Courtyard House: Home Alone

He Yuzhu looked at Lin Yifan with admiration: "Brother Fan, you're amazing! Liu Haizhong looked like a wilted eggplant just now!"

Lin Yifan smiled but didn't say anything. He knew this was just the beginning. All sorts of people lived in this courtyard house; just now, he'd spotted Yi Zhonghai hiding behind his window. He wondered what Yi Zhonghai was thinking.

Although the East Wing is now under his control, essentially independent, he'll still inevitably have to deal with people there. He must establish his authority to live peacefully here and better protect those he cares about.

As the neighbors gradually dispersed, Lin Yifan turned around and went back to his own house.

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai, who was in his room, saw his wife preparing to deliver dinner to Mrs. Long. He quickly reached out and took the food box, saying, "I'll go today. I have something to ask my wife."

Li Cuilan handed the food box to Yi Zhonghai and said, "Okay, then you go ahead. I'll bring out our food when you come back."

Yi Zhonghai carried the food box and walked heavily toward Mrs. Long's house in the central courtyard.

He was in a state of panic. He had heard the commotion in the front yard clearly. Lin Yifan's methods and aura were not like those of a seven-year-old child at all; they were more like those of a seasoned adult.

The phrase "Lou Zhenhua is not qualified" in particular terrified him. He had even considered taking over Lou's house earlier.

Although he had only been at the steel mill for a few years, he knew Lou's capabilities well. This kid dared to make such a boastful statement, either because he was ignorant of his own limitations or because he was truly fearless.

He leaned more towards the latter, after all, Lin Yifan's skill in subduing Liu Haizhong and the coldness in his eyes were extraordinary.

He wanted to subtly probe Mrs. Long to see if he could find out anything about Lin Yifan.

Mrs. Long was somewhat surprised to see Yi Zhonghai personally bring her the meal, but she still politely invited him inside. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yi Zhonghai casually brought up the matter of Liu Haizhong in the front yard, praising Lin Yifan for his sense of responsibility at such a young age and for standing up for his neighbors.

Mrs. Long was incredibly astute; she saw through Yi Zhonghai's thoughts at a glance. She simply smiled faintly and said, "Xiao Fan is a child with his own opinions and a kind heart, but he's a bit too strong-willed and can't stand seeing others being bullied. As for the rest, we, as elders, shouldn't pry too much."

However, Xiao Yi, there's something I need to tell you: never have any inappropriate thoughts or ideas, or you'll regret it later.

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai's heart skipped a beat, but he forced a calm smile and said, "You're right, Madam. I understand. I just thought this child was rare and was just praising him casually."

Mrs. Long picked up her teacup without comment, took a sip, and gave Yi Zhonghai a deep look, her gaze seemingly able to see through his thoughts.

Yi Zhonghai felt extremely uncomfortable and could no longer sit still, so he quickly made an excuse and took his leave.

When he got home, Li Cuilan noticed his pale face and asked, "What's wrong? Did you not enjoy your conversation with your wife?"

Yi Zhonghai shook his head and sighed, "It's nothing, I just feel that things are about to get a little unsettled in this courtyard."

He didn't dare to voice Mrs. Long's words and his own speculations. He secretly resolved to stay away from Lin Yifan in the future and never provoke that seemingly insignificant but unfathomable child.

At this moment, Lin Yifan was sitting under the lamp, taking stock of the supplies he had seized in his spatial storage. What happened today was a big deal to the people in the courtyard, but in Lin Yifan's eyes, it was nothing at all.

If he weren't living in this courtyard, he wouldn't bother arguing with someone like Liu Haizhong.

However, the "killing the chicken to scare the monkey" approach seems to have worked quite well; at least in the short term, the yard should be much quieter.

The supplies in the space became increasingly abundant. Rice and flour were piled up like small mountains, and all kinds of meat and vegetables were very fresh. There were also a lot of captured weapons, ammunition, gold bars and silver coins, as well as various daily necessities and medicines.

He meticulously categorized and planned the future use of these items. After all, resources were scarce in this era, and being prepared was essential.

Just then, He Yuzhu's voice came from outside the door: "Brother Xiaofan, are you asleep? My mom asked me to bring you two freshly steamed cornbreads."

Lin Yifan got up, opened the door, and took the steamed bun that He Yuzhu handed him; it was still warm.

"Please thank your mom for me."

"Don't mention it! Brother Xiao Fan, my dad has asked you several times if you've come back yet, but he doesn't know what's going on!"

Lin Yifan smiled and handed He Yuzhu an apple: "Eat it, I just found it in my spatial storage... just found it at home."

He Yuzhu's eyes lit up. He took the apple, carefully wiped it, took a big bite, and mumbled, "So sweet! Brother Xiao Fan, where did you get such good apples?"

"My master gave it to me."

Lin Yifan casually replied.

Seeing He Yuzhu eating with relish, Lin Yifan felt a warmth rise in his heart.

A moment later, He Daqing's voice came from outside the door: "Zhuzi, what are you dawdling about here? Hurry up and go home!"

As the voice spoke, He Daqing's somewhat rugged figure appeared at the door. He had just returned from the restaurant and still carried the smell of cooking oil.

His gaze swept over Lin Yifan. "Xiao Fan, I've come to you twice already. Master Wang's cellar is finished. I wanted to go and see it, but he wouldn't let me. Take some time to go and take a look at the east courtyard. I've settled the wages and material costs, and I even have an extra 227 silver dollars. I've also calculated the wages for Old Zhang in the front yard according to your instructions."

I've also found someone for the house upstairs for you; they're a descendant of the Lei family of the Yangshi craft. That family used to work for the palace, so their skills are definitely top-notch.

"I have a senior classmate who's related to their family. I've already spoken to them, and they'll come over to see the yard when you get back. As for how to build the houses there, you can discuss and decide then."

"Oh dear! Uncle He, you've really gone to a lot of trouble. Come in quickly, and tell me to leave the money there; we'll need it soon anyway."

"Well, I just got back, so I definitely won't have time tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, then! Uncle He, could you please arrange for them to come and look at the yard the day after tomorrow? The specifics of how to do it will mainly depend on them; they're experts."

He Daqing waved his hand: "It's no trouble at all, it's what I should do. You're a reliable kid, I trust you. I'll have them come over the day after tomorrow, you can just wait at home then."

He paused, then glanced at the apple in He Yuzhu's hand. "Alright, Zhuzi, take the apple back and eat it. Don't disturb Xiaofan's rest here."

He Yuzhu said "Oh," took another big bite of apple, and mumbled to Lin Yifan, "Brother Xiaofan, I'll go back first. I'll come over with my dad the day after tomorrow."

Lin Yifan nodded: "Okay, drive carefully."