Courtyard House: The Fisherman Never Goes Sick

Back home, Lou Xiao'e leaned against Yang Wei and asked softly, "You seem to have a pretty good understanding of those people in the courtyard house, don't you?"

Yang Wei squeezed her hand, his tone tinged with disdain: "Old man Yi Zhonghai looks dignified, but he's just someone who has no children and wants to rely on Sha Zhu for his old age and funeral. I don't like this kind of ulterior motive in our interactions. When people's hearts aren't pure, their feelings become tainted."

"Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui are even worse." He paused, his eyes turning cold. "Liu Haizhong uses his son as a punching bag, beating him mercilessly at the slightest provocation. He doesn't treat the child like a human being at all, showing no remorse whatsoever as a parent. Calling him inhuman wouldn't be an exaggeration. Yan Bugui is a primary school teacher, but he's calculating to the core. Normal scheming is understandable, but his is so twisted. With such a corrupt parent, how could his family possibly be any good?"

He said all this in one breath because he didn't want Lou Xiao'e to get close to those people, let alone develop feelings or sympathy for them.

Lou Xiao'e suddenly realized, and admiration appeared in her eyes: "According to you, you did the right thing by speaking up for Zhuzi at the meeting today. Your presence just now was really domineering! I've never seen anything like it in front of our dad. Xiuqin told me last night that when she saw you at work today, she would definitely thank you properly for clearing Zhuzi's name."

"Zhu Zi is a good person, someone you can trust." Yang Wei nodded. "He's upright and trustworthy; you can rely on him if something really happens."

"Okay, I don't have that many tricks up my sleeve. You can make the decisions at home." Lou Xiao'e leaned closer to him, her voice softening. "I know you're good to me, and that's enough."

Yang Wei glanced at the darkening sky outside the window and grinned mischievously, "Wife, it's getting late, we should rest." As he spoke, he reached out and put his arm around her, his movements becoming increasingly inappropriate, and the room instantly became a scene of "stormy activity."

……

He slept soundly until dawn. Yang Wei went to work, walking from the backyard to the front yard. The neighbors greeted him with smiles, more polite than usual. He knew in his heart: a kind person is often bullied, a good horse is often ridden. If you want people to respect you, you can't be too soft; you have to be firm when necessary. Only when people know you're not to be trifled with will they treat you kindly.

He smiled and nodded in response, then continued walking straight to the factory without stopping.

In the canteen, everyone had arrived early. After a few casual words, they got to work according to today's production plan. Yang Wei sat to the side, drinking tea and watching them work. An hour later, Sha Zhu finished his work, wiped his sweat, and came over: "Brother Yang, you were really amazing at yesterday's meeting! Uncle Er's face was as green as a cucumber!"

"Xiuqin specifically told me last night that I should thank you properly when I see you today." Shazhu scratched his head, his eyes full of gratitude. "In all these years in this courtyard, no one has ever spoken up for me, no one has ever minded people calling me 'Shazhu.' Only you have truly cared for me. Xiuqin said she's preparing dinner and inviting you for drinks tonight, and she insists that you, your sister-in-law, and your grandmother come over. Brother Yang, can you do me a favor? Otherwise, Xiuqin might not let me sleep in her bed tonight!"

Sha Zhu was right. Everyone in the courtyard was only focused on their own interests; no one ever considered whether he wanted to be called "Sha Zhu." Was it genuine indifference? Or was it a lack of ability to change? Most likely, it was the latter. Without Yang Wei's words yesterday, no matter the occasion, people would always call him "He Yuzhu" with just two words: Sha Zhu. Even the children wouldn't call him "Uncle," just "Sha Zhu, Sha Zhu," which the adults found amusing. Sha Zhu couldn't argue with the children; he could only endure it.

Yang Wei could tell that the invitation was sincere, and he was also happy to get closer to Sha Zhu, so he laughed and said, "If it were your own idea, I wouldn't go. But since Xiuqin asked, I have to give her face. You don't have as much face as your wife here!"

"Hehe, that's right!" Sha Zhu chuckled. "Xiuqin and I aren't arguing about this. If you agree, my mission is complete!"

The two chatted for a while longer. Seeing that the dough had risen and the large pot of ingredients was ready, Sha Zhu stood up and shouted, "Alright, let's prepare lunch and get to work!"

Everyone took their places and worked for a while; noon passed in the blink of an eye.

In the afternoon, there was a sudden announcement: the factory was going to show a movie, and the projectionist was Xu Damao. It would start at four o'clock, and everyone could watch. The people in the canteen were all delighted to hear this. These days, if you wanted to watch a movie, besides going to the cinema, the only other option was for your workplace to show it. Xu Damao, the projectionist, had a secure job; after showing movies in the countryside, he would even receive a thank-you gift. In the original story, he even received two old hens.

Movies of that era were mostly patriotic films, like "Liu Sanjie" and "Little Soldier Zhang Ga." The stories were stiff, the acting exaggerated, and they were all in black and white, but with so few other forms of entertainment, everyone watched them with great interest. Yang Wei went along too and watched with great enthusiasm.

Just as the movie ended and it was time to leave work, the factory manager stopped Yang Wei: "Xiao Yang, we need to prepare a banquet for him tonight. Xu Damao worked hard showing the movie, we can't let him go home hungry. You can work overtime and prepare a meal."

Yang Wei turned around and saw that Sha Zhu was still standing next to him, listening intently.

So when Director Wang heard that Yang Wei was going to stay and cook, he was a little unhappy. He had already arranged to treat Yang Wei to dinner that evening, and his wife had already prepared a table full of dishes at home. If he went back after finishing his work, wouldn't it be past midnight? He couldn't help but glance at Xu Damao, who was packing up the projector, and cursed under his breath, "That bastard, he's making things difficult!"

"Okay, factory manager, I'll go prepare now." "Alright, go ahead!" Yang Wei agreed and headed straight for the canteen with Sha Zhu. He told everyone else to leave on time, while he and Sha Zhu stayed behind to help out, and even asked someone from the same compound to pass on the news of working overtime.

When they arrived at the canteen, Yang Wei noticed that Sha Zhu looked a little upset, so he joked with a smile, "What's there to be angry about? This is the job you're in, you can't just quit, can you? Hurry up and finish, let's go back and have a drink. I borrowed a bottle of good wine from Xiao'e's dad, we can have a good meal together tonight."

"Oh, that's great!" Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu's face immediately brightened, and he quickened his pace.

After the meal was prepared, Yang Wei and Sha Zhu personally carried it into the private room. Factory Director Wang sat in the main seat, accompanied by Deputy Factory Director Li and the factory office director. Xu Damao sat to the side, a smug look on his face, his meaning clear: "See? Yang Wei and the others have to serve me. I'm a cut above them. Even if Yang Wei is a close friend of the factory director, he still has to cook for me."

Yang Wei didn't bother to meet his gaze at all, and said, "Factory Manager, the dishes are all ready. If there's nothing else, He Yuzhu and I will head back first. You can leave them after you finish eating, and we'll clean them up when we get to work tomorrow."

Factory Director Wang raised his hand to stop him: "No, let He Yuzhu cook two more dishes, you two can stay and eat together. You've been busy all night, you can't go back hungry."

Yang Wei was in a dilemma. He was afraid that Sha Zhu would start arguing with Xu Damao at the dinner table. Besides, Wu Xiuqin was waiting at home. If they stayed for dinner, what time would it be before they got back?

"Hurry up, do I have to ask you a second time? You're here anyway, I have something to tell you." Factory Director Wang spoke up, and Yang Wei knew he couldn't refuse, so he had no choice but to go to the kitchen and tell Sha Zhu.

Sha Zhu cooked two more dishes, and everyone sat down. Factory Director Wang raised his glass and said with a smile, "We owe it all to Xiao Xu for showing us a movie today. Come on, let's toast him." Yang Wei kicked Sha Zhu under the table, signaling him not to be stubborn, and the two of them raised their glasses and drank.

After a few casual words, Factory Director Wang suddenly looked at Yang Wei: "Young Yang, the head of the factory's security department is about to retire, and I'm planning to let you take over the position. Do you have any thoughts?"

These words were like a stone thrown into a lake; everyone at the table was stunned. This news hadn't been leaked at all. Deputy Factory Director Li was already planning to place his own people in the family. Xu Damao choked on a mouthful of food, his face turning red, while Sha Zhu was beaming with joy. All eyes were fixed on Yang Wei's face.

"Factory manager, I'm not suitable..."

"Factory manager, I really can't do this job. I'm lazy and not cut out to be a leader."

"My job is to work in the cafeteria. As long as I can cook good food, that's enough. I don't need to worry about anything else. The position of head chef in the cafeteria suits my temperament perfectly."

Everyone in the private room listened to Yang Wei's words. Sha Zhu was stunned on the spot. How could he turn down such a good opportunity?

Xu Damao's emotions were like a rollercoaster ride. Just moments ago he was wringing his hands in worry, but now his sorrow turned to joy: The world is truly wonderful! If a canteen cook can steal the spotlight at the courtyard assembly, what would happen if he became the head of the security department? Would he ever have a good life again? Now that Yang Wei had refused, although he was still puzzled, he felt at ease and safe!

Deputy Factory Director Li felt a growing fondness for Yang Wei, while Factory Director Wang wore a knowing smile. Last time, after leaving the high-ranking leader's house, the leader praised Yang Wei's cooking, and Wang had considered promoting him, but Yang Wei declined; now he was declining again, something Wang had already anticipated.

After Yang Wei finished speaking, Factory Director Wang abruptly changed the subject, delivering a shocking remark: "Since you're unwilling, then recommend someone suitable. I trust your judgment!"

Yang Wei was a little confused: "Am I really that close to the factory manager? This treatment makes people think I'm a high-ranking official." But since they were being so kind, he couldn't be ungrateful.

Yang Wei's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Sha Zhu. Sha Zhu, completely bewildered, asked, "Brother Yang, why are you looking at me like that?"

He genuinely didn't take it to heart. He wasn't stupid; he'd never even considered it. How could he possibly fathom Yang Wei's deeper meaning? But everyone else understood. Xu Damao's newly risen hope shattered instantly, and his face fell like a bitter gourd.

Deputy Factory Director Li's expression also darkened: "You mean, He Yuzhu is capable of serving as the head of the security department?"

"That's right," Yang Wei praised sincerely. "The security department needs to be fair and impartial, and also have ability and prestige. Sha Zhu has worked in the factory for so many years, he's attached to the factory, he's honest, and his character is impeccable. He's much more suitable than me. What do you think, Factory Manager?"

Factory Director Wang smiled and said, "Okay, we'll do it your way and discuss it at the meeting tomorrow."

"Come on, let's eat!" Factory Director Wang called out to everyone. "Try He Yuzhu and Yang Wei's cooking, and see who does it better!"

Deputy Factory Director Li tugged at Factory Director Wang's sleeve and whispered, "Factory Director, the position of head of the security department is important. Shouldn't we discuss it again? Don't be too hasty."

"With me here, you don't need to worry," Factory Director Wang waved his hand. "Managing production, ensuring quality and output, that's your job. I know what to do with the rest."

Having been the factory director for so many years, he knew exactly what the people in the factory and the deputy director were thinking. Deputy Director Li wanted to interfere, but that wouldn't work; it was a task given by the top leader—to keep Yang Wei in the steel rolling mill. That top leader praised Yang Wei as a once-in-a-century talent, implying that he would cultivate him into a high-ranking official, a privilege even his long-time secretary Chen hadn't received.

The banquet for Xu Damao was just a pretext; the real purpose was to promote Yang Wei. When Director Wang received the call from the top leader that morning, he was so shocked that he kept rubbing his hands. Although he knew the top leader liked Yang Wei, he didn't expect him to value him this much.

The banquet for Xu Damao was just a pretext; the real purpose was to promote Yang Wei. When Director Wang received the call from the top leader that morning, he was so shocked that he kept rubbing his hands. Although he knew the top leader liked Yang Wei, he didn't expect him to value him this much.

After dinner, Yang Wei and Sha Zhu rode their bicycles back to the courtyard house. Xu Damao was already drunk and staggering, so the two of them didn't bother with him and had someone else take him home.

When they arrived at the entrance of the Intermediate People's Court, Sha Zhu was still in a daze. A gust of cool wind brought him back to his senses: "Brother Yang, am I remembering correctly? You recommended me to be the head of the security department? The factory manager also said that it would be decided at the meeting tomorrow?"

Yang Wei chuckled and patted Sha Zhu on the shoulder: "That's right, if things go smoothly, the appointment should be finalized in two or three days. When that happens, I'll have to call you Section Chief He! Comrade He Yuzhu, from today onwards, you're a member of the leadership at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill."

Yang Wei was also pleased. With Sha Zhu as the head of the security department, even if that incident really happened, it would save a lot of people from suffering, and might even help the Lou family. He had been meticulously planning and scheming to prevent that incident; who knew which piece would come in handy in the future?

Lou Xiao'e and Wu Xiuqin, who were waiting inside the main room, heard the commotion outside and came out together. Seeing the two grown men standing at the door grinning foolishly, Lou Xiao'e snorted, "Hmph, so you know how to come back? What time is it? Xiuqin and I have reheated the food three times; if it's any later, I'm going back to sleep!"

"By the way, what did you say about Section Chief He just now?"

"Zhu Zi got promoted, he's now the head of the security department at the steel rolling mill!" Yang Wei laughed.

Upon hearing this, the two women's eyes widened at first, then their faces lit up with delight. Lou Xiao'e turned and ran home: "Wife, go get that bottle of Moutai! I'm going to have a couple more drinks with Zhu Zi; we're going to have a good time today!"

"Okay, I'll go get it right away. You guys go inside first!" Her steps were light and cheerful, as if her husband had been promoted.

"Brother Yang, come inside. Xiuqin, heat up the dishes again!" Wu Xiuqin hurriedly agreed, her smile impossible to hide.

That evening, laughter and chatter filled Sha Zhu's room. Wu Xiuqin's gaze towards Yang Wei held even more respect and gratitude. If her husband could rise through the ranks and earn more money, not only would their own family's life be easier, but they could also occasionally help out her family. These days, even an extra five yuan a month was a considerable sum. After Sha Zhu finished vividly recounting the events at the canteen's private room, she deliberately raised her glass to toast Yang Wei: "Brother Yang, I'll toast you!"

After this gathering, the relationship between the two families became even closer. Sha Zhu and his wife also truly saw Yang Wei's importance.

Lying in bed that night, Wu Xiuqin repeatedly reminded him, "Zhuzi, from now on you must listen to Brother Yang. Even if you become a high-ranking official, you must still respect Brother Yang. We country folk say, 'When you drink water, don't forget the well-digger.' You are from the city, so you should understand this principle even more."

"Yang Wei is no ordinary person; he's incredibly capable. From now on, whatever you do, ask Brother Yang for his opinion first."

Sha Zhu wasn't jealous at all; on the contrary, he felt it was only natural: "Wife, I understand even if you don't say it. I didn't earn this position through my own abilities; it was given to me by Brother Yang. Without Brother Yang, I wouldn't be where I am today. I know that perfectly well."

Married men are different. When they're single, they only have themselves to worry about and no family to care for. But after starting a family, they shoulder responsibilities and have to work hard for their wives, children, and a prosperous life. Sha Zhu is no longer like the character in the original story, content with just a little scraps from the kitchen. Now he has bigger ambitions: to become the head of security, to get a raise, to change his status in the courtyard, to have his wife respected, and to have both material and spiritual security.

However, his gratitude and commitment to keeping his promises remained unchanged.

"That's good. I was just worried you might act impulsively." Wu Xiuqin was relieved. "With Brother Yang around, I feel more at ease."

"Hehe, honey, no matter what, I'm about to become the head of the security department. Tonight, shall we...?" Silly Zhu grinned mischievously.

"Oh dear, you..." Wu Xiuqin blushed and gently punched him.