Courtyard House: Become Stronger Through Blind Dates

In the afternoon, He Yuzhu returned to No. 95 Courtyard from the street carrying a cloth bag.

As soon as he stepped into the front yard, a figure, as if lying in ambush, darted out from the door of the west wing and blocked his way.

"Hey, Zhuzi, out shopping again?" Yan Bugui said warmly.

He Yuzhu cursed inwardly, but didn't show it on his face. He kept walking and turned to walk past him.

"Teacher Yan, you go ahead with your work, I'll head back now!"

"Hey, hey, don't rush off!" Yan Bugui quickly moved aside, blocking his way again, his eyes constantly glancing into the cloth bag. "What good stuff did you buy? Let Uncle Yan take a look?"

The first two times He Yuzhu brought a lot of things, he gave Yan Bugui two scallions and a radish, simply because he was too lazy to argue with him.

But today he only had this little bit of stuff, and Yan Bugui was still stalking him like a fly, which made him a bit too arrogant.

"Teacher Yan, I really don't have anything nice to show off, just some odds and ends."

He Yuzhu's tone turned cold, and he quickened his pace, squeezing right past Yan Bugui.

Yan Bugui was jostled and stumbled, his fake smile instantly crumbling.

He saw many people in the front yard covering their mouths and snickering, and his anger suddenly flared up.

"Hey, Zhu Zi, what's wrong with you?" Yan Bugui raised his voice and actually followed after him. "I'm talking to you, what kind of attitude is this?"

He frowned as he heard the footsteps approaching from behind.

This old man, is he never going to stop?

He kept walking, while Yan Bugui nagged behind, "Zhuzi, I'm not trying to be mean, but even though you've separated from the family and are living separately now, you're still a junior member of this household, right? You don't even acknowledge your elders when they talk to you, is that appropriate?"

"Besides, you've caused quite a commotion in the yard these past few days, even getting into fights with Yi Zhonghai, the Jia family, and the Xu family. The neighbors must have been gossiping behind your backs, right?"

Yan Bugui got more and more excited as he spoke, "But I tell everyone I meet that Zhuzi isn't a bad kid at heart, he's just young and impetuous, and he's been driven to this state by certain people in the compound!"

"Look at Yi Zhonghai. He talks a good game about morality, but behind your back he's embezzling your father's allowance. Is that something a human being would do? The Jia family makes you work for free and then picks fights with you. That's just dishonest of them!"

"I've spread the word about all of this for you!"

Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu abruptly stopped in his tracks.

Yan Bugui was delighted to see him stop, thinking that his words had worked.

He quickly took two steps closer and said earnestly, "Zhu Zi, you mustn't forget Uncle Yan's kindness. As a person, you have to know how to be grateful, don't you think?"

He Yuzhu slowly turned around, looking at Yan Bugui expressionlessly, and said, "So, Teacher Yan, how do you want me to express my gratitude?"

Yan Bugui felt a little uneasy under his gaze, but thinking of He Yuzhu's previous two acts of "filial piety" towards him, he figured that the kid was probably still concerned about his reputation.

He chuckled dryly, rubbing his hands together, and said, "Well... I'm not after anything from you, it's just... I just felt that you were quite sensible the last two times, weren't you? But today... look..."

He Yuzhu finally understood, and a surge of anger welled up from the bottom of his heart.

This old man is treating the scallions and radishes he gave me the first two times as a regular tribute!

He was unhappy because he wasn't given the money today, and he even chased after me to the Intermediate People's Court to demand it back.

He said with a half-smile, "Oh? So, Teacher Yan means you're unhappy because I gave you things the first two times but not this time?"

Yan Bugui was a little embarrassed by his direct question, but since things had come to this point, he didn't want to beat around the bush anymore, so he simply said, "Look at what you're saying, do you think I'm that kind of person?"

"Uncle Yan just feels that...you used to be a very polite child, and you knew how to respect your elders. This sudden change is a bit hard to get used to."

He paused, and seeing that He Yuzhu didn't speak, added, "Of course, Uncle Yan isn't picking on you, he just feels... the atmosphere in this courtyard needs everyone to maintain it. You give me... cough, just a little something, and I'll definitely speak up for you in the future!"

He Yuzhu was genuinely amused and laughed, saying, "Fine, I understand. So, Teacher Yan, what do you want? Just say it!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Bugui thought, "There's hope! It seems this kid has finally given in!"

He quickly calculated in his mind: He Yuzhu didn't buy much today, but it's all at his doorstep. He bought quite a lot yesterday.

"Well... Zhu Zi, what are you saying? How can I be picky?" Yan Bugui said, feigning reluctance. "Just give me what you think is appropriate; the thought is what counts!"

He Yuzhu stared at him and asked again, "Really, you'll give it to me?"

"Yes, yes, give me whatever you want, I won't be picky!" Yan Bugui nodded repeatedly.

"Are you sure?" He Yuzhu asked again.

"OK, OK!" Yan Bugui replied hastily.

There weren't many people in the Intermediate Court at the moment, but there were a few neighbors washing clothes by the pool.

Everyone's attention was drawn to the commotion, and they watched with curiosity.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, He Yuzhu made a move.

He slowly raised his right hand, not towards the cloth bag, but to shoulder height.

Then, under Yan Bugui's expectant gaze and the curious stares of the surrounding neighbors, He Yuzhu swung his arm and slapped Yan Bugui's lower face with his right hand.

The sound was crisp and clear, echoing in the quiet courtyard.

Time seemed to stand still at this moment...

Yan Bugui's smile froze instantly, his eyes widened, and his face was filled with disbelief.

He was completely stunned by the blow, frozen in place, unable to react for a long time.

The entire courtyard was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone stared in disbelief at the scene, with only one thought in their minds: Sha Zhu... no, He Yuzhu... he beat up Yan Bugui?

Who is Yan Bugui? He's an elementary school teacher. Although he's calculating and stingy, he's considered a respected and cultured person in the neighborhood!

He Yuzhu beat up Yi Zhonghai, Jia Dongxu, and Xu Damao just two days ago, and today he even beat up Yan Bugui!

After a brief silence, Yan Bugui finally recovered from his shock and humiliation.

"You...you..."

Yan Bugui pointed at He Yuzhu, so angry that he could barely speak.

"He Yuzhu, you...you dare hit me?! What right do you have to hit me?"

He Yuzhu withdrew his hand and said with a playful tone, "Didn't you say that I could give you whatever I wanted, and you wouldn't be picky? The slap I chose to give you is this one."

"Hahaha..." Everyone in the surrounding courtyard couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"You...you're talking nonsense!"

Yan Bugui had never suffered such humiliation in his life, especially being slapped in the face by a junior in front of everyone in the compound.

He felt that his face and dignity had been shattered by that slap.

He lunged forward, wanting to fight He Yuzhu to the death, but seeing He Yuzhu's expressionless face and sturdy build, he stopped abruptly.

Yan Bugui, his face flushed red with anger, shouted, "I... I was talking about things! Who told you to hit me? This is utterly lawless! Don't you have any respect for your elders? Don't you have any manners?!"