Courtyard House: Inheriting the Restaurant, the Jia Family Wants to Get It for Free

The atmosphere at Liu Haizhong's home was so oppressive it was almost palpable.

His wife, Sun Dali, tried to persuade him several times, but swallowed her words back.

She knew that her man's pitiful self-esteem had been crushed to pieces, and nothing she said would make a difference.

Yi Zhonghai came out of his house, poured out a basin of water for washing his feet, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Liu Haizhong's house in the backyard was closed. He couldn't help but twitch his lips.

He felt absolutely no sympathy for Liu Haizhong, that brainless idiot.

They had hoped he could be used as a pawn to cause trouble for Cheng Shuhai, but instead, he turned himself into a laughing stock in Beijing.

Such a person, who is more likely to cause trouble than to accomplish anything, is not worthy of being his ally.

"Old Yi, boil some hot water for Jiefang, it's time for a bath," came Tan Zhaodi's voice from inside the house.

"Yes, I'm here," Yi Zhonghai replied and walked into the kitchen.

In the courtyard, several neighbors huddled together, whispering amongst themselves.

"What do you think will happen to the Liu family in the future?"

"Who knows? He offended Cheng Shuhai and also really messed with Director Zhou at the factory. I think his forging job is in jeopardy."

"That's right. Who would dare to mess with Cheng Shuhai now? Look at the Jia family, and then look at Old Yi... tsk tsk, they all ended up in terrible situations."

"Speaking of Lao Yi, he's a different person now. He's holding his son now, and he's standing tall all over again."

As everyone talked, their gazes involuntarily turned to Yi Zhonghai's house. Ever since adopting Yi Jiefang, Yi Zhonghai had exuded an air of triumph, walking with a swagger.

Only Jia Zhangshi, sitting on a small stool in the corner, stared intently in the direction of Yi Zhonghai's house with her triangular eyes, the resentment in her eyes almost tangible.

She kept muttering something, and although her voice was indistinct, you could feel the malice in her voice from a distance.

Suddenly, a heart-wrenching cry came from the backyard, followed by a furious roar from Liu Haizhong and the dull thud of a belt striking flesh.

"Dad! Stop hitting me! I was wrong! I was wrong!"

It was Liu Guangtian's voice.

"I'll teach you to be wrong! I'll teach you to be wrong! I suffer outside, and when I come back I have to put up with the attitudes of you little brats! I'll beat you to death!"

Everyone in the courtyard was startled, but then they all showed expressions of understanding.

"Well, Old Liu is taking his anger out on his son."

"Poor Guangtian and Guangfu, they're really unlucky to have such a father."

An older woman curled her lip in schadenfreude.

The domestic violence lasted for quite a while before stopping, and Liu Guangtian's suppressed sobs echoed throughout the backyard.

In the evening, Cheng Shuhai returned from the restaurant with his younger sister Ling'er.

As soon as you enter the courtyard, you can see Qin Huairu washing clothes under the tap in the yard.

Upon seeing Cheng Shuhai, Qin Huai stopped what she was doing, looked up, and gave a perfectly timed smile.

"Shuhai, you're off work?"

Her voice was soft, with an indescribable quality.

Cheng Shuhai was stunned for a moment.

Is the sun rising in the west today?

He had some doubts, but he didn't show it on his face. He just nodded slightly as a response.

"Ling'er, were you well-behaved at the restaurant today?"

Qin Huairu then turned her gaze to Cheng Ling'er, her tone becoming even more affectionate.

"I'm a very good girl!"

Cheng Ling'er tilted her little face up and proudly puffed out her little chest.

"That's great."

Qin Huairu smiled and praised him, but her gaze subtly returned to Cheng Shuhai.

Cheng Shuhai felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze.

Why does this woman's gaze seem different now? Before, it was filled with evasiveness and jealousy, but now... it seems to have a hook in it.

He was too lazy to delve into the thoughts of an unrelated woman, so he took his sister's hand and walked straight towards the central courtyard.

"Brother, Qin Huairu is acting really strange today."

Cheng Ling'er said softly.

"Ignore her, what does a little kid know?"

Cheng Shuhai gently rubbed his sister's hair.

Watching Cheng Shuhai's departing figure, Qin Huairu's smile slowly faded.

She lowered her head and looked at the clothes being washed in the basin; her somewhat haggard face was reflected in the water.

She recalled the scene she witnessed that night in front of Cheng Shuhai's house.

Bright lights, fragrant food, and the gentle expression on Cheng Shuhai's face as he fed his sister... that was the life she had always dreamed of.

Looking at myself, I live in a dark and damp little house. My husband is a convict, my mother-in-law is a madwoman, and I take care of my paralyzed husband every day. We eat coarse food and see no hope at all.

On what grounds?

Why can Cheng Shuhai live such a good life while I have to struggle in this quagmire?

She was unwilling to accept it; she was truly unwilling to accept it.

A thought began to grow wildly in her mind.

If... if I could get on Cheng Shuhai's good side...

Even just being nicer to him or helping him out would be a hundred times better than what he's doing now.

Looking at her reflection in the water, at her still pretty face, and at her figure that hadn't been completely worn down by life, she gradually formed an idea.

……

The next day, Cheng Shuhai's small restaurant was still bustling with people.

Around noon, a familiar figure hurriedly walked in.

"Director Li? What brings you here?"

Cheng Shuhai was busy in the kitchen when he saw the person who came in, and he was a little surprised.

The visitor was Li Weimin, the logistics director of the steel rolling mill.

"Master Cheng, I've finally found you!" Li Weimin wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking anxious. "I need your help with something."

Cheng Shuhai asked him to sit down and poured him a glass of water: "Director Li, don't rush, tell me slowly."

Li Weimin lowered his voice and whispered in Cheng Shuhai's ear, "Young Master Cheng, could you get me some of your wine? I was thinking of getting some for Old Master Shi!"

"That's no problem." Cheng Shuhai nodded. "But you know about my wine..."

"I understand, I understand!" Li Weimin nodded quickly. "Master Cheng, I won't make things difficult for you. How about this: after you close up shop tonight, secretly leave me a jar. I promise, no one will know, and it won't affect your business during the day."

He looked at Cheng Shuhai with pleading in his eyes.

Cheng Shuhai thought about it and realized that this was a good idea!

"Okay." He nodded in agreement. "Then please come again when you close tonight."

"Oh! That's great! Thank you so much, Master Cheng!" Li Weimin was overjoyed, rubbing his hands together excitedly. "Don't worry, our factory will definitely make sure you help us for nothing!"

He took a square cloth bag out of his pocket, carefully opened it, and inside was a brand new watch.

"Master Cheng, this is a small token of our appreciation from Deputy Factory Director Yang and me. Please accept it!" Li Weimin shoved the watch into Cheng Shuhai's hand without further ado. "This isn't just for the drinks; it's our way of thanking you! Please don't refuse!"

After saying that, fearing that Cheng Shuhai would refuse, he turned around and quickly walked out of the restaurant, disappearing in a flash.

Cheng Shuhai held the heavy watch, feeling both amused and exasperated.

This favor is truly heartfelt.

He looked down at the watch. Although he didn't recognize the brand, it was exquisitely crafted and clearly very valuable.

"Old Li is quite generous, though he may not be the most generous person I know."

Cheng Shuhai put his watch away, pondering to himself that his relationship with the steel mill was becoming increasingly intertwined.