Courtyard House: Starting by inheriting the tradition and suppressing the barbarians.

1966, summer.

Summers in Beijing are always hot and humid.

The cicadas were screeching loudly in the old locust tree, their calls irritating and unsettling.

There seemed to be a restless atmosphere in the air.

Even the wind that blew by carried a slightly unusual smell.

Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, office building.

Liu Haizhong was hunched over, his face full of that signature creases and smile.

He carefully held an enamel mug in his hands and gently placed it on the desk.

"Director Li, please have some tea."

"This is a high-quality delicacy that I specially asked someone to get for me."

"Although it's not a famous tea, it has a strong, invigorating flavor!"

Director Li, who was sitting behind his desk, is now the deputy factory director.

But everyone tacitly omitted the word "deputy".

Director Li lifted his eyelids, glanced at Liu Haizhong, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"Old Liu, you've worked in the workshop for so many years."

"It was tough, but I think their political awareness is quite high."

Upon hearing this, Liu Haizhong became so excited that his fat trembled all over, and he bent over even lower.

"Director... oh no, factory manager!"

"I, Liu Haizhong, am like a brick in your hand; wherever you place me, I'll use me to build this wall!"

"I've been thinking, given the current situation... shouldn't our factory also keep up?"

Director Li nodded in satisfaction, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "Hmm, he's a sensible person."

"Things are turbulent outside right now, and our factory can't fall behind."

"The factory has decided to set up a workers' disciplinary team to specifically target those with backward thinking and improper conduct."

At this point, Director Li's gaze fell on Liu Haizhong.

"I'm still considering who should be the team captain..."

Liu Haizhong's breathing quickened instantly; this was real power!

That's a million times better than him being that useless old man in the courtyard!

"Factory Manager! I'm willing to share your burdens!"

"My bangs may not have any other special skills, but they do have a sharp eye!"

"I'll be the first to object to anyone who dares to tarnish our factory's reputation!"

Liu Haizhong pounded his chest so hard it was deafening, looking as if he wanted to kowtow to Director Li on the spot.

Director Li laughed heartily, took a red armband from the drawer, and casually tossed it onto the table.

"Alright, then we'll see how you perform."

"Captain Liu, here you go."

With trembling hands, Liu Haizhong picked up the red armband, on which were printed a few bright yellow words: Workers' Picket Team.

At that moment, Liu Haizhong felt that his life had been elevated.

......

Evening, in the courtyard.

Today, with his bangs, he walks with a powerful and confident stride.

Even though he used to have his hands behind his back, his back was a bit hunched, making him look old.

But today, his belly was sticking out higher than if he were ten months pregnant, and his chin was raised so high that he seemed to be looking down through his nostrils.

The bright red armband on his arm was particularly eye-catching in the setting sun.

As soon as I entered the front yard, I ran into Uncle Yan Bugui, who was tending to the flowers and plants.

Yan Bugui, with his sharp eyes, immediately noticed what was on Liu Haizhong's arm, and his heart skipped a beat.

"Hey, Lao Liu, this is... a promotion?"

Yan Bugui asked tentatively, his tone tinged with a hint of sourness.

Liu Haizhong stopped in his tracks, glanced arrogantly at Yan Bugui, and snorted, "What, Old Liu?"

"Now you should call him Team Leader Liu! Or Captain Liu!"

"Teacher Yan, you're an educated man, don't you even have this much sense?"

Yan Bugui choked, inwardly cursing Liu Haizhong for taking advantage of him.

But he still forced a smile and said, "Yes, yes, Captain Liu, what does this disciplinary team do?"

"What do you do?"

Liu Haizhong sneered, deliberately raising his voice so that the neighbors could hear him.

"That's specifically for dealing with those monsters and capitalists!"

"Whether it's in the factory or the yard, as long as I have the power, I can manage it!"

After saying that, Liu Haizhong completely ignored Yan Bugui's ugly expression.

With his hands behind his back and an official gait, he headed straight for the Central Court.

......

In the courtyard, Qin Huairu was washing clothes by the pool.

Sha Zhu was squatting to the side, talking to her casually, his eyes constantly glancing at Qin Huairu's collar.

"You idiot Zhu! You have no manners when you stand or squat! What kind of talk is that!"

Liu Haizhong's loud shout startled Sha Zhu so much that he almost fell to the ground.

Sha Zhu turned around and saw Liu Haizhong. He was about to retort.

But when his gaze fell on the red armband, the swear words that were on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back.

He'd heard about it at the factory too; the police disciplinary team was really tough these days, they were always targeting people!

"Captain Liu, can't I even take a short break?"

Sha Zhu stood up sheepishly.

"Hmph! Watch your attitude!"

Liu Haizhong pointed and said, "The atmosphere in our department used to be terrible; we have to change that!"

"I want to make our compound a model compound for the entire city of Beijing!"

Qin Huairu's eyes darted around, and she immediately put on a fawning smile: "This old man is a big leader now."

"Our department will definitely listen to you from now on."

Liu Haizhong felt completely comfortable being addressed as "Big Boss".

But his gaze didn't linger; instead, it traveled across the middle courtyard and stared intently at the direction of the backyard.

That's where Li Xuan lives.

At that moment, a faint aroma of stewed pork ribs wafted from the backyard.

These days, every household is tightening their belts to make ends meet.

Only Li Xuan, who eats meat every few days, lives a more comfortable life than a landlord.

Liu Haizhong narrowed his beady green eyes, his gaze revealing greed and calculation.

Previously, Li Xuan had Elder Chen protecting him and the reputation of a divine doctor, so Liu Haizhong dared not make a move.

But it's different now.

That day, everything changed!

"Director Li said we need to make an example of someone to establish authority..."

Liu Haizhong muttered to himself, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth, "Li Xuan, Li Xuan."

"You're so young, yet you live in such a nice house and eat meat every meal."

"Since they don't participate in collective labor, aren't they just easy targets?"

"Only by making an example of you can I truly establish my authority as the head of the disciplinary inspection team!"

Liu Haizhong touched the armband on his arm.

It was as if he could already see himself leading his men into the backyard and trampling the high and mighty Li Xuan under his feet.

Then the scene shows them taking over Li Xuan's assets and houses.

"The upcoming college-wide meeting will be your death day!"

He spat fiercely in the bangs, his big belly sticking out.

Like a vulture that has just feasted on carrion, it triumphantly scurries into its own house...

......