Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

The footsteps in the corridor grew closer, accompanied by the light tapping of a cane on the ground, and an old woman's affected complaint:

"Hongxia, why did you have to call this old woman here in this freezing weather? I was just having lunch, what's the rush? We live in a new society now, we need to be reasonable, right? You can't just make things difficult for me for no reason..."

The sound grew louder as it approached, and the office door was gently pushed open.

First to enter was a jujube wood cane, worn smooth and shiny. Then, an elderly woman with bound feet, wearing a dark blue cotton-padded jacket and a black headscarf, walked in unsteadily, supported by a female street cadre. Behind her followed an elderly man named Yi Zhonghai, wearing a gray Zhongshan suit and sporting a kind smile.

The female cadre who was helping the deaf elderly woman was in her early thirties. Her surname was Wang and her given name was Hongxia. She was a staff member of the subdistrict office and also the deaf elderly woman's distant cousin. At this moment, she was carefully supporting the old woman, and her gaze subconsciously swept towards the unfamiliar young man in the office—the "former homeowner" that Director Yang had mentioned on the phone to verify the property.

Upon seeing this, Wang Hongxia's heart skipped a beat, and the arm she was holding onto the old lady stiffened almost imperceptibly.

It's him? !

Although their temperaments were completely different—the man in her memory wore a neat short-sleeved shirt, had sharp eyes like an eagle, and moved with an indescribable ferocity; while the man before her wore out-of-fashion old-fashioned clothes, had a calm and handsome face, as if he were a scholar who had stepped out of an ancient painting—Wang Hongxia would never mistake the contours of his eyebrows and eyes, especially his straight nose and the somewhat stubborn lines of his lips when he pursed them!

In the autumn of 1940, outside Beiping (Beijing), she was a student nurse working at a church hospital. While out of town to buy medicine, she was spotted by a detective squad and shot. She went to seek help from a distant cousin, but lost too much blood on the way and collapsed in the woodshed of the east wing of the courtyard. When she awoke, she was in a cave, her wound simply bandaged, with clean water and dry rations beside her. Later, after making inquiries, she only learned that the man was a cook's apprentice, whose whereabouts were mysterious, and there were no further clues.

Unexpectedly, after eight years, we meet again here in this way! He... is actually He Damin, the original owner of the east wing that my aunt occupied?!

In an instant, a wave of shock, embarrassment, guilt, and fear washed over Wang Hongxia. When she was helping her aunt with the paperwork and paperwork, she only knew the original homeowner was named He Damin, who had been missing for many years. She never imagined he would be her savior! Now, through her hands, the property belonging to her benefactor was "legally" registered under her aunt's name…

As soon as the deaf old woman entered the room, her seemingly cloudy but actually sharp triangular eyes stared straight at He Damin, who was sitting upright.

At just one glance, the deaf old woman's wrinkled face twitched almost imperceptibly, and the words she was about to say in complaint were caught in her throat. The knuckles of her hand gripping her cane turned slightly white from the force.

So alike! They were strikingly similar! Although their temperaments were completely different, and their clothing and appearances were worlds apart, the contours of his face, the shape of his eyebrows and nose, and especially his upright posture, which was undeniable even when seated, were exactly like the spirited second son of the He family who had almost ruined her plans back then! Only this young man before her was more handsome, more composed, and more…unfathomable. His eyes, calm and undisturbed, seemed to pierce through her very soul, rendering her decades-old skills of feigning age and ignorance instantly useless.

"Why didn't she die out there?" This wicked thought, like a leech, instantly gripped the deaf old woman's mind. She had gone to great lengths, using her niece Wang Hongxia's position in the military control commission to pull strings and leverage the "handle" left by that muddle-headed He Daqing and the so-called "mortgage agreement," to finally, legitimately (at least procedurally), transfer the nice house with its private toilet in the east wing to her name. She'd practically had the property certificate ready! And why did He Damin have to show up now of all times?!

What worried her even more was her and Yi Zhonghai's "retirement plan." He Daqing was gone, leaving behind two children, orphaned and helpless. This was perfect "material" for their upbringing! They deliberately didn't completely destroy them, allowing He Yuzhu and his sister to live in the three main rooms that originally belonged to He Daqing, but they cut off all their financial resources, preventing the other residents from interfering. They would watch the two children spend their days scavenging for garbage and coal, returning to their cold, empty house at night, sometimes hungry, sometimes full, struggling to survive. Once they had suffered enough and were completely desperate, Yi Zhonghai would step in as a "good person," offering small favors and gradually "saving" them, making them grateful. In the future, when He Yuzhu grew up and had some strength, he could take care of her and Yi Zhonghai in their old age! As for He Yushui, a little girl, they could easily get rid of her then.

But now, He Damin is back! This is too much of a variable! What if he really finds He Yuzhu and his sister? What if he discovers something...?

Wang Hongxia sensed the tension in her aunt's body. She forcibly suppressed the turmoil within her, averting her gaze and pretending to straighten her sleeves. She couldn't acknowledge her aunt! She absolutely couldn't acknowledge her now! If she did, her actions in helping her aunt with illegal operations might be exposed. Losing her job would be the least of her worries; she might even face legal consequences. Besides… her aunt had treated her well and helped her a lot over the years. She could only repay that kindness later. She took a deep breath, and when she looked up again, her face had regained the official expression of a street-level cadre, but deep within her eyes lay a barely perceptible complexity and struggle.

Yi Zhonghai stepped forward at the opportune moment, his face bearing his usual expression, as if he were always thinking of the collective: "Hello, Director Yang, hello, Officer Wang. And this comrade is...? The old lady is getting on in years, her hearing isn't very good, and her legs aren't very agile. If you need anything, you can ask me. I'm an old man in the courtyard, and I usually mediate some neighborhood disputes."

Yang Chengdong nodded, his gaze shifting between the deaf old woman and He Damin, naturally not missing the fleeting stiffness in the old woman's eyes and Wang Hongxia's momentary unusual expression. His suspicions deepened, but he didn't show it on his face, simply introducing them in a businesslike manner: "Master Yi, old lady, Officer Wang, this is Comrade He Damin. He claims to be the original owner of the east wing of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, and has just returned from the mountains to handle household registration and confirm property ownership."

"What? The original owner of the east wing?" The deaf old woman suddenly raised her voice, her tone filled with exaggerated surprise and grievance. "Director Yang, you can't just say things like that! That house in the east wing was clearly mortgaged to He Daqing a few years ago by my wife using our hard-earned savings, right? There's a written agreement, a middleman (she glanced at Yi Zhonghai), it's been registered with the street office and the military control commission, and I've even received a new property certificate! Hongxia, isn't that right?" As she spoke, she looked at Wang Hongxia, her eyes carrying a subtle pressure and warning.

Wang Hongxia's heart tightened. Avoiding the gaze that He Damin might cast, she gave a vague "hmm," her voice somewhat dry: "Director Yang, the mortgage documents left by He Daqing back then... according to the documents, are complete. Later, when the old lady was issued a new certificate, it was also done according to procedure." She deliberately emphasized "documents" and "procedure," as if this could alleviate some of the guilt in her heart.

Yi Zhonghai quickly chimed in, "Yes, Director Yang. Brother Daqing left in a hurry before the New Year, saying he was going to try his luck in another place and was short of money, so he mortgaged the east wing to the old lady to get some money for his journey. Many long-time residents in the compound know about this, and I, Lao Liu, and Lao Yan were all there to witness it. It's all clearly written on the deaf old lady." He looked at the deaf old lady.

"Yes!" the deaf old woman immediately chimed in, her tone resolute. "It's all in black and white, with a red handprint! He Daqing pressed it himself! The money was paid in full at once! Director Yang, in our new society, we must respect contracts, right? Just because someone hasn't been around for a long time doesn't mean the house isn't mine anymore! Who am I supposed to ask for my savings for my funeral?" She began wiping away tears, looking as if she had suffered a great injustice.

He Damin listened quietly, his gaze slowly sweeping across the faces of the deaf old woman, Yi Zhonghai, and Wang Hongxia. The deaf old woman's momentary shock, anger, and malice; Yi Zhonghai's seemingly fair but actually biased words; Wang Hongxia's evasive eyes, dry tone, and complex emotional fluctuations... all of this made his suspicions increasingly clear.

This is far more than a simple property dispute. The deaf old woman's reaction went beyond the typical behavior of someone who occupies property; it was a deeper level of apprehension and…fear? Fear of his return? Why? This Officer Wang seems to have a hidden story; does she know him? He Damin briefly searched his memory: in the autumn of 1940… he seemed to have casually rescued an injured female student in the east wing? He was in a hurry to run errands at the time, so he only gave her a quick treatment and brought her food and drink a few times. Could it be her?

As for the so-called "mortgage" and "new certificate," they are nothing but a piece of waste paper in the face of absolute power and the truth. But he doesn't intend to expose them now.

"Director Yang," He Damin finally spoke, his voice still steady and devoid of any emotion, "Since this old lady holds a new property certificate, while my old deed dates back to before liberation, then according to the policies of the new society, the new certificate issued by the People's Government shall prevail. I have no objection to this."

His words stunned not only Yang Chengdong, but also the deaf old woman wiping away tears and Yi Zhonghai, who was about to continue arguing. Just like that… he gave up? So easily?

He Damin continued, "I've been away from home for many years and know nothing about the changes in my family. My elder brother, He Daqing, mortgaged the house and left; he must have had his difficulties. Now that it's a fait accompli, I respect the current laws. But..." He paused, his gaze shifting to the deaf old woman and Yi Zhonghai, a hint of feigned confusion and pleading in his eyes, "I've returned alone, without a registered address or place to live. I only have a nephew and niece, whom I heard are still at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang. Now that the house issue is settled, I dare not ask for more. I just want to find my nephew and niece first, reunite with them, and then make further plans."

His words were reasonable and his attitude was extremely humble. He acknowledged the validity of the new certificate, saving Yang Chengdong and others the trouble of dealing with historical issues; he also pointed out his legitimate demands for "the return of missing persons" and "finding relatives"; and he temporarily separated "property" from "finding relatives," making him seem reasonable and easily winning sympathy.

Sure enough, Yang Chengdong's expression softened considerably. He had been most troubled by disputes involving unclear property rights from before liberation, but He Damin's voluntary concession relieved him. At the same time, He Damin's mention of searching for his nephews and nieces touched his compassion as a cadre. "Comrade He Damin, it's good that you think this way. Regarding the property issue, since there's already a new certificate, we'll proceed according to it. As for your household registration, we'll verify your history as soon as possible and help you register. If you want to find your nephews and nieces, No. 95 Nanluoguxiang is your elder brother's old house; you can go directly there. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to the street office again."

Wang Hongxia nodded hurriedly, not daring to look at He Damin: "Yes, Director." She felt a mix of emotions, both guilty towards her benefactor and relieved that he hadn't insisted on the house. Perhaps... she could still do something to make amends? But when she thought of her aunt and Yi Zhonghai's schemes against the two children, she felt uneasy.

The deaf old woman and Yi Zhonghai had different thoughts. The deaf old woman breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that He Damin was a cowardly coward who had been frightened by the policies of the new society and dared not fight for it. This was for the best! As long as he didn't fixate on the house, everything else was negotiable. As for He Yuzhu and his sister? Hmph, let He Damin go looking for them. Anyway, the two children were like wild children now, dirty and smelly, and stubborn. Maybe they could even give He Damin a hard time. Yi Zhonghai, on the other hand, frowned secretly. He felt that He Damin had given up too easily, and something was wrong. But the situation was favorable at the moment, so he couldn't say much. He just thought that he would have to go back and discuss with the old woman again how to make this move with He Yuzhu and his sister more secure.

"Thank you, Director Yang, and thank you, Officer Wang." He Damin stood up, bowed slightly in thanks, and then looked at the deaf old lady and Yi Zhonghai, his tone sincere, "I'm also sorry to trouble you, Madam and Master Yi. I'll head back to the hospital now. It's been many years since I've been back, and things have changed. Please take good care of me."

"Of course, of course." Yi Zhonghai forced a smile. "We're all old neighbors, it's only right. Zhu and his sister... sigh, the children are pitiful. They usually live in the main house left by their father, but life is a bit difficult. It's good that you're back, at least you have an elder to take care of you."

The deaf old woman grunted in response, but her eyes no longer looked at He Damin; she only wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

The matter seemed to have been resolved "satisfactorily." Under Yang Chengdong's arrangement, He Damin completed the preliminary registration and was told to return in a few days to collect the relevant certificates and complete the detailed household registration process. The deaf old woman and Yi Zhonghai left accompanied by Wang Hongxia. Along the way, the deaf old woman whispered instructions to Yi Zhonghai and Wang Hongxia, nothing more than things like, "Don't let He Damin know too much," "The house is a done deal," and "Keep an eye on Zhu Zi and his sister too." Wang Hongxia absentmindedly responded, but He Damin's calm face and the vague yet warm memories of the cave from years ago kept replaying in her mind.

As He Damin walked out of the military control commission's gate alone, the sun was already setting. The chilly autumn wind swirled up the fallen leaves, carrying a desolate air. The gentle, respectful, and slightly bewildered expression on his face had vanished, replaced by his usual indifference.

The house? He didn't care at all. He could take back the east wing anytime.

His divine sense had already meticulously scanned the courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang. His elder brother He Daqing's three main rooms were still there, the doors and windows tightly shut, but there was indeed a faint trace of life within—from the pillars and the rain. Just as Yi Zhonghai had said, they were indeed still living there, only their presence was weak and weary, carrying the emptiness of long-term malnutrition. The eastern wing was occupied by Jia Zhangshi, and the western wing was empty; the entire courtyard appeared quiet and dilapidated in the twilight.

His divine sense also captured fragments of a quiet conversation between the deaf old woman and Yi Zhonghai by the roadside after they left the military control commission:

"...We need to keep a close eye on them, lest He Damin lead Zhu Zi and his sister astray..."

"Don't worry, Grandma. The two children are used to hardship and are stubborn. They won't easily listen to an uncle who suddenly appears. Let's take it slow, use both kindness and strictness. We'll still need Zhuzi to help us in the future..."

"...Hongxia is acting a bit strange today. Try to find out what she's up to later..."

"……clear."

He Damin's eyes turned completely cold. So that's how it is. Not only did they want money, but they also wanted to kill, and even more so, they wanted to scheme against the two children's lives, paving the way for their despicable retirement plans. Good, very good.

He didn't return to the courtyard house immediately. It was still early, and the courtyard was crowded with people. He needed to find a place to rest, and more importantly, he needed to check the condition of the pillars and the rainwater with his own eyes.

He turned and walked towards another alley adjacent to the courtyard house, where there was a small hotel that looked fairly clean. His steps were still unhurried, but the aura around him was colder than the autumn wind.

Tonight, he will not disturb the two children who have suffered so much. Let them rest well.

Tonight, he's going to "visit" that shrewd, deaf old woman and that hypocritical Yi Zhonghai.

The spirit leaves the body, and a clone infiltrates. All the conspiracies, schemes, and sinful memories will be exposed.

Evidence? He doesn't need worldly evidence. He only needs to know who did what, and then, what needs to be settled, penny by penny, with interest, he will personally collect it in the way they fear most.

Night gradually enveloped Beijing. In the courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, He Yuzhu huddled on the cold kang with his shivering younger sister in his arms. The two siblings had empty stomachs and wondered where they would find food the next day.