Siheyuan: Relieve stress and relieve worries

Chapter 1236 Oversimplifying (Continued from Chapter 103)
Wang Zhan was very willing to rent his house in courtyard number 95 to someone he knew. After hearing what Tie Laoda said today, he felt that this matter could be accomplished. Tie Laoda was stunned when he heard Wang Zhan's words, and then said, "You want me to live in your front yard?"

Tie Laoda thought Wang Zhan was talking about the house in Yu'er Hutong, but Wang Zhan shook his head and said, "No, I just got a house in Mao'er Hutong, in courtyard number 95. But I just entrusted it to the street office yesterday, so I guess it's still there. I'll rent a few rooms from you; the street office shouldn't object."

Upon hearing this, Tie Laoda couldn't sit still any longer. He pulled Wang Zhan up and went to find his father. In the forging workshop, Tie Laoda was sitting and drinking tea, while his apprentices were chatting together not far away.

After listening to Boss Tie's story, Master Tie looked at Wang Zhan with a puzzled expression and said, "Where did you get this house? I've never heard of it before."

"What a coincidence, it happened just these past few days. I was also having the same problem." Wang Zhan said, and then recounted what had happened in the past few days.

Master Tie smoked his cigarette, thought for a while, and said, "Alright, anyway, it's just this silly boy taking care of his wife. Even if Yi Zhonghai is in that courtyard, he probably won't dare to touch my son because of me. Okay, I'll remember this favor and have Lao San repay it later."

Wang Zhan thought the first few sentences were normal, but by the end, he realized that Master Tie was no pushover either. After Master Tie finished speaking, he went to find the workshop director and asked for leave for both Master Tie and Wang Zhan.

Wang Zhan led Tie Laoda straight to the street office. Although only a day had passed, who knew what Director Wang, who was always targeting him, might do? They should hurry and go, just to put their minds at ease.

When Wang Zhan arrived at the street office, he saw that the gatehouse door was open. He glanced inside through the reception window and saw several people talking about something. Standing inside were Director Wang, Deputy Director Zhao, and Officer Yu, as well as a person in a police uniform. Only Grandpa Qi was sitting on the single bed, smoking with his head down and not saying a word.

The others seemed to be trying to persuade Grandpa Qi about something. Wang Zhan guessed that Grandpa Qi was probably very reluctant, otherwise he wouldn't have such an expression.

Wang Zhan and the other two looked at each other. Wang Zhan wanted to ask Master Tie if they should wait a while, but Master Tie didn't even look at him and walked straight in. As soon as he entered, he said, "Oh, you're all here. I just happened to have something to ask you. Isn't it convenient that you're all here?"

Director Wang and the others were a little angry. Why did this person just walk in without knocking? Did he think the neighborhood committee was their home? Grandpa Qi also angrily looked up at the door, but when they saw the person leading the way, all their anger vanished instantly. Director Wang stepped forward and said, "Master Tie, what brings you here? This is like the sun rising in the west. Is this the first time you've visited since I took office?"

"He doesn't have time for that. Who is he? Tie Jun, the famous top forging worker of the Ministry of Industry and the top epigrapher of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage," Grandpa Qi said sourly.

Master Tie wasn't angry at all, and said with a smile, "Uncle Qi, it's just that I owe you a drink, it's not that big of a deal."

Grandpa Qi jumped up from the bed and pointed at Master Tie's nose, saying, "You still have the nerve to mention it? You owe me a drink since 1939, and you still have the nerve to bring it up? I brought you the wine, and you ran away over the wall. That left Grandma Tie to nag me for half a day, and you still have the nerve to bring it up."

"No way, Uncle Qi, didn't you join the army? I couldn't find you anywhere. Let's not talk about it. Today, I'll treat you to a drink, okay?" Master Tie replied with a smile.

Director Wang listened to the two banter, but something seemed amiss. It was the first time she'd heard that Grandpa Qi had only served in the military. She looked up at Officer Yu, the most senior officer, who was also bewildered. Officer Yu had also heard what Master Tie had said and was staring at Grandpa Qi in surprise, oblivious to the look Director Wang was giving him. Director Wang's eyebrows twitched with anger. Seeing everyone looking at him, Grandpa Qi explained, "Director Wang, and Deputy Director Zhao, you may not have seen my file. My file is in the Armed Forces Department. I joined the army in 1938 and retired in 1949. I had no choice but to retire; I was riddled with injuries and illnesses. The organization took care of me and asked for my opinion. Because my home is in Nanluoguxiang, I shamelessly asked my superiors for a gatekeeper job, as a final contribution to the country. So, what you just mentioned isn't something I can just agree to. You need to submit a report to the Armed Forces Department; that's my direct supervisor."

Upon hearing Grandpa Qi's explanation, Director Wang's face instantly turned red. How could she dare to report to the Armed Forces Department? It seemed that Grandpa Qi's background was not simple. She should have known better than to have targeted the gatekeeper.

After Grandpa Qi finished speaking, he ignored Director Wang. Director Wang and his group were all very embarrassed, standing there not knowing what to say or whether to stay or leave.

At this moment, Master Tie spoke up. He smiled and said to Director Wang, "Director Wang, do you have some time now? I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Would it be alright if we went to your office?"

Director Wang immediately replied, "Oh, right, right, right. Look at me, I've been so busy with this. Come on, come on, Master Tie, you're the master craftsman, so please tell me what's wrong."

After Director Wang finished speaking, he led Master Tie out of the gatehouse. Upon seeing this, Deputy Director Zhao quickly said, "I'll go with you. I really admire Master Tie." As soon as he finished speaking, he followed closely behind Director Wang and ran out of the gatehouse.

Grandpa Qi sat there and snorted coldly. The remaining cats and dogs saw this and slunk away from the gatehouse.

Grandpa Qi was still angry, smoking and muttering something indignantly. He turned his head and saw Wang Zhan leaning against the window, watching him with great interest. Grandpa Qi became even angrier and shouted at Wang Zhan, "What? Are you here to laugh at me? How about it? Funny, isn't it? These guys really don't know their place. If it weren't for me, never mind, I wouldn't say anything more."

"Uncle Qi, I have to say something, it might not be pleasant to hear. Look, you're already so old. Since you have the means, why not just go home and retire? Why work so hard here every day? Besides, if everyone were like you, where would your children find jobs when they grow up?" Wang Zhan offered a different suggestion.

Grandpa Qi looked at Wang Zhan with great interest, and said with a half-smile, "How do you know I don't have any family?"

Wang Zhan was stunned, and looking at Grandpa Qi with a bit of confusion, he asked, "No, everyone has family, why don't you have any?"

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Qi fell silent, instantly lost in his memories. He lit a cigarette and slowly said, "My family all died in the 1941 sweep. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken up arms and joined the army. Now I'm all alone. I don't know where to go except here. As for my hometown, I don't want to go back. There's only sadness there."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhan realized he had been rash and felt a pang of self-reproach. He knew nothing and yet he offered his opinion, which had stirred up Grandpa Qi's painful memories. He felt guilty and looked at Grandpa Qi, whispering, "I'm sorry."

After saying that, Grandpa Qi and Wang Zhan had nothing more to say. Grandpa Qi seemed to be a little resentful towards Wang Zhan and didn't want to talk to him anymore. Wang Zhan also smiled awkwardly and walked out of the gatehouse. As soon as he left the gatehouse, Wang Zhan slapped himself.

(End of this chapter)