil or fat to eat.

"Zhu Zi, you've spent so much money again... I can't accept this."

Qin Huairu spoke politely, but skillfully took the food and distributed it to the children who were eagerly watching her.

Watching the children wolf down their food, she felt a mix of emotions.

Are you grateful?

some.

But more than anything, I am clear-headed.

She knew what Sha Zhu was after.

His eyes were practically glued to her, his eagerness and desire undisguised.

"Hey, don't be so polite with me!"

Sha Zhu waved his hand as if he had done something extraordinary. He sat down in the Jia family's house, his gaze sweeping over the house, which, though poor, was kept in perfect order by Qin Huairu. Then, looking at Qin Huairu's face under the lamplight, though haggard, it was still pleasing to the eye, and a flame of anger rose in his heart.

With Jia Zhangshi, the biggest obstacle, gone, and Dongxu Ge gone, it's so hard for Sister Qin to raise the child alone!

Isn't this the opportunity that God gave He Yuzhu?

He began to become more deeply involved in the Jia family's life.

When a light bulb in his house broke, he climbed up on a stool to change it.

The water tank was empty, so he rolled up his sleeves and went to fetch some.

Even when Banggeng got into a fight with the kids from the other courtyard, he was the first to rush out and protect them, acting like the head of the household.

He was no longer satisfied with just delivering meals; he started buying snacks for the children and buying scraps of cloth to make new clothes for Qin Huairu. Although Qin Huairu politely declined most of them, saying, "I can't always let you spend money," he still enjoyed it.

In the dead of night, Sha Zhu lay on his hard bed, staring at the dark beams, his mind already sketching out a blueprint for the future.

Sister Qin is gentle and virtuous, cooks well, and is also good-looking. Although she has three children, Sha Zhu doesn't care!

He earns a high salary, I can afford to support him!

After they get married, he'll clean out the room with the rain and let Banggeng live there, or he'll simply try to move to a bigger house...

Sister Qin won't have to work so hard anymore, cooking for him every day, washing his clothes, and having another child of their own...

Thinking of the good points, Sha Zhu couldn't help but chuckle, feeling that life was more promising than ever before.

But this enthusiasm needs recognition and a push.

After thinking it over, Sha Zhu concluded that the person in the courtyard who could give him the most advice was still Uncle Yi Zhonghai.

That evening, Sha Zhu, carrying half a bottle of bulk liquor and a bag of peanuts, strolled over to Yi Zhonghai's house.

Yi Zhonghai was sitting at the table, drinking alone with a plate of pickled vegetables.

An older woman was sewing shoe soles nearby, and the atmosphere in the room was somber. Jia Zhangshi's accident had dealt a heavy blow to Yi Zhonghai's retirement plans; he had aged noticeably in recent days, his brow furrowed with an unresolved sorrow.

"Sir, having a drink? I have some good wine here, how about we have a bit?"

Sha Zhu grinned and moved closer.

Yi Zhonghai raised his eyelids slightly but didn't speak, which was considered tacit approval.

Sha Zhu filled his glass to the brim and poured one for himself as well.

After a few drinks, Sha Zhu started talking non-stop.

"Uncle, tell me... with the Jia family in this state, it's so hard for Sister Qin to raise three children all by herself!"

Yi Zhonghai took a sip of wine and snorted.

"Difficult? Who isn't having a hard time? These days, just surviving is not easy."

That's one way of saying it.

Sha Zhu leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"But Sister Qin is different! She's young and good-looking. She can't just stay like this forever, can she? Besides, Banggeng and the others need a father too, don't they?"

A glint flashed in Yi Zhonghai's eyes as he looked at Sha Zhu.

"Zhu Zi, there's a hidden meaning in your words. What, you have something on your mind?"

Sha Zhu blushed when his secret was exposed, scratched the back of his head, and chuckled.

"Uncle, to be honest, I think... Sister Qin and I are quite suitable. You see, I'm single, and she's a widow and unemployed. I could help take care of her kids. If... if it works out, I'll definitely treat Banggeng and the others like my own children!"

Yi Zhonghai sneered inwardly, "Just as I thought."

He slowly sipped his drink, without immediately giving a response.

He had long seen through Sha Zhu's intentions. With Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu around before, this would have been impossible.

Now... this is an opportunity.

Sha Zhu may be a bit of a scoundrel, but he's not a bad person at heart. He values ​​relationships and isn't complicated, so he's easy to control.

If he could bring him and Qin Huairu together, then he would have the power to control both Sha Zhu and Qin Huairu's families.

With Sha Zhu's salary, Qin Huairu managing the household, plus his own savings and prestige, wouldn't his future retirement be even more secure?

Although it's not as "legitimate" as we originally hoped for with Jia Dongxu, it's still better than being completely clueless now.

Thinking of this, Yi Zhonghai showed a "gratified" smile and patted Sha Zhu on the shoulder.

"Zhu Zi, I'm very pleased that you have this thought! It shows you've grown up and know how to care for others. Huai Ru has really had a tough life; she's a good woman. If you truly care, I support you!"

Sha Zhu was overjoyed when he heard this.

"Really? Sir, you really support me?"

"Of course I support it!"

Yi Zhonghai's tone was certain.

"However, this can't be rushed. Huai Ru has just gone through something so big, and she hasn't gotten over that hurdle yet. You have to take it slow, show her more care and help her more, and let her see your sincerity. People are all made of flesh and blood; in time, she will naturally understand your goodness."

"I understand, I understand!"

Sha Zhu nodded repeatedly.

"I will definitely treat Sister Qin well and the children well!"

"Um."

Yi Zhonghai pondered for a moment.

"From now on, if anything happens in the courtyard, please help the Jia family out. If you have any difficulties, you can also talk to Uncle Yi, and we'll figure something out together. After all, we're all neighbors in the same courtyard, and it's only right that we help each other."

These words, while seemingly encouraging Sha Zhu to do good deeds, are actually an endorsement of Sha Zhu's actions and an implication that the speaker will be his strong support. At the same time, they subtly bind Sha Zhu and Qin Huairu more closely to the speaker's side.

Sha Zhu had no idea of ​​this deeper meaning. He only felt that the old man was very understanding and considerate of him. His heart warmed even more, as if he could already see the day he would marry Qin Huairu.

However, Qin Huairu was far more complex than Sha Zhu had imagined.

She watched coldly as Sha Zhu's obsequiousness grew more and more blatant each day, knowing full well what was going on.

She knew exactly what Sha Zhu was thinking.

Was she grateful for Sha Zhu's help?

To be honest, in this current predicament, the box of oily food that Sha Zhu brought back from the cafeteria did provide some immediate relief, giving the children a bit more color in their faces. But that was all.

She never intended to marry Sha Zhu.

Sha Zhu isn't a bad person, but he's too stubborn and impulsive. He's not very cultured and doesn't have much of a future; he's just a cook.

Living with him would simply be repeating the hardships of the past, only with someone else supporting you.

Moreover, Sha Zhu's reckless attitude and his tendency to speak without thinking made her feel insecure.

More importantly, she knew in her heart that she had already been branded by another man—Li Zhenhua.

The transaction that night in Li Zhenhua's cabin, and Li Zhenhua's subsequent casual instructions on how to bring down Jia Zhangshi, filled her with awe and a complex dependence on this young director.

Li Zhenhua is powerful and influential; a little bit of his influence is enough for her to survive. Moreover, he is intelligent and calm, and can provide her with genuine protection.

Although it was just a cold, transactional relationship, Qin Huairu thought it was more "reliable" than Sha Zhu's impulsive pursuit.

Li Zhenhua explicitly told her to "keep her distance," and she dared not disobey.

Therefore, her strategy towards Sha Zhu was very clear: neither refuse nor agree, but make full use of him.