Courtyard House: Starting in 1938, kill enemies and loot equipment.

The martial law order imposed by the military police on the city did not last long. Firstly, all businesses in Beiping had ceased operations and the people were starving, so such a strict blockade could not last long. Secondly, the Shou'an Association secretly smoothed things over and made proper arrangements, and within two days, most of the sentry posts at the city gates and main roads were removed, leaving only routine patrols.

After the previous purge of internal traitors, the Shou'an Society was completely free of dissent. Old Ma was steady and composed, managing the overall situation, while Scarface was extremely efficient and decisive. The two of them controlled their territory flawlessly. Zhang Huai'an's spies could no longer get close to the warehouse and secret passages, the order of the South City black market became increasingly stable, and the material transfers secretly led by Zhou Ye also temporarily returned to normal.

That morning, the courtyard house was filled with an even stronger atmosphere of cooking than usual.

Jia Fugui had cleaned his fitter's toolbox early in the morning, and with his electrician's pliers tucked into his belt, he was preparing to go to work at the steel rolling mill. He was now a mid-level fitter and electrician at Lou's Steel Rolling Mill, his skills solid and reliable, earning him the high regard of the factory managers. Although his monthly wage wasn't exceptionally high, it was enough to steadily support his family of three. With the added benefit of the affordable grain provided by Zhou Ye, the Jia family's life was more than ten times better than during the worst of the famine.

Jia Dongxu helped his father carry the tool bag. The sixteen-year-old boy had a bit of youthful vigor in his eyes: "Dad, I'll go to the factory with you and help out. I'll learn a proper trade."

"Don't be too playful, observe and learn more!" Jia Fugui instructed, and then the father and son left the courtyard together.

He Daqing also carried a food box to the grand restaurant for his shift, with He Yuzhu following behind, skipping and clamoring to learn how to flip a wok. The courtyard suddenly became much quieter. Xiaocao sat under the eaves, mending coarse cloth clothes in the morning light, while Xiulan gently guided her with her slightly protruding belly. The deaf old lady leaned against the door, dozing in the sun, a picture of peace and tranquility.

Just as Zhou Ye finished explaining the warehouse guard duties to Zhao Hu, a light knock came from outside the courtyard gate. A member of the Shou'an Society stood at the door with a middle-aged man in a silk robe and a shrewd face, his expression respectful yet somewhat anxious.

"Mr. Zhou, this is the head manager of Lou's Steel Rolling Mill, surnamed Sun. He said he has something important to ask you and has been waiting outside for quite a while."

Zhou Ye nodded slightly, gesturing for the two to come into the courtyard to talk.

As soon as Manager Sun entered the courtyard, he quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and looked at Zhou Ye with earnestness: "Mr. Zhou, I have long admired your name! I am Sun Maocai, the manager of Lou's Steel Rolling Mill. I have come here today because I am in dire need of your help!"

Lou's Steel Rolling Mill?

Zhou Ye's heart stirred slightly. He had heard of this factory before; it was one of the top medium-sized steel rolling mills in Beiping (Beijing). The owner, Lou Zhenhua, was a true Beiping businessman with exceptional shrewdness. During the Japanese occupation, most factories in the city were seized and looted by the Japanese invaders, but Lou Zhenhua, through his connections and wisdom, managed to retain control of the factory. After Japan's surrender, the steel rolling mill returned to the Lou family's ownership in its entirety, expanding several times over. The number of workers surged from a few dozen to over two hundred, and Jia Fugui was one of the factory's long-time employees.

"Steward Sun, there's no need for such formalities. Please sit down and let's talk." Zhou Ye led him to a stone table in the corridor, where Xiao Cao obediently served him warm tea.

Manager Sun, holding his teacup, didn't even bother to drink, and said urgently, "Mr. Zhou, everyone in the city knows you control the priceless grain on the black market in Beiping. Our Boss Lou's steel mill has over two hundred workers, all with elderly parents and young children to support, relying on their wages and rations to make a living. Although you've stabilized grain prices, the market is still tight, and with frequent requisitions of military rations, we've searched every grain store in the city, but we still can't gather enough rations for the workers next month. If we run out of food again, the workers will have to quit, and the factory will have to shut down!"

He sighed, his tone becoming increasingly earnest: "Boss Lou said that as long as Mr. Zhou can spare us a batch of grain, whether it's flour, millet, or corn, we'll buy it at the price you set, without any haggling! As long as the factory can be saved and the workers' livelihoods preserved, the Lou family will be eternally grateful!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ye understood immediately.

The Lou family's steel rolling mill was the foundation of Beiping's industry, employing over two hundred workers. If it were to cease operations, it would not only be a loss for the Lou family but would also plunge over two hundred households into dire straits. Furthermore, the mill could process steel parts, a connection that would be invaluable in the future, whether supporting the front lines in manufacturing agricultural tools, protecting national treasures, or reinforcing secret passages. This deal was a sure-fire profit.

"Boss Lou, you're very kind," Zhou Ye said calmly. "I can share the grain with you. Fifty shi of grain per month, with flour, millet, and corn mixed in proportions of 30%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. It will still be at the Shou'an Association's fair price, with no price increase whatsoever."

Manager Sun jumped to his feet, trembling with excitement: "Mr. Zhou! Fifty shi (a unit of dry measure)? That's enough to feed all the factory workers for a month! You are truly a benefactor to the Lou family, a benefactor to all the factory workers! I'll go back and report to Boss Lou right away!"

"No need to rush." ​​Zhou Ye gestured for him to sit down. "I can provide the grain, but I have a small condition. In the future, if the Shou'an Association or my side needs the steel mill to process some simple steel parts, farm tools, or ironware, Director Lou should give priority to that. As long as the price is fair, I wonder if Boss Lou can agree?"

Some of these parts were used to make farm tools for the base outside the city, while others were used to reinforce secret passages and repair transport points—all necessary for a clandestine mission. With a legitimate factory like Lou's Steel Rolling Mill involved, there would be no suspicion.

Without a second thought, Manager Sun agreed, "No problem! Absolutely no problem! Not only will I handle the parts, but even if Mr. Zhou has other requests, Boss Lou will have no objections!"

He knew that in this chaotic world, food was more precious than gold, and Zhou Ye's willingness to supply food at a fair price was already a great favor. Processing parts was just a small favor.

"In that case, go back and tell Director Lou that in three days, the factory workers can collect their grain from the South City Black Market warehouse with receipts." Zhou Ye said, picking up a pen to write a grain collection receipt, stamping it with the Shou'an Association's secret seal, and handing it to Steward Sun.

Manager Sun accepted the receipt with both hands, as if it were a priceless treasure. He thanked Zhou Ye profusely and bid him farewell before jogging back to the steel rolling mill to report back.

Zhao Hu, who was standing nearby, saw this clearly and whispered, "Brother Zhou Ye, Lou's Steel Rolling Mill is a tough nut to crack. Getting in touch with them will be of great benefit to us in the future."

Zhou Ye nodded slightly: "In chaotic times, industry is the foundation. Protecting these factories is protecting the livelihoods of the people and paving the way for our mission."

Just when everyone thought the matter was over, less than half an hour later, the sound of carriages and horses came from outside the courtyard gate again. A black Western sedan was parked at the entrance of the alley. Although it was not extremely luxurious, it still showed the owner's respectable status.

A middle-aged man dressed in a Zhongshan suit, with a refined face and a calm demeanor, led a beautiful young girl into the courtyard.

The man was in his early forties, with square features and a shrewd, businessman-like demeanor, yet also honest and kind. He was Lou Zhenhua, the owner of Lou's Steel Rolling Mill.

The little girl he was leading was only six or seven years old. She had two round buns in her hair, wore a pink dress, had fair skin, and bright, black eyes like black grapes. She timidly hid behind Lou Zhenhua, secretly observing the scene in the courtyard. She was Lou Zhenhua's youngest daughter, Lou Xiao'e, who had two older brothers. She was usually spoiled and adorable by her family.

Lou Xiao'e, born in 1941, is just six years old this year, a time of innocent joy. She usually lives with her father in the courtyard of the steel mill and rarely comes to the courtyard house deep in the alley. At this moment, her eyes are full of curiosity, but she is also shy and clings tightly to her father's clothes.

Upon seeing Zhou Ye, Lou Zhenhua quickly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said with deep gratitude, "Mr. Zhou! Thank you so much for your help, Mr. Zhou, for saving my Lou family and all the workers in my factory from dire straits! Zhenhua is eternally grateful!"

He had been losing sleep over the grain issue when he heard from Steward Sun that Zhou Ye had readily agreed to supply grain and even set a fair price. He couldn't sit still any longer and personally brought his daughter to Zhou Ye's door to express his gratitude. One reason was to express his thanks, and the other was to meet this legendary figure who, despite his young age, was able to control the grain market in Beiping and single-handedly founded the Shou'an Society.

Zhou Ye quickly helped him up: "Director Lou, there's no need for such formalities. It was just a small favor, a mutual help."

"Mr. Zhou is too modest!" Lou Zhenhua straightened up, looking at Zhou Ye with eyes full of admiration. "During the Japanese occupation, I struggled to keep the factory afloat and witnessed the wickedness of the chaotic world. I have never seen anyone like Mr. Zhou, so young yet able to stabilize grain prices, protect the people, and establish the Shou'an Association to safeguard peace in this region!"

As he spoke, he pulled the little girl behind him over and said gently, "E'er, quickly call him Uncle Zhou."

Lou Xiao'e timidly peeked out, looked at Zhou Ye's gentle face, then glanced at the smiling Xiao Cao beside her, and whispered, "Hello, Uncle Zhou."

The little girl's voice was soft and sweet, like a sticky rice cake dipped in honey, melting anyone's heart.

Seeing that she was shy, Xiaocao quickly stepped forward, took out a piece of fruit candy from her pocket, and handed it to her: "Little sister, have some candy, it's sweet."

Lou Xiao'e looked up at her father, and seeing Lou Zhenhua nod, she reached out and took the candy, whispering, "Thank you, sister."

The two girls, though only a few years apart in age, quickly became acquainted. Lou Xiao'e, clutching the candy, was no longer shy. Holding Xiao Cao's hand, she looked curiously at the locust tree and stone bench in the yard, her little face full of joy.

Lou Zhenhua watched this scene with a gratified smile on his face. He turned to Zhou Ye and said, "Mr. Zhou, my daughter Xiao'e is spoiled by me and is very shy. I'm sorry to have bothered you. I've come today to express my gratitude and to invite you to my Lou family's banquet tomorrow. I've prepared a small feast to express my thanks, and I hope you will do me the honor of attending."

Zhou Ye pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "I cannot refuse Director Lou's kind invitation, I will certainly keep my appointment tomorrow."

Getting to know an industrialist like Lou Zhenhua and expanding one's network will be of great benefit to the subsequent transportation of supplies and the protection of national treasures. This family dinner is a must-attend event.

Lou Zhenhua was overjoyed when Zhou Ye agreed. He chatted with Zhou Ye for a while about the recent situation of the steel rolling mill, and when he mentioned the workers in the factory, he was full of emotion and his words were full of admiration for Zhou Ye.

As the sun rose higher, Lou Zhenhua, fearing he might be disturbing them, took Lou Xiao'e's hand, who was still reluctant to leave the grass, and got up to say goodbye.

Lou Xiao'e turned back every few steps, waving her little hand at the grass, and then whispered to Zhou Ye, "Uncle Zhou, I'll bring you some delicious pastries tomorrow."

Zhou Ye smiled and patted her little head: "Okay, Uncle will wait."

Watching the Lou family's car drive away from the alley, Xiaocao clutched the small rag doll that Lou Xiao'e had given her before leaving, and said with a smile, "Brother, Xiao'e is so cute."

Zhou Ye gazed in the direction the car had disappeared, his eyes calm.

The Lou family's connections at the steel rolling mill were now firmly in their grasp. With the Lou family's assistance, transporting supplies and operating covertly would be much easier in the future.

And Lou Xiao'e, the timid, sweet, and adorable little girl, also remembered Uncle Zhou, who had stepped in to save the factory and was gentle and reliable, during their first meeting in this chaotic world.

The sunlight in the courtyard grew warmer. The deaf old lady squinted at Zhou Ye's figure, a faint smile appearing on her lips.

This young man, seemingly low-key and reserved, has unknowingly woven a great net to protect Beiping and his original aspirations.

No matter how turbulent the times, with such figures around, there will always be a day when the clouds part and the sun shines through.