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

He suppressed his anger and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Jia Zhangshi didn't answer, but instead launched into a tirade of abuse. Her wrinkled face was contorted with rage: "Do you think I wanted to come to your door? Yi Zhonghai, you have to take responsibility for what happened last night! You've ruined my reputation. If you don't come up with a hundred yuan in compensation today, I'm not done with you!"

She stretched out her hand, looking as if it were perfectly natural for her to collect a debt.

Yi Zhonghai was so angry that his vision blurred.

Reputation? Jia Zhangshi actually mentioned his reputation? He hadn't even settled accounts with her yet, and this woman was already making false accusations.

"What compensation?!"

Yi Zhonghai retorted in a hoarse voice, "You were the one who wandered around in the middle of the night and bumped into others yesterday. If anyone should be liable for compensation, it should be you paying me!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zhangshi jumped up as if her tail had been stepped on, her finger almost poking Yi Zhonghai's nose: "Stop pretending to be confused! I'm asking you, why did you steal my wife's personal clothing? If word gets out that such a shameless thing, how will she ever face anyone again? Asking you for a hundred yuan is already letting you off easy!"

She became increasingly agitated as she spoke, spitting all over Yi Zhonghai's face: "If you don't pay me today, I'll stand in the street and shout, let the whole neighborhood judge for themselves what kind of person you are behind the scenes, this supposedly eighth-grade worker!"

Yi Zhonghai's chest heaved violently, and after a long pause, he finally managed to squeeze out, "You're utterly unreasonable!"

"Yi Zhonghai, don't push your luck!"

With her hands on her hips and a fierce look in her eyes, Jia Zhangshi said, "I'll say it again, if you don't give me the money, I'll go out and shout right now, and see who's more humiliated!"

The frustration, losses, and grievances of the past few days exploded at this moment.

Yi Zhonghai suddenly stood up, his legs trembling with pain, and roared with bloodshot eyes, "Go ahead! Go if you dare! Let me tell you, I don't have a single penny!"

He recalled all the misfortunes that had befallen him during this period, and the help he had given to the Jia family. A strong sense of regret welled up in his heart—if he had known this would happen, he would have used that grain and money to feed the dogs.

Of course, Jia Zhangshi would not let it go, and for a time, there was a constant stream of scolding in Yi Zhonghai's room.

As dawn broke, everyone in the courtyard got up one after another. As soon as the commotion started, people like Xu Damao, who were always looking for something interesting, gathered around the window to watch the excitement.

They all knew in their hearts that, no matter what happened in the future, that "pants" alone...

The gossip is enough to keep everyone talking until spring.

……

The end of the year is approaching.

Although resources are scarce these days, people always find their own ways to welcome the New Year.

The streets gradually became lively, filled with the festive atmosphere of the New Year.

In the courtyard, each family was busy preparing for the New Year's Eve dinner and stocking up on New Year's goods, and most people had smiles on their faces.

Of course, Yi Zhonghai is an exception.

His house door is still tightly closed, completely out of place with the jubilant atmosphere outside.

After all that commotion at the Jia family's place, the nightmare that had plagued Jia Zhangshi finally subsided.

She slept soundly all night and almost burst into tears, feeling that the hard times were finally over and she could finally catch her breath.

But Jia Dongxu hasn't been happy these days.

He had already taken to heart the rumors circulating about Qin Huairu, Sha Zhu, and Yi Zhonghai, and even doubted whether Bang Geng was his biological son.

Especially with the recent string of accidents—last time he fell into a cesspool, a few days ago Banggeng pushed him out the door and he fell, knocking out half of his front tooth; yesterday was even worse, the boy suddenly let go while pushing the wheelchair, almost causing him to be hit by a passing car—Jia Dongxu became more and more frightened, and felt more and more that this child was not his own.

Otherwise, how could it be so outrageous?

Unable to contain his anger, he called Qin Huairu over, pointed at her nose, and yelled, "Qin Huairu, tell me the truth! Is Banggeng your son with Shazhu or Yi Zhonghai? Otherwise, why would this brat go to such lengths to harm me? He almost killed me!"

Qin Huairu felt stifled and aggrieved, and when her husband questioned her like this, she couldn't help but burst into tears.

Unfortunately, Jia Zhangshi witnessed this scene.

She was already furious because she hadn't managed to extort a hundred yuan from Yi Zhonghai, and hearing her son's words only fueled her anger. She almost rushed out to smash Yi Zhonghai's door again.

……

Lunar New Year's Eve finally arrived amidst everyone's anticipation.

Every household puts up Spring Festival couplets and hangs up red lanterns; even those who are short of money still want to have a festive atmosphere.

As was customary in previous years, Yi Zhonghai, the deaf old lady, and Sha Zhu would go to the Jia family to celebrate the New Year together. However, ever since the incident with the pants, Yi Zhonghai has naturally stopped visiting.

He knew in his heart that the gossip would eventually fade, but he wondered if he would still be sitting in that "old man's" seat next year.

But for this position, it's hard to say.

The chances seem slim.

The only thing that made him feel a little better was that Sha Zhu had finally started talking to him again these days.

Otherwise, who else can he rely on to take care of him in his old age and see him off in his final days?

Liu Haizhong's home had the air of a small official's residence.

On New Year's Eve, Liu Haizhong put on airs and spoke in a very official tone in front of his son, who was extremely pleased with his son's flattery.

He had even started planning: if he could bring Yi Zhonghai down next year, he would be a proper "big boss" and the real "leader" of the hospital.

The atmosphere at Yan Bugui's house was slightly better, but this man was used to being shrewd and calculating, so even during the New Year, he was stingy with the dishes on the table and didn't show any generosity.

Even so, the meal was quite lavish compared to usual.

Each household in the courtyard has its own way of living, and each life has its own unique flavor.

However, compared to Hao Jianguo's family, the New Year's Eve dinner of the entire hospital seemed rather lackluster.

Hao Jianguo is spending the Spring Festival alone this year, but the dishes on his table are more plentiful than all the other households in the courtyard combined.

The rich aroma of the food wafted out of the courtyard gate, making the neighbors feel bland in their mouths and unable to enjoy their food.

The Jia family finally got to eat meat this year.

Qin Huairu felt suffocated – the meat was all given to Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu first, and the children, Banggeng, could only occasionally get a bite to satisfy their cravings. When it was her turn, there wasn't even a drop of soup left.

Exhausted after the meal, the mother and son collapsed onto the bed like old men, refusing to move again.

Qin Huairu had to clean up the table full of dishes herself.

"Later... let's go see if there's anything left at Uncle Yi's place."

She secretly made her plans.

Although the previous incident had almost severed all ties with Yi Zhonghai, Qin Huairu was thick-skinned and knew in her heart that no matter what, Sha Zhu would always side with her.

If you act pitiful in front of Sha Zhu, you can always get some food.

Actually, what she really wanted to go to was Hao Jian's house—the aroma of the food there was so tempting.

But this idea is just that—an idea. If they actually went there, they probably wouldn't even be able to get in.

After washing the dishes, Qin Huairu hurriedly went out the door.

The children couldn't stay still either. As soon as they saw their mother walking out, they all followed her.

"Sister Qin! I was just thinking of coming to find you!"

Sha Zhu was still as enthusiastic as ever. When he saw Qin Huairu hesitating at Yi Zhonghai's door, he quickly came out to greet her and invited her into the house.

When Yi Zhonghai saw Qin Huairu, a hint of embarrassment flashed across his face, but he pretended nothing had happened.

"Banggeng, Xiaodang, Huaihua, come on over, Uncle Sha has prepared some New Year's money for you, don't be shy, take it!"

Sha Zhu chuckled and called the three children over, handing each of them a red envelope.

The children, clutching the money, beamed with joy, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, Uncle Sha!" Sha Zhu couldn't stop smiling.

Just as the three little ones turned to run away, Sha Zhu grabbed Bang Geng:

"Hey, do you want to receive more New Year's money tomorrow? How about this, we'll..."

He started coming up with bad ideas again.

"If I ignore you on New Year's Eve, you'll be sorry on New Year's Day!"

……

The first day of the Lunar New Year is a time for sleeping in.

But Bang Geng took his younger siblings out and went door to door asking for red envelopes.

Liu Haizhong was still half asleep in bed when he was startled by the three little devils.

Before he could react, the children plopped down.

They all knelt down in unison.

"Happy New Year, Uncle Er! The Spring Festival is here, so here comes a red envelope! One yuan is too little, two yuan is too little, three or four yuan is just right; if you don't give it to us, we won't accept it, for fear our careers will suffer!"

Liu Haizhong was furious when he heard this.

But it's really not easy to refuse to pay this money—what if it really affects my future promotion? Who can I complain to?

Finally, he reluctantly took out three yuan and threw it into the broken bowl that Banggeng was holding.

Then, the children went to Grandpa San's house, Xu Damao's house... and so on, begging their way there.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, who doesn't want good luck? Despite feeling resentful, everyone still gave money.

Having experienced the "success" of the previous few companies, the three of them were filled with confidence and felt that they would definitely make a fortune today.

Finally, with Sha Zhu's secret guidance, they arrived at Hao Jianguo's door.

"Bang Geng, look closely. Hao Jianguo is the wealthiest guy in our compound. Isn't this the perfect opportunity to take advantage of him? Didn't he make a fortune recently? Let's make him bleed a good amount today."

Sha Zhu whispered his advice, a calculating glint in his eyes.

"On the first day of the Lunar New Year, everyone wants good luck. The three of you should keep pestering him for twenty yuan. Don't budge an inch, you have to haggle until you get it."

Others might only ask for three or five yuan, but when it came to Hao Jianguo, Sha Zhu asked for twenty yuan right off the bat, his jealousy almost overflowing.

"Don't be afraid of him bluffing. You are just children, he won't dare to lay a hand on you."

Even if you yell and call the police, don't be afraid; the police are too lazy to deal with these kinds of things.

Finally, Sha Zhu added another sentence.

The group of Bang Geng were already itching to get started, and as soon as Sha Zhu finished explaining, they rushed excitedly to Hao Jianguo's door.

But when they pushed open the door, the three of them were dumbfounded—everyone else's door was left a crack, but Hao Jianguo's was completely blocked, and they couldn't get in at all.

"Brother, the door is locked, what should we do?"

Xiao Dang tugged at the sleeve of the stick, looking worried.

Banggeng's eyes darted around, and he grinned, "If we can't get through the door, there's always a window! We absolutely have to get those twenty dollars today; think of all the snacks we can buy!"

After saying that, he rolled up his sleeves and was about to climb out the window.

But just as they reached their hands through the window crack, before they could even apply any force, they heard a "click".

Two crisp sounds—

The two iron rat traps snapped shut and bit down hard on the hand holding the stick.

"ah--!"

Banggeng never expected this, and immediately screamed in pain, curling up on the ground and trembling.

This shout startled the entire hospital.

"What's going on now? Can't even let people have a peaceful New Year's Day!"

Uncle Er and the others walked out cursing and swearing. They had just been swindled out of money by these brats and were still fuming.

But everyone was stunned when they saw the pitiful state of the stick.

The child was rolling around on the ground, his hands swollen like steamed buns.

Qin Huairu rushed over upon hearing the noise and saw the metal clamp tightly gripping her son's hand. Her heart clenched, and she hurriedly removed the clamp from his hand, her voice trembling, "What happened?!"

Xiao Dang and Huaihua shook their heads in fright, their fingers trembling as they pointed to Hao Jianguo's window: "Brother... he got caught in the clip on that window."

Sha Zhu had been startled earlier, but now that he understood the reason, his anger flared up.

It shot up to the top of my head.

Without thinking twice, he rushed to Hao Jianguo's door and pounded on the door with his fists, acting as if his own son had been wronged.

"Hao Jianguo! Get out here! Look at the mess you've made!"

Hao Jianguo was catching up on his nap when he was woken up, and he was furious. "These bastards, can't they just give me a day of peace and quiet?"

He opened the door, and before he could even stand up straight, Sha Zhu grabbed him by the collar, pointing his other hand at Bang Geng: "Have you no shame? How old are you? How could you do this to a child, beating his hand like this? You're so cruel!"

Hao Jianguo coldly observed Sha Zhu's flushed face and calmly said, "Let go."

Let's get straight to the point, no need for arguing.

Sha Zhu became even more determined, clenching his fist tightly: "I won't let go!"

He finally got a chance to show off in front of Qin Huairu, so he wasn't about to let it go easily. He even raised his fist as if to smash her.

A mocking smile appeared on Hao Jianguo's lips as he looked at Sha Zhu as if he were watching a joke.

He didn't intend to be polite.

The morning hustle and bustle dragged Hao Jianguo from his sleep. Before he was fully awake, He Yuzhu had already rushed towards him aggressively.

Hao Jianguo frowned slightly, flicked his fingertips, and an invisible stream of energy entered He Yuzhu's body, instantly draining his strength.

Everyone only saw a blur before their eyes, and He Yuzhu, who had been glaring angrily, suddenly collapsed to the ground with his knees buckling as if he had lost his skeleton.