Courtyard House: Jia Zhangshi! How dare you hit my sister?

When Xiao Zhao said this, Yi Zhonghai and Jia Dongxu, who were standing next to him, were instantly dumbfounded.

How... how did this get linked to "making a false police report"?

Jia Dongxu hurriedly spoke:

"Comrade, that's not what we meant!"

"But... but when I first came back, I did see Qin Huai'an beating my mother. I... I don't know the cause and effect."

Yi Zhonghai quickly nodded in agreement:

"Yes, comrade, we didn't know the specifics at first, so... so..."

Seeing that the two were still arguing, Officer Zhao, too lazy to listen anymore, waved his hand and said:

"Alright, that's enough for today."

"But if it happens again, I will definitely deal with it seriously!"

After saying that, he turned to leave, but after taking two steps, he remembered something and turned back to Qin Huai'an, saying:

"Comrade Qin, although I can understand what you're doing, taking action is ultimately wrong."

"You just came back from the army, so try to stay calm in all situations."

"If you need anything, you can come to the police station to find me. Being too impulsive won't do you any good."

Xiao Zhao spoke in a very easygoing manner—he didn't want to make enemies with Qin Huai'an, and because of Wu Jianguo's relationship, they might have to deal with each other again in the future.

Qin Huai'an was not an ungrateful person.

Besides, Xiao Zhao had just helped him. So he nodded:

"Thank you for reminding me, officer. I understand."

Xiao Zhao smiled and turned to leave the courtyard.

……

The onlookers in the courtyard looked at each other in disbelief—no one had expected things to end this way.

Everyone originally thought Qin Huai'an was going to suffer a great loss, but to everyone's surprise, he was completely unharmed and even slapped Jia Dongxu again in front of the police.

Moreover, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that the policeman knew Qin Huai'an and might even have some connection with him when he left.

Now, everyone is reassessing Qin Huai'an – this guy is not only good at fighting, but he probably also has connections behind him, and he's definitely not someone to be trifled with.

This time, the Jia family, Uncle Yi, and Jia Dongxu have probably bitten off more than they can chew.

However, at this moment, no one dared to discuss it further, and they all tactfully dispersed.

……

Jia Dongxu and Yi Zhonghai looked ashen-faced.

They never expected things to turn out this way, and the two left the backyard looking dejected.

On the contrary, Xu Damao stood aside with his arms crossed, watching with great interest, his smile almost impossible to hide.

He leaned closer and said to Qin Huai'an:

"Brothers from Huai'an, you're awesome!"

"You should have said so earlier, you made me worry for nothing."

Qin Huai'an glanced at him:

"Don't talk nonsense. What do you mean by 'it's not related'?"

"The Jia family was in the wrong today, so I deserved to beat them up. Stop with the nonsense."

Xu Damao was a shrewd man; he understood immediately—the other person was unwilling to say it outright because they had their own plans.

He immediately nodded: "Yes, brother from Huai'an is right!"

"Look at my mouth, I've been talking too fast... Hey, brother from Huai'an, I see you've just arrived at the compound and haven't settled in yet. How about coming over for dinner tonight?"

"Anyway, I'm usually alone."

Although Qin Huai'an didn't dislike Xu Damao—after all, Xu Damao had indeed sided with him today—it didn't mean he would get too close to Xu Damao without any precautions. No one in this courtyard was simple.

He shook his head: "Thank you for your kindness, but I won't need to eat. I'll cook for myself later."

Xu Damao wasn't annoyed by the rejection; he just gave an awkward smile.

"Alright, brother from Huai'an, just let me know if you need anything!"

"We live in the backyard, we're neighbors, I'll definitely help if I can."

Qin Huai'an nodded. Xu Damao then left, satisfied.

……

The elderly couple, Liu Haizhong and his wife, glanced at Qin Huai'an with complicated expressions, said nothing, and turned to go back into the house.

……

Qin Huairu stood there blankly, as if she hadn't reacted at all.

Qin Huai'an turned to look at her:

"Sis! What are you thinking about? Come on, let's go inside and tidy up."

Qin Huairu then followed him into the house, somewhat dazed.

……

After entering the house, Qin Huairu slowly regained her composure and asked softly:

"Huai'an...do you know that policeman?"

Qin Huai'an thought for a moment and said, "I guess so."

Qin Huairu was a little confused: "What do you mean by 'considered'? Why didn't you tell me sooner? I was so worried!"

Qin Huai'an smiled and explained:

"Sis, I'm not really familiar with this policeman today, but... I know their station chief."

"The director is my old company commander. So..."

Qin Huairu then understood and nodded.

But she still couldn't help but mutter:

"Huai'an, even if you know the director, you need to be more careful in your actions in the future, and don't be so impulsive."

"I'm really worried that you'll get taken advantage of."

"Especially since you're about to start working in the factory, you'll need to get along better with people. You should probably tone down your temper."

To be honest, Qin Huai'an didn't dislike his sister's nagging.

On the contrary, I felt... quite warm.

At least there are still people in this world who genuinely care about him.

Although Qin Huai was carefree, as a transmigrator who came to this strange world, having such a family member who always thought of him was like having "roots".

In this era, there is also an added layer of bondage.

He felt himself gradually becoming a part of this place.

……

The house has been almost tidied up, and most of the items have been put away neatly.

Qin Huai'an looked out the window; the sky was getting dark. He then said:

"Sis, it's getting dark."

"But we have no food in the house, and we haven't prepared coal briquettes or a stove yet."

"Okay... I'll go get some takeout and bring it back. We'll just have this for dinner tonight, you and me."

"I'll go get the food tomorrow and also get all the cooking utensils."

"Just stay here and relax for now. I'll figure out what to do next."

Upon hearing this, Qin Huairu's eyes reddened again:

"Huai'an...it's so good to have you."

Seeing her expression, Qin Huai'an laughed:

"Sis, what are you doing?"

"You took such good care of me when I was little, now that I'm grown up, isn't it only right that I repay you?"

Qin Huairu cried and then laughed:

"But I still have to say, we should be frugal with our money."

"I ate a pretty big meal this afternoon, and it was quite oily, so tonight... I'll just hold on and eat tomorrow."

"It's okay to skip a meal. We'll cook for ourselves after we get our rations tomorrow; it's much cheaper that way."

"Restaurant food is expensive, there's no need to spend the money."

Qin Huai'an looked at her:

"Sis, how can you not eat?"

"Besides... if you're poor one day and rich the next, you can't stay poor forever."

"Never mind that. I'll go buy another blanket and make the outer room one too."

"You sleep in the inner room, I'll sleep in the outer room."

"Let's arrange things like this for now. You can tidy up the house a bit more."

After saying that, he left without waiting for Qin Huairu to persuade him further.