In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

The Yang family had just finished dinner and were tidying up when they heard a series of slightly hurried footsteps outside. The sound grew louder as it approached and finally stopped in the yard.

Immediately, a clear, slightly urgent voice from a young boy pierced through the thin darkness: "Is Brother Guangming home? My dad wants you to come over; he says he has something he wants to discuss with you."

Yang Guangming was picking up the stack of bowls and chopsticks when he heard the voice and paused. He immediately recognized the voice as that of Li Zhandong, the ten-year-old son of Deputy Director Li, who lived in the main house of the central compound.

This child usually runs and jumps around in the yard. He has a loud, clear voice with a strong voice, making him very recognizable.

Tian Yufen and the old lady also stopped what they were doing.

Tian Yufen held a rag in her hand, hovering it in mid-air, a look of surprise and confusion on her face.

At this time when everyone has just finished dinner and is preparing to rest, what could it be that Deputy Director Li specifically sent his son to invite Guangming over? Moreover, he used the words "invite" and "discuss," which doesn't sound like he's treating an ordinary junior.

Yang Guangming's thoughts raced through his mind. Combining the uproar over the conflict in the front yard earlier that day, he made a rough guess.

This matter should have nothing to do with him, a new neighbor who had just moved in and was still considered an "outsider." However, Director Li made a special trip to invite him. This attitude clearly showed that he was not treated as an ordinary junior, but rather that he was given considerable importance and respect, and that Director Li implicitly regarded him as a household head with significant influence in the courtyard.

Being invited to participate in and offer opinions on important matters involving neighborhood disputes and social norms within the courtyard, to some extent, represents one's status and voice in this complex and interconnected compound.

Director Li was giving him face, which was also a form of implicit recognition.

Although he didn't want to get involved in these disputes and only wanted to live a quiet and peaceful life behind closed doors, he couldn't be ignorant of social etiquette.

Director Li had taken the initiative to show goodwill and respect. If he refused, he would be ungrateful and appear too arrogant and unsociable, which would not be conducive to long-term relationships within the institute.

Moreover, he also wanted to take this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the temperaments and relationships of his neighbors in the courtyard.

"Yes, I'm here. Zhan Dong, wait a moment, I'm coming right away."

Yang Guangming responded loudly, gently placed the bowl and chopsticks on the stove, and said to his mother and grandmother, "Mom, Grandma, Director Li wants me to go over there. I guess it's about the incident between the Liu family and the Ma family in the front yard during the day. I'll be right back."

Tian Yufen's face showed a hint of worry that was barely perceptible. She put down the rag, took two steps forward, and whispered, "..."

"When you get there, just talk to Director Li and listen to his opinion. We've just moved here and aren't familiar with the situation yet. We haven't even settled in properly, so don't say anything or make any rash statements."

She knew her son was opinionated, but she was also afraid that his youthful impetuosity might lead him to get caught up in trouble.

The old lady also stood up, holding onto the edge of the table, and chimed in, "Your mother is right. Neighborhood matters are complicated and intertwined. We should stay out of it and protect ourselves."

Having lived most of her life and weathered many storms, she deeply understands the principle of "distant relatives are often enemies." Sometimes, conflicts between neighbors are even more difficult to resolve than those between relatives.

"I know what's important, so please don't worry." Yang Guangming nodded and gave his mother and grandmother a reassuring look.

In the courtyard, Li Zhandong was tiptoeing, peering inside. Seeing the sunlight, a bright smile immediately spread across his slightly flushed face, revealing a set of neat, white teeth: "Brother Guangming!"

"Let's go, Zhan Dong, don't keep your dad waiting." Yang Guangming smiled gently and patted the little guy's slightly thin shoulder lightly.

Li Zhandong exclaimed "Hey!" and turned around like a nimble little monkey, leading the way.

Yang Guangming followed behind him, the two figures, one tall and one short, passing through the slightly dim second courtyard and heading towards the brightly lit main house.

By this time, the sky was completely dark, with a few scattered stars dotting the inky blue sky, and a crescent moon hanging on a corner of the upturned eaves, casting a cool, clear light.

Upon arriving at Director Li's house, Li Zhandong pushed open the slightly ajar door, the old hinges creaking softly.

He poked his head in and called out in a clear, childlike voice, "Dad, Brother Guangming is here."

"Please come in, please come in!" Li, the deputy director, said in a warm and loud voice immediately from inside.

As Yang Guangming strode into the main room, a faint aroma of jasmine tea mixed with the scent of tobacco wafted towards him.

The layout of Director Li's house is similar to that of Yang Guangming's main house in the east wing. It is also a classic courtyard layout with one bright room and two dark rooms. The main room is spacious, with square bricks on the floor. It is clean and tidy. Against the north wall, there is a dark red eight-immortal table and several chairs of the same material. They look a bit old, but they are polished to a shine.

Several certificates bearing red flags and gears, along with a common portrait of a leader, were pasted on the wall, adding a touch of solemnity to the room.

At this moment, two people were already sitting around the octagonal table. One was Deputy Director Li, whose brows showed signs of fatigue, and the other was the highly respected Grandpa Tong from the front yard.

On the table in front of the two were several white porcelain teacups, from which wisps of steam rose, and the tea leaves slowly unfurled and floated within.

Upon seeing Yang Guangming enter, Deputy Director Li and Grandpa Tong both stood up from their chairs and greeted him with polite and solemn smiles.

"The light has arrived, please have a seat." Deputy Director Li said, pointing to an empty chair next to him, his tone friendly.

"Director Li, Uncle Tong," Yang Guangming greeted them politely as he took a seat in the designated chair.

"Zhan Dong, go play in the inner room, the adults have something to discuss." Deputy Director Li waved to his son, who was still standing at the door looking around curiously.

Li Zhandong obediently said "Yes," then secretly glanced at Yang Guangming before skipping into the east bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Deputy Director Li picked up the white porcelain teapot on the table, steam rising from its spout. He skillfully filled the empty cup in front of Yang Guangming with pale yellow tea and pushed it towards him: "Freshly brewed jasmine tea, high-quality tea, tastes alright, have a taste, it'll help you relax."

His tone was casual, carrying the care and concern of an elder for a younger person.

"Thank you, Director Li." Yang Guangming accepted the teacup with both hands. He didn't drink it immediately, but gently placed the cup on the table in front of him.

After a few casual words about the weather and dinner, Deputy Director Li's smile faded slightly, and his expression became serious. He cleared his throat and said:
"Guangming, I hope I didn't disturb your rest by calling you over so late? It's mainly because of the conflict between the Liu family and the Ma family in the front yard during the day. You saw it yourself; it was quite a scene and had a bad influence."

He turned to Grandpa Tong and said, "Old Tong has already told me the general outline of what happened, including the cause and effect, and the behavior of both sides."

I was thinking that since you also live in the compound and are a worldly-wise college student with broad experience and clear thinking, I'd like to hear your opinion so we can discuss it together and see how to handle this matter appropriately, both to resolve the dispute and to maintain harmony within the compound.

He spoke very politely and humbly, and his words fully demonstrated his respect for Yang Guangming's opinion, showing that he was not just going through the motions.

Yang Guangming quickly and modestly said, "Director Li, you are too kind. I am young and inexperienced, and my understanding of the people and things in the institute is still shallow."

In other words, it's about listening and learning from the ways the elders handle things.

The specific handling of this matter is up to you and other long-time residents like Grandpa Tong, who are knowledgeable and understanding. I'm just offering some preliminary thoughts for your consideration.

Grandpa Tong chimed in, "Guangming, don't be modest. You're the most educated person in our compound. You've read a lot of books, so your understanding of issues is definitely more thorough and comprehensive than ours."

Since Director Li asked you, just say what you think, let's brainstorm together."

Deputy Director Li nodded and turned his gaze to Grandpa Tong: "Old Tong, you haven't finished speaking yet. Please tell us your thoughts in more detail first."

Grandpa Tong sighed, the wrinkles on his face seeming to deepen at this moment, and said, "Guangming, to be honest, I live in the front yard with the Liu family and the Ma family. We've been neighbors for decades. I wouldn't say I know them inside and out, but I do know them fairly well."

Based on my years of observation and judgment, and considering everyone's behavior in today's commotion, there's a 99% chance that those two jin of pig intestines belonging to Liu Xiaojun were stolen by those two rascals from the Ma family!

His tone was firm, carrying an intuition and insight accumulated from long-term neighborly interaction, as well as a deep-seated hatred for the "traitor within the family."

"You don't know."

Grandpa Tong raised his eyelids, his eyes filled with reminiscence and helplessness. "Our courtyard used to be quite peaceful. Although there were occasional minor frictions and quarrels between neighbors, there were never any petty thefts or other dishonest things that could not be discussed openly."

Everyone's life is pretty much the same; we may be poor, but we still have to save face.

It's been the last six months, sigh..."

He sighed heavily. "Supplies are tighter in all aspects, everyone is struggling to make ends meet, and there's a general lack of oil and fat in our stomachs. Things are starting to get a bit unsettled in the courtyard. Every now and then, someone will steal some odds and ends, like a few scallions or a head of garlic. They're not worth much, but they're still annoying!"

At first, there were some rumors, subtly pointing the finger at Liu Xiaojun, saying that he was involved in shady dealings.

Grandpa Tong paused, a complex expression on his face, showing both partial agreement with the rumors and disapproval of Liu Xiaojun's actions.

"The reason why people have this suspicion is not entirely because those two boys from the Ma family deliberately spread rumors later. It's also because of that kid Liu Xiaojun..."

Sigh, he probably didn't steal anything from the yard, but I've heard he's a bit...disrespectful and not very honest with himself when he's outside.

So when something goes missing in the yard, everyone thinks of him first. He's not entirely without fault; his past misconduct has made him a suspect.

Grandpa Tong paused, his face showing a look of disappointment: "But no matter what, Liu Xiaojun still understands the principle of 'a rabbit doesn't eat the grass near its burrow.' Even if he has some affairs outside, he hasn't laid a hand on the neighbors in the courtyard. He knows how to keep his distance."

But those two boys from the Ma family, Ma Daguo and Ma Erguo, are the real scourges of the courtyard!

They're so young, yet they have the energy but refuse to find proper work. They just laze around all day, wandering aimlessly, stealing and cheating. I think they specifically target people in the neighborhood, thinking that acquaintances are easy to bully. They're utterly despicable!

His voice rose a few decibels in anger.

As he got more agitated, Grandpa Tong's voice rose slightly, filled with barely suppressed anger:

"What angers me the most is that not only did they steal the pig intestines, but they also dared to rummage through the Liu family's other belongings when no one was home! They're incredibly audacious! They're utterly lawless!"
If the Liu family really did lose money and grain coupons, the situation would completely change. This wouldn't be petty theft; it would be burglary! With such a brazen thief in the courtyard, if we don't teach him a lesson to deter others, how can anyone live in peace? We won't even be able to sleep soundly!
But those two rascals were incredibly clever; they did things cleanly and never let anyone catch them with any real evidence.

Grandpa Tong shook his head helplessly, "I was taking a nap at home this afternoon and didn't hear a single unusual sound. I wanted to give them a certificate, but I couldn't. I'm so frustrated!"

He pounded his leg. "I've asked the other families in the front yard too. Around noon, they were either sleeping at home or busy with their chores. Nobody noticed what was happening in the yard."

"Without any evidence, you can't convict someone just by suspicion and inference." His tone was full of helplessness.

After listening to Grandpa Tong's judgment, which was filled with strong personal emotions but based on long-term observation and factual evidence, Deputy Director Li frowned deeply.

He picked up his teacup, gently blew away the tea leaves floating on the surface, took a sip of warm tea, but did not speak immediately. He simply held the teacup in his hand, his eyes lowered, clearly digesting and thinking about what Grandpa Tong had said, weighing the pros and cons and the difficulty of handling the situation.

After a moment, Deputy Director Li slowly put down his teacup, turned his gaze to Yang Guangming, who had been listening quietly without interrupting, and asked in a calm but earnest tone:

"Guangming, Lao Tong has basically finished explaining his views and the information he has. What's your opinion on this matter? I'd also like to hear your thoughts and ideas."

His eyes were encouraging; he genuinely wanted to hear this young man's different perspective.

Yang Guang knew perfectly well that this was unavoidable, and it was also the main reason why Director Li had invited him.

He paused for a moment, organized his thoughts, and tried to speak in an objective and calm tone: "Director Li, Uncle Tong, since you two have asked me, I'll share some of my humble opinions. They may be immature, and I would appreciate your corrections and understanding if I said anything wrong or was not well thought out."

He emphasized: "First of all, objectively speaking, as Grandpa Tong just said, there is currently no direct and compelling evidence to prove that the pig intestines were stolen by the Ma brothers."

Although Liu Xiaojun spoke with absolute certainty and even swore an oath in a fit of emotion, his claim of "obstructing and delaying, and colluding from within and without" was ultimately just his personal speculation and imagination based on the other party's behavior and his own judgment.

Legally, we adhere to the principle of "presumption of innocence," meaning that no one should be convicted without solid evidence.

"Director Li, you're part of the public security system, so you certainly know this better than we do."

He offered a timely compliment to Deputy Director Li and also pointed out the bottom line that must be followed in handling this matter.

Deputy Director Li nodded, a look of agreement on his face: "Yes, procedures are very important; suspicion alone is not enough."

Yang Guangming continued, "Secondly, based on my personal subjective feelings and some details I observed today..."

He frowned slightly, as if recalling the scene from earlier that day. "Liu Xiaojun was very emotional throughout the conflict. He didn't seem to be faking it. His emotional expression was very genuine, not like he was acting."

He paused, then changed the subject, "On the other hand, the various emotional shifts of the Ma family mother and her two sons seemed a little unnatural to me."

Grandma Ma's tears and lamentations, while seemingly pitiful and eliciting some sympathy, felt somewhat...overly dramatic, carrying a hint of contrived performance.

He carefully chose his words, trying not to sound arbitrary. "Of course, Director Li, Uncle Tong, this is just my personal feeling and a superficial judgment based on micro-expressions. It cannot be taken as accurate, much less as evidence."

He paused, then changed the subject again, "If, and I mean if, we treat today's conflict not just as a neighborhood squabble, but as a formal case that needs to be investigated, then based on this subjective judgment and reasonable suspicion, we can try to find some circumstantial evidence or a breakthrough."

He looked at Deputy Director Li and asked, "For example, could we investigate the Ma brothers' whereabouts around noon today in a more systematic way?"

Or, is it possible that they quickly moved those two pounds of pig intestines to some unknown place outside the yard, such as a secluded corner, or that they had accomplices to meet them?

These are all areas where, in theory, time and effort can be spent investigating and gathering evidence.

"but."

Yang Guangming emphasized his tone, looked at Deputy Director Li with a frank gaze, and pointed out the practical dilemma: "Isn't it a waste of precious public resources to make such a big fuss over two pounds of pig intestines?"

After all, as you, Chief Li, are aware, the shortage of supplies is a common phenomenon. In various compounds and alleys, there are probably more than just disputes caused by trivial supplies in our compound. If we were to invest in every case like this, our police force would be stretched thin.

Therefore, determining the appropriate level and balancing resource allocation requires Director Li to make judgments based on the actual situation and his experience.

He skillfully handed over the final decision-making power to Deputy Director Li, expressing his own views while fully respecting the other party's authority and status.

After listening to Yang Guangming's clear and logical analysis, Deputy Director Li's eyes flashed with undisguised admiration.

This young man is indeed clear-headed, has a meticulous mind, speaks with tact, and knows when to advance and retreat. He expressed his views and demonstrated his thinking ability without overstepping his bounds. He is clearly a reasonable person who understands human relationships.

He sighed heavily: "Guangming, what you said makes sense, and your analysis is very thorough."

From my personal perspective, and from the perspective of a police officer's duty, if the matter can be thoroughly investigated and the evidence is conclusive, giving the victim a real explanation and the perpetrator a deserved lesson, no matter how busy the station is or how strained the police force is, as long as there is a glimmer of hope, I will do my best to push forward the investigation.

Maintaining peace and security in this area and protecting the safety of people's property is my duty, and I have no choice but to fulfill it.

"but."

He changed the subject, a deep sense of helplessness on his face, "Based on my years of experience handling these kinds of family disputes and neighborhood conflicts at the grassroots level."

It will likely be difficult to find a conclusive and convincing result for this matter in a short period of time.

Just like your analysis, the most critical problem now is—there is no evidence.

There's no direct evidence, and circumstantial evidence is hard to find. And…”

He lowered his voice, speaking with a knowing tone, "With things escalating so much, and so many eyes watching in the courtyard, even if the Ma brothers really stole something, they wouldn't be foolish enough to hide such easily perishable and smelly items as pig intestines in the house, or cook and eat them right there in the courtyard under everyone's watchful eyes."

The items were definitely moved outside discreetly, and may have been handed over to accomplices or hidden in some extremely well-hidden place.

In this sweltering heat, pig intestines won't keep long, who knows..."

He shook his head, a bitter smile appearing on his lips. "Maybe it's already in someone's stomach by now, and has been 'destroyed'."

Without finding the stolen goods, relying solely on speculation and intuition won't lead to a conviction. Any further discussion will be futile and may even alert the perpetrators or provoke greater conflict.

"unless……"

Deputy Director Li paused, his expression becoming even more serious, and he sat up straighter. "Unless the Liu family has indeed lost money and food coupons."

Furthermore, if it can be clearly identified that this was the one that was stolen, then the nature of the matter is serious.

If the amount involved is large, then it is no longer an ordinary neighborhood dispute or petty theft. It is necessary to open a case and investigate it thoroughly, and it is also necessary to use some investigative methods.

Therefore, how this matter is ultimately handled, and to what extent, depends on whether the Liu family actually lost any money or tickets, and the specific circumstances of the loss.

We'll only know the specifics and make a further decision after Lao Liu gets off work.

As soon as he finished speaking, as if to confirm his words, a series of slightly heavy footsteps came from the courtyard outside the door.

"Is Director Li home?" A calm yet slightly hoarse voice sounded from outside the door.

Almost immediately, another slightly rough voice rang out: "Director Li, we're here."

Really talking about Cao Cao, Cao Cao is here.

The three people inside the room exchanged glances, each seeing a knowing look in the other's eyes that said, "As expected, they've come."

Deputy Director Li took a deep breath, adjusted his posture, and regained his calm and composed expression. He called out, "I'm here. The door's open. Come in."

The cedar wood door creaked open, and two men walked in one after the other.

Walking in front was Liu Xiaojun's father, Liu Changfu.

He was around fifty years old, not tall, and thin, like an old pine branch dried by time. He wore a set of faded blue overalls that were even worn through in some places, and his face bore the deep marks of years of hard work.

However, somewhat incongruous with his image as an ordinary worker, his eyes were exceptionally bright and piercing. When he looked at people, his gaze was calm and seemed to penetrate their hearts, revealing a shrewdness and composure that was different from that of ordinary workers.

His face was expressionless, showing neither anger nor frustration; he appeared unusually calm, a calmness that made him somewhat enigmatic.

Following behind him were Ma Daguo and Ma Erguo's father, Ma Youcai.

He was in his early forties, with a rather stocky build. He wore a slightly worn white undershirt with a loose and deformed collar, revealing muscular arms that were somewhat flabby.

His face was somewhat fleshy, his eyes were shifty, and the corners of his mouth habitually turned down, exuding an air of arrogance. Yet, he was trying to force a respectful smile, which seemed rather incongruous.

When the two entered the house, they were both taken aback to see that Grandpa Tong and Yang Guangming were also there, clearly not expecting so many "outsiders" to be present.

Liu Changfu's gaze lingered briefly on Yang Guangming's face for a moment, a subtle scrutiny flashing across his eyes, before returning to calm.

Ma Youcai put on an unnatural, almost obsequious smile and greeted them with bows and scrapes: "Old Tong is here too, oh, Comrade Guangming is here too, it's really...it's really bothering Director Li and everyone."

Deputy Director Li pointed to the two empty stools next to the octagonal table and said calmly, "Old Liu, Old Ma, please sit down. We were just discussing what happened during the day, and I invited Grandpa Tong and Comrade Guangming to join us in discussing the situation." (End of Chapter)