Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 166 Pillar, go pick up Xiaoman from school.

After the marksmanship test was completed, He Yuzhu wanted to leave, but Team Leader Fang was surrounded by a group of his men and they were talking to him. Then he said to He Yuzhu.

"Ahem, Xiao He, my men have heard that you're quite skilled in combat and they'd like to see it for themselves. What do you think?"

"Martial arts? I've never studied it."

"and you."

“I practice martial arts. If they’ve only practiced military combat techniques, then there’s no point in competing,” He Yuzhu said, shaking his head.

"Did you hear that? If you want to compete with others, you should first weigh your own strength and capabilities."

But there really are some stubborn people.

"Xingyi Quan, Li Hongwen, please enlighten me!"

"Baguazhang, Zhao Xinghuai, please give me your guidance!"

"Bajiquan, Duan Yiming, please give me your guidance!"

"Tongbei Quan, Cui Chengping, please enlighten me!"

"White Ape Tongbei Fist, Bajiquan, He Yuzhu!" He Yuzhu clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Two doors?" The group of people were all taken aback.

"I've also learned a bit of Tai Chi. Team Leader Fang, do you have a place for me?"

"Yes, yes, why aren't you leading the way?"

"Please!" everyone said in unison.

Upon arrival, the first to enter was naturally Duan Yiming, a practitioner of Bajiquan. It wasn't that he was the most skilled; all practitioners of Bajiquan are just a bit more skilled.

He Yuzhu entered the arena and stood still, assuming a starting stance. Duan Yiming's pupils contracted. Everything was too natural, as if he were eating and drinking. Even his master couldn't do that.

However, he still went ahead despite his fear. He Yuzhu didn't bully him too much and held back his strength, using only Bajiquan techniques.

Whether it was the Mountain-Piercing Lean, the Heart-Piercing Elbow, the Supporting Fist, or the Dragon-Subduing Stance, He Yuzhu easily neutralized them. Then, when He Yuzhu used the same moves against Duan Yiming, Duan Yiming was a bit overwhelmed. After three or five moves, Duan Yiming was no match for He Yuzhu.

"You, you've mastered the art of boxing?" Duan Yiming exclaimed in surprise.

"I don't know either, I guess so," He Yuzhu said.

"I am no match for you." Duan Yiming was about to leave the arena.

"Wait, Comrade Duan, I'd like to ask how they compare to you?"

"They've had their share of wins and losses, but Zhao Xinghuai is slightly stronger."

"In that case, all of you come at me together."

A hiss followed, followed by a collective gasp.

This young man is a bit too arrogant. These guys are the best fighters around here. They've encountered skilled fighters before when they're on missions, and the most powerful ones they've ever met are two of them attacking at once.

This guy actually sent four of them at once; how arrogant can he be?

"Xiao He, what are you doing?"

"Team Leader Fang, I only used three-tenths of my strength just now."

"Hmm? Then I won't try to persuade you anymore. You guys decide for yourselves. If you can't swallow your pride, then don't compete. Let Comrade He go home!"

He Yuzhu's lips twitched. This guy wasn't trying to persuade him; he was trying to provoke him. How could someone who practices martial arts stand for that?

"Our competition is just a matter of going to each other's homes. Comrade Xiao He, your fists and feet are ruthless, so please bear with us if anything goes wrong!"

"Yes, fists and feet are merciless."

"I know, please go ahead, I'm in a hurry."

On the field, four figures stood in four directions, surrounding He Yuzhu in the center.

"Comrade He, be careful!" Li Hongwen of Xingyiquan was the first to attack.

He stepped forward with his left foot, and his right fist shot out like a cannonball, which is the "Cannon Fist" in Xingyi Five Elements Fist.

He Yuzhu neither dodged nor avoided, but met the attack with the Bajiquan "Top Heart Elbow".

Li Hongwen wasn't foolish enough to use his fist against someone's elbow. He quickly turned his wrist, transforming his fist into a palm, and used the palm strike to cut He Yuzhu's elbow. This is the "horizontal fist" technique in Xingyi Quan to break through an opponent's move.

Unexpectedly, He Yuzhu pushed off with his foot, and suddenly increased the force of his elbow. The tip of his elbow grazed Li Hongwen's palm, and with the elbow leading the shoulder, he delivered a "mountain lean" to the opponent's chest.

Li Hongwen hastily crossed his arms to block, but was knocked back three steps.

"Brothers, let's all come at him together! Our pride is worthless; one person is no match for him," Li Hongwen shouted.

The others didn't respond, but they all moved.

Zhao Xinghuai, wielding the Bagua Palm, moved like a dragon, stepping into the Nine Palaces Step to circle around to He Yuzhu's side and rear, his palms slashing diagonally at the shoulders and neck like knives.

Tongbei Quan practitioner Cui Chengping extended his long arms and used the "Splitting Mountain" move to directly attack the center.

Duan Yiming rallied his forces and unleashed the Bajiquan move "Fierce Tiger Climbing the Mountain," striking directly at his lower body.

He Yuzhu suddenly chuckled and spun around like a top.

The White Ape Tongbei Fist technique, "Monkey Circling a Tree," was unleashed. First, the force of rotation was used to deflect Zhao Xinghuai's palm strike. Then, the left arm lashed out at Cui Chengping's wrist like a whip tip, while the right elbow precisely intercepted Duan Yiming's attack.

"Tai Chi Cloud Hands?" Zhao Xinghuai exclaimed in surprise.

The way He Yuzhu neutralized the combined attack of the three clearly carried the essence of Tai Chi's technique of using the opponent's force against them.

Team Leader Fang, watching from the sidelines, had an alarmingly bright eye, but considering He Yuzhu's refusal, he couldn't force him, which made him a little frustrated.

This kid is already on the list, it's just inconvenient to meet him. The higher-ups also said to respect his own wishes, because judging from his past track record, he has never made the right choice and has always done well.

The key is that it can bring the greatest benefit to the country, which is something that the higher-ups cannot refuse, not to mention the last one.

He knows a bit about steelmaking, tanks, and tractors, which can save the country at least five years of time, and that's an understatement, because he sent back a complete set of materials, much more than what Russian experts could teach.

"Watch out!" He Yuzhu suddenly changed tactics.

The fierce and powerful style of Bajiquan suddenly transforms into the flowing and long style of Tongbeiquan. The right arm moves like a snake emerging from its hole, striking and hitting in quick succession between the attacks of the four men.

Just as Li Hongwen was about to change his move, he suddenly found that his cannon fist was entangled by the opponent's Tongbei fist. Then a soft force came through his arm, and he involuntarily spun around.

"Is this... Tongbei Quan's 'White Snake Spits Venom' followed by Tai Chi's 'Lu Jin'?" Cui Chengping's eyes widened.

He has practiced Tongbei Quan for twenty years and has never seen anyone so naturally blend the essence of different boxing styles together.

Zhao Xinghuai suddenly changed his Bagua Palm technique to "Azure Dragon Probing Claws," intending to launch a sneak attack while He Yuzhu was dealing with the others.

Unexpectedly, He Yuzhu seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He dodged with a "lazy donkey roll" and when he got up, the Bajiquan "Standing Heaven Cannon" shot straight at his face, stopping abruptly an inch away from the tip of his nose.

"Thank you for your concession." He Yuzhu withdrew his fist and stepped back, his breathing becoming steady and normal.

The four looked at each other, and then, without prior arrangement, clasped their hands in a gesture of respect.

Duan Yiming said with a wry smile, "Comrade He, you haven't just 'learned a little Tai Chi,' you've clearly mastered the essence of various styles."

Thunderous applause suddenly erupted from the sidelines.

Those special department personnel who were originally waiting to watch the show were now completely convinced and applauding enthusiastically.

Team Leader Fang strode over and said to He Yuzhu, "Little He, your skills have truly impressed me."

He Yuzhu patted the dust off his clothes and said modestly, "It's all traditional martial arts; you just get used to it naturally after practicing for many years."

He glanced at his watch. "Team Leader Fang, if there's nothing else..."

"Wait!" Zhao Xinghuai suddenly shouted, "Comrade He, could you give us a few pointers? Just ten minutes!"

Seeing the four people's eager eyes, He Yuzhu smiled helplessly: "Alright, but we really need to hurry."

"it is good."

Teaching is not as interesting as sparring. Team Leader Fang dismissed the others and asked a few people to take He Yuzhu to his office later before he went home.

He Yuzhu's performance made him want to try again, but after making a few phone calls, he gave up.

He had also heard that someone had recommended He Yuzhu to be his bodyguard, but he was rejected and scolded for it, which was considered a waste of talent.

About half an hour later, He Yuzhu returned to his office. He handed He Yuzhu the gun and his identification, and then waved goodbye.

"Hurry up, hurry up, go get the gunpowder and leave."

He Yuzhu was puzzled by the sudden change in attitude and asked, "Team Leader Fang, what's going on?" "You're performing so well, but you can't come to me. It's annoying to see you like this."

He Yuzhu suddenly realized and smiled, "I see, Team Leader Fang. I believe we'll have dealings with each other again."

After saying that, He Yuzhu picked up his things and ran off. He first went with someone to get gunpowder, which was not black powder but smokeless propellant, as well as some percussion caps. He Yuzhu asked around and learned that they also had shotguns.

After finishing his business, He Yuzhu left the office building.

As soon as he came out, he was stopped by Team Leader Fang's driver, who said that the leader had instructed him to take him back. He Yuzhu did not refuse.

When they arrived at the gate, He Yuzhu got out of the car carrying the box. He had tucked the pistol into his clothes before getting in the car; in fact, he had put it in his spatial storage, because he didn't want to scare people if he carried it out.

He Yuzhu was a little uneasy when he didn't see Yan Bugui at the courtyard gate, thinking to himself, "Has this old miser changed his ways?"

He turned past the screen wall without even glancing in the direction of the back room, and walked straight to the front yard. He did run into the women there, but they all fell silent as soon as they saw him chatting away.

He Yuzhu went straight into the middle courtyard. Instead of going to the main house, he put the gun back in his east wing. However, he put the gunpowder and other items into his spatial storage, since there were many children in the family and he didn't want them to be set on fire again.

After putting his things away, he went to the main room. The old lady was there too, and when she saw him, she asked, "Zhuzi, where did you go?"

"I went to inquire about work."

"How's it going? Are you going back to your old workplace?"

"Can not go back."

"What? Why can't we go back?" the mother and daughter exclaimed at the same time.

"The position there is no longer available, so I may have to transfer to another unit."

"What company is it? Is it as good as the old one? What position is it?" Chen Lanxiang asked three questions in a row.

"Mom, several companies are hiring, but I haven't decided where to go yet."

"Several, what kind of organizations are they? Should we ask your Aunt Xia and Aunt Ping? They'll definitely know."

"No need, it's similar to my old company, but the things they procure are different."

"Or is it the kind of business trip?" The old lady understood.

"Ah."

"Can't you find someone who doesn't travel far? You're away for years at a time," the old lady said.

"No, madam. Last time was due to special circumstances. It won't happen again."

"Really not?"

"No, I promise." He Yuzhu could only tell a small lie. He had no idea where he would go or how long he would be gone, but it probably wouldn't be like before, lasting for several years.

"That's good. You have no idea how worried your family is when you go out."

"By the way, you still haven't said what kind of organization you're working for," Chen Lanxiang asked.

“Ministry of Foreign Trade, China National Import & Export Corporation, China National Grain Import & Export Corporation,” He Yuzhu said.

"The Ministry of Trade? Isn't that directly under the higher-ups? It's the largest one, isn't it?" Chen Lanxiang was at least somewhat knowledgeable, because He Daqing had mentioned that the steel rolling mill was directly under the Ministry of Heavy Industry.

"That's it."

"What position?"

"Deputy Director".

"My goodness, he's at the same level as your father's direct superior?"

"more or less."

"Your three years of hard work haven't been in vain; you've finally made it through," the old lady said.

"Then your salary will be over a hundred?" Chen Lanxiang asked.

"The salary level hasn't been determined yet; we'll know once it's finalized."

"His salary is higher than your dad's again. He was overjoyed when he was promoted to director and his salary was higher than yours."

"Huh? Why is he trying to compete with me?"

"Who knows? But he's been holding his breath for a while because his son has fallen so far behind," Chen Lanxiang said with a smile.

"I do not know how?"

"How could I let you know? If you say something to him again, he'll get even angrier."

"Then this time, just say it's the same as before."

"No need, this will encourage him to work harder to earn money."

"Ok."

"By the way, when will you be able to finalize things on your end?"

"Two or three days."

"Are you free this afternoon? Do you have time to pick Xiaoman up?" the old lady asked.

"Yes, didn't she come back on her own?"

"Does it mean the same if someone comes back on their own or you go to pick them up?" Chen Lanxiang said irritably.

"Okay, when does she usually come back?"

"Around four or five in the afternoon, you should go early."

"it is good."

"How about I give you some money and tickets, and you can take Xiaoman out to eat, and maybe catch a movie or something?"

"Eating out won't get you much without meat coupons, and besides, what could possibly be better than what I cook? I'll decide about the movie after I see her. You don't need to queue up to buy movie tickets anymore, right?"

"Then come back and eat. Da Mao knows about the movie, but I don't. Also, be more proactive when you see people, understand?"

"Got it, mother."

After lunch, He Yuzhu fiddled with his hunting rifle in his room for a while, which involved loading a few bullets. He also locked the door from the inside.

I'm afraid the two little ones will suddenly rush in. Those two are too naughty. They've gotten used to him these past few days and keep running over to him. They're practically living here with him.

"Bang bang bang," He Yuzhu was fiddling with something when he heard knocking on the door.

Then came Chen Lanxiang's voice.

"Zhu Zi, what are you doing in there? Why did you lock the door?"

"Mother, is something the matter?"

"You forgot what you promised at noon? Don't you even know what time it is? Open the door now."

He Yuzhu glanced at his watch; it was 2:45. Suddenly, he remembered that he didn't have a bicycle, and taking the bus there would take more than an hour. He hurriedly said...

"I'm coming."

"What are you messing around with in the room? A gun? Zhu Zi, where did you get this gun?" Chen Lanxiang rushed in as soon as the door opened and immediately saw the gun on the table, which startled him.

"The hunting rifle was a gift from someone; I have a gun license," He Yuzhu said.

"Don't lie to your mother. Your Aunt Ping told me you wanted to get a gun for hunting, but she couldn't get it done, so you did it yourself."

"I really do have one, let me show it to you." He Yuzhu went into the inner room and took out the gun license for the hunting rifle.

Chen Lanxiang looked at it for a long time but still couldn't tell if it was real or fake, so she said, "Keep the gun safe. Don't leave it lying around, and don't take it out. Do you hear me? I'm taking this certificate with me now. I'm going to ask your Aunt Ping tonight if it's real."

“It’s really true, Mother.”

"Hmph, you've got some pretty wild connections out there, who knows if that's true or not."

"Alright, take it. It's definitely real. I'm a government official, how could I do anything illegal?" He Yuzhu said helplessly.

"Precisely because you are a state cadre, you must be even more strict with yourself."

Chen Lanxiang's words surprised He Yuzhu; it didn't sound like something a housewife would say.

"What are you looking at? Your mother has attended training classes and is a model community coordinator. Can't you know more?"

"Yes, yes, I'll pack my things and leave right away." He Yuzhu quickly put away the gun and placed it on the cabinet in the inner room, making sure the younger ones couldn't reach it. Of course, the bullets wouldn't be left behind; they could stay in the space.

(End of this chapter)