Courtyard House: Home Alone

He looked at the pillar, his eyes becoming complicated. He was both relieved that his son had gained the favor of such an "important person," and also worried that this peaceful courtyard would never be able to remain peaceful because of this child.

He patted Zhu Zi on the shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Zhu Zi, since Brother Xiao Fan is teaching you, you have to learn it well, understand? But remember, in the future, you have to know your place in front of Brother Xiao Fan and not be disrespectful."

Zhu Zi nodded as if he understood: "I know, Dad. Brother Xiao Fan said that when you learn something, you have to look like you're learning something. You can't be frivolous."

He Daqing sighed and didn't say anything more, but he silently pondered in his heart that although the two families had a good relationship and he and his wife took good care of the child.

We can no longer treat him like a child. In this courtyard, we must be careful with our words and actions, especially in front of Lin Yifan. We must not show the slightest disrespect.

This child is no ordinary person; whether it's a blessing or a curse for my son to be with him is anyone's guess. Hopefully...

It's a blessing, isn't it?

He Daqing gazed out the window at the old locust tree in the courtyard, its branches swaying gently in the night breeze, as if foreshadowing future storms.

He knew that from today onwards, everyone in this courtyard would have to reconsider their place.

And the source of all this, that seven-year-old child, Lin Yifan, is like a stone thrown into a calm lake, already stirring up ripples, and no one knows what kind of waves these ripples will eventually spread into.

Meanwhile, Lin Yifan had returned to the courtyard house and was eating the fried noodles with soybean paste that Grandpa Zhang had specially prepared for him. Grandma Zhang, watching Lin Yifan wolf down his food, said, "Eat slowly, I'll make you some more if you're not full."

"That's enough! That's enough! Auntie, I just eat fast, it's a habit." Lin Yifan said while eating.

"That's good, Xiao Fan. The houses at the pharmaceutical factory will be finished soon, and your uncle and I will be moving there. What will you do for food and other things after that?" Aunt Zhang sighed and said.

With his mouth full of noodles, Lin Yifan mumbled, "Auntie, don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. If it really comes to it, I'll just go out and buy something to eat, or I'll learn to cook something myself."

He swallowed the food in his mouth and added, "Besides, Zhuzi's family is also in the yard. If anything happens, I can contact them."

Aunt Zhang was still a little worried: "It's inconvenient for you to cook for yourself all by yourself. Why don't you come and stay with us at the pharmaceutical factory? There's plenty of space there, we can easily set up a room for you."

Lin Yifan shook his head and smiled, "Auntie, thank you for your kindness. I'm used to living here, and... some things are more convenient here. You and Uncle can go ahead without worry, I'm really fine."

Old Zhang, who was smoking his pipe nearby, said, "Old woman, Xiao Fan is a very determined boy, so don't worry about him. Since he said he can take care of himself, he definitely can. We'll come back to visit often."

Aunt Zhang nodded and said nothing more, only continuing to put food into Lin Yifan's bowl: "Eat more, eat more, it's the time for you to grow."

Lin Yifan felt a warmth in his heart as he ate his noodles with gusto, savoring the rare tenderness in this courtyard. He knew this peace might soon be shattered, but at least for now, he could enjoy a moment of tranquility. After finishing his noodles, he helped Aunt Zhang clear the dishes before saying goodbye and returning home.

Pushing open his familiar wooden door, a faint smell of dust wafted out. He lit the oil lamp on the table, its dim light illuminating the small room.

He walked to the bedside and sat down, took out a small metal box from his pocket, opened it, and inside were some odds and ends and a yellowed photograph.

The photo shows a young couple holding a baby, their smiles warm. They are his parents and his younger self.

"Dad, Mom, wait for me, I'll come to see you soon," Lin Yifan murmured softly, his fingers gently stroking his parents' faces in the photo.

He carefully put the photos away, blew out the oil lamp, lay down on the bed, and began to close his eyes to rest and recharge for the journey ahead.

Outside the window, the moonlight, like water, quietly spilled into the courtyard and onto the seven-year-old child, reflecting his composure and determination far beyond his years.

Meanwhile, the Japanese headquarters in the island nation also received news from China that the two air squadrons sent to Beiping had been completely wiped out, the "Kamikaze" special attack team had been completely wiped out, and the special agents in Beiping had also been almost completely wiped out.

The Minister of War, holding the telegram from China, was in a dilemma: should he go to the palace now to inform the Emperor, or keep it a secret for the time being...?

The Minister of War took a deep breath, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He knew that every word "total annihilation" was like a heavy hammer, crashing down on the very foundation of the empire.

The two air squadrons were the elite forces of the Imperial Air Force; the "Kamikaze" special attack units were even more promising "jade-shattering" blades.

And then there are the agents who infiltrated Beiping, their efforts to infiltrate their positions nearly wiped out. Most importantly, they failed to rescue His Highness the Prince, and instead allowed him to be publicly executed by dismemberment. This series of blows would be enough to send shivers down the spine of any high-ranking official.

"Reporting to the Minister," an officer of staff cautiously entered, "His Excellency the Prime Minister and the Chief of the General Staff are already waiting in the conference room. They wish to hear your report as soon as possible."

The Minister of War gripped the telegram tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force. He paced back and forth, his mind racing as he weighed the pros and cons.

Tell the Emperor now? Given His Majesty's growing anxiety due to the unfavorable war situation, hearing such bad news would likely enrage him and he might even make an irrational decision.

When the time comes, I, as the Minister of the Army, will be the first to bear the responsibility.

However, if the news is kept secret and leaked, or if other political enemies report it to the Emperor, the consequences would be unimaginable. The crime of deceiving the Emperor is no joke.

"Understood," the Minister of War replied in a deep voice, his tone slightly hoarse. He carefully folded the telegram, placed it in his inner pocket, and straightened the collar of his uniform, trying to appear as composed as possible.

He strode towards the conference room, each step feeling like he was walking on cotton, unsteady and heavy. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, he saw the Prime Minister and the Chief of the General Staff sitting there with solemn expressions. As soon as he entered, their eyes immediately focused on him, filled with inquiry and a hint of unease.

"What's the situation?" the Prime Minister asked first, his tone urgent.