Courtyard House: Home Alone

"Punch quickly, retract steadily, pay attention to your breathing rhythm, and sink your Qi to your Dantian..." Lin Yifan demonstrated while patiently explaining the key points.

He Yuzhu was sweating profusely as he practiced, but he performed each move with great skill and determination, his eyes revealing an indomitable spirit.

He knew that Lin Yifan was teaching him real skills, skills that could protect him in this chaotic world, so he practiced them with extra care.

"Brother Fan, do you think my 'Black Tiger Steals the Heart' move is right?" He Yuzhu threw a punch, which was accompanied by the sound of wind and had a lot of momentum.

Lin Yifan examined it carefully and shook his head: "You have the strength, but your lower body is unstable. You'll fall over if your opponent trips you even slightly. Come on, bend your knees a little more, lower your center of gravity, and imagine your feet are rooted in the ground like tree roots."

He reached out and supported He Yuzhu's waist, helping him adjust his posture. "Yes, that's it. Try again." He Yuzhu adjusted as instructed and threw another punch, which was indeed much more stable this time.

"Brother Fan, how did you develop such a brain? You know so much!" He Yuzhu wiped his sweat and exclaimed sincerely.

Lin Yifan smiled and didn't explain further: "Practice hard. Once you've mastered this set of punches, three or five strong men won't be able to get close to you."

He knew in his heart that He Yuzhu was not a bad person at heart, just a bit short-tempered and easily influenced. If he taught him more skills, he would be less bullied in the future, and perhaps he could even help him at a critical moment.

As the two were practicing, a commotion suddenly erupted from the front yard, accompanied by Shi Tou's loud voice: "Hey buddy, the guy I was talking about lives in the backyard. We really have important business with him."

"Then you should at least tell me the name of the young master you're looking for, right? Otherwise, if someone just barges in, what will our courtyard house become!" That was Grandpa Zhang's voice.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir, I was in too much of a hurry. My name is Lin Yifan, and he said he lives in the backyard here."

"Oh! It's Xiao Fan. Okay, I'll take you in." As he spoke, Grandpa Zhang led Shi Tou and two other burly men into the central courtyard.

Lin Yifan frowned upon hearing the voice and stopped teaching the boxing. He Yuzhu also listened intently and asked, puzzled, "Brother Fan, who is this? It sounds like they're looking for you?" Lin Yifan didn't answer.

The fact that Shi Tou is coming here now must mean something's happened with Grandpa Tang! Or maybe he's got news of traitors or Japanese soldiers.

Shi Tou spotted Lin Yifan standing in the backyard at a glance, and his face immediately lit up with joy. He quickly stepped forward, respectfully clasped his hands, and said, "Young Master, you're finally here! Grandpa Tang asked us to come and familiarize ourselves with the place, saying it would be easier to find you in the future." After speaking, he glanced at Grandpa Zhang and He Yuzhu.

Lin Yifan understood and said, "Brother Shitou, let's go to my house in the backyard for a while." Then he turned to Grandpa Zhang and said, "Grandpa Zhang, thank you for bringing my friend in."

"Zhu Zi, practice diligently as I told you. I'll come back later to check on your progress." With that, he led the three of them, including Shi Tou, towards the backyard.

As soon as they entered the house, Lin Yifan gestured for Shi Tou to close the door. Shi Tou understood and bolted the door shut. The two burly men stood guard on either side of the door like two door gods, their eyes scanning the outside warily.

Lin Yifan led Shi Tou into the main room and gestured for him to sit down. Shi Tou didn't stand on ceremony and plopped down on a stool, lowering his voice to say, "Young Master, Grandpa Tang sent us here mainly for two things. First, to familiarize ourselves with the place, so that we can find you immediately if there's any emergency or if we need your help."

Secondly, the old man asked me to pass on a message to you: your actions yesterday were very effective. Our men have now taken over the puppet 7th Division and the city gate. Half of their officers took off their clothes and ran away last night.

Today, Zhao Gang accompanied the old man to the city hall, and everything went very smoothly. The old man asked me to ask you if it would be convenient for you to go and take a look as well.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yifan tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his brows furrowing slightly: "Since things are going smoothly over there, I won't go and join in the fun. The key is that you guys need to hurry up and dig out those traitors and Japanese devils, otherwise, those people will be a menace sooner or later."

By the way, after screening those fake police officers, those who are usable can be used. They are all native Beijingers. With their help, those Japanese devils and traitors will have nowhere to hide.

Those who did evil deeds with the Japanese should also be thoroughly emptied of their words before being dealt with. This will help you find those Japanese traitors and collaborators as quickly as possible.

Shi Tou nodded vigorously: "Young master, don't worry, that's what Old Master Tang ordered too! Our men have turned the puppet Seventh Division and the police station upside down, and none of those traitors and lackeys who usually act arrogantly will escape!"

In the past two days alone, the gold bars and silver coins found in their homes have filled several boxes, along with a considerable amount of weaponry and medicine hidden by the Japanese soldiers!

At this point, Shi Tou's face was full of excitement and enthusiasm. "The city is basically under control now, except for a few scattered Japanese spies who are still causing trouble in the shadows. However, we have increased patrols, and once they are discovered, they will be killed without mercy!"

Lin Yifan nodded slightly; Old Master Tang was indeed decisive and efficient. He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Any movement from the Japanese? They've suffered such a huge loss; they can't possibly let it go so easily, can they?"

The excitement on Shi Tou's face faded slightly, and he said solemnly, "Young Master is wise. Before the New Year, the old master arranged for several of my fellow disciples to be responsible for monitoring the movements of the Japanese outside Beiping City. They have all gone forward at least a hundred kilometers. Now they are strengthening the surveillance forces in all directions."

According to our intelligence, a Japanese brigade stationed in Shicheng has shown unusual activity and appears to be assembling, with Beiping (Beijing) as its target.

Lin Yifan tapped his fingers on the table at a slightly faster pace: "Very good. Go back and tell Grandpa Tang that I have prepared twenty Japanese warhorses for the brothers outside. I will have them delivered to the original storage yard tonight. You can take some men to pick them up at midnight."

In addition, I will prepare another batch of food and supplies for you, which you can take back with you later.

Upon hearing this, Shi Tou's eyes lit up, his solemn expression replaced by surprise. He quickly straightened his back, his voice trembling slightly: "Twenty warhorses? And food and supplies? Young master, this... this is truly a godsend! The brothers are out there keeping watch, and these are exactly what they need!"

He knew that in these chaotic times of war, a good horse was worth half a life, let alone twenty, along with food and supplies, which would be an immense help to them.

Lin Yifan waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to get excited: "We're all on the same side, so there's no need to be so formal. Tell the brothers to be careful. If they spot any clear movements of the main Japanese force, report it immediately. Do not linger in battle."

"Yes! Don't worry, young master!"

Shi Tou nodded vigorously, his admiration for Lin Yifan growing even stronger. He knew that the young master was not only brave and resourceful, but also considerate of his subordinates; following such a person gave him peace of mind.