Courtyard House: She got anxious when He Yushui wasn't licked.

He Yuzhu came to his senses and wanted to deny it, but Wang Lin said that everyone in the compound had seen it, so naturally it included Uncle Yi Zhonghai. But why did Uncle Yi Zhonghai never help him?

Is there perhaps some reason behind this?

Wang Lin continued, "Shazhu, when you get out, go home and see what's going on. That woman Qin Huairu has searched your entire house. If you hadn't been clever enough to hide your secret stash of money under the floor tiles, Qin Huairu would have taken all your dowry by now."

He Yuzhu's eyes widened upon hearing this. "How did you know I hid my secret stash of money under the ground... Did He Yushui tell you? No! He Yushui knew nothing about this! So you were spying on me!"

Wang Lin shook his head and said, "Is that what you're concerned about? Do you think people will be grateful if you deliberately leave a few cents or a dollar in your pocket every time? They'll just take your money behind your back and call you a poor bastard!"

"How do you even know this?!"

He Yuzhu took a step back. Wang Lin had revealed all his thoughts. Before, when Qin Huairu helped him wash his clothes, He Yuzhu would put a few cents or a dollar in his pocket as a reward for Qin Huairu cleaning and washing his clothes.

Wang Lin continued, "Qin Huairu flirted with many male employees in the factory. For a little food, she often went into the warehouse with Xu Damao. Think about it, what could a man and a woman do in the warehouse?"

He Yuzhu shook his head, his face full of astonishment, unwilling to believe what Wang Lin said. "Impossible! Sister Qin is not that kind of person! Xu Damao must have coerced and lured her. When I get out, I'm going to find Xu Damao and ask him clearly."

Looking at He Yuzhu, who still refused to believe the truth, Wang Lin couldn't help but say, "You've really been a suck-up all these years! You don't care about your own sister, but you've been doing your best for that widow."

A hoodlum who had been listening to the gossip chimed in, "A widow, surnamed Qin? Are you talking about Widow Qin from the Third Steel Rolling Mill? Her husband died from violations of regulations?"

He Yuzhu turned around and looked at the thug. He walked over, grabbed the thug by the collar, and questioned him, "Are you going to spread rumors about Sister Qin too? Let me tell you, if you dare to say a single word out of line, I'll break your legs."

The thug wasn't easily intimidated. He retorted angrily to He Yuzhu, "If you're talking about this woman, I have a brother who works at the Third Steel Rolling Mill. He once boasted to us while drinking that he experienced being served by a widow with just five steamed buns and a small plate of stir-fried pork."

"boom!"

He Yuzhu rammed his head into the thug, his bull-like eyes glaring as he shouted, "Impossible! Sister Qin couldn't possibly be that kind of person!"

After the thug was hit on the head, he immediately raised his leg and kicked He Yuzhu between the two points and one inch.

He Yuzhu immediately clutched his nipples and let out a wail as he bent over.

The thug grabbed He Yuzhu's hair, and He Yuzhu slapped him across the face, cursing, "You idiot! I never spread rumors when I'm in this business. If you don't believe me, go ask that widow!"

He Yuzhu was slapped across the face, and a bright red handprint quickly appeared.

The thugs didn't stop there; they continued to beat He Yuzhu from both sides until his face was swollen before finally stopping and kicking him away.

After He Yuzhu fell to the ground, tears streamed down his face. He looked extremely miserable, and his mind was blank, buzzing.

Although some people in the factory had gossiped about Qin Huairu before, He Yuzhu found out and deliberately tossed the food in the pan for them, threatening them not to spread rumors. Over time, in order to have enough to eat, everyone stopped mentioning Qin Huairu in front of He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu didn't hear any bad things about Qin Huairu, but that doesn't mean Qin Huairu stopped doing those shameless things.

He Yuzhu has always lived in his own fantasy world, unwilling to listen to others or accept this reality.

"It's all fake, it's all fake. Sister Qin is so filial to her mother-in-law and loves her children, how could she do such a thing?"

Even now, He Yuzhu still refuses to believe it. He only feels that Qin Huairu must have been threatened, that she was definitely unwilling, but had no choice.

Seeing He Yuzhu like this, Wang Lin shook his head in utter disappointment. He had never intended to change He Yuzhu; he only wanted to say these things to provoke He Yuzhu and make him suffer. This was just a small trick by Wang Lin to get revenge on these beasts.

The thugs looked at He Yuzhu, feeling sorry for his father. If they had known He Yuzhu was such a scoundrel who coveted widows, they should have shot him against the wall back then.

Seeing He Yuzhu curled up on the ground, his eyes vacant, muttering something impossible, Wang Lin said again before leaving, "The New Year is just around the corner. You can spend the New Year in the police station. Qin Huairu will be well taken care of by others. After all, there are so many male employees in our factory."

These words spurred He Yuzhu to leap over the iron bars and roar at Wang Lin, "Wang Lin! You're definitely spreading rumors! You're just trying to get revenge on me! I won't believe you! Sister Qin is definitely not that kind of person!"

Wang Lin chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly, saying, "We'll take our time. There's plenty of time to break your heart again and again. I'm really looking forward to seeing the look of regret on your face when you finally see Qin Huairu's true colors."

The thugs also knew that this big, dumb guy had messed with someone they couldn't afford to offend, so they laughed along with him, laughing at He Yuzhu's overestimation of his abilities and his refusal to face reality.

"Wang Lin!"

As Wang Lin left the detention cell, He Yuzhu gritted his teeth and shouted.

However, Wang Lin ignored him.

Outside the detention room, Zhang Jiao was leaning against the wall, lost in thought.

When Zhou Hao saw Wang Lin come out, he stepped forward and offered him a cigarette, saying, "Have one."

Wang Lin took the cigarette and said to Zhou Hao, "Uncle Zhou, if there's nothing else, we'll be going now."

Chapter 113 Wang Lin had Zhang Jiao resell her job

Zhou Hao nodded and said, "Okay, drive carefully."

Wang Lin, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, walked up to Zhang Jiao and pulled her away from the police station.

As soon as he left the police station, Wang Lin stood at the door, took out a windproof lighter, and lit a cigarette.

Zhang Jiao frowned as she smelled the smoke and said, "Smoke less; it's bad for your health."

Wang Lin smiled upon hearing this, immediately threw the lit cigarette on the ground and stomped it out, saying, "Okay, I'll listen to my wife and I won't smoke anymore."

Upon hearing the word "wife," Zhang Jiao blushed instantly and stomped her foot shyly, saying, "Who's your wife? We haven't even registered our marriage yet."

Wang Lin said nonchalantly, "A marriage certificate is just a piece of paper. Two people who truly love each other will not be bound by that piece of paper."

Although Zhang Jiao somewhat agreed with Wang Lin's idea, she still felt that having a marriage certificate would be more legitimate and would prevent gossip. She asked, "Wang Lin, when are you going to send a matchmaker to my house?"

Wang Lin really wanted to bring this up with Zhang Jiao. Since Zhang Jiao had asked, he naturally thought the sooner the better, so he replied, "How about after New Year's Eve? I can visit your house to offer my New Year's greetings, and then I'll find a matchmaker to bring gifts and propose marriage to your house in a grand manner."

Zhang Jiao thought that the New Year was just around the corner, and it would be good if Wang Lin came during the New Year, so she nodded and said, "Okay, then let's celebrate the New Year after the New Year."

Wang Lin joked, "What? You're so eager to marry me?"

Zhang Jiao said shyly, "We're just getting engaged, not getting married and registering our marriage right away."

Wang Lin also felt there was no rush to get the marriage certificate. He planned to renovate his house properly and, ideally, buy the deaf old woman's house and block up the front door so he wouldn't have to deal with those beasts anymore.

Unfortunately, while imagination is beautiful, reality is cruel. The house where the deaf old lady lives was allocated by the neighborhood committee, and it would probably require some maneuvering and a specific opportunity to move it.

The identity of the deaf old woman—whether she was a martyr's widow or an enemy agent—was highly controversial in the original drama. Some said she was a soldier's widow who had even made shoe soles for the People's Liberation Army comrades, and that her children had all joined the PLA and sacrificed their lives.

Due to the passage of time and the fact that many documents could be forged at that time, the identity of the deaf old woman remains a mystery.

If Wang Lin can find evidence proving that the deaf old woman is an enemy agent, her house will be taken back by the neighborhood committee, and then he can get it back by pulling some strings.

Seeing that Wang Lin was lost in thought, Zhang Jiao waved her hand in front of him and said, "Wang Lin, what are you thinking about?"

After regaining his senses, Wang Lin said to Zhang Jiao, "I suddenly remembered something."

Zhang Jiao really wanted to ask what it was about, but she felt that asking too much would make her seem immature, so she didn't ask.

Wang Lin pulled Zhang Jiao onto his motorcycle and left the police station. After Qian Fang's revenge incident today, Wang Lin felt that it was better not to continue working at the supply and marketing cooperative. Just as he was seeing Zhang Jiao to the door, he said, "Jiao, how about we quit our job at the supply and marketing cooperative?"

After hearing this, Zhang Jiao shook her head and said, "This job at the supply and marketing cooperative was hard-won. It almost cost all of my family's savings. My older brother and sister even borrowed some money from friends. I can't just quit like this."

Wang Lin explained with a smile, "What I mean is to sell this job at the supply and marketing cooperative to someone else, and I'll find you a new job."

"I can't make this decision myself. Should I go back and ask my family for their opinions?"

Zhang Jiao didn't expect Wang Lin to think this way. She hesitated. To be honest, she didn't want to go back to work at the supply and marketing cooperative. She was really afraid of that place. She even had a nightmare last night.

Wang Lin respected Zhang Jiao's idea and said, "Alright, go back and discuss it with your family. If they agree, I will arrange for you to work in our factory. The work is easy and relaxed, and I can see you every day."

"Okay, I'll head back now. Be careful on your bike."

Zhang Jiao also longs for such a wonderful life, where her beloved is there when she opens her eyes and when she closes them, and she can even steal a glance at her beloved while working.

"Okay, I'll pick you up again tomorrow."

Wang Lin did not escort Zhang Jiao into the yard. He watched her leave before riding his motorcycle back to his own yard.

When Zhang Jiao returned to the house, her mother asked in surprise, "Third son, why are you off work so early today? It's the end of the year, the supply and marketing cooperative should be very busy."

Zhang Xiao, who was on holiday, looked up at Zhang Jiao curiously and asked, "Yes! Third Sister! Why are you back so early?"

Fifth sister Zhang Min continued doing her homework, not participating in the adults' conversation.

Zhang Jiao explained what had happened that day, and also mentioned that Wang Lin wanted her to work in the factory.

When Zhang's mother heard this, she thought it was great news! The job at the supply and marketing cooperative didn't need to be sold to anyone else; Zhang Jiao's second sister could take over.

Upon hearing that his future brother-in-law was going to arrange a job for his third sister, Zhang Xiao immediately came over and flattered him, saying, "Third sister, I also want my brother-in-law to arrange a job for me in the future. It doesn't have to be too good, just an easy job with a high salary, and preferably one where I can manage a few people."

Zhang's mother rolled her eyes at her son and said irritably, "With your attitude, you still care about others? You should be grateful if you can find a regular job and get a government-subsidized food ration."

Zhang Xiao was looked down upon by his mother, and he pouted and said with dissatisfaction, "My brother-in-law is a factory leader, so I might as well use this connection."

A middle-aged man walked in, carrying a chicken, and said, "When did Da Yong become a factory leader? How come I didn't know?"

Zhang's mother said speechlessly, "What Da Yong? We're talking about the third son's girlfriend, Wang Lin. She's the deputy director of the factory's purchasing department."

Mr. Zhang blinked his confused eyes and asked, "How old is he? Our family can't sacrifice our third son's happiness just to improve our quality of life. I'd be the first to object."

Zhang Jiao covered her forehead, wondering what her father's thought process was like.

Zhang's mother explained, "Wang Lin is not even twenty years old. What do you mean by sacrificing Lao San's happiness? Lao San even found his own partner. He's tall and handsome, and he has powerful connections."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "As long as he's not some old codger my age, looks don't matter. The most important thing is that he has good character, cares about his family, and can't bully the third son."

Zhang Jiao knew that her father said this because he cared about her and felt sorry for her. She assured her father, "Dad, you will like Wang Lin when you meet him. My mother is very satisfied with this son-in-law."

Mother Zhang chuckled and said, "How could I not be satisfied? He's a golden son-in-law!"

Mr. Zhang handed the chicken he had bought to Mrs. Zhang and said, "Forget about a rich husband, slaughter the chicken and make soup. The eldest son's wife is about to give birth, so she needs to nourish herself properly."

Zhang's mother stood up and said, "I hope the eldest son's wife will give birth to a son!"

Mr. Zhang retorted, "Having a son or a daughter is the same. Our family doesn't practice any preference for sons over daughters."

Chapter 114 Qin Jingru confronts Lou Xiao'e, who then cries and complains.

Wang Lingang rode his motorcycle back to the yard.

The deaf old woman, leaning on her cane, ran over and questioned Wang Lin: "You little bastard! You heartless scoundrel, why did you report Sha Zhu?"

“Deaf old lady! Sha Zhu bringing public property back without permission is theft. As a member of the factory, am I wrong to report him?”

Wang Lin realized that the deaf old woman was up to no good!

The deaf old woman was pretending to be deaf and dumb; she didn't care about anything else and raised her cane to hit him.

Wang Lin didn't tolerate him. He grabbed the cane with one hand, broke it in half with his bare hands, and threw the cane aside, saying, "Deaf old lady, you're an old woman who's about to be buried in the ground, so stop worrying about things. Otherwise, I'm afraid no one will take care of you when you die."

"Wang Lin! How dare you bully the widow of a martyr!"

The deaf old woman almost fell to the ground when she saw the broken cane. She glared angrily at Wang Lin. Everyone in the courtyard respected her because she was old, the oldest person in the courtyard, and the most senior. But Wang Lin showed her no respect at all.

Wang Lin replied sarcastically, "Oh, what a coincidence, I'm also a family member of a martyr. Go ahead and report me to the neighborhood committee!"