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

Chapter 220 features a tragic drama as Jia Zhangshi is detained (6k)

"Director Wang, what brings you here at this hour?"

night.

Not long after the general meeting ended, the arrival of Director Wang from the street office surprised everyone in the front yard.

Director Wang, who came in from outside, didn't waste any words and went straight to Yan Bugui asking, "Old Yan, I need to know something from you. Has Jia Zhangshi come back today?"

"Mrs. Jia? She came back this morning..."

Yan Bugui didn't think much of it and spoke subconsciously.

Upon hearing Yan Bugui's answer, before he could ask any further questions, Director Wang's face darkened, and he immediately questioned, "Yan Bugui, as the head of the courtyard, since you knew about Jia Zhangshi's return to the courtyard, why didn't you report it immediately?"

"Director Wang, what did this Jia Zhangshi do wrong?"

Faced with Director Wang's questioning, Yan Bugui clearly realized something, panicked, and couldn't help but look at Director Wang with suspicion, taking the initiative to probe.

“This morning, Jia Zhangshi disappeared. The people from the commune and production team searched for her for almost a whole day. Finally, fearing something might have happened, they called our subdistrict office. I guessed she had secretly run back to the city…”

Upon discovering that Jia Zhangshi had indeed secretly returned, just as he had suspected, Director Wang was clearly somewhat angry as he confirmed this.

This is so late at night, and you're just making things difficult for people.

"This... did Jia Zhangshi sneak back?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Bugui was stunned. He quickly explained and clarified, "Director Wang, I had no idea about this. I thought Jia Zhangshi was visiting relatives in the city normally. I didn't expect her to sneak into the city... If I had known this was the case, I would have reported it to the street office immediately. There was absolutely no cover-up involved."

Upon learning the truth about Jia Zhangshi's return, Yan Bugui was both shocked and furious, and he almost cursed Jia Zhangshi to death in his heart.

Isn't this cheating?

"Alright, I only just found out about Jia Zhangshi sneaking back, so you can't be blamed."

After hearing Yan Bugui's explanation, Director Wang's expression softened slightly. He realized that he had been a bit hasty and his words might have been a little harsh. So he reminded Yan Bugui, "Next time you encounter this situation, remember to check if you have a letter of introduction. If you don't, be sure to report it to us in time."

"Yes, yes, Director Wang, I will definitely pay attention next time and will never make the same mistake again."

Yan Bugui breathed a sigh of relief and quickly made a guarantee.

This was the first time he had encountered something like this. Besides his lack of experience, he also suffered from a lack of vigilance.

Who would have thought that Jia Zhangshi's trip to the city, causing a ruckus in the courtyard, would not only alarm the neighborhood committee director, Director Wang?

Since the household registration system was tightened last year, population movement has been further restricted and the introduction letter system has been improved. For rural residents moving to cities and for people moving between cities, an introduction letter from the production team or commune, or from the work unit or street office is required.

Without a letter of introduction, one is considered a "migrant," and the consequences range from deportation to detention.

There is currently no ID card system, so a letter of introduction serves as temporary proof of identity. It is needed for ordinary travel, including marriage registration, staying in hotels, and purchasing specific goods, such as furniture. In these cases, a letter of introduction is required to prove identity and purpose.

Normally, if an ordinary farmer sneaks into the city without going through the production team, as long as nothing bad or special happens, there's no need for such a big fuss, let alone having to involve the neighborhood committee.

The problem is that Jia Zhangshi is not an ordinary farmer. She was sent back by the street office and is still undergoing education. That's why the production team and commune where Jia Zhangshi is located are paying so much attention to her.

If anything goes wrong, they can't afford to take that responsibility.

"Did Jia Zhangshi cause any trouble when she came back today?"

After learning that Jia Zhangshi returned around noon and hadn't gone out since, Director Wang asked Yan Bugui again.

It's fine with other people.

But Jia Zhangshi is really a bit unreliable.

"This one……"

When Director Wang asked this question, Yan Bugui was at a loss for words and didn't know how to answer.

Today, Jia Zhangshi made a scene as soon as she returned home, and even held a general meeting of the entire hospital in the evening. You could say she was causing trouble, but in reality, it was a private matter between the Jia family and Yi Zhonghai and his wife.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

When Director Wang saw Yan Bugui's stammering manner, his heart sank, and he immediately had a bad feeling.

The outcome I least wanted to see still happened.

"It's nothing, it's just..."

Yan Bugui hesitated for a moment, but still recounted what had happened in the hospital that day, including the events of the hospital-wide meeting that evening.

"That's right~"

After understanding the situation, Director Wang was actually less nervous.

In Director Wang's opinion, Jia Zhangshi clearly knew that her son, Jia Dongxu, had secretly arranged for Banggeng to become godparents to Yi Zhonghai and Wang Guihua, which is why she rushed back from the countryside.

If that's the case, then there's some reason to believe it.

As for the matter between the two families, Director Wang, as the director of the subdistrict office, could not make a judgment.

Whether they are willing or not is their own will and right.

not to mention.

The matter now seems to have been resolved.

Without saying anything more, Director Wang walked directly towards the Intermediate People's Court, accompanied by Yan Bugui and his group.

soon.

When the residents of the Intermediate Court saw Director Wang leading Yan Bugui and the others from the front yard, they all came out to greet them, and Du Jianguo went straight to Director Wang.

at the same time.

A person from the Jia family also came out.

Jia Dongxu stepped forward and, like the other residents in the courtyard, greeted them casually, asking, "Director Wang, what brings you here tonight?"

"Jia Dongxu, tell your mother to come out. There's no need to hide anymore. I know she's inside."

Director Wang glanced at Jia Dongxu, who was pretending nothing had happened, and got straight to the point.

She refused to believe that Jia Dongxu wouldn't know why she had come to his door at this time.

Upon hearing Director Wang's words, Jia Dongxu's face stiffened, but he feigned ignorance with an unnatural expression, saying, "Director Wang, what are you saying? My mother is in the countryside right now, how could that be..."

"Jia Dongxu!!"

Even after he had made it clear, Jia Dongxu was still pretending to be stupid and trying to fool him. Director Wang was furious and shouted angrily, "You don't really think I'm bored at night and would come here just to amuse you, do you?"

Or do you think that everyone in the courtyard is blind, and that they can't see your mother, who is a grown woman, running back home?

The commune has even called our subdistrict office. They still haven't decided how to handle the matter of your mother sneaking back today!

"You're still so stubborn, even thinking of covering it up. Do you want to make this a big deal so you and your mother can both go to jail for a few days?"

Director Wang was furious.

As for Jia Zhangshi, the mother, it's understandable, since she's not young. Her character and awareness are a bit lacking, but that's still acceptable.

But Jia Dongxu, the son, was just a worker, and unexpectedly he was so ignorant and foolish.

Does he really think he can just say a few words and get away with it?

If that's the case, then she won't be able to continue as the director of the neighborhood office.

"Director Wang, Jia Zhangshi is right inside the Jia family's house; she's definitely hiding and doesn't dare to come out."

"This Jia Dongxu doesn't look old, but he doesn't tell the truth very often. He was lying to you just now!"

"Director Wang, do you need our help to go to the Jia family and drag Jia Zhangshi out?"

"We will not hesitate to give the order."

"That's right!"

"Please give the order, Director Wang!"

"..."

As soon as Director Wang finished reprimanding Jia Dongxu, a group of people around him began to speak and express their opinions, looking as if they couldn't wait to serve Director Wang.

The leaders were naturally Sha Zhu and Xu Damao and a few others.

Seeing that Director Wang had come to the Jia family's door and that Jia Dongxu had made such a foolish move, Sha Zhu and Xu Damao, who were already at odds with Jia Dongxu and even had a grudge against him, naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to kick him while he was down.

The fact that Jia Zhangshi returned to the courtyard house was not a secret at all and could not be kept hidden.

Moreover, Director Wang has already come to their door, which means he has obviously learned something about the situation. Even without Sha Zhu and Xu Damao, the other residents in the courtyard will not cover up for or protect Jia Zhangshi. In the end, they will only get themselves into trouble.

At this moment.

Jia Dongxu's face was rather ugly, as if his father had died. It was hard to tell whether he was ashamed of being lectured by Director Wang or so angry with Sha Zhu and Xu Damao that he was about to explode.

However, what he did just now was obviously incredibly stupid, as if he hadn't thought it through at all. It's unclear whether it was Jia Zhangshi's idea or his own.

Faced with Sha Zhu and Xu Damao's actions, Director Wang naturally did not simply believe that they were just trying to help and that things had not yet reached that point.

Even if they had other thoughts or reasons, the fact that Sha Zhu and Xu Damao were willing to stand up was a form of support for her, so Director Wang naturally wouldn't make things difficult for them or say anything to them.

soon.

Hearing the commotion outside, before Director Wang could say anything more, Jia Zhangshi, who had been hiding inside and dared not come out, had no choice but to show herself.

"Director Wang..."

Standing at her own doorway, Jia Zhangshi looked at Director Wang not far in front of her and revealed a smile that was more like a grimace.

"Jia Zhangshi, why did you secretly run back from the countryside?"

Upon seeing Jia Zhangshi appear, Director Wang questioned her in an annoyed manner.

"Director Wang, I'm sorry!" In front of Director Wang, Jia Zhangshi naturally didn't dare to lose her temper or throw a tantrum. She immediately apologized and then tried to explain, "I've been in the village for too long. I haven't seen my grandson Banggeng for two or three months. I miss him so much that I couldn't help myself and secretly ran back... Director Wang, I was wrong, I apologize!"

In the end, Jia Zhangshi admitted her "mistake" and made a self-criticism on the spot.

At this point, even if Jia Zhangshi wanted to deny her mistake, she no longer had the chance.

"Jia Zhangshi, do you know how much trouble your running away has caused for so many people?"

Director Wang knew that Jia Zhangshi wasn't telling the truth, but she was too lazy to pursue the matter and argue with her. Instead, she said helplessly, "The people from the production team and the commune have been looking for you all day."

I understand your feelings and thoughts, but if you want to go back to the city to visit your relatives, you can simply follow the proper procedures and get a letter of introduction from the production team and the commune. If everyone acted like you, how could our work proceed?

Even someone as experienced as Director Wang sometimes feels helpless when dealing with someone like Jia Zhangshi.

Seeing Director Wang's angry expression, Jia Zhangshi felt a pang of anxiety.

However, upon hearing Director Wang mention the letter of introduction, Jia Zhangshi mustered her courage and said, "Director Wang, I...I did look for it, but they're making things difficult for me. They won't give me a letter of introduction and won't let me return to the city. I had no other choice, so I did this..."

"Jia Zhangshi, how dare you make false accusations against me?"

"If I hadn't known the situation, I would have been fooled by you."

"Don't you know why the production team and commune didn't give you a letter of introduction or let you come back?"

"Given your usual behavior in the production team, if it were me, I wouldn't give you a letter of introduction either. And you still have the nerve to say that?"

“When we sent you back to the countryside, it wasn’t to let you give up on yourself, nor was it to encourage you to be lazy. Think about it, it’s been almost a year now, how have you been behaving all this time?”

"..."

Wang's anger had almost subsided, but seeing that Jia Zhangshi not only showed no remorse but also distorted the truth in front of him, Director Wang's temper flared up again, and he exposed Jia Zhangshi's true colors on the spot.

Although Jia Zhangshi was sent back and her household registration was no longer in their jurisdiction, they had always maintained communication with the commune regarding her usual behavior and regularly paid attention to her. Therefore, Jia Zhangshi's words just now could not deceive her at all.

As her lie was exposed in public by Director Wang, Jia Zhangshi was not only embarrassed, but also panicked.

However, to everyone's surprise, Director Wang did not do anything to Jia Zhangshi afterward, but instead said:
"Jia Zhangshi, you should stay home tonight and spend some time with your family. When you get back, I will call your commune and ask them to send someone to pick you up tomorrow."

Logically speaking, this outcome should be excellent for Jia Zhangshi, since it was merely a repatriation and no punishment was imposed on her.

But after hearing this, Jia Zhangshi's face changed, and she immediately knelt down before Director Wang, pleading, "Director Wang, please, please don't notify our commune, don't let them send someone to take me back. Please have pity on me and let me go back to the city and live here again. Please, I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life..."

"Jia Zhangshi, what are you doing? Get up right now!"

At this moment, Jia Zhangshi's actions completely changed Director Wang's expression, filling him with shock and anger.

Jia Zhangshi's plea was alright, but her act of kneeling in public really made Director Wang feel like he was facing a formidable enemy.

Even though Jia Zhangshi is now barely considered a criminal, she is still a member of the public, and as the director of the street office, she is naturally a cadre of the people.

Making a member of the public kneel down in front of her in public could lead to misunderstandings and not only jeopardize her future but also cause her unnecessary trouble, or even serious trouble.

"Director Wang, I can't get up!"

"If you don't agree to let me stay, I won't get up."

"I will kneel here until dawn, until you agree, so that you can see my sincerity."

"Please believe me, I have really changed. As long as you let me come back, I promise I will never cause trouble again or cause you any more problems."

"Please, please..."

"..."

Jia Zhangshi's actions were completely unexpected, and it showed that she really didn't want to stay in the countryside and really wanted to come back.

As for her earlier assurance, few people believed it.

After all, Jia Zhangshi had said similar things more than once before, but in the end, she remained incorrigible.

Otherwise.

She wouldn't have been sent back to the countryside in the first place.

Even others could see this, let alone Director Wang.

Instead of softening Director Wang's heart, Jia Zhangshi's actions flashed with a fierce look, and he said to her in a slightly cold voice, "Jia Zhangshi, do you know what you are doing right now?"

Threatening state officials, you're really something. It seems that during your time back in the countryside, instead of reflecting on and correcting your problems, you've only gotten worse.

Originally, I wasn't even planning to pursue the matter of you sneaking back this time. But since you're so stubborn and refuse to recognize your problem, I have no choice but to handle this strictly by official procedures. Don't blame me for being ruthless.

Even though Jia Zhangshi's actions gave Director Wang an unexpected "surprise," it wasn't a big deal for her, and she couldn't possibly be so easily swayed by Jia Zhangshi.

While Jia Zhangshi was still in a daze, Director Wang directly said to Sha Zhu and Xu Damao, who were standing to the side, "He Yuzhu, Xu Damao, could you please do me a favor and come with me to take Jia Zhangshi to the police station?"

"no problem!"

"Director Wang, don't worry, I will definitely do a great job on this task."

Sha Zhu and Xu Damao were overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately gave their assurances.

Even setting aside the fact that Director Wang asked them for help, the fact that they could remember their names and call them out in front of so many people was enough for them to boast about for a long time.

After all, there are thousands of people living on a single street, and not everyone's name can be remembered in this way.

Those who weren't called out by Director Wang, especially the young people, all wore complex expressions of disappointment and envy.

at the same time.

Jia Dongxu and his mother, Jia Zhangshi, were both dumbfounded.

In an instant, Jia Zhangshi didn't even dare to cry or make a fuss. She quickly got up from the ground and immediately admitted defeat, saying, "Director Wang, I won't do it again. I was wrong. Please forgive me this time. I'll go back to the commune tomorrow..."

Seeing this, Jia Dongxu quickly pleaded, "Director Wang, my mother was just confused for a moment. Please don't take it to heart. I'll send her back tomorrow."

"take away!"

Director Wang glanced at the mother and son, but did not condone their behavior.

He had just clearly given Jia Zhangshi a chance, but she refused it, and Jia Dongxu, as her son, didn't react at all.

While it may seem like nothing was done, it was actually condoning Jia Zhangshi's behavior.

If Jia Dongxu had known better and persuaded Jia Zhangshi to back down, instead of only trying to plead for leniency after the outcome, Director Wang wouldn't have been so utterly heartless.

If this matter is not handled properly and Jia Zhangshi is let off so easily, what will happen to her if others follow her example and do the same next time?
"Got it!"

Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu, who had been waiting for Director Wang's response, excitedly rolled up his sleeves and walked towards Jia Zhangshi.

Xu Damao stepped forward with a slightly wicked smile, seemingly polite but actually smug, and said to Jia Zhangshi, "Aunt Zhang, please!"

Seeing the somewhat smug looks on Sha Zhu and Xu Damao's faces, Director Wang was speechless and said directly, "Jia Zhangshi, you'd better cooperate obediently. I'll take you to the police station, and we'll deal with you however we see fit."

This isn't a big deal; you'll be out in a few days. If you don't cooperate, you'll have to face the consequences!

"Director Wang, I'll cooperate!"

Seeing that things had developed to this point, Jia Zhangshi had no choice but to accept her fate.

Continuing to make trouble won't lead to a better outcome.

"Director Wang, what about us?"

"Yes!"

Seeing that Director Wang was preparing to "escort" Jia Zhangshi himself, Sha Zhu and Xu Damao, who had just been temporarily "appointed," hurriedly asked.

"I won't trouble you this time, but thank you for your help earlier."

Seeing this, Director Wang smiled and thanked Sha Zhu and Xu Damao.

Director Wang was just too lazy to do anything, so as not to lose face in front of everyone or scare Jia Zhangshi.

Now that Jia Zhangshi has behaved herself, she naturally doesn't need to make Sha Zhu and Xu Damao make a special trip with her.

Don't underestimate Director Wang just because he used to work in logistics and education. He's been on the battlefield and shed blood, so he doesn't take Jia Zhangshi seriously at all. He's not so lacking in confidence and assurance.

Upon hearing that Director Wang no longer needed them, Sha Zhu and Xu Damao were somewhat disappointed, as they had lost an opportunity to "show off".

Don't let their age fool you; they're at the stage of looking for wives and have been working for several years. They're still not settled and can be quite immature at times.

Or.

A man is a boy until he dies!
Not long after.

Led by Yan Bugui and Du Jianguo, a group of people escorted Director Wang and Jia Zhangshi outside.

As relatives, besides Jia Dongxu, even Qin Huairu came out to see them off, carrying the almost asleep Banggeng.

If you didn't know better, you'd think it was some kind of glorious scene!
"Alright, you can all go back now!"

Seeing the group of people who followed him out, Director Wang had no choice but to wave his hand, then got on his bicycle and said to Jia Zhangshi beside him, "Get on!"

After hesitating for a moment, Jia Zhangshi couldn't help but say, "Director Wang, how about I walk there and you take me by bike? I'd feel so bad."

Faced with Jia Zhangshi's current politeness and courtesy, Director Wang couldn't help but give her a suspicious look, wondering if she was up to something again, and thus warned her:

"Mrs. Jia, let me remind you, there are patrol teams outside at this time of night. If you try to sneak away and get arrested as a spy, I can't help you."

You'd better stop having any ulterior motives and stop causing trouble for me and our comrades, otherwise, in the end, you'll be the one who suffers the consequences.

She had only wanted to show that she was "sensible," but Director Wang's words left her embarrassed. Jia Zhangshi could only explain dejectedly, "Director Wang, I really didn't have any other intentions, it's just..."

"Come on up, what's with the fuss?"

Speechless, Director Wang glared at Jia Zhangshi, who dared not utter a sound and silently got on her bicycle.

As Director Wang started pedaling his bicycle, the two figures gradually disappeared into the distance.

(End of this chapter)