Siheyuan: I will never tolerate gambling and drugs!

Courtyard

Xu Lin, accompanied by Madam Tan and two young maids, attended the evening's general meeting of the entire courtyard on time. As usual, the three stewards maintained their imposing manners, refusing entry until everyone was present, mainly because Xu Lin needed to be there.

Xu Lin felt a bit speechless, as if the all-staff meeting was only held for him. However, seeing Tan Shi's curious expression beside him, he was seized by a playful impulse. He whispered something in Tan Shi's ear that only the two of them could hear.

"Believe it or not, I can describe the actions, expressions, tone of voice, and order in which the three stewards will enter."

Mrs. Tan looked incredulous. "You've only been in the courtyard for a short time. How could you know them so well? Besides, Yu Shui told me that you beat them up as soon as you moved in. They shouldn't usually have any contact with you!"

Xu Lin took out a cigarette, lit it, took a puff, and while exhaling smoke, squinted at Madam Tan with a half-smile and asked, "Dare to bet?"

Tan's stubbornness was immediately provoked by Xu Lin's irritating expression: "What are we betting on?"

"Hehehe, let's bet that if I say anything wrong, I lose, and I'll grant you one request: anything as long as it's not illegal." Xu Lin smiled wickedly.

"If you're right, what's the penalty if I lose?" Madam Tan was clearly tempted by Xu Lin's offer, but she wasn't blinded by greed.

"If I win, hehe, you'll have to wake me up every day for the next month~" Xu Lin grinned with his signature mischievous smile.

Tan was initially puzzled as to why it was so simple, but upon seeing Xu Lin's expression, she immediately understood. Looking around to make sure no one was watching, she secretly pinched Xu Lin's waist, forcing a smile through her teeth as she squeezed out a sentence.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?! Why do you have to say all sorts of things outside..."

Xu Lin pretended to be scared and flinched a few times. "Just tell me, are you going to bet or not!"

"Bet! Who's afraid of who? You'll regret it when you lose, hmph!"

"Fine! Whoever goes back on their word is a little dog!" Xu Lin held out his finger, wanting to pinky swear with Tan Shi. Tan Shi, seeing this, didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Why are you still acting like a child, so immature?" Although Madam Tan said this, she still made a pinky promise with Xu Lin.

After finishing, Xu Lin immediately pretended to be a fortune teller, and started calculating with his fingers.

"The order of appearance is that Yan Bugui will be the first to come out from the lotus gate in the front yard and sit on the right side of the table."

Then, after Yan Bugui was seated, Liu Haizhong, with a large belly, walked over from the backyard and sat on the left side of the table, followed by Yi Zhonghai…”

Ms. Tan was still somewhat skeptical of Xu Lin's description, but then she saw Xu Damao's parents arrive, and the three of them were indeed exactly as Xu Lin had described.

Even their expressions were similar to Xu Lin's, as if Xu Lin had meticulously arranged the three actors' appearances, just like a stage director.

"It really is true. How did you manage to get them to listen to you so obediently?" Even after seeing that Xu Lin's words had been proven true, Madam Tan still didn't believe that Xu Lin had calculated it. She even thought that Xu Lin and the three of them had rehearsed it beforehand.

"Hahaha, if those three listened to me, wouldn't I be their grandfather? Then Sha Zhu, Xu Damao, and Jia Dongxu would have to call me grandpa for the rest of their lives!"

When Tan heard Xu Lin say this, and thought of how Sha Zhu looked to be in his thirties, she immediately burst out laughing.

"You really do try to take advantage of everything."

"Let's see if you can convince me or not. You can't be a sore loser and try to back out..." Xu Lin said, scratching Tan's palm.

"Who can't take a joke! I didn't say I was refusing to admit it, stop tickling me, it itches~" Madam Tan smiled and patted Xu Lin.

This smile was nothing special, but it greatly encouraged the three speakers. Yi Zhonghai, Yan Bugui, and Liu Haizhong all thought that the smile was directed at them, and a hundred thoughts rushed through their minds, making them stand up straight!

However, this was tough on the audience, as the three men, eager to show off their authority, made even Yan Bugui, who rarely speaks, talk for over ten minutes.

"I'm not saying this to you three gentlemen, but do you really need to repeat yourselves all the same thing? Good heavens, I've been listening to you three for ten or twenty minutes and I still don't know what you're trying to do," Xu Damao couldn't take it anymore and bluntly stated.

There was nothing he could do; only his family had no connection with the three stewards in this courtyard, so he was the only one who dared to speak so openly. However, what he didn't expect was that as soon as he said it, the other residents in the courtyard echoed his sentiments.

The three stewards, realizing they had indeed been talking for a while, prepared to get to the point. Yi Zhonghai cleared his throat.

"Alright, alright, everyone, stop arguing. We've talked a lot today, but the main purpose is to explain things to the new residents, who are also old friends of many people in our building."

Without further ado, let's welcome our newest neighbor, Tan Liya, to the backyard! Let's give her a round of applause!

Upon hearing this, Madam Tan confronted her. So, the three of them had been gossiping endlessly, and now she was the one to take the blame? Madam Tan wasn't some ignorant woman.

He immediately stood up and nodded to everyone in respect.

"Hello everyone, I'm Tan Liya. It's a pleasure to be your neighbor." The crowd applauded again, and then Ms. Tan spoke once more.

"The old man in charge just said I just moved in, but that's a mistake."

I grew up here. The three rooms in the backyard were left to me by my father. I used to live with my husband's family, but I haven't been back since my father passed away, so many of the later neighbors may not know this.

Now it's a new era, a new China. We women also have new lives and new goals. That's why I left my husband's family and returned here. Luckily, I became one of the women's representatives in our neighborhood, and from now on, I will serve the people, the neighborhood, and our community!

"Great!" Sha Zhu was the first to stand up and clap his hands in approval after hearing this. Everyone else in the courtyard also joined in the applause, and Madam Tan's face beamed with a relaxed and happy smile.

Although Yi Zhonghai and his two companions were overshadowed by the Tan family, they surprisingly harbored no resentment. Xu Lin was astonished by this sight; it seemed these three managers were indeed of one mind when it came to lust.

It's understandable. They now have stable jobs and incomes, their children are grown up, and their wives are getting older; they're in that awkward middle-aged phase. The arrival of Mrs. Tan must have been quite a shock to them.

The three middle-aged women also noticed their husbands' unusual behavior, and their expressions turned rather unpleasant. They also felt a hint of hostility towards Tan Shi, but couldn't show it because there were so many people around.

Madam Jia Zhang felt even more displeased that her status as the most favored member of the old patriarchal family in the courtyard was being affected, and felt that she had to do something about it.

"Tch, so what if she's a capitalist's concubine who got kicked out? What's she so arrogant about! I wonder if she got kicked out because she was caught cheating on her husband..."

Upon hearing this, Madam Tan's expression changed. She wanted to argue, but Xu Lin secretly tugged at her hand, and Liu Haizhong instantly seized this opportunity to curry favor.

"What nonsense are you spouting, Jia Zhangshi? Those are all outdated customs from the old society. The neighborhood committee has already said that Liya actively distanced herself from the capitalists, and even changed her daughter Lou Xiao'e's surname to Liya's."

You can't just spout nonsense and damage someone's reputation like that. Don't forget that Liya is now a proud representative of the women's community.

"Your words and actions are tarnishing our reputation." After saying this, Liu Haizhong gave Tan a look, as if to say, "Don't worry, I've got your back, don't be afraid."

Ms. Tan didn't notice the look in Liu Haizhong's eyes, but out of politeness she nodded and smiled at him without saying anything more.

The moment Xu Lin took her hand, she realized the significant impact of her past. She needed to be more discreet in the future; she really shouldn't have said so much just now.

But when Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui witnessed this, they were filled with regret. They should have spoken up sooner; now, what a perfect opportunity to build rapport had been seized by Fatty Liu.

Thinking of this, the two of them glanced at Jia Zhangshi again, hoping she would give them another chance.

As expected, Madam Jia did not disappoint them.

"Oh, oh, oh, Liya, Liya, you call me so affectionately, Second Uncle. I knew this vixen was kicked out, didn't I? This is her first day in the courtyard, her first meeting with Second Uncle, and you're already like this. Hmph, well, what about later..."

"Jia Zhangshi, shut up!" Yan Bugui shouted first, not wanting Yi Zhonghai to steal this opportunity.

"First, you made baseless accusations and insulted Liya's reputation, and now you're damaging Second Uncle Liu Haizhong's image. It's one thing for you to be domineering and shrewish in the courtyard all these years, but why are you becoming more and more unable to stand seeing others do well?"

"Old Yan is so stingy! Well done! This vixen is really something, even the old man who guards the gate every day and asks the residents coming in and out for favors is speaking up for her."

You! You!

Old Jia! Come and see! The so-called friends you took care of before you died are bullying this widow! I can't even speak!

Old Jia! Come on up, take them all with you!

Old Jia...

Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui stared at Jia Zhangshi, who was frantically unleashing her skill "Summoning the Undead," their faces ashen. They were speechless for a moment.

Yi Zhonghai looked at the two of them with smug satisfaction, then looked at Jia Zhangshi with satisfaction. Old Jia was a really useful card.

Finally, after a few seconds of subtle cues from Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui, Yi Zhonghai spoke.

"Alright, alright, Madam Jia? Second Uncle and Third Uncle didn't mean it that way, they were just a bit harsh. But freedom of speech is important, you can't silence others just because you can speak. Let's all compromise, we're all neighbors, this kind of thing would be bad for our neighborhood's image if it got out."

Liya, don't blame Jia Zhangshi. It wasn't easy for her, a widow and orphan, to raise Jia Dongxu. She is a bit extreme in personality.

Starting today, you're the women's representative for our neighborhood. I'm sure you won't take it too hard, right?

Seeing Tan nod, Yi Zhonghai felt a great sense of accomplishment. He glanced smugly at Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui, then waved his hand.

"Alright, it's getting late. Let's call this up for today's hospital-wide meeting. Liya's house in the backyard is under renovation. Please bear with her during this time, Dr. Xu."

Without waiting for Xu Lin to speak, Yi Zhonghai directly said...

"Alright, meeting adjourned."

Xu Lin was also speechless. Good heavens. If he hadn't already won over the Tan family, after all this, the Tan family might actually be grateful to Yi Zhonghai.

But things are different now. If you don't even understand the prerequisites and just write down a formulaic answer, you're destined to get no points.

Back home, Mrs. Tan said to Xu Lin

"You're right, there really aren't any good people in this courtyard. In less than a day, just because of what Jia Zhangshi said, I feel like I've become the enemy of all the women in the courtyard."

Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui's children are already so big, but they don't restrain themselves at all when they see me. It's disgusting. And that Yi Zhonghai, he came out to smooth things over in the end. He played the good guy, but he didn't actually solve anything..."

Xu Lin laughed: "I didn't expect you to be so smart. You saw through their tricks at a glance."

Upon hearing Xu Lin's address, Madam Tan immediately slapped him: "Who do you think you are? Apart from that time, I'm not much worse than you, you little rascal~"

"Haha, slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue. I'm sorry, dear sister, I'll definitely correct it next time." Xu Lin quickly tried to soothe Tan Shi, sensing her slight mood.

"However, you are right. If I hadn't stopped you today, you would have started arguing with Jia Zhangshi."

If you win the argument, that old hag will definitely hit you; if you lose, regardless of the outcome, it will be very difficult for you to carry out your work afterward.

You stood out a bit today; you'd better be more careful in the future. You just arrived and you're trying to change people's opinions; it's not something that can be done with just a few words from the street office.

Hearing Xu Lin's words, Madam Tan nodded seriously, then chided him, "Why didn't you speak up for him today?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Lin thought, "Well, women really are strange creatures. No matter when, what era, or what age, they can always find fault with you."

"My dear sister, I had a chance to speak up, but Liu Haizhong, Yan Bugui, and Yi Zhonghai all took turns trying to be your protector. How could I possibly get a chance to intervene..."

"Tch~ Who asked them to meddle? They're so annoying. I'm exhausted after a long day, all sweaty. I'm going to take a shower and get some sleep. Tomorrow's my first day at work, I can't afford any mistakes on the first day." With that, Mrs. Tan got up and went to the yard to boil water.

When Master Hou came today, Xu Lin specially asked Master Hou to build a small stove on one side of the yard to heat water, so that it would be convenient to have water for bathing.

After hearing this, Xu Lin gave each of the two girls a handful of candy and told them to quickly wash up and go upstairs to bed. The two girls happily agreed and busied themselves one after the other.

Only after hearing the two close the door did Xu Lin shut the main door, then headed towards the bathroom with his signature wicked grin.

In the bathroom, Tan had just prepared the bathwater. Just as she was about to close the door, she saw Xu Lin enter and close it.

What are you doing?

Xu Lin was taken aback: "Aren't we supposed to lock the door? Isn't it a bit inappropriate not to lock it...?"

Tan's face flushed red: "Pah! Who said we weren't going to lock the door? I meant if you lock the door, how are you going to get out later...?"

Xu Lin then picked up Madam Tan in one swift motion...

"Aren't we disturbing the peace a bit...? This outbuilding is right next to the road..."

"Knowing you still..."

"Oh no... We need to get Master Hou to fix the backyard house quickly, maybe in a few more days..."

"Haha, it's not that serious. Don't worry, I always check your pulse. I know what I'm doing..."

Ms. Tan: "..."

How can you treat patients like this!

"Hehehe, there's no other way. We have the means! Don't say anything more, you have to go to work tomorrow!"

Ms. Tan: "..."

After a long while, Madam Tan looked at the young man in front of her.

He gently washed her hair. She felt the delicate, careful touch of Xu Lin's fingertips on her scalp.

At that moment, Ms. Tan felt completely filled with happiness.

"You were acting like you were going to eat me alive just now, and now you're being so gentle. Are you trying to kill me?"

Xu Lin playfully smeared some of the shampoo foam from Tan's hair onto her nose, then looked at her affectionately and said...

"You're my first woman, who else should I be gentle with if not you? As for being fierce, how about I help you recall someone's lines from earlier?"

"Don't say it!"

Tan hurriedly covered Xu Lin's mouth with her hand, but feeling the touch on her palm, she shyly removed her hand and leaned closer to Xu Lin's lips, passionately kissing him.

…………