Courtyard House: Starting with handing over the keys, the state helps me abuse birds.

At 9:00 a.m., in the central courtyard of the courtyard house.

Duan Chengyi stood in the center of the courtyard. Today, he wasn't wearing his police uniform, but rather a dark blue tracksuit and Feiyue shoes, making him look sharp and capable. In front of him, Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, Yan Bugui, He Yuzhu, and Xu Damao were already present—or rather, they had no choice but to come.

He Yuzhu and Xu Damao were "helped" over by two staff members; both of their injured legs were still in casts, and their faces were pale. Yi Zhonghai used crutches, and the pain in his ribs made him grimace with every step. Liu Haizhong's left leg was in a lighter cast, but it wasn't much better. Only Yan Bugui's injury was the least serious; his right arm was in a sling.

The five men stood in a row, each with a different expression—Yi Zhonghai was gloomy, Liu Haizhong was dissatisfied, Yan Bugui was scheming, He Yuzhu was resentful, and Xu Damao was fearful.

Around the courtyard, seven or eight young men in casual clothes stood or sat, seemingly relaxed, but with sharp eyes, firmly controlling the entire courtyard. The neighbors had learned their lesson today; their doors and windows were tightly shut, and even the curtains were drawn tight.

"Everyone's here." Duan Chengyi glanced at his watch and said in a loud voice, "Today's ideological education lesson will focus on physical training."

Upon hearing this, all five people were stunned.

"Physical training...?" Yi Zhonghai couldn't help but ask, his voice full of confusion. "Director Duan, our injuries..."

"It's precisely because you're injured that you need to train," Duan Chengyi interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Health is the foundation of everything. Only by improving your physical condition can you advance your thinking. This is an order from higher up."

Liu Haizhong said with a pained expression, "Director Duan, look at our legs..."

"If your leg is injured, train your arms; if your arms are injured, train your core." Duan Chengyi said expressionlessly. "In short, we must complete today's training."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the five people: "Also, to motivate everyone, we'll be electing a 'captain' today. The captain will have command authority in the upcoming training sessions, able to arrange training content and monitor progress."

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, and a glint flashed in the eyes of all five people.

Captain? Command?

What does this mean? It means that it can legitimately "arrange" training content, "supervise" training progress, and... make things difficult for Xie Weihong!

Yi Zhonghai's mind raced. If he could become the captain, he could "strictly demand" Xie Weihong during training, making him suffer greatly. Moreover, with the captain's position, he might even be able to speak to Duan Chengyi and secure more benefits.

Liu Haizhong's thinking was simpler—he was the second oldest man in the compound, so the position of team leader should naturally belong to him. Becoming team leader would allow him to regain his authority and show everyone in the compound that he, Liu Haizhong, was still in power!

Yan Bugui was already calculating the costs and benefits. The team leader would definitely get some "benefits," whether it was tangible benefits or hidden power, it was all worth fighting for.

Although He Yuzhu and Xu Damao were the most seriously injured, they also had their own ideas—if they could become captains, at least they could arrange easy training for themselves and also teach Xie Weihong a lesson.

The five individuals each harbored their own ulterior motives, but shared the same goal—they had to compete for the captaincy!

Duan Chengyi took in their reactions, a barely perceptible sneer playing on his lips, then raised his voice: "Comrade Xie Weihong, come out."

The back gate opened.

Xie Weihong came out. He was also wearing simple sportswear today, but he was tall and had a steady gait, which was a stark contrast to the five disheveled people opposite him.

He walked to Duan Chengyi's side and calmly looked at the five people opposite him.

Yi Zhonghai and the others looked at him with complex expressions—resentment, fear, and a hint of unwillingness.

"Today's training program is very simple," Duan Chengyi began to announce. "The first item is running. Run laps around the central courtyard. Whoever runs the fastest will be the first to be nominated for captain."

"Running?!" He Yuzhu exclaimed, "Chief Duan, my leg..."

"What happened to your leg?" Duan Chengyi asked, looking at him. "Can't you still stand? If you can stand, you can run."

Xu Damao also became anxious: "But we're injured like this, how can we outrun Xie Weihong? This isn't fair!"

These words expressed the thoughts of the others.

Yes, the five of them are either injured or disabled, while Xie Weihong is young and strong, how can he compare?

Yi Zhonghai's eyes darted around, and a plan formed in his mind. He adopted his "reasonable" demeanor: "Director Duan, Xu Damao is right. All five of us are injured, while Comrade Xie Weihong is young and healthy. This competition is indeed unfair. How about... we change the event?"

Duan Chengyi looked at Xie Weihong: "Weihong, what do you think?"

Xie Weihong smiled slightly, a faint smile, but it made Yi Zhonghai's heart tighten.

"Master Yi makes a good point," Xie Weihong said slowly. "How about this, I'll run alone, and the five of you will run in a relay. I'll run five laps, and you each run one lap. How does that sound?"

The courtyard fell silent for a moment after he said that.

Yi Zhonghai and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

A relay race? One lap per person?

It sounds...like it might work!

Five people combined can't outrun Xie Weihong alone? Even with injuries, she can grit her teeth and finish one lap, right?

Moreover, this way, the five of them can cooperate with each other and even use some tricks—such as running a little slower and leaving the pressure on others.

Yi Zhonghai's mind raced with calculations. He had broken ribs, which hurt when he ran, but he should be able to manage one lap. Liu Haizhong had a leg injury, but one lap wouldn't be a problem either. Yan Bugui only had an arm injury; running was no problem for him. He Yuzhu and Xu Damao, although their leg injuries were more serious, could also manage one lap…

"Okay!" Yi Zhonghai decided immediately, "We agree!"

Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui nodded quickly. Although He Yuzhu and Xu Damao were uneasy, seeing that the other three had agreed, they could only bite the bullet and agree as well.

Duan Chengyi glanced at Xie Weihong, and seeing his calm expression, nodded: "Then it's settled. Run around the central courtyard, one lap is about fifty meters. Weihong will run five laps, and the five of you will take turns, one lap each. The first to reach the finish line will be a candidate for team captain."

He paused, then added, "Remember, this is only the first event. There are also events like the long jump and push-ups. The person with the best overall score will be elected captain."

These words spurred the five even more on – there was still a chance! Even if they lost the race, they could catch up in the later events!

"Ready!" Duan Chengyi raised his hand.

Xie Weihong walked to the starting line and stretched his arms and legs. His movements were relaxed and natural, showing no signs of nervousness.

On the opposite side, Yi Zhonghai and his five teammates were on high alert. They discussed the baton exchange order—Yi Zhonghai first, Liu Haizhong second, Yan Bugui third, He Yuzhu fourth, and Xu Damao last.

"On your marks—" Duan Chengyi drawled out.

Xie Weihong bowed slightly, her posture was standard.

Yi Zhonghai also assumed a starting position, but the pain in his ribs distorted his movements, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"preparation--"

Everyone in the courtyard held their breath.

"run!"