Courtyard House: They all say I'm a good person

Chapter 129 Who isn't selfish?

I love your straightforwardness!

Wang Weigong beamed, "It's nothing major, it's just that it's a bit far! One of my former superiors wants to go back to his hometown, but it's in the mountains, and he has difficulty walking!"

"Brother Wang, don't say anything more, leave it to me!"

Shen Zhishou instantly understood Wang Weigong's meaning: he wanted him to take his old leader back to his hometown. The mountain roads were difficult to travel, and the other party had difficulty walking. He just wanted someone to carry him back. It was a small matter!

Shen Zhishou is always good at respecting the elderly and caring for the young!

Back in the village, the reason why the old village chief readily lent him money was because of his reputation.

Although the concept of helping old ladies cross the road doesn't exist in this era, Shen Zhishou would still lend a hand to anyone in the village who needed help. He would readily lend a hand to elderly people living alone if they needed firewood or to fetch water.

What others might consider foolish, Shen Zhishou considered perfectly normal.

He was able to drive a tractor in the team because of his reputation.

However, when the captain's nephew returned after completing his studies, he simply stepped down and gave way to a more capable person.

Rather than waiting for the other party to trip us up, it's better to make a good relationship. Besides, driving a tractor may look glamorous, but it's really just so-so, and it still won't make Shen Zhishou full.

His ultimate goal is to get into the city!

So, after losing his job as a tractor driver, he went to the old village chief, and with a combination of reasons, the letter of introduction was issued, and he naturally got the money.

Moreover, Wang Weigong had also done Shen Zhishou a favor.

His former boss, Shen Zhishou, took care of him; there was nothing wrong with that.

Wang Weigong borrowed a jeep from the station and took Shen Zhishou into the military compound. Soon after, he helped an old man who looked to be about sixty or seventy years old out of a small courtyard.

A bodyguard was also accompanying the two.

Seeing this, Shen Zhishou's heart skipped a beat. In this era, to be assigned a bodyguard, one's rank must be at least that of a regimental commander, and possibly even higher.

However, the old man was wearing an ordinary, slightly faded military uniform, so it was impossible to tell.

"Old boss, this is Xiao Shen. This kid is incredibly strong; he can lift hundreds of pounds with one hand!"

"Kid, is what Xiao Wang said true?"

Upon hearing Wang Weigong's words, the old man immediately looked at Shen Zhishou.

Shen Zhishou smiled and said, "Sir, what do you think?"

As he spoke, Shen Zhishou crouched down slightly, grabbed the front bar of the jeep with one hand, and lifted the jeep up with ease.

Then, Shen Zhishou gently put down the jeep, his face not flushed, his breath not out, and his expression quite calm.

"Good heavens, you little brat, your strength would make you a peerless warrior in ancient times!"

The old man's gaze towards Shen Zhishou became much more fervent. "So, how about it? Interested in joining the army?"

"Old boss, this isn't fair!"

Wang Weigong quickly interjected, "Young Shen just got married, and he's the only son left in his family—"

"What a pity!"

The old man felt a little regretful.

But he didn't say anything more.

Shen Zhishou gave an awkward smile and didn't say anything more.

He's physically fit enough to be a soldier, but that's not the right fit for him.

He can't handle that kind of hardship!

The main problem was that he couldn't stand the strict discipline; after all, he still wanted to enjoy life.

To put it bluntly, Shen Zhishou has a strong sense of righteousness, but not much of it.

When it comes to selfless dedication, he always weighs the pros and cons first.

The old man's hometown was in the western section of the Taihang Mountains. Shen Zhishou didn't know the exact location either. Anyway, he was only responsible for driving, and the guards were responsible for giving directions.

The journey is about 300 kilometers because the road is not in good condition. It would take Shen Zhishou about four hours to drive there, and then he would have to abandon the car and walk for another two hours along the mountain road.

So, if nothing goes wrong on the way, the round trip will take ten hours!

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Shen Zhishou should be able to return to the capital before midnight.

As for Wang Weigong's former leader, he would stay in the village for a period of time, rather than going and returning on the same day.

Perhaps it was a case of being reluctant to leave home; when the old man first left Beijing, he was excitedly talking to his guards, but gradually, he fell silent.

Shen Zhishou was focused on driving.

This time, Shen Zhishou was just a full-time driver, but he never expected to catch the old man's eye.

Although such a person was someone he could only look up to, their paths were different, and they could not work together.

People should have self-awareness.

Finally, the car arrived at its destination, and all that was left was to walk.

Shen Zhishou parked the car at the team headquarters in the village outside the mountain, then carried the old man on his back, and together with the guards, they carried the supplies the old man had prepared and went into the mountain.

It was only because Wang Weigong had made proper preparations and provided Shen Zhishou with a special carrying chair for carrying people into the mountains that this trip would have been difficult, since the old man had brought quite a lot of things, including bedding.

After an hour and a half of traversing mountains and valleys, the guard Xiao Chen's legs were trembling, while Shen Zhishou remained calm and composed, without even breaking a sweat.

"Brother Shen, you're amazing!"

Xiao Chen was incredibly envious of Shen Zhishou's demeanor.

"My family lives in the mountains, and I've been running all over the mountains since I was a child. It's all thanks to that training!"

That's actually the truth.

After dropping the person off, Shen Zhishou simply took his leave; he still had to hurry back to the capital.

The old man watched Shen Zhishou's retreating figure and sighed softly, feeling it was a great pity that Shen Zhishou, with such a good physique, didn't join the army.

However, just as Wang Weigong said, Shen Zhishou is the only son in the family, and it is really not appropriate for him to send Shen Zhishou to join the army, since it is no longer a life-or-death situation like before.

Although fighting has broken out in the southwestern snow-capped mountains, the development of the battle has surprised everyone.

Most people don't know about the battle, but the old man does.

If he hadn't known about the war situation, he wouldn't have returned to his hometown to visit relatives at this time.

Shen Zhishou descended the mountain in half the time it took him to enter, his movements as agile as a nimble leopard.

It is said that there are many wild game in the Taihang Mountains, but after the famine, there probably aren't many left.

Anyway, Shen Zhishou didn't see a single rabbit on his entire trip.

After leaving the mountain, Shen Zhishou thanked the villagers at the foot of the mountain, left some candy, and then drove back to the capital.

Having walked this road once, Shen Zhishou no longer needed directions when he returned.

-

That brain of theirs is pretty impressive.

By the time he returned to the capital, it was already dark, but it wasn't too late, just past eight o'clock.

Wang Weigong was also surprised to see Shen Zhishou return so quickly.

"You little brat, you've gone off the road!"

"Where could that be?"

Shen Zhishou smiled and said, "There are countless roads, but safety is the most important!"

"Brother Wang, the old man has been safely delivered. If there's nothing else, I'll head back!"

"Don't rush!"

Wang Chenggong stopped Shen Zhishou and took out a net bag from the cabinet next to him. It contained a lot of canned goods, including fruit and meat.

"Don't complain about the small amount, and don't refuse!"

"Brother Wang, do you think I'm the kind of person who would complain about not having enough? As for refusing, don't even think about it. I've been here all day and haven't gotten anything. I won't be able to explain this to my wife when I get back!"

"You brat, hurry up and go back!"

Wang Weigong smiled and shooed people away.

Shen Zhishou waved and walked away quickly.

Passing through the station square, Shen Zhishou casually stole three more pickpockets' sheep before turning back with a satisfied smile.

We went to Dongmianhua Hutong first, as usual.

Although Lan Ninghui had ulterior motives towards him, he, a grown man, couldn't possibly argue with a young woman, especially one who was a stunning beauty.

They don't want his money or him as a person, they just want a son!

When Lan Ninghui saw Shen Zhishou arrive so late, she frowned slightly and said, "Shen Zhishou, aren't you afraid your wife will find out when you come here at this hour?"

"I've been busy all day and haven't gone home yet, so I came to see you first!"

"Here, take these. I know you don't need them, but I'm giving you what I'm giving!"

"Let's go!"

After placing the two cans of fruit and two cans of meat down, Shen Zhishou left without lingering.

Blindly pushing forward is not his style.

When dealing with a girl like Lan Ninghui, it's necessary to play hard to get.

Whether it works or not, at least it will improve the girl's impression of him.

After leaving Dongmianhua Hutong, Shen Zhishou returned to the courtyard house.

The lights were on in the back room, but there was hardly any sound.

At this point, Yu Haitang had most likely already gone to find He Yushui.

Sure enough, when Shen Zhishou knocked on his door, Yu Haitang wasn't inside, but Qin Huairu was there, and Xiao Dang was already asleep on the kang (a heated brick bed).

Qin Huairu saw Shen Zhishou return and prepared to leave.

Yu Li stopped her.

"Sister Qin, what's the rush?"

"What if someone sees us at this hour?"

Qin Huairu shook her head repeatedly.

Yu Li looked at Shen Zhishou, who shrugged and said, "I... I didn't notice!"

He genuinely didn't expect to need to be careful about whether anyone noticed his return.

In the end, Yu Li had no choice but to let Qin Huairu go back.

When Qin Huairu carried Xiao Dang back to the central courtyard, Yu Li glared at Shen Zhishou.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"They don't appreciate kindness!"

Yu Li pinched Shen Zhishou, but still went to the kitchen to bring him dinner.

Looking at Yu Li's expression, Shen Zhishou wondered if he was seen by his wife as someone who couldn't live without women and couldn't sleep at night.

Fortunately, it was just a minor incident.

Yu Li brought the food to the table and then told Shen Zhishou about what happened during the day.

She went with Yu Haitang to clean the small courtyard next door. It was quite a commotion; a couple was arguing, smashing bowls and pots. The noise was so loud that anyone who didn't know better would think something earth-shattering had happened.

"Honey, the noise I heard doesn't sound fake!"

Yu Li described the situation over there to Shen Zhishou and shared her own assessment.

"When falsehood is taken for truth, even truth becomes falsehood!"

Shen Zhishou chuckled. If it weren't for the hole through which the ghostly opera singing could be heard, he might have thought that the family was truly plagued by internal conflicts.

But the existence of that hole proves that this family did it on purpose.

"Luckily we slept soundly last night, otherwise, we probably wouldn't have been able to stay in such a nice courtyard!"

Yu Li quickly stopped caring whether it was true or false.

"Are you staying there tonight?"

Shen Zhishou asked casually.

"Let's not go over there, it's so late!"

"I'm really tired after a busy day! After dinner, Haitang went to sleep by the rainy area early!"

"Didn't you ask Qin Huairu to come and help you?"

"I was too embarrassed to shout it!"

Yu Li was unusually a little embarrassed.

Seeing her like this, Shen Zhishou couldn't help but chuckle and asked, "What's wrong? You don't seem to be doing well."

"This afternoon, Haitang and I came back from our chores and were doing laundry in the courtyard. The older women there were both trying to persuade Sister Qin to find a new man and get married!"

"After hearing so much from them, I feel like I've really let Sister Qin down!"

"Before, I only thought about myself. Now that I think about it, wasn't I quite selfish?"

Yu Li glanced at Shen Zhishou with some shame.

Shen Zhishou blinked, reached out and flicked her nose, saying, "Selfishness is human nature!"

"I'm selfish too!"

How many people in this world are truly selfless?

"Those who are truly selfless are great people, role models!"

Why are such people admired by everyone? Because they have accomplished things that ordinary people cannot!

"So, you have nothing to feel guilty about!"

"Moreover, this choice was made by Qin Huairu herself!"

As a beneficiary of the existing system, Shen Zhishou would certainly have to express his views from his own perspective.

Whether one is selfish or not is not important.

As long as you don't harm anyone and can live with your conscience, that's fine.

Besides, isn't Qin Huairu living a good life now?

She doesn't lack men!

I have my own job!

No need to take care of in-laws, nor to do laundry or cook for men!

And when she needs a man to back her up, Yu Li will definitely bring Shen Zhishou along.

Speaking of which, Qin Huairu's life is truly comfortable.

When Shen Zhishou explained his twisted logic, Yu Li's eyes lit up.

"What are you thinking about now?"

Shen Zhishou lightly flicked Yu Li's forehead.

Yu Li glared at him and said, "I've thought about it. When we move to the new house, some clothes will have to wait until our days off. I'll ask Sister Qin to wash them with me!"

"I can't let her just enjoy herself without doing any work; that would be a huge loss for me!"

"And Sister Xiao'e, she has to do the same!"

As Lou Xiao'e was mentioned, Yu Li tugged at Shen Zhishou's arm, "What's going on with Sister Xiao'e and Xu Damao?"

"What else can you do? Get a divorce!"

Shen Zhishou spoke calmly.

It was only a matter of time before Xu Damao and Lou Xiao'e divorced.

Now, it's just a matter of bringing the time forward a bit.

Moreover, Xu Damao probably already had a long-standing grudge against Lou Xiao'e.

From Xu Damao's perspective, Lou Bancheng was unwilling to help his son-in-law at all. If he didn't harbor some resentment, he wouldn't be Xu Damao.

"But on what grounds?"

Reasons, please!

Shen Zhishou immediately thought of Xu Damao's shady tactics when he went to the countryside to show movies.

Once this gets out, Xu Damao will be completely finished.

However, Shen Zhishou certainly couldn't go too far.

If he really did that, he would have no bottom line and become like Ximen Qing.

In his life, at most he could only indulge in the legacy of Cao Cao. He couldn't pull off the style of Ximen Qing; he wasn't that ruthless.

"Don't worry about it, there'll always be a way!"

"Besides, Lou Xiao'e might leave Beijing with her parents. If that happens, her parents will naturally help resolve her issues with Xu Damao!"

"That's true!"

Yu Li nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly looked up at Shen Zhishou and asked, "If Sister Xiao'e really leaves, won't you feel any reluctance?"

"Sister Xiao'e is very beautiful, and has a great figure!"

'

""

Shen Zhishou simply shut up and remained silent.

This question cannot be answered.

Saying he has nothing to be reluctant about makes him seem heartless.

Saying he really couldn't bear to part with it would inevitably make Yu Li think he was a lecherous man!

Okay, even though he is indeed a womanizer, he still needs to maintain appearances.

At that moment, Shen Zhishou suddenly understood Yi Zhonghai a little!

Or, it's not just Yi Zhonghai!

Who in this world doesn't want a clean and honest life?

"Wife, are you willing to part with her?"

Shen Zhishou simply countered with a question.

Yu Li pouted, thought for a moment, and said, "Of course I'd hate to see her go! But if Sister Xiao'e really wants to leave, I can't stop her!"

Lou Xiao'e was ultimately different from Qin Huairu.

Qin Huairu was all alone and helpless, and Shen Zhishou was her salvation.

Lou Xiao'e, on the other hand, has living parents and a good family. If she leaves Beijing, she will become a young lady from a completely different social class.

Leaving was undoubtedly the best choice for Lou Xiao'e.

The Lou family.

Lou Bancheng and Lou Tanshi were looking at Lou Xiao'e, both of them wondering why their daughter was unwilling to leave with them.

That's right!

Lou Bancheng's application to go south to Gangcheng for medical treatment has been approved!

"Dad, Mom, if the three of us leave, what will the authorities think of our family? Will we ever have the face to come back?"

Lou Xiao'e couldn't reveal Shen Zhishou's name, so she had to come up with a more sophisticated excuse.

"Most importantly, I'm already married!"

"Even if something unexpected happens, it won't involve me, a married daughter!"

"After all, I was born out of wedlock!"

Lou Xiao'e's words were like a knife, piercing through some of Lou Bancheng's unspoken plans.

Lou Xiao'e didn't understand why her parents wanted to match her with Xu Damao before, but now she understands to some extent.

Her father used his own daughter as a pledge of loyalty to demonstrate his determination.

Unfortunately, her marriage to the son of her family's servant did not achieve the desired effect.

"Sir, perhaps I should stay as well!"

Upon hearing Lou Xiao'e's words, Lou Tan's expression changed. "I'm just a woman. Staying here to look after the house will help convince the higher-ups that you really only went there for medical treatment!"

If Lou Xiao'e were to say these words, Lou Tanshi would forget that she herself had only been a concubine before.

Lou Bancheng's first wife is now in Gangcheng!

When she followed Lou Bancheng to Gangcheng, she had to make a living under the control of his first wife.

Having been Mrs. Lou for several years, she had grown accustomed to the title. If she were to go to Hong Kong, she would really worry whether the first wife would have any complaints about her.

Two tigers cannot share one mountain!

Upon hearing Lou Tanshi's words, Lou Bancheng immediately understood what Lou Tanshi was worried about.

He really wanted to tell Lou Tanshi that he would take care of everything, but not only would Lou Tanshi not believe him, even Lou Bancheng himself wouldn't believe it.

After pondering for a long time, Lou Bancheng finally nodded and said, "Then, I'll trouble you to look after the house!"

"Please take good care of Xiao'e. Even though I'm leaving, if anything happens, just ask them for help; they'll definitely lend a hand!"

"If things really get bad, send me a telegram, and I'll find a way to bring you and your daughter over!"

Lou Bancheng made a decision quickly.

Without him as the head of the family, the Lou family will probably be completely forgotten very soon!

However, you should still take what you need to take with you.

They took almost all the gold, jewelry, and other valuables, leaving only a small portion behind.

As for the cash, they were all left behind.

After all, domestic cash is useless in Hong Kong.

Lou Xiao'e had no objection to Lou Bancheng's method of division.

As a woman who married out of the family, she was not entitled to a share of the family property.

These days, receiving nearly a million in cash is already a huge windfall!

Although you can't buy much with money but no tickets at this time, there's still the pigeon market!

Lou Xiao'e dared not go to Pigeon City, but Shen Zhishou certainly would.

Therefore, Lou Bancheng had no use for this cash, but Lou Xiao'e did.

As for Lou Tanshi, he received even more cash.

Lou Bancheng was going to seek medical treatment and was in a very tight schedule. His plane departed at 3 a.m., which is why he was in such a hurry to divide up his family's assets.

As for why the authorities were so eager to arrange a plane to send Lou Bancheng south for medical treatment, that remains unknown.

After seeing Lou Bancheng off, Lou Xiao'e finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mom, you should move out of the house!"

"This little building is too conspicuous. You should find somewhere smaller and more ordinary to stay!"

The Lou family, blending into the crowd, will not be remembered by anyone.

In fact, it would have been best for Lady Lou Tan to leave with Lou Bancheng, but Lady Lou Tan also had her own selfish motives.

If she stayed in Beijing, she would be known as Madam Lou.

Once she went to Hong Kong, she was just a member of the Lou Tan family; she wasn't even qualified to attend any important occasions.

Lou Xiao'e understood this as well.

Therefore, she couldn't bring herself to persuade Lou Tanshi to leave as well.

However, Lou Xiao'e was unsure what would happen to Lou Tanshi in the future. She would have to find time to go back and talk to Shen Zhishou, and ask him what he thought about the matter.

For some reason, Lou Xiao'e always felt that it wasn't a good thing that her mother hadn't left with her, and that it might cause some trouble in the future.

But what could she do?

Must we really send my own mother to Hong Kong? To continue living a life of constant caution under the first wife's control?

She's her own daughter; she wouldn't do something so unfilial!