Courtyard House: I'm surrounded by celestial beauties on either side.

Xu Damao glanced at him sideways: "Old man, he's been caught red-handed and still won't admit his mistake. If we don't discipline him, what will become of us? Spoiling a child is like killing a child. I'm doing this for his own good!"

Seeing that everyone was speechless, Xu Damao was smug.

Yi Zhonghai looked at Xu Damao, who was out of control, with a gloomy face: "Xu Damao, Qin Huairu has had a tough time."

Without the stick, how will the Jia family survive? Since you've already paid compensation, you should settle!

Xu Damao glanced at Qin Huairu, who still retained her charm, and grinned: "Uncle, this isn't about money."

Dongxu and I are brothers; we can't bear to see his son's life ruined.

Don't worry, the dog will only be locked up for fifteen days, it'll be quick!

Xu Damao imitated Fang Chengxuan's tone and said, "Alright, this theft case was decided by the law enforcement officers. They didn't say anything to me, so you old folks shouldn't meddle in other people's business."

It's getting late, and I have to go to work tomorrow, so I'll head home now.

He glanced at Qin Huairu, then pulled Lou Xiao'e home, a calculating glint in his eyes as he secretly plotted how to win over this beautiful widow.

Seeing Xu Damao about to leave, He Yuzhu immediately stepped forward and angrily said, "Xu Damao, are you going to release the stick or not? If you don't, do you believe I'll beat you up?"

"Go ahead and hit me! I've already asked the law enforcement officers; hitting someone is illegal."

"If you dare touch me, I'll call the police right now and let you go in and experience what it's like!" Xu Damao first shrank his neck, then remembered Fang Chengxuan's actions and straightened his back.

"Silly Zhu, I was too lazy to argue with you before."

You dare touch me now? I'll file a police report, and I mean it!

He Yuzhu hesitated to bring his raised fist down.

He also heard questions about whether assaulting someone was illegal.

The residents of this courtyard, who were originally completely ignorant of the law, suddenly became legally aware because of Fang Chengxuan's actions.

Xu Damao snorted smugly and left with Lou Xiao'e.

The people in the courtyard witnessed this series of events tonight, and their worldviews were completely shaken.

Everyone secretly glanced at Yi Zhonghai and He Yuzhu, but their gazes eventually fell on the fair-skinned and beautiful Qin Huairu, their eyes filled with all sorts of speculations.

Fang Chengxuan coaxed Fang Lianyun to sleep and sat at the door to cool off.

When Zhang Yangde returned from the meeting, he saw him and came over to remind him: "Fang Chengxuan, be careful in the future. Sha Zhu is very protective of Qin Huairu, and he might cause you trouble."

"Looking for trouble? Are you going to hit me or destroy my things? If He Yuzhu dares to mess with me, don't blame me for being impolite." Fang Chengxuan chuckled and handed over a handful of melon seeds.

After sitting down, Zhang Yangde asked with a puzzled look, "You seem a little different than before?"

When I first arrived, I thought my great-grandfather would give me the job at the steel rolling mill, so that I could support Lianyun without any problem.

Unexpectedly, he sold his job and got stuck on this problem for a while.

"It won't happen again," Fang Chengxuan said while cracking sunflower seeds.

"Brother Zhang, I'm not familiar with Beijing, but I know a bit about cooking and have some purchasing connections."

"I wonder if you have any way to help me find a job?" he said, adding another handful of sunflower seeds to Zhang Yangde's plate.

Zhang Yangde put the sunflower seeds into his pocket: "These days, jobs are so hard to find, it's like one hole for every radish."

But I'll keep an eye out for you.

"Thank you very much."

"I'm going fishing at Shichahai tomorrow. If I catch one, I'll give it to you." Fang Chengxuan said with a smile.

Zhang Yangde's eyes lit up: "Don't worry, I'll go ask the factory manager tomorrow."

Your great-grandfather has some connections at the factory; he might be able to get you a job.

"If this really works out, I'll definitely cook a delicious meal to thank you." Fang Chengxuan grabbed another handful of melon seeds and gave them to him.

Zhang Yangde happily accepted the melon seeds: "Okay, it's getting late, you should get some rest."

"Silly Zhu is not to be trifled with, be careful."

After watching Zhang Yangde leave, Fang Chengxuan thought to himself, "If Zhang Yangde really goes to the factory director about work, the success rate is about 70%."

I went back into the room to check on the sleeping little girl, tucked her in, washed up, and lay down.

I wasn't used to the journey on the first day and tossed and turned until the early hours of the morning before finally falling asleep.

The next day, I was awakened by the noise in the courtyard. When I opened my eyes, I saw Fang Lianyun curled up in front of the bed.

"I almost forgot about you." Fang Chengxuan quickly got up, pretending to take a plate of chicken cakes from the box but actually taking them out of his spatial storage.

"Lianyun, are you hungry? It's my fault, I overslept."

"Have some steamed egg custard to tide you over, then I'll cook something."

After washing up, he steamed rice, took out fish from his spatial storage to make fish ball soup, and served it with mushrooms, romaine lettuce, and winter melon. He also stir-fried some tomatoes and eggs.

After the two finished eating, he packed up the food and led Fang Lianyun to the deaf old lady's residence.

"Grandma Deaf, I've brought Lianyun to see you." Fang Chengxuan entered the house carrying a lunchbox.

Fang Lianyun ran over familiarly, took out the hidden sponge cake and fed it to the old lady: "Grandma, have some."

Fang Chengxuan opened the lunchbox, and the aroma of fish ball soup and scrambled eggs with tomatoes filled the air. "These were specially brought for you."

He looked at the white-haired old man sitting on the carved canopy bed, his face kind.

"You've figured it out, kid?" the deaf old lady asked in surprise, smelling the aroma of the food.

Fang Chengxuan smiled and said, "I'm sorry you had to see this."

Actually, I've come today to ask for your help.

"What is it?"

"I plan to earn my own money and not touch the money that my great-grandfather left to Lianyun."

I also want to inquire about preschool so I can send Lianyun to school.

Could you please look after her for the next few days? I'll prepare meals and bring them over.

The deaf old lady understood: "You want me to help take care of Lianyun? If it's just for a few days, that's fine."

For your great-grandfather's sake, I'll help take care of this child.

But now that you've figured it out, don't act foolishly anymore.

Although your great-grandfather sold his job, he asked Director Wang of the neighborhood committee to arrange something for you. Just wait a little longer, and you should hear back soon.

Fang Chengxuan looked slightly surprised, then calmly said, "I understand. Then I'll leave Lianyun in your care."

"Lianyun, your older brother has gone out to run some errands and will be back before dark. You stay here with your great-grandmother and I'll stew fish for you tonight."

Fang Chengxuan looked at the little girl who beamed with joy when given a treat, and took out a few orange candies from his pocket.

Fang Lianyun's eyes curved into crescents as she said in a clear voice, "Brother, I promise I'll be good. Go home soon."

"it is good."

Fang Chengxuan rubbed her head, then turned to the deaf old lady and said, "Grandma, I'm leaving now."

After leaving the backyard, Fang Chengxuan went back into the house to get his fishing gear, then carried a bucket out of the courtyard.

-

At Shichahai Beach, groups of two or three fishermen sat scattered along the shore.

Fang Chengxuan found a secluded spot, hung up the special bait he had redeemed from the courtyard shop, flicked his wrist, and the fishing line drew an arc as it fell into the water.

At first, no one noticed, but in the blink of an eye, the fishing float suddenly sank.

Blackfish, grass carp, and common carp took the bait one after another, and soon they piled up into a small mountain at his feet.

Anglers gradually gathered around, and gasps of amazement rose from the crowd.

"Young man, you've got some tricks up your sleeve with this bait!"

The elderly man, dressed in a crisp Zhongshan suit, stared at the bait box beside him, his eyes gleaming.

Fang Chengxuan smiled shyly, then suddenly unfolded a piece of white paper that had been written on beforehand. The calligraphy was neat and clear: "An elder in the family has recently passed away, and there is still a younger sister to raise."

The fresh fish caught today are given away for free. If you are so kind as to give me some food coupons or cloth coupons, I will do so at my discretion.

Big fish for 50 cents, small fish for 30 cents, just to supplement our household income.

"puff--"

The old man couldn't help but chuckle, and took out five cents, throwing it into the bucket: "Then I won't be polite!"

As he spoke, he picked up a plump grass carp.

With someone taking the lead, onlookers readily opened their wallets.

More than fifty fish were quickly sold out. Fang Chengxuan counted his haul—twenty-two yuan plus various receipts, which was equivalent to an ordinary worker's monthly salary.

As he was packing up his fishing gear, the elderly man in the Zhongshan suit suddenly stopped him: "Young comrade..."

Fang Chengxuan stuffed the remaining half box of bait into the old man's hand and left quickly before the old man could react.

Watching his retreating figure as he fled, the old man asked the guard beside him, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in his voice, "Do I look like I'm going to eat people?"

-

As Fang Chengxuan was passing by Hongxing Elementary School, he was thinking about his younger sister's schooling when he bumped into Yan Shuzhai, who was pushing a bicycle.

"Wow, that's quite a haul!"

The third uncle stared at the fish in the bucket, his eyes darting around. "Want to find a school for Lianyun? There are no private schools anymore. She has to be six years old to start first grade."

Fang Chengxuan shook the bucket: "If Uncle San could help me enroll in school early, I'd deliver fish like this for three days straight."

Yan Shuzhai immediately beamed: "Leave it to me!"

He reached out to scoop up the fish, but Fang Chengxuan dodged him, saying, "Once Lianyun enters the classroom on September 1st, the fish will naturally be delivered to your residence."

Watching Fang Chengxuan's departing figure, Yan Shuzhai stamped his foot in anger: "That blockhead!"

As soon as they turned into the alley, Jia Zhangshi lunged at them, baring her teeth and brandishing her claws: "Fang Chengxuan, you despicable bastard, you harmed my grandson and now you're harming me too?"

Snapped!

Fang Chengxuan slapped Jia Zhangshi across the face, causing her to stagger backward and fall to the ground, covering her cheek in shock.

"Try saying that again?"

Fang Chengxuan's eyes were sharp and his tone was icy.

Jia Zhangshi swallowed hard, too frightened to move.

"You brought this on yourselves, so stop trying to pin the blame on others."

I don't cause trouble, but I'm not afraid of it either. If you dare to act up again, don't blame me for being impolite!

Fang Chengxuan gave a cold warning.

Xu Damao, Qin Huairu, and Banggeng, who were standing nearby, were all stunned and dared not utter a sound.

Fang Chengxuan glanced at the group of people, then turned and went back to the courtyard house.

They had only taken a few steps when Jia Zhangshi's heart-wrenching wails came from behind: "That damned beast! He's bullying us, a widow and her orphan!"

All afternoon, Jia Zhangshi's cursing never stopped.

Fang Chengxuan didn't bother with her; as long as she didn't make a scene in front of him, he let her wail as much as she wanted.

-

Fang Chengxuan went back to the house, put down his fishing rod and bucket, stewed the black carp, stir-fried chives and eggs, mixed tomatoes with sugar, cooked peanut porridge, heated up some steamed buns, and prepared to pick up Fang Lianyun and invite the deaf old lady over for dinner.

Just as I stepped out, I bumped into an old man named Yi Zhonghai.

"An old man."

Fang Chengxuan greeted him casually.

Yi Zhonghai nodded, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke: "I heard you hit Jia Zhangshi?"

"Yeah, she's foul-mouthed, so I just taught her a lesson."

Fang Chengxuan spoke calmly.

Yi Zhonghai frowned: "No matter how wrong she is, she's still an elder. How could she lay a hand on her?"

"Is this old man here to stand up for her?"

Fang Chengxuan's lips curled up slightly, a hint of sarcasm in his expression.

Yi Zhonghai's face darkened: "Hitting someone is wrong!"

Fang Chengxuan scoffed, "Who does she consider an elder to me? If an old man likes to uphold justice so much, why don't you go and stop her from swearing?"

He leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Or are you saying that you've 'helped' Qin Huairu out late at night, and turned Jia Zhangshi into your mother-in-law?"

Yi Zhonghai's pupils constricted sharply, and his expression changed drastically: "What...nonsense are you spouting!"

Fang Chengxuan smiled enigmatically: "So, you see, old man, there are some things you can't just do without."

Yi Zhonghai's heart was pounding, but he forced himself to remain calm: "Let's leave it at that. I will speak to Jia Zhangshi."

He left in a hurry after saying that.

Fang Chengxuan sneered and turned to find the deaf old lady.

-

"Grandma, I'm back."

Fang Chengxuan knocked on the door and entered the house.

"elder brother!"

Fang Lianyun rushed over and stood timidly in front of him.

Fang Chengxuan smiled, picked her up, rubbed her head, and said to the deaf old lady, "Let's eat at my place tonight. I caught two blackfish."

The deaf old lady glanced at the sponge cake on the table, frowned, and said, "Life is tight, don't waste money."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Fang Chengxuan smiled calmly, "I made quite a bit of money fishing today."

Seeing his composed expression, the deaf old lady nodded: "Okay, I'll come over and join in the fun."

At the dinner table, Fang Chengxuan served fish to the old lady and scooped tomatoes for Fang Lianyun, creating a warm atmosphere.

Suddenly, "bang!"

With a loud thud, the stool was kicked away.

A furious roar came from outside the door: "Fang Chengxuan! You who hit an old man's ass, get out here!"

Fang Chengxuan's face suddenly darkened, and he exuded a suffocating sense of oppression, as if he were a sharp blade drawn from its sheath.

"Giggle giggle—"

A sudden sound of teeth chattering rang out.

Fang Chengxuan suddenly came to his senses and saw that Fang Lianyun's face was pale and her whole body was trembling. He immediately suppressed his fierceness, squatted down and said softly, "Lianyun, don't be afraid."

Take this piece of cloth to Sister-in-law Xiao'e and tell her that your brother asked her to make you two new outfits.

He gently ruffled the girl's hair, tucked the cloth into her arms, and fed her a piece of candy: "Go on, your brother's here."

Leading Fang Lianyun into the courtyard, Fang Chengxuan glanced coldly at He Yuzhu, then released his hand, signaling his sister to leave.

Fang Lianyun glanced timidly at the two of them, then grabbed the fabric and ran off to the central courtyard.