Courtyard House: The Frog Boy Brings Back a Genetic Potion at the Start

He could clearly see the deep hesitation in Liu Haizhong's eyes—whether or not to completely side with Hao Jianguo had become a difficult problem hanging over Liu Haizhong's head.

Hao Jianguo's gaze fell heavily on his face, and with just that one glance, Liu Haizhong's shoulders trembled, and a chill suddenly ran down his back.

In that instant, Liu Haizhong felt as if his deepest thoughts had been laid bare, and he couldn't help but twitch his lips and force a dry smile.

"If you regret it, you can turn around and help the deaf old lady now, and I'll understand."

Hao Jianguo spoke directly, leaving no room for tact: "Don't force yourself to make a decision against your conscience."

These words pierced Liu Haizhong's ears like needles, and his face immediately stiffened.

Yan Bugui, standing to the side, also glanced over, waiting to see how Liu Haizhong would respond.

Liu Haizhong's Adam's apple bobbed a few times before he finally steeled himself and said, "Jianguo, what you're saying... I've already thought it through. From now on, I, Liu Haizhong, will follow you."

As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed to lose all his strength, his shoulders slumped, and cold sweat began to seep from his forehead.

Hao Jianguo didn't say anything more, but just gave him a deep look.

All of this, naturally, fell into the eyes of the deaf old woman.

Her face immediately darkened, and a shadow gathered in her eyes.

If it were any other day, she probably would have already started cursing—but now, with Zhao Hai present, many of the people in the courtyard who used to fawn over Hao Jianguo have turned around and are now trying to curry favor with her, which is exactly the time for her to finally get her revenge.

Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui's statements were tantamount to slapping her in the face in public.

Zhao Hai had overheard the conversation and inwardly scoffed, but his face remained smiling as he turned to Yi Zhonghai:

"Uncle Yi, you've worked hard all these years."

You deserve a lot of credit for managing the compound so well.

If you need any help in the future, just ask. I will do my best to help.

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai's face immediately broke into an uncontrollable smile, and he repeatedly bowed to express his gratitude, his posture so respectful as to be almost obsequious.

Many people around him cast envious or even jealous glances—everyone could tell that Zhao Hai's words were a genuine promise.

Yi Zhonghai has become the biggest beneficiary at this moment.

Those who were just eager to show their loyalty to the deaf old woman and take the opportunity to criticize Hao Jianguo are now even more invigorated.

They noticed that Zhao Hai's gaze swept over them as he spoke, his eyes filled with approval—this meant they had made the right bet and had caught Zhao Hai's eye.

Yi Zhonghai was still bowing and scraping, looking exactly like a servant in olden times fawning over his master.

Amidst the flattery, no one noticed the faint hint of coldness that flashed across Hao Jianguo's eyes when he looked away.

The old lady was truly delighted. She regarded Yi Zhonghai as her own son, and if her grandson could lend a helping hand to Yi Zhonghai, it would naturally be of great benefit to Yi Zhonghai's future.

This was originally the old lady's own plan, but she didn't expect her grandson to be so sensible, understanding it without being told.

Yi Zhonghai had just received the benefits when He Daqing, who was standing next to him, became restless.

In He Daqing's eyes, they were originally in cahoots. Now that the old lady had introduced Yi Zhonghai to Zhao Hai, she should at least introduce herself properly.

We're all in the same boat, and He Daqing felt that the old lady shouldn't be biased, especially since she used to treat Sha Zhu like her own grandson.

Even just out of consideration for Sha Zhu, He Daqing felt that the old lady should speak up for him in front of Zhao Hai.

The old lady actually did just that.

Under He Daqing's earnest gaze, she finally turned her attention to him.

"Xiao Hai, this is He Daqing. The He family has taken good care of me in the past, especially Daqing's son, Shazhu."

In the future, if you young people have the opportunity, you should try to get to know each other better.

Everyone in the courtyard was perceptive; upon hearing this, everyone could discern the deeper meaning behind the old lady's words.

Xu Damao sighed inwardly – ​​he had thought that Sha Zhu would inevitably go to jail this time, but who would have thought that he would be so lucky and suddenly have a capable “relative” out of nowhere.

The old lady's words just now were clearly paving the way for her to plead for Sha Zhu.

With such a person stepping forward, Sha Zhu's matter will probably be easily resolved.

After hearing the old lady's introduction, He Daqing's face immediately lit up with a smile, and he hurriedly reached out to shake hands with Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai was kind enough to give him face, extending his hand to shake his and exchanging a few polite words.

However, Zhao Hai had seen the world, and he understood the meaning behind his grandmother's words.

In his heart, the deaf old lady was the only remaining relative in the world. Since it was his grandmother who had asked for it, he would do it if he could.

Afterwards, the old lady introduced Zhao Hai to the other people in the courtyard, most of whom were the same people who had previously helped her criticize Hao Jianguo.

This caused those who had been wavering to beam with joy—the old lady's actions were undoubtedly sending a signal: as long as they stood firmly on her side, they would never suffer losses in the future.

It must be said that the old lady's move was truly brilliant. It was as if she had set a benchmark in the courtyard, clearly telling everyone: to deal with Hao Jianguo, one must stand on her side, and there would naturally be benefits to be gained.

At this rate, she'll probably be able to wipe out all of Hao Jianguo's supporters one by one.

Hao Jianguo was well aware of the old lady's scheme.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, and when he looked at the old lady, a faint hint of mockery flashed in his eyes.

In Hao Jianguo's view, the old lady's actions were nothing more than asking for trouble.

If she really angers him, she won't gain any advantage at all.

However, Yan Bugui and Liu Haizhong were unaware of Hao Jianguo's thoughts.

At this moment, their faces turned ashen, and their eyes were filled with resentment as they glared at the old woman—even at this point, she still resorted to such tricks; this old woman was truly becoming more and more despicable as she got older.

Despite their deep resentment, Yan Bugui and Liu Haizhong could only suppress their anger and dare not utter a single word.

Both of them knew perfectly well that the deaf old woman was currently in a superior position—at least on the surface.

If they act rashly now, Zhao Hai could easily put them in a desperate situation with just a single word.

These thoughts swirled in his mind, and Liu Haizhong felt increasingly regretful, wishing he could turn back time and slap himself a few times.

He felt that he had made a fatal mistake and was now tied to Hao Jianguo. Not only had he missed the best opportunity to please Zhao Hai, but he had also completely lost the chance to be a fence-sitter and play both sides.

Just then, accompanied by Zhao Hai and others, the deaf old woman slowly walked up to Hao Jianguo and his group.

A number of residents had gathered around to watch the spectacle, especially those who had previously changed their tune. They were now even more excited, their eyes filled with schadenfreude as they looked at Hao Jianguo.

In their view, Zhao Hai's move was undoubtedly an attempt to take action against Hao Jianguo.

"Grandma, who are these two?"

Zhao Hai smiled, as if asking casually.

This question is actually unnecessary—their identities were already clear from the conversation just now.

Zhao Hai pretended not to know anything at this moment, clearly intending to give them a hard time.

Sure enough, Yan Bugui and Liu Haizhong stiffened involuntarily when they met Zhao Hai's gaze.

"This is Liu Haizhong, and that's Yan Bugui, our Second Uncle and Third Uncle."

The deaf old woman gave the two of them a deep look and said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui's hearts jumped into their throats, fearing that the deaf old woman would fabricate some deadly accusation next.

Zhao Hai smiled meaningfully, his tone calm yet barbed:

"It turns out to be two old men from the courtyard."

But I'd heard before that Uncle Yi Zhonghai, the one who always upheld justice in this compound, was the head of the household? As for Uncle Er and Uncle San... they seemed to be only interested in vying for power, making the compound a complete mess?

As he finished speaking, his tone suddenly turned somber, and he gave a cold snort.

That single cold snort was enough to make Liu Haizhong and the other man tremble.

They expected Zhao Hai to target them, but they didn't expect the knife to fall so quickly and so directly, leaving them somewhat caught off guard.

"See that? They were just laughing at us for being opportunists, but now they're the ones who're in big trouble!"

"We call this assessing the situation, but what about those two? They're utterly stupid."

"Did you think you could turn your life around by currying favor with Hao Jianguo? Don't you realize who Hao Jianguo is in front of Zhao Hai?"

The surrounding residents whispered amongst themselves, their words dripping with sarcasm.

Normally, Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui would have jumped up and cursed back long ago.

But with Zhao Hai right in front of them, the two could only shrink back and stand there silently, feeling as aggrieved as tenant farmers who had been scolded.

They weren't without their grievances—the root of the conflict and chaos in the courtyard clearly lay with the deaf old woman and her group, yet now the blame was being placed entirely on them.

But they knew even better that Zhao Hai was definitely on the side of the deaf old woman at this moment.

If they dare to say even a single bad word about the deaf old woman now, Zhao Hai will probably not let them off on the spot.

At this point, any words have lost their meaning.

The deaf old lady clearly knew this, and when she looked at Zhao Hai, her eyes were filled with undisguised satisfaction and joy.

In her view, this was the fate that those who dared to contradict her, side with Hao Jianguo, and betray her deserved.

Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui had already lowered their heads, not daring to meet Zhao Hai's gaze.

Zhao Hai himself stood tall with an arrogant posture, looking down on everyone.

Seeing this expression, Hao Jianguo felt nothing but strong disgust.

He believes that being an official does not mean being able to place oneself above the people or to act superior.

True leaders should listen attentively and stand on the side of the people in order to work for their well-being.

Thinking of this, Hao Jianguo's mind became clear: if someone like Zhao Hai were to be in power, it would be no blessing for the people.

He couldn't help but snort coldly, and when he looked at Zhao Hai again, his eyes were filled with mockery and contempt.

This subtle change in expression did not escape the notice of Zhao Hai and the others.

In Yi Zhonghai's view, Hao Jianguo's attitude towards Zhao Hai, even after reaching this point, was simply courting death.

But Yi Zhonghai was secretly delighted.

They were just hoping Hao Jianguo would provoke Zhao Hai so that he could fall from his high position even faster.

"I never realized before that Hao Jianguo was such a dull-witted person."

The situation was already clear, yet he still couldn't grasp the gravity of the situation, daring to display such an arrogant attitude in front of Zhao Hai… He deserved to suffer the consequences.

Yi Zhonghai silently recited to himself, but dared not reveal a word on his face, for fear that he might inadvertently offend Zhao Hai as well.

He Daqing, standing to the side, was not so composed.

His face was already creased with laughter, and he felt that Hao Jianguo's actions were tantamount to courting death—to be so arrogant in front of Zhao Hai, what else could it be but stupidity?

"If you ask me, Hao Jianguo has just been having too good a time lately and has forgotten his own limitations."

Thinking he had some status at the Third Steel Rolling Mill, he dared to put on airs in front of Leader Zhao… utterly foolish.”

He Daqing muttered to himself, his gaze toward Hao Jianguo filled with mockery and ridicule.

This idea also lingered in the minds of those opportunists within the courtyard.

Having thoroughly offended Hao Jianguo, they naturally hoped he would suffer as much as possible, otherwise, once he made a comeback, no one would have an easy time in the reckoning.

Even if Hao Jianguo doesn't retaliate, their lives in the compound will definitely not be easy from now on.

That's why the group couldn't help but mutter curses under their breath, wishing Zhao Hai would immediately pin Hao Jianguo down completely.

"Young man, you seem to have some issue with me?"

Zhao Hai finally spoke, his tone revealing obvious impatience.

Although it was his first time meeting Hao Jianguo, he could already tell from the attitudes of those around him that there was a grudge between them.

To maintain his air of authority, Zhao Hai still wore a fake smile.

But he didn't know that this smile, in Hao Jianguo's eyes, only felt particularly glaring, and even made him feel nauseous.

As Zhao Hai finished speaking, the old lady intended to introduce Hao Jianguo to Zhao Hai herself, but the surrounding crowd could not hold back and started talking all at once about the old grudges between Hao Jianguo and the old lady before she could.

However, after their words, Hao Jianguo was portrayed as a complete villain who bullied and ostracized the old lady's family, making their lives miserable.

Liu Haizhong and the others were stunned, and then couldn't help but speak up to defend Hao Jianguo.