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

After the small figure disappeared, Fang Chengxuan grabbed a bench and swung it hard at He Yuzhu's forehead. A muffled thud was accompanied by a splatter of blood. Before the other man could scream, he delivered a powerful kick to the man's groin.

"Awooo—!"

He Yuzhu's screams instantly changed tone, and he curled up on the ground like a shrimp, rolling around.

Fang Chengxuan stepped on his chest and ground his foot into it: "Who gave you permission to kick my stool and scare Lianyun?" As he spoke, he slammed the sole of his shoe against the other man's lips: "Go ahead and yell!"

The residents of the courtyard house who were watching held their breath and remained silent.

Xu Damao instinctively squeezed his legs together, his face turning pale.

"Fang Chengxuan! I'm going to the police station to report you!" He Yuzhu struggled desperately, but was pinned to the ground.

"Go ahead," Fang Chengxuan sneered. "It'll be good for the police to hear how you're bullying us orphans." He leaned down and lowered his voice: "Even if I cripple you, believe me, I can still walk out of here."

The deaf old woman then appeared, leaning on her cane, and stood between the two: "What kind of misdeeds are you committing?"

"Ask him." Fang Chengxuan kicked He Yuzhu aside and dusted off his sleeves.

The old lady poked He Yuzhu with her cane: "Who are you to act tough about the Jia family's affairs? Look how you've frightened Lianyun!"

"You're being unfair!" He Yuzhu exclaimed, stamping his feet as he clutched his bloodied forehead. "He beat me up like this—"

"He deserves a beating!" The old woman slammed her cane down. "If the Jia family wants to punish someone, they should do it themselves. Who do you think you are?"

Fang Chengxuan stood by with his arms crossed, watching, when suddenly Xu Damao shouted, "Shazhu, hurry up and report this to the police! Let the whole factory know you got beaten up for a widow!"

"Bullshit! My relationship with Sister Qin is completely innocent!" He Yuzhu retorted, his face flushed red.

"What are you pretending to be so righteous for?" Neighbor Zhang Yangde sneered. "You've dated so many girls and it's all fallen through, all because of your flirting with Qin Huairu!"

Fang Chengxuan lightly tapped the door frame with his fingertips: "He Yuzhu, how about I help you get a certificate from the neighborhood committee? So you won't be struggling to find a reason to marry Qin Huairu."

He Yuzhu's arrogance visibly diminished.

At this moment, Xu Damao strolled over to Fang Chengxuan's side, a mocking smile on his face, and said to He Yuzhu, "Silly Zhu, you want to report this to the police, right? I'll definitely testify for Fang Chengxuan that you scared Fang Lianyun first, which is why he made the move."

You asked for this beating!

"You..." He Yuzhu clenched his fists in anger.

Xu Damao snorted coldly: "Go ahead and hit me if you dare, let's see how you explain yourself to the police."

He Yuzhu was so angry that his chest heaved violently, and he was panting heavily.

When he saw Zhang Yangde and Xu Damao protecting Fang Chengxuan on both sides like bodyguards, he immediately lost his confidence.

"Fang Chengxuan, listen to me! If you dare to bully the Jia family again, I, He Yuzhu, will not let you off!" He Yuzhu gritted his teeth and said this harshly, clearly having given up the idea of ​​reporting the case.

Fang Chengxuan stared coldly at He Yuzhu and said sarcastically, "He Yuzhu, if Jia Zhangshi's foul mouth keeps acting up, I'll beat her without hesitation."

If you dare to come here again and scare my Lianyun, I'll break your legs next time. You won't believe me!

"Fang Chengxuan, don't push your luck!" He Yuzhu gritted his teeth.

"Who's bullying whom? If it weren't for Jia Zhangshi spewing nonsense, would I have laid a hand on you? If you hadn't come and banged on the door to scare people, would I have beaten you up?" Fang Chengxuan's eyes were sharp and ruthless. "This time, I'm only doing it because of the deaf old lady. Otherwise, I would have crippled your leg on the spot."

Fang Chengxuan glanced coldly at He Yuzhu's right leg.

He Yuzhu felt a chill run down his spine when he recalled the fierce look in the other man's eyes as he was being beaten.

"You dare! That's illegal!" He Yuzhu said, forcing himself to stay calm.

Fang Chengxuan smiled contemptuously: "You scared my Lianyun first."

"How old are you? Bullying a little girl, what do you think the police will think? Besides, I think you have violent tendencies. It's good to file a police report. If anything happens to Lianyun or me, you'll be the first one I hold accountable!"

He Yuzhu gasped, glaring at Fang Chengxuan: "You were the one who hit me, so how come it's my fault now?"

"If you don't kick my stool or smash my door, would I hit you?" Fang Chengxuan retorted.

He Yuzhu was so angry that he ground his teeth.

"Alright, are you going to report it or not? If not, I have to take Lianyun home. After your outburst, I'll have to coax her properly." Fang Chengxuan looked at He Yuzhu with a mocking expression.

He Yuzhu completely chickened out.

These people can run rampant in the courtyard, but if things really escalate to the police station, their shady dealings won't stand up to scrutiny.

"Fang Chengxuan, this isn't over yet! You just wait!" He Yuzhu pointed at Fang Chengxuan viciously, his eyes flashing with a sinister light.

Fang Chengxuan curled his lips in disdain: "I'll be waiting."

He Yuzhu covered his head and left dejectedly amidst the strange looks from the crowd.

Fang Chengxuan looked around and knew that from now on, apart from those few troublemakers, no one in the courtyard would dare to provoke him anymore.

"Grandma, I wanted to invite you over for a meal, but I didn't expect this to happen. I'm so sorry." Fang Chengxuan walked up to the old lady and apologized.

The old lady waved her hand: "It's not your fault."

After watching the old lady return to her house, Fang Chengxuan smiled at Zhang Yangde and said, "Brother Zhang, is there something you need? Please come inside and have a seat. I'll go pick up Lianyun."

"Go ahead, I'll tidy up the entrance for you," Zhang Yangde nodded in response.

Fang Chengxuan ignored Xu Damao and went straight to the Intermediate People's Court.

Lou Xiao'e was playing with Fang Lianyun at the door.

"Brother!" Fang Lianyun rushed over to Fang Chengxuan as soon as she saw him, her eyes filled with grievance.

Fang Chengxuan patted her head and picked her up: "It's alright, were you scared?"

Fang Lianyun nodded: "I'm a little scared."

"Don't worry, I'm here for you." Fang Chengxuan comforted her gently. Seeing that she had calmed down, he turned to Lou Xiao'e and said, "Thank you for taking care of Lianyun. This is an apple I got while fishing. It's just a small token of my appreciation."

Lou Xiao'e accepted it with a smile: "Don't be so polite, I've heard about it all, it was Sha Zhu who went too far."

Fang Chengxuan smiled slightly, picked up Fang Lianyun, and turned to leave.

Seeing that Fang Chengxuan completely ignored him, Xu Damao jumped up and down in anger: "Fang Chengxuan, what do you mean? Lou Xiao'e is my wife!"

Fang Chengxuan stopped and looked coldly at Xu Damao: "What kind of shady business did you and Qin Huairu have under the guise of reporting the crime, sending the sticks, and getting Jia Zhangshi arrested?"

Xu Damao's face changed drastically, and he retreated repeatedly, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Just keep it in mind."

"Don't bother me if you need anything, and don't bother me if you don't need anything." Fang Chengxuan's cold gaze sent chills down Xu Damao's spine.

Behind her, Lou Xiao'e nudged Xu Damao with a puzzled look: "What does he mean by that? What happened between you and Qin Huairu?"

"What could it be! I'll stay away from this ungrateful bastard from now on!" Xu Damao said toughly, but his brows were furrowed tightly.

Back inside, Zhang Yangde jumped up excitedly: "Fang Chengxuan, great news! The factory manager has agreed to assign you purchasing work!"

Fang Chengxuan poured a cup of tea and handed it to him: "What did the factory manager say?"

Zhang Yangde said excitedly, "The factory director said that Grandpa Fang asked him to arrange a job for you before he passed away, but he just hasn't had time to do it yet."

Since I just mentioned this, I'll have you report to the factory tomorrow.

Fang Chengxuan nodded thoughtfully: "I see, thank you, Brother Zhang."

As he spoke, he walked into the kitchen, picked up a fish, and handed it to Zhang Yangde.

"As promised, if you help me find out information, I'll give you a fish."

I'll cook you a nice meal during my break after work to thank you.

Zhang Yangde's eyes lit up, and while he was polite, he deftly took the fish: "We're neighbors, it's only right to help each other out."

"I'll take you to see the factory manager first thing tomorrow morning." Zhang Yangde held the heavy fish in his hand, grinning from ear to ear.

Fang Chengxuan nodded: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Zhang."

Fang Chengxuan stood at the door, watching Zhang Yangde walk away.

He stood there for a long time, muttering to himself, "It's all my own fault. If I had gone to see the neighborhood committee director sooner, I wouldn't have been so desperate over a job."

Just as I was about to turn back into the house, I caught a glimpse of a thin figure dragging a sack past.

That's Zou Chang'an, the grandson of Grandma Zou who was adopted in the courtyard. He's five years old this year, and the two of them live in a small house in the backyard.

"Chang'an, come here." Fang Chengxuan beckoned.

Zou Chang'an approached timidly, his large eyes revealing unease: "Brother Fang."

Fang Chengxuan went inside, put the leftovers into an earthenware pot, and handed it to the little boy: "Take it back and eat it, don't be disgusted."

Holding the heavy earthenware basin, Zou Chang'an's eyes widened when he saw the fish and scrambled eggs inside: "This...this is too precious..."

"Even if you don't eat it, it will still be thrown away," Fang Chengxuan said gently.

The little boy stared at the meat in the basin and swallowed hard, unaware that Fang Chengxuan's hand had been suspended in mid-air and then withdrawn.

The next morning, Fang Chengxuan got up early to cook.

He knocked on the deaf old lady's door: "Grandma, could you please look after Lianyun today?"

I found a job, and after get off work I'll look for a nanny.

The deaf old woman looked at the sumptuous breakfast and said knowingly, "Go ahead, leave the child to me."

Fang Chengxuan handed the old man five yuan: "Take Lianyun to a restaurant for lunch. I heard the braised pork is good."

Zhang Yangde's shouts came from outside the door.

After settling his younger sister in, Fang Chengxuan quickly walked out of the courtyard.

"How about I introduce you to a wife?" Zhang Yangde suddenly suggested. "My sister-in-law is hardworking and especially loves children."

Fang Chengxuan's smile froze on his face: "It's too early to talk about this now."

No matter how the other party tried to persuade him, he politely declined.

He thought to himself: If I'm going to find someone, I have to find someone who has no connection with these people in the hospital.

Zhang Yangde pointed to the gate of the steel rolling mill and said to Fang Chengxuan, "We've arrived. Come with me to see Director Yang."

The two entered Director Yang's office, and Zhang Yangde introduced, "Director Yang, this is Fang Chengxuan."

"Hello, Director Yang." Fang Chengxuan greeted him with a smile.

Factory Director Yang sized him up and waved for Zhang Yangde to leave.

After Zhang Yangde left, Factory Director Yang asked, "I heard you're a good cook?"

"I know a little bit." Fang Chengxuan nodded.

A look of anticipation flashed in Director Yang's eyes: "Can you cook dishes worthy of being served at state banquets?"

"no problem."

"We're hosting guests from our sister factory tonight. Can you take care of the banquet?"

"Can.

"The factory manager can decide the menu; I'm good at making all kinds of dishes."

Factory Director Yang smiled and said, "Then I'll try your cooking tonight." Looking at Fang Chengxuan's calm and confident demeanor, he admired him even more.

"I'll follow the factory manager's instructions completely."

"Okay! You'll be in charge of the canteen's purchasing for now. I'll take you to meet another purchasing agent." Factory Director Yang stood up.

"Thank you for your help, Factory Manager," Fang Chengxuan replied politely.

The two arrived at the kitchen, where everyone greeted them.

He Yuzhu was the only one eating in the corner with his legs crossed. He only stood up when he saw Factory Director Yang arrive: "Factory Director Yang, what brings you here?"

Upon looking up and seeing Fang Chengxuan, He Yuzhu's face immediately darkened: "Fang Chengxuan, what are you doing here?"

Fang Chengxuan ignored him and looked at Director Yang.

"Do you know each other?" Factory Director Yang asked.

"We live in a large compound," Fang Chengxuan replied.

Factory Director Yang glanced between the two men and made a judgment in his mind: "Perfect timing. Fang Chengxuan is a new purchasing agent. Wang Xingfa, you can mentor him." He then said to Fang Chengxuan: "His probationary salary is thirty, and thirty-five after three months."

"Work hard, the cafeteria needs a manager."

"I will definitely work hard," Fang Chengxuan solemnly promised.

"Shazhu, tonight we're hosting a banquet for our brother factory. Let Fang Chengxuan be the head chef, and you'll assist him," Factory Director Yang instructed.

He Yuzhu immediately exploded: "Director Yang! I don't get along with this guy, it's either him or me! You want me to be his assistant? No way!"

Factory Director Yang's face turned ashen.

Fang Chengxuan stepped forward to defuse the situation: "Don't worry, factory director, I can manage on my own."

How about I cook a few dishes for you to try at lunch?

Factory Director Yang suppressed his anger: "That's how it'll be done."

Wang Xingfa, please give more guidance to Fang Chengxuan. After saying that, he turned to leave.

He Yuzhu persisted, "Director Yang! Today, either he leaves, or I leave!"

Factory Director Yang flew into a rage: "Then get out! Fang Chengxuan, from now on you're the canteen manager! Anyone who doesn't want to work here can get out! The steel mill isn't short of people!"

"Thank you for your trust, factory manager." Fang Chengxuan smiled slightly.

As Fang Chengxuan saw Director Yang off, he reassured him, "Don't be angry, He Yuzhu is just like that."

"I'll take care of things from now on; I won't make things difficult for you."

Factory Director Yang gave him a deep look: "Do a good job."

Back in the kitchen, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

He Yuzhu ripped off his apron and threw it on the ground: "I quit! You try it if you dare!"

Fang Chengxuan looked around at everyone: "Is anyone else leaving?"

He Yuzhu's apprentice, Fatty, pretended to throw down his apron, but Fang Chengxuan sneered: "He Yuzhu has real skills; he can still make a living even without being here."

What about you? So many people are vying for this job, think carefully before taking off your apron.

The fat man's hand froze in mid-air, and no one else dared to make a sound.

"Do it the same way you did before."

"Liu Lan, come here for a moment." Fang Chengxuan quelled the situation and began to assign tasks.