Courtyard House: Home Alone

He spoke modestly, but in his heart he was calculating. By doing this, Shi Tou not only solved the manpower problem of the pharmaceutical factory, but also took care of Grandpa Zhang's family, killing two birds with one stone. It seemed that he hadn't misjudged Shi Tou; this kid not only knew how to do business, but also knew how to be thorough in handling matters.

As they were talking, the neighbors from several other houses in the courtyard also came over and started asking around, all asking what good job Grandpa Zhang was looking for.

Grandpa Zhang then recounted the whole story, which made everyone envious. They all said that Grandpa Zhang was very lucky, and praised Lin Yifan for his ability to make friends with someone like Shi Tou.

Lin Yifan smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries with everyone, only saying that he was a senior brother and that he was only taking care of Uncle Zhang because he was honest.

At this moment, Grandpa Zhang tugged at Lin Yifan's sleeve. Lin Yifan knew that Grandpa Zhang had something to say to him, so he greeted a few aunties and followed Grandpa Zhang into his house.

Aunt Zhang poured him a glass of water, and Lin Yifan took the glass and asked, "Grandpa, what's wrong...?"

Grandpa Zhang glanced towards the door and lowered his voice, saying, "Xiao Fan, you're still young. You probably don't understand what those people outside are up to. Few of them are easy to deal with. You have to be careful when dealing with them."

"That Stone Brother is your senior brother, but we can't just give him everyone. Otherwise, we'll end up pleasing neither side." Grandpa Zhang said, his eyes full of concern, as if he were instructing his own grandson.

Lin Yifan felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that Grandpa Zhang was genuinely thinking of him. He put down his water glass and said earnestly to Grandpa Zhang, "Grandpa, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

There are rules for hiring at Stone's place; not just anyone can go. You and Auntie are honest people, so you'll definitely be able to do the work without any problems, and that's the most important thing.

As for the others, if they are truly capable and of good character, Stone will naturally consider them if needed. But if they want to take shortcuts or engage in shady practices, I certainly cannot agree to it, and Stone is not that kind of person.

By the way, Uncle Zhang, since you're now considered part of the pharmaceutical factory, I'd like to trouble you to make a trip and find Shi Tou. Tell him that the equipment from the pharmaceutical factory has arrived and is still in the same old location, and ask him to arrange for someone to bring it to the factory immediately.

I just got back from outside and have some things to take care of, so I'll have to trouble you with this, Uncle Zhang!

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Zhang nodded hurriedly, "Yes, yes! No problem, leave it to me! The arrival of the equipment is a big deal, we can't afford to delay! I'll go find Brother Stone right now!"

As he spoke, he seemed eager to leave. Lin Yifan quickly stopped him, "Sir, don't rush, have some water first."

Aunt Zhang chimed in, "Yes, old man, what kind of behavior is this, all flustered and in such a hurry?"

Grandpa Zhang chuckled, picked up the water glass on the table, gulped down two mouthfuls, wiped his mouth, and said to Lin Yifan, "Then I'm off, Xiaofan."

Lin Yifan smiled and nodded, "Yes, thank you for your trouble, sir." Grandpa Zhang waved his hand and quickly walked out.

Watching Grandpa Zhang's hurried departure, Lin Yifan smiled slightly. He knew Grandpa Zhang was a kind-hearted person, and having him inform Shi Tou would surely be a good idea.

He picked up his water glass, took a small sip, greeted Aunt Zhang, and then got up and walked towards the backyard.

Just as he stepped out of Grandpa Zhang's house, He Yuzhu rushed towards him, shouting as he ran, "Brother Xiao Fan, you're finally back! I've learned all the kung fu you taught me, now teach me something else!"

Looking at He Yuzhu's eagerness, Lin Yifan smiled with a mixture of helplessness and relief.

This kid's obsession with kung fu is truly exceptional. "Zhu Zi, you need to change your impetuous nature. Kung fu is about gradual progress; it can't be mastered overnight."

He reached out and patted He Yuzhu on the shoulder, and could feel that the boy's muscles were much more solid than before, it seemed that he had been working hard these days.

He Yuzhu chuckled and scratched his head: "Brother Xiao Fan, I'm just happy to see you back! You have no idea, I practice the set of boxing you taught me every morning and evening, and now I feel full of energy!" As he said this, his face was full of pride, as if it were some great achievement.

"Oh? Is that so? Then I'd like to see just how well you've practiced your skills." Lin Yifan raised an eyebrow, showing some interest.

"Alright, alright! Brother Xiao Fan, don't hold back!" Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu immediately perked up, rubbing his hands together and striking what he considered a very standard starting stance.

Lin Yifan didn't hesitate either, signaling He Yuzhu to attack. He stood still, calm and focused on He Yuzhu, like a rock as steady as Mount Tai.

He Yuzhu took a deep breath, shouted, and pushed off with his feet, rushing towards Lin Yifan like an arrow. A straight punch, accompanied by the sound of wind, aimed directly at Lin Yifan's face.

This punch, compared to the previous haphazard swings, did indeed have some structure, with a noticeable improvement in both speed and power.

Seeing this, Lin Yifan neither dodged nor evaded. Just as the fist was about to reach He Yuzhu, he flicked his wrist slightly, like a snake emerging from its hole, and precisely grabbed He Yuzhu's wrist. Immediately afterwards, his arm sank slightly, and with a pull, He Yuzhu felt a tremendous force coming from him, and his center of gravity immediately went out of control, causing his body to stagger forward involuntarily.

"Ouch!" He Yuzhu exclaimed, trying to steady himself, but Lin Yifan's strength was so subtle that he was pulled by an invisible force. He stumbled and fell hard on his butt with a "thump".

"Brother Xiao Fan, you... that was too fast! I didn't even see how you did it!" He Yuzhu got up from the ground, rubbing his sore bottom, but his face showed no sign of frustration. Instead, it was full of excitement and admiration. He knew that this was real kung fu, completely different from his own fancy moves.

Lin Yifan clapped his hands and said calmly, "Kung Fu is not just about the strength of your fists and feet, but more importantly, about technique and control over force. You've only mastered some basic moves; you're still far from being able to use them freely. Get up, let's practice some more."

"Good!" He Yuzhu was even more motivated, as if the fall he had just experienced was not a failure, but an inspiration. He struck a pose again, his eyes becoming even more focused.

Sunlight streamed through the courtyard, bathing the two figures: one patiently instructing, the other diligently studying. The sounds of He Yuzhu's shouts and Lin Yifan's pointers echoed through the courtyard, creating a vibrant and lively scene.

For Lin Yifan, this brief period of peace and guidance was perhaps a rare solace in this chaotic world.