The Beginning of a Courtyard House: Sixty Years of Internal Strength

Seeing this, Li Jianguo continued his deception.

"It's the same situation in our compound again; a lot of people have gone inside."

Your reputation was already bad, and if you don't have a job, you'll just be a street urchin.

I bet you'll be a bachelor for life.

At this moment, Xu Damao also chimed in.

"Yes, what Jianguo said makes perfect sense."

The compound has a bad reputation now; without a job, it's really hard to find a wife.

Yan Jiecheng downed two glasses of wine and shamelessly started borrowing money.

"Brothers, could you lend me some money first?"

"I will definitely pay you back when I have a salary."

Xu Damao and Li Jianguo exchanged a helpless glance.

Brothers who would go to great lengths for each other, you're talking about lending them money?

Wouldn't that weaken the bond between brothers?

Honestly, how can the bond between brothers be tainted by money?

"Jiecheng, the two of us can afford it, but given your family's situation..."

If he lent it to you, given Yan Bugui's personality, how could he possibly let you return it?

I reckon he'll have to hand over your salary to him under various pretexts by then.

Look at you now, even when you're doing odd jobs, he charges you for food.

I'll charge you for accommodation later, not clothes.

If I calculate all the miscellaneous fees for you, you probably won't save any money in the end.

Yan Jiecheng thought it made sense; that was his father's personality.

The news spread throughout several nearby streets.

Yan Jiecheng became even more distressed.

Seeing that the time was right, Li Jianguo quickly revealed his purpose.

"Jiancheng, don't worry, I have an idea for you."

You get the money, and you don't have to pay it back.

"Really? Brother Jianguo, what's your idea? Tell me quickly."

"Jiancheng, look, it's only two months until the New Year."

It's hard to find a job these days, and buying one is expensive.

I suggest you wait until after the New Year, and then find a job selling things next year.

Once you've agreed on a price, you can go home.

You should know where Yan Bugui hid the money, right? You stole some of it.

Make the deal immediately and get the job.

You could also buy another room while you're at it.

By then, all the money will have been spent, and you'll be Yan Bugui's biological son.

"He can't possibly arrest you, can he?"

Yan Jiecheng's eyes lit up when he heard this.

Yes, I am the eldest son of the Yan family. I just bought a job with money.

Even if you buy a house, what difference will it make?

My dad really knows how to call the police; he might just get himself arrested.

The more Yan Jiecheng thought about it, the more reliable this method seemed.

He quickly addressed the two of them.

"Brother Jianguo, Xu Damao, you must keep this a secret from me."

If word gets out, given my dad's personality...

He will definitely hide the money somewhere else.

Xu Damao, who also loved watching the drama unfold, added fuel to the fire.

"Don't worry, Jie Cheng, we're like brothers."

We are brothers from different fathers and mothers.

This is something I've kept absolutely secret from you.

I think Brother Jianguo's method is really good.

You can steal even more then.

Even the dowry for your wedding and the money for handling related matters.

Also, steal the three turns and one sound.

You can secretly hide somewhere then.

Even Old Man Yan can't do anything about you.

Both of them egged Yan Jiecheng on, hoping he would make things even bigger.

That's how you make it exciting to watch.

Upon hearing that so much money had been stolen, Yan Jiecheng was still a little timid.

"I'll think about it. My dad is greedy and if I steal too much, he might really send me to jail."

The three then drank and ate and drank for a while, and in the end, Yan Jiecheng helped Xu Damao away.

After her two good brothers left, Yao Yao couldn't wait to start muttering to herself.

"Brother Jianguo, you've really changed my opinion of you again."

Why do you keep coming up with these terrible ideas?

I feel like your mischief has never stopped.

I've never heard of these prank methods before.

After hearing Yao Yao's words, Li Jianguo coughed repeatedly, choked by the words.

"Yaoyao, what are you saying? Although your brother Jianguo is a bit unethical in his dealings."

But that doesn't stop me from being a good person.

My heart is still kind; my flaws don't overshadow my virtues.

Li Jianguo then put the items on the table into his spatial storage.

To save Yao Yao the trouble of cleaning up, the two of them washed up and went to bed.

The days passed quickly, and before we knew it, it was Chinese New Year again. Comfortable days always fly by.

I wonder if Chen Xueru's ex-husband's hidden internal energy has manifested yet; judging by the time it takes, it should be soon.

During the first Chinese New Year, Li Jianguo carried a small box and a jar of wine to visit Chen Xueru.

When I got to the entrance of the silk shop, I looked up and saw that the sign had been changed.

"Looks like it's already been sold," Li Jianguo thought, then walked around in a circle toward the back door.

Li Jianguo knocked on the door, and Chen Xueru opened it shortly afterward.

"Brother Jianguo, you're here! Come in quickly."

The two went inside.

"Sister Xue Ru, I noticed that you've changed the sign of your silk shop."

Have you already sold it?

"Yes, Brother Jianguo, the silk shop has already been sold off."

I bought a job as a purchasing agent at a textile factory and just started working there.

"Okay, that's good. Now I can rest assured."

As he spoke, Li Jianguo handed over a small box.

Chen Xueru opened it with a delighted expression, and inside were more gold ingots.

"Brother Jianguo, you really brought me so much money."

"Of course, Sister Xue Ru, I already said I wouldn't abandon you."

"I'm going to take care of you for the rest of your life, how could I go back on my word?"

Chen Xueru happily kissed Li Jianguo, then hurriedly carried the small box into the inner room.

Li Jianguo ignored her and sat down at the table to wait.

Soon Chen Xueru had hidden the money and started working in the kitchen.

The food was served, the wine was opened, and the two poured their drinks.

"Sister Xue Ru, I've been here so many times, how come I've never seen your son?"

Li Jianguo asked him kindly.

"I have other places to live, and the children usually live there."

What's so interesting about a child? If you want to see her, I'll have her come next time.

"Sigh, forget it. I was just asking. I don't want to see your son."

It's said that sons hate their stepfathers the most.

Even Dorgon can't handle this; I'm afraid he might stab me again later.

Li Jianguo scratched his head sheepishly.

"Get out of here, what nonsense are you talking about? Hou Kui has a great personality, how could he possibly stab you?"

"Brother Jianguo, your Erguotou is really good. Bring me a few more jars next time."

Chen Xueru gently punched Li Jianguo.

"No problem, I'll bring you some after I finish drinking it."

By the way, Sister Xueru, how many tasks do you have this month?

I'll bring it to you before the end of the month.

"Brother Jianguo, I'll give you that task sheet in a bit."

You can buy whatever you think is best when the time comes.

"OK."

And so the two of them started drinking.

After enjoying the delicious drink, she also enhanced her beauty in other ways.

Li Jianguo returned to courtyard number 95.