He slapped his thigh suddenly and started yelling at the top of his lungs, his voice loud enough to shatter the silence of the entire courtyard:

"Come quick! Everyone come out and see! Uncle Yi and Madam Jia are doing something improper at the door!"

This shout was like a drop of cold water falling into a pot of boiling oil, instantly causing an explosion.

The families in the courtyard, who had been soundly asleep, were initially roused by the noise. But once they heard the message clearly, they all jumped out of bed, hurriedly put on their clothes, and rushed out of their homes, afraid of missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime excitement if they were even a step too slow.

Lights came on one after another from the windows, and shadowy figures quickly gathered around.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yi Zhonghai and Jia Zhangshi remained in their disheveled state, and the murmurs and laughter from the crowd became even more uncontrollable.

"Hey, Uncle Yi, you're full of energy! Aren't you cold out here in this freezing weather?"

"Hey, I never realized Jia Zhangshi was so proactive!"

Xu Damao and a few others took the lead in making a fuss and mocking him, while Yan Jiecheng squatted down in front of Yi Zhonghai, tilting his head and looking on with great interest in watching the show.

Wherever there was trouble, Second Uncle was sure to be there. At this moment, he had already put his hands behind his back, put on a pained expression, and slowly opened his mouth in an official tone.

"Oh, Lao Yi, how could you do such a ridiculous thing at your age? Don't you even know your place? What kind of behavior is this? Get up right now! I think you're not going to be able to hold onto your position as the manager of this courtyard."

Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses and slowly strolled forward: "Even a three-year-old knows to have some sense of shame, but you, the head steward, don't even know how to spell the word 'shame' in broad daylight?"

Yi Zhonghai's face drained of color, his lips trembled as he tried to explain, but the heavy mountain of flesh on his body pressed down on him, making it impossible for him to move.

Jia Zhangshi's body was so fat it seemed to be filled with lead; no matter how much he pushed her, she didn't budge.

"I'm innocent... I can't clear my name even if I jump into the Yellow River!"

His voice trembled with anxiety, "I had just stepped into the courtyard when this woman suddenly pounced on me... What... what does this have to do with me?"

Laughter erupted from all around, and faces were filled with mockery and disbelief.

At this moment, Yi's wife also pushed through the crowd and stepped forward, staring at her husband with reddened eyes.

"Since you keep insisting you're innocent, then get up! What's the point of lying on the ground like that?"

His words were filled with deep grievance and resentment.

Earlier, some people had gossiped that Yi Zhonghai and Jia Zhangshi had an improper relationship in the public toilet.

At that time, it was only thanks to the deaf old lady that the matter was suppressed. The Yi family's daughter-in-law also felt that no matter how confused her old man was, he wouldn't be interested in that fat body.

But the scene before them was truly jarring—the two were still entangled on the ground.

Liu Guangfu and his group of young men immediately started making a ruckus:

"Uncle Yi, you say no, but your actions certainly do!"

"Grandma Jia's flesh is so soft, isn't it? Otherwise, why are you so reluctant to let go?"

Yi Zhonghai was so angry that he trembled all over, and the veins on his forehead throbbed:

"Nonsense! Are you all blind? She was clearly on top of me! My back is injured from the impact, I can't exert any strength at all!"

Xu Damao and his gang, who were always looking for trouble, didn't take it seriously and instead crossed their arms and made sarcastic remarks.

"Come on, who would believe that? The way you two are acting, who would believe there's nothing fishy going on?"

Yan Jiecheng also got excited:

"If you can't get up, let Granny Jia get up! Why is she still lying there pretending to be dead?"

This remark sparked a lively discussion among the onlookers:

"I think he was caught red-handed and is making up lies here!"

"Pah! He calls himself someone in charge of the courtyard? What a disgrace!"

"He seemed so virtuous at first, but it turns out it was all an act!"

"No wonder he was a witness to Hao Jianguo and Qin Huairu's affair, and when Qin Huairu later went on to be with Jia Dongxu, he didn't utter a single word—his character speaks for itself!"

In these days when there's not much fun to be had, this play will keep everyone entertained for quite some time.

None of the people in the courtyard were easy to deal with; they would seize any opportunity to join in the fun.

Besides, the troubles Yi Zhonghai has caused these days have already made everyone furious, and his little bit of prestige in the courtyard has long since vanished.

Just as everyone was talking animatedly, a shout came from the back of the crowd:

"Make way! The old lady is coming!"

The crowd reluctantly made way, but their eyes were filled with wariness as they looked at the deaf old woman—who didn't know that this old woman was there to help Yi Zhonghai out of a predicament?

Hao Jianguo stood silently in the crowd, coldly watching this farce.

Seeing Yi Zhonghai's disheveled appearance, Hao Jianguo was initially taken aback, but didn't say much.

This group of people has always been like this; they seem uneasy if they don't cause some absurdity one day.

He stood to the side, just watching for fun—watching a play is all about enjoying the excitement, isn't it?

When the deaf old lady appeared, supported by Sha Zhu, Hao Jianguo's eyes narrowed slightly.

Sure enough, whenever Yi Zhonghai got into trouble, this old lady was always there.

Given the current situation, he really wanted to see how this ancestor planned to resolve it.

As the two approached, they froze upon seeing the unsightly struggle between Yi Zhonghai and Jia Zhangshi.

"Zhonghai! What...what are you doing! Get up right now!"

The deaf old woman trembled with anger, banging her cane on the ground.

Sha Zhu was so shocked that his eyes almost popped out, and a thought uncontrollably popped into his mind: Could it be that Master Yi really has feelings for Jia Zhangshi?

If this misunderstanding is confirmed, it would be a devastating blow to Yi Zhonghai.

He hurriedly struggled to his feet and urgently tried to explain:

"Grandma, please don't misunderstand! I... I'm truly innocent! Things didn't go well at the factory today, so I drank some wine to drown my sorrows and came home late."

Who would have thought that as soon as I got here, Jia Zhangshi rushed over shouting "Old Jia"... I didn't have time to react!

He was so anxious he almost cried, feeling that this filth could never be washed away.

Qin Huairu also squeezed into the crowd at this time.

Seeing the scene before her, her lips twitched, but she still forced herself to speak:

"My mother-in-law has been acting strangely these days, like she's possessed. She either has nightmares or wanders around at night."

I believe what Uncle Yi said.

She had to speak up for Yi Zhonghai.

If one "cheats on someone else"

If their reputation is confirmed, how will the Jia family ever be able to hold their heads high in the courtyard again?

This explanation convinced many onlookers.

Everyone has heard about Jia Zhangshi's recent dark circles under her eyes and her erratic behavior.

Believe it or not, I still want to see the excitement.

"Alright, everyone, you can all leave now!"

The deaf old lady let out a heavy sigh and raised her voice to set the tone, "Huai Ru also said that her mother-in-law is suffering from hysteria."

Now that you know you have this problem, you should keep a close eye on it so as not to disturb others.

"Everyone, keep quiet during this holiday season!"

After the old lady spoke, everyone knew the play was over and prepared to leave.

"etc."

Hao Jianguo, who had been silently observing, suddenly spoke up.

With his sharp eyes, he had already noticed that Yi Zhonghai was clutching a glaring object in his hand.

"Look everyone, what's that old man holding in his hand? It looks... like a pair of underwear, doesn't it?"

These words were like a pebble thrown into still water, instantly creating ripples.

The crowd, which was about to disperse, suddenly swarmed back in, and the atmosphere that had just calmed down became heated again.

"Oh dear, this fabric, this color... it doesn't seem like something someone of Jia Zhangshi's age would wear."

An older woman craned her neck and muttered something.

Countless gazes turned to Qin Huairu.

Although she didn't say anything, her suddenly pale face said it all.

"That's strange. How could Uncle Yi have Sister Qin's personal items?"

Liu Guangfu dragged out his words, feigning ignorance.

Yan Jiecheng winked and whispered, "Who knows... maybe he just slipped it to me when he pounced on me?"

Immediately, people around started to chime in and agree.

Yi Zhonghai's face darkened completely.

I was so focused on chasing after Jia Zhangshi that I forgot to hide this thing in my hand.

When someone pointed at him, he immediately felt guilty and his eyes darted around towards Hao Jianguo.

Hao Jianguo's mind works quickly.

Just by looking at Yi Zhonghai's secretive manner, he already knew exactly what was going on.

"Could it be... that he's trying to frame me with this?"

Hao Jianguo subconsciously looked towards the direction of his own house door.

The distance from Jia Zhangshi's house to here isn't far, and based on Yi Zhonghai's route, he could indeed have passed by his house.

"Uncle, tell me, what are you going to do with this?"

Liu Haizhong was absolutely overjoyed.

I thought the deaf old lady would fool me again, but little did I know that Yi Zhonghai had a trick up his sleeve.

He immediately put his hands behind his back and struck a pose: "This time, even the deaf old lady can't protect you."

Yi Zhonghai, if you confess honestly, you might get lenient treatment. But if you try to cover it up again—you're corrupting public morals! I'm ashamed for you!

Liu Haizhong spoke with righteous indignation, and several middle-aged women around him immediately chimed in. In just a few words, Yi Zhonghai was portrayed as a disrespectful thief.

Xu Damao had long harbored resentment towards Yi Zhonghai, and seeing that the other party was about to be ruined, he was not about to let this opportunity pass.

"Hehe, this old rascal, look at him, he's stammering and can't explain himself clearly."

If you ask me, he might have some kind of shady hobby, specifically collecting people's personal belongings.

All the ladies in the courtyard should take note and carefully check the clothes they've hung out to dry.

Upon hearing this, many people looked at Yi Zhonghai with wariness and disgust.

Some people even brought up old grievances, insisting that he must have stolen the clothes that were stolen in the past.

"Qin Huairu, Uncle Yi even wants to take your things, aren't you going to say anything?"

Hao Jianguo deliberately raised his voice and asked.

Qin Huairu's face flushed red and then turned pale.

She glared at Yi Zhonghai, stomped her foot, and turned to leave.

She couldn't stay there for even a moment longer; she had completely lost face.

"I'm innocent! Don't, don't talk nonsense! I really don't have that kind of problem! Xu Damao is just making things up!"

Yi Zhonghai waved his hands anxiously.

But this explanation sounded weak and unconvincing.

He looked around in a panic, only to find that no one around him spoke up for him.

In his haste, he remembered someone and quickly looked towards Sha Zhu's direction.

"Silly Zhu! You'd better speak up for me! You know me, I'm not that kind of person!"

However, after Yi Zhonghai shouted, Sha Zhu gritted his teeth and ignored him completely, his eyes so fierce it looked like he was about to pounce on him and beat him up.

How dare he steal Sister Qin's personal belongings?

Sha Zhu felt a surge of anger rush to his head.

When Yi Zhonghai saw his expression, his heart sank.

"Silly Zhu, believe me! It's not what you think!"

Unfortunately, no matter how much Yi Zhonghai pleaded, Sha Zhu didn't believe a single word.

If it weren't for the fact that Yi Zhonghai had treated him well in the past, Sha Zhu would have already thrown a punch at him.

The accusations from all around grew louder and louder, until even the deaf old lady could no longer bear to watch.

Leaning on her cane, she shook her head repeatedly, cursing, "Disgraceful!" This time, she truly doubted whether she had misjudged the situation.

After a while of commotion, the crowd gradually dispersed.

It was freezing cold outside, and I couldn't stand there.

But Yi Zhonghai knew in his heart that this matter was not over yet—from now on, he would probably be the laughing stock in this courtyard forever.

Later, Jia Zhangshi was dragged up by Sha Zhu and pulled back into the Jia family house.

As the strong wind swept through the corner of the yard, Yi Zhonghai huddled alone on the cold ground.

No one offered him a helping hand. Even the usually helpful Sha Zhu only glared at him from afar before turning and disappearing behind the door.

The entire courtyard was so quiet that only the sound of the wind and Aunt Yi's suppressed sobs could be heard.

Looking at her husband's disheveled figure, she felt an unprecedented sense of shame and coldness welling up inside her. In the end, she wiped away her tears and left quickly, leaving Yi Zhonghai alone in the twilight.

Yi Zhonghai's weak voice drifted on the wind: "Someone... please help me..."

However, no one responded.

He could only grit his teeth, endure the pain all over his body, and slowly move towards his own door.

After finally managing to get to the door, I raised my hand and pushed it—the door was locked from the inside.

No matter how much he pleaded or even got angry, the door remained tightly shut, and the old woman inside remained silent.

The next day, just as dawn broke, Yi Zhonghai dragged his weary body back into the house to lie down, when he heard a rapid banging sound coming from outside the courtyard gate.

It was Jia Zhangshi who came.

After last night's events, Yi Zhonghai felt a throbbing pain in his temples whenever he saw her.

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