Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

He nodded again, his ears burning.

"You looked so disheveled, anyone passing by could tell you were completely dehydrated. But Liu Haizhong insisted you'd 'eat poisonous food' and forced you to drink that 'golden soup'—we three ate from the same pot, and you recovered after that. What was he after? Wasn't he just trying to completely humiliate you?"

Xu Damao's stomach clenched suddenly, and his throat tightened—the soup clearly still contained the excrement that Sha Zhu and Hong Jingqiu had just expelled…

Hong Jingqiu patted him on the shoulder: "We can't take this to heart. He wasn't lying when he said the vegetables were spoiled; he just added oil. And when he fed you soup, he was just using the excuse of saving your life—what can we do? We can only grit our teeth and swallow it, and wait for an opportunity to get our revenge, inch by inch."

The couple still believe that the vegetables were not washed thoroughly and had some kind of dirt on them.

Suddenly, a metal basin was banged in the courtyard, three crisp "clangs"—a meeting was starting.

Xu Damao's eyelids twitched, and his heart sank: he was afraid they were going to use him as a target again. So he decided to stay indoors and pretend to be sick.

Once everyone had gathered, only Yi Zhonghai sat on the old wooden bench in the center of the main room.

He cleared his throat, his voice not loud, but commanding: "I called everyone here today for one thing: from now on, I won't get involved in these petty squabbles in the neighborhood. Working at the factory is tiring, and I still have to take care of two kids when I get home. I really don't have the energy to be a peacemaker anymore. I'm sorry everyone, I'm resigning."

A murmur of pleas for him to stay rang out from below, but Yi Zhonghai had already stood up and silently sat down in the crowd, his back view clean and decisive.

Liu Tianqi immediately chimed in, proving himself to be Liu Haizhong's personally trained son, every word striking a chord with the old man: "I nominate my dad, Liu Haizhong! Although the incident of hitting the child a while ago wasn't very respectable, everyone saw it—he admitted his mistake quickly, corrected it sincerely, and is also very kind-hearted! Last night, when Xu Damao had that emergency illness, if my dad hadn't rushed to help, the consequences would have been unpredictable!"

Last night's chaos left the entire courtyard feeling like it had been stripped of its bones and fallen apart.

These days, it's really tough to be without a leader. Who else would want to take on this hot potato? Work already drains our energy; who has the time or inclination to act like a righteous judge every day? Since someone's willing to take the lead, let them—it won't interfere with my eating or sleeping anyway.

The crowd responded in unison, and applause rang out sporadically.

Liu Haizhong seized the opportunity and became the new "elder brother".

Immediately, someone from the front yard stepped forward: "Third Uncle Yan Bugui's instigation that time was probably a pawn. He usually helps everyone mediate, writes Spring Festival couplets, and teaches children to read; his contributions are undeniable. Consider this a lesson learned. In the future, everyone should keep a close eye on him, and we should still use him when necessary!"

The reason Yan Bugui was promoted was because of his excellent calligraphy skills in writing couplets; if he makes another mistake, it would be a good opportunity to remove him from the family.

After some discussion, everyone nodded: Yan Bugui would be reinstated as "Second Uncle," in charge of the front yard; Yi Zhonghai would continue to oversee the back yard, but would no longer attend meetings.

The two new "grandpas" stood side by side.

Liu Haizhong straightened his back: "I will keep a close eye on everything, big or small, in the backyard, and handle it properly!"

Yan Bugui cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Thank you for your trust. I dare not slack off. Everyone is watching closely. If I make a single misstep, I will be stripped of my hat on the spot!"

As the meeting adjourned, figures moved about, and laughter and whispers mingled together.

He Yuzhu was unwell and didn't go. In the afternoon, He Yushui came home from school and ran the errand for her brother. When she returned, she gave a brief account of what happened.

"Brother, Xu Damao and his wife haven't shown up either."

"Okay, I understand," he replied with his eyes closed.

He Yushui turned around and ran towards Yi Zhonghai's house, her skirt fluttering in the wind.

"Aunt Yi! Let me lend a hand!" She rolled up her sleeves as soon as she entered the room, her voice as clear as a wind chime under the eaves.

Now that Yi Zhonghai has shed his title of "Uncle Yi," his title has naturally changed—he's no longer called "Uncle Yi" or "Aunt Yi," but simply "Uncle Yi" or "Aunt Yi," which is both friendly and refreshing.

When Liu Haizhong returned home, he saw his eldest son, Liu Tianqi, standing in the yard with his back straight and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

"Guangqi's mom!" he ordered loudly, "Stew the pork belly we bought yesterday, make it a nice dish for Guangqi!"

Guangqi's mother was overjoyed, rubbing her apron and muttering, "Great! Great! The old man has taken charge again, and he's still the number one master. His prestige is even greater than before!"

Liu Haizhong strolled to the corner of the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over his two younger sons: Liu Guangtian had been clever yesterday, so he'd been rewarded with two pieces of meat; Liu Guangfu? Just looking at him annoyed him—but he'd only just taken his place, so he had to maintain his composure. Dealing with them could wait until things calmed down.

Qin Huairu sighed inwardly, thinking that this courtyard had become a treasure trove, with one strange thing after another happening, much more lively than in previous years.

Xu Damao's family

Xu Damao and Hong Jingqiu had just received the news when a cold smile appeared on their lips—dealing with those two would be much easier than dealing with Yi Zhonghai.

A little trick can easily trip them up; the time isn't right yet, so don't rush to close the net. It's better to keep them hanging on for a while.

Hong Jingqiu lowered her voice: "Since Yi Zhonghai is pretending to be deaf and dumb, we don't need to provoke him. Yan Laoxi and Liu Weifeng? There will be plenty of opportunities. Stay calm and don't panic."

Xu Damao gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with malice: "My score with Liu Zhonghai isn't over! I'll change my mind if I don't crush him into the mud!"

Hong Jingqiu waved her hand: "Hitting his child? That's too crude, too obvious. I've already prepared a method."

She leaned close to Xu Damao's ear, speaking very softly and quickly. Xu Damao listened, nodding repeatedly, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"What about Yan Laoxi?" Xu Damao pressed. "Is he still making a move?"

"Him? He's simple." Hong Jingqiu smiled. "Just wait and see."

Xu Damao didn't say anything more, but simply raised his chin at her, his meaning clear.

……

The incident has been going on for about ten days.

He Yuzhu wandered over to the bookstore to borrow books again.

Lou Xiao'e smiled and handed over a copy of "Song of Youth": "Shazhu, my parents want you to come over tonight."

He Yuzhu grinned: "Great! I'm so glad to see you again. My heart is pounding."

Lou Xiao'e playfully shoved him, saying, "Stop being so glib! Remember this, or you'll mess things up!"

He also had to rush back to the factory—the guesthouse of the Third Branch of the Red Star Factory was officially inaugurated today. Several chefs from the kitchen were assigned to prepare a special meal for the attending leaders.

The training was originally scheduled for a month, but somehow it started seven days early. It's probably because Comrade Li Zhengqing, who's been sitting on the sidelines all day, couldn't wait any longer and wanted to take charge here as soon as possible.

In the eleventh month of the lunar calendar, the sky was torn open, and snowflakes fell in a flurry. But inside the guesthouse, it was warm and cozy, and several workers were working quickly and efficiently, their faces glowing – they no longer needed to go to the main factory canteen to lend a hand; the work here was easy, and the pay was good. Who wouldn't be happy?

Factory Director Yang smiled so much today that the wrinkles around his eyes smoothed out: From now on, cadres from other places will no longer have to squeeze into those few drafty rooms in the main factory. Their own territory has finally been established!

Not only would the leaders of the main factory come to cut the ribbon, but all the cadres, big and small, from the Third Branch Factory would also be present. This meal, naturally, had to be prepared with the utmost sincerity and be as elaborate as possible.

The kitchen stoves were roaring with fire and the chopping of knives was crisp, while the receptionists in the front hall had their shoes polished to a shine and the tea served hot.

After He Yuzhu and his team finished making the last dish of "braised lion's head meatballs", they wiped their sweat and rushed to the factory canteen. They had to finish up here and take over there, otherwise Old Zhang would be too busy to manage everything.

I was busy until the bell rang to signal the end of the workday.

He Yuzhu dusted off his apron, tidied his hair, picked up half a pound of roasted chestnuts, and headed straight for the Lou family's house.

In the Lou family's living room, Lou's mother had already taken Lou Xiao'e upstairs.

Mr. Lou sat on the sofa, his knuckles lightly tapping the armrest: "Last time you said we should break things off completely with Xiao'e... Do you really have a plan in mind?"

He Yuzhu nodded, his voice steady: "Dad, since we're family, I don't want to hide anything from you."

Lou's father's eyes were sharp: "Now, only Xiao'e and her mother are left at home. I just settled all the helpers in yesterday."

He Yuzhu paused for a moment: "Do you believe that a huge storm is about to sweep across the entire country?"

Lou's father leaned forward slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing: "You speak, I'm listening. What I say tonight, once it leaves this door, will remain buried in my heart."

He Yuzhu's voice wasn't loud, but every word struck a chord: "The end of the year is approaching, and you should have noticed the signs by now. This wind won't just blow on businessmen; it will blow on everyone—from north to south, from city to countryside, no one can escape it. Once you're really caught up in it, you won't even be able to get a boat ticket to leave."

Lou's father's forehead was covered in a fine layer of cold sweat, and his fingertips trembled slightly—the three words "everyone" felt like a heavy block of ice sinking into his stomach.

He stared at He Yuzhu, his voice hoarse: "Zhuzi, if her mother and I were to pass away first... could you protect Xiao'e? Protect her from even the slightest hardship? Keep her in your heart in everything you do? Guard her for the rest of your life?"

This wasn't a question; it was a father's desperate plea, clutching at the last rope. How could he not want to take his daughter far away? But Hong Kong was unfamiliar territory, he had no roots, no way back, and what if a life of wandering only harmed her…

He Yuzhu straightened his back and said, word by word, "Dad, from the day I decided to marry Xiao'e, I thought about how to protect her, how to cherish her, and how to take responsibility for her. I will give my life to fulfill that promise."

Mr. Lou let out a long breath, his eyes slightly moist: "Good child... then what would you like us to do?"

He Yuzhu spoke faster: "Leave immediately! Take everything you can, donate this building to the neighborhood committee, and sever all ties with Xiao'e completely—preferably have a huge fight in front of the neighbors, the more offensive the better, leave nothing behind—money, house, belongings!"

Mr. Lou frowned: "This...is related to your later arrangements?"

"That's enough," He Yuzhu said decisively. "I'll add another layer of protection for her. If the winds change within seven years, you can come back; if the clouds are still thick, don't look back—don't send a single letter, don't leave a single word. Wait until things really change, then quietly come back to see us."

Lou's father closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again with a resolute expression: "Alright, it's too late tonight, you go back and rest. I'll take care of things tonight. Xiao'e, I'm entrusting you with my life—you two must live well, no matter how hard or difficult things get, hold hands and move forward. When things get better, Dad will definitely come back to see you."