Courtyard Houses: Starting with the principle of hard work paying off

Chapter 166 Someone, bring the demon-revealing mirror to the deaf old woman! (4k)

weekend.

Everyone in the courtyard was resting, and Li Hongbing didn't go to work at Fengzeyuan as usual.

"Hongbing, are you taking a day off today too?"

Upon discovering this, Yan Bugui couldn't help but come closer.

Due to the different industry, Fengzeyuan is open on weekends except for statutory holidays, and its internal staff are on leave on a rotating shift system.

Therefore, Li Hongbing's rest time is not fixed. Even though the rest of the people in the hospital are different, it is rare for their rest times to coincide like today.

"What a coincidence, it's today too."

Li Hongbing nodded, without mentioning that he had actually taken the day off specifically for this occasion.

Two days ago, Li Hongbing gave Liu Haizhong an idea: to hold a hospital-wide meeting to learn from the deaf old lady as a "role model." The meeting was scheduled for today, and Liu Haizhong naturally couldn't miss this grand event.

Liu Haizhong is preparing the tools and materials for making straw sandals, which will take some time.

Today is a day off for everyone, making it the busiest day of the week during the day.

It's cold enough during the day; if you choose to do it at night, you'll definitely get yelled at.

Choosing to do it during the day was inevitable.

Not only is there plenty of sunlight, but the temperature isn't as low as at night, and it can even be warmer if the sun is out.

As long as it doesn't snow, there shouldn't be any major problems.

Looking at the current weather, Li Hongbing felt that the weather was quite cooperative.

“Hongbing, Director Yang hasn’t made any moves since he came last time. Do you think there’s any definite news about the old lady in the backyard?”

Yan Bugui leaned closer and asked Li Hongbing in a low voice.

He had previously gone to report the rumors about the deaf old woman to Director Yang, so he was naturally very concerned about the matter. But now there was no news, which made him a little puzzled.

"Uncle Yan, what's the rush?"

After glancing at Yan Bugui, Li Hongbing said, "Whether it's the old deaf woman saving the local leader back then, giving our army shoes, or her husband and son joining the army, it's all just the old deaf woman's own story. There's no actual evidence to prove it."

Under such circumstances, how could Director Yang possibly recognize the deaf old woman's status as a national hero and family member of a martyr based on this alone? Wouldn't that be a joke?
If it were that easy to become a national hero or family member of a martyr with just a few words, a whole bunch of people would be waiting to swindle the country. Do you believe it?
Since the deaf old lady couldn't produce any evidence, Director Yang had to investigate and verify it himself. But even the people in our hospital didn't know about these things before, so how could it be so easy to investigate?

These things take time; it could be as quick as ten days to two weeks, or as long as ten years or two, and there might never be a definitive conclusion in this lifetime…

What Li Hongbing said were all objective facts, and Yan Bugui nodded in agreement after hearing them.

In fact, he also felt that if the deaf old lady wanted to be recognized as a national hero and a family member of a martyr, it mainly depended on whether Director Yang could find out anything.

The problem is that the information provided by the deaf elderly woman was too limited and vague.

This probably won't be that easy.

That's why Yan Bugui didn't rush to curry favor with the deaf old woman like Liu Haizhong and his ilk.

Someone as shrewd and calculating as him would never gamble on something with such uncertain probabilities.

Yan Bugui felt a pang of heartache when he saw others giving the deaf old woman both meat and chicken soup.

Yan Bugui was reluctant to give up his post in order to gain a reputation for caring for national heroes and families of martyrs.

The important thing is that he knew the deaf old woman too well.

You can't win her favor without spending a lot of money.

In Yan Bugui's eyes, the deaf old woman was a typical example of someone who only remembered what she got but not what she was grateful for. She would only befriend whoever provided her with something, and once that was over, she would forget about it. When it was time to scold or beat her, she would never talk about such things.

Investing in people like that is pointless.

Yan Bugui had long seen through the other party.

Back when the deaf old lady was the matriarch of the courtyard and no one questioned her status, Yan Bugui always treated her with respect in words, but if there was anything good, he would secretly eat it behind closed doors, unlike others who would send her a share.

Moreover.

The matter of the deaf old woman being recognized as a national hero and family member of a martyr has not yet been settled!
“Hongbing, you said…”

"Uncle Yan, what did you say? Don't keep me in suspense!"

"Uh... nothing, I forgot what I was going to say."

"Uncle Yan, you're in your prime right now, how come your memory is failing so quickly?"

"..."

Faced with Li Hongbing's complaints, Yan Bugui felt somewhat embarrassed but did not make any response.

What he actually wanted to discuss was another possibility regarding the incident involving the deaf old woman, but he was afraid that if these words got out, and the deaf old woman really was a national hero and a martyr's family member, then he would be in trouble.

Therefore, Yan Bugui kept his mouth shut.

Even though he knew Li Hongbing wasn't the type to "leak secrets," the cautious Yan Bugui still didn't want to take the risk.

Not a moment later.

Liu Guangqi from the backyard ran over and said to Yan Bugui, "Uncle Yan, my dad asked me to tell you that a general meeting is being held in the middle courtyard later, and he wants you to inform the neighbors in the front yard."

"A hospital-wide meeting? How come I didn't know about this?"

Yan Bugui was clearly stunned.

This is the first time we've seen this situation, because every time there's a general meeting of the entire college, it has to be discussed and agreed upon in advance by the three senior administrators; no one makes this decision on their own.

Moreover, Yan Bugui had no idea what Liu Haizhong wanted to do by suddenly convening this hospital-wide meeting.

This left him both puzzled and somewhat annoyed.

Liu Guangqi obviously couldn't answer Yan Bugui's question, because Liu Haizhong hadn't told him the situation either.

Feeling frustrated, Yan Bugui had no choice but to go to Liu Haizhong to find out what was going on.

No matter what.

Yan Bugui and Du Jianguo, the two senior administrators of the college, both went to see Liu Haizhong, but Liu Haizhong refused to reveal the reason, only saying that they needed to cooperate because there was something very important.

"I wonder what's going on with those bangs."

Yan Bugui returned from the backyard empty-handed, but was filled with anger.

Liu Haizhong's actions showed a complete disregard for the other two senior management officers; he was incredibly arrogant.

Seeing Yan Bugui's anger, Li Hongbing, who had noticed the situation, couldn't help but shake his head.

This hairstyle clearly shows a desire to claim all the credit for himself, excluding Yan Bugui and Du Jianguo.

It’s normal to think about it.

After all, Liu Haizhong did all the preparations alone, so it's not right to let the two of them share his "achievements" now, right?

Although Yan Bugui was unhappy, he did not fall out with Liu Haizhong and eventually helped to notify the residents in the front yard.

Even if Yan Bugui didn't help, Liu Haizhong would just have someone make another trip.

Not long after.

When Li Hongbing and the others from the front yard arrived at the middle yard, there was a brazier that Liu Haizhong had borrowed from various households in the back yard, and charcoal had been lit in advance.

Although the sun is out now, it's still cold outside. Holding a hospital-wide meeting under these conditions is bound to cause some emotional reactions. Besides, we're going to learn how to make straw sandals from the deaf old lady, so Liu Haizhong prepared all of these things in advance.

Furthermore, all the charcoal consumed today will be fully sponsored by Liu Haizhong himself.

"Red Soldier, over here!"

Seeing Li Hongbing coming from the front yard, Sha Zhu, who had brought a stool from his own house, had already reserved a spot by the charcoal fire.

Upon seeing this, Li Hongbing, who had come empty-handed, went straight up and sat down next to him.

Since He Daqing returned last time, Sha Zhu has completely severed ties with Yi Zhonghai and the deaf old woman.

Before He Daqing left Beijing, he brought Sha Zhu over to apologize and express his gratitude, and presented him with a Tan family recipe book as a thank-you gift. Li Hongbing gave him face, and that was considered a reconciliation.

Out of respect for He Daqing and Dong Congyou, Li Hongbing couldn't bring himself to hold a grudge against Sha Zhu for past events. To some extent...

They are now on the same side when it comes to Yi Zhonghai and the deaf old woman.

With He Daqing's confession and Yi Zhonghai's threat eliminated, and Li Hongbing holding the privilege of "reporting" at any time, Sha Zhu dares not offend him at all now.

In this courtyard, Li Hongbing was essentially the representative of He Daqing and Dong Congyou. Even if Sha Zhu had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to act recklessly, and he basically listened to everything they said.

Li Hongbing didn't do anything else; Sha Zhu was already his number one henchman.

This kind of thing wouldn't do Li Hongbing any harm, so he naturally wouldn't refuse, since he wouldn't have to pay any extra price anyway.

Li Hongbing only disliked the foolish Zhu who had previously been clueless.

At this time.

Xu Damao, who came from the backyard with a stool, also came over. When he saw Li Hongbing take out a handful of sunflower seeds from his pocket, he couldn't help but ask, "Hongbing, give me some too."

Upon hearing this, Li Hongbing was not stingy and shared some with him.

Not surprisingly.

Seeing Xu Damao's actions, Sha Zhu immediately complained, and the two quickly started bickering.

Li Hongbing was already used to this scene.

As everyone in the courtyard arrived, they gathered in small groups around a small fire pit, chatting and warming themselves by the fire.

soon.

Liu Haizhong, the initiator of this conference, walked over from the backyard with Jia Dongxu, amidst the unexpected gazes of everyone.

In the courtyard stood a slightly worn square table, next to which was a grand chair, and two braziers, clearly prepared by Liu Haizhong for the deaf old woman.

After inviting the deaf elderly woman to take a seat, Liu Haizhong looked at everyone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I think you may all have some questions about the general meeting I have convened today."

What I really want to tell everyone is that this hospital-wide meeting is actually a learning conference. The main purpose is to learn from the old lady's patriotic spirit of courageously supporting the cause and selflessly dedicating herself, and to learn from the spirit of the Red Army's Long March…

Hearing Liu Haizhong say these words, many people showed a look of astonishment.

Li Hongbing, who had once "angered" a deaf elderly woman to the point of hospitalization, remained remarkably calm.

If it weren't for this hospital-wide meeting, which was orchestrated by Li Hongbing, Liu Haizhong and the deaf old woman wouldn't have dared to do this. Li Hongbing would have definitely made them lose face.

Now!
Let them be smug for a while.

Without Li Hongbing making any statement, even those residents who hadn't been trying to curry favor with the deaf old woman in the past few days, or those who were observing the situation, didn't stand up to object.

Liu Haizhong was very satisfied with the result and immediately said to the deaf old woman, "Madam, could you tell us about the rescue of the underground comrades and the delivery of straw sandals to the Red Army?"

"This……"

The deaf old woman hesitated for a moment.

To be honest, seeing so many people in the courtyard, she felt a little uneasy.

Everything was so sudden.

She had only just found out about all of Liu Haizhong's preparations and was completely unprepared.

"Madam, please tell us. We and the children would love to hear it."

"Yes, we all like it."

"Grandma, did you hear that?"

"This is the voice of the people!"

"Look, all these big guys are waiting!"

"Well... shall I tell you? I remember it was winter, and it was snowing outside that day when I went out..."

"..."

She was initially hesitant, but when those people who had been eagerly trying to curry favor with the deaf old lady started to chime in, she was moved and reluctantly agreed.

Fortunately, in the past few days, several households have specially brought her meat or chicken soup. Wherever she goes, people greet her with smiles. The children in the courtyard have been pestering her a lot, telling her stories of how she saved the local comrade and gave shoes to the Red Army.

The deaf old woman was already quite familiar with these "stories" and could recite them without notes.

At first, the deaf old lady was very worried and uneasy, but as Director Yang did not make any moves and the attitudes of the people in the hospital changed, the deaf old lady gradually began to enjoy it.

Even when she was the "oldest matriarch" in the courtyard, she never felt this warm welcome from everyone.

The deaf old woman suddenly realized that the labels of national heroes and martyrs' families were much more useful than the so-called ancestors.

In the past few days, the deaf old lady has gradually come to terms with things.

Even if she can't produce evidence to prove that she did those things, others can't prove that she didn't do them either.

Her biggest advantage was that Beijing was an enemy-occupied area back then, not under the control of our army. So many years have passed that many things are impossible to investigate.

She used to be arrogant and domineering in the courtyard, and everyone respected her. But this changed two years ago when Li Hongbing took action to undermine her authority.

The deaf old woman may not say anything about the difference in her treatment over the past two years, but she can't possibly be completely without thoughts about it.

By sheer chance, she now has the opportunity to regain her "honored" status, and it's hard for the deaf old lady not to be tempted.

Now, Liu Haizhong has "lifted" her back to the hospital's general meeting, where she is told her "glorious deeds" in front of so many people in the hospital. As she speaks, the deaf old lady can't help but feel excited and gradually enjoys the feeling.

however.

Just as the deaf old woman was speaking enthusiastically, Jia Dongxu, who was standing on either side of her like a bodyguard, looked at Li Hongbing, who was eating sunflower seeds in the crowd, and suddenly said, "Li Hongbing, the old lady is talking, what are you eating sunflower seeds for? This is disrespectful to the old lady, do you know that?"

Jia Dongxu's provocative act of challenging Li Hongbing not only stunned everyone present, but also made Yi Zhonghai and the deaf old woman's hearts skip a beat.

What surprised everyone even more was that Li Hongbing didn't retaliate this time, but instead obediently put the remaining sunflower seeds back into his pocket.

This scene completely stunned everyone.

Even Jia Dongxu, who had just mustered up the courage to speak up and was prepared to confront Li Hongbing head-on, was stunned for a moment, and then couldn't help but feel smug.

At this moment.

Seeing Li Hongbing suddenly become "timid," the deaf old woman thought he was afraid of her status as a national hero and family member of a martyr. She felt extremely happy and instantly had a sense of triumph.

Of everyone present, only Liu Haizhong, after a brief moment of surprise, realized "why" and gave Li Hongbing a satisfied and praising look.

Everything is business as usual.

As the deaf old woman finished recounting how she saved the Red Army from dire straits and how she delivered shoes to the Red Army during the Long March, Liu Haizhong led the applause.

The courtyard erupted in applause.

As the applause subsided, Aunt Liu and Liu Guangqi, having received a signal from Liu Haizhong, brought over the tools and materials that Liu Haizhong had prepared in advance for making straw sandals.

The real show is coming!

Just as everyone was wondering, Liu Haizhong stepped forward and said to everyone, "Dear neighbors, this study session is already halfway through. We have just listened to the old lady's story and not only felt her bravery and patriotism, but also learned what the Long March spirit is."

For this learning conference, I have specially prepared some tools and materials for making straw sandals. Next, please welcome the old lady to teach everyone how to make straw sandals.

By learning how to make straw sandals, we can better appreciate the old lady's support for our army and her patriotism, as well as the hardships the Red Army endured when they wore straw sandals to cross grasslands and climb snow-capped mountains.

Next.

Everyone, open your eyes wide, watch carefully, and learn carefully. See how the straw sandals the old lady gave to the Red Army were made...

at the same time.

Faced with another sudden move from Liu Haizhong, who actually asked her to teach everyone how to make straw sandals on the spot, the deaf old woman was completely stunned.

The deaf old woman, who was completely unprepared, had her legs go weak before she could even stand up from the armchair.

These straw sandals...

How could she possibly do that?
That hairstyle of hers is clearly designed to make this old lady suffer!

(End of this chapter)