Courtyard House: The Fisherman Never Goes Sick

Yang Wei gently comforted Lou Xiao'e, telling her not to overthink it, but his mind was already racing with plans.

How to get revenge on Xu Damao? Even if we don't kill him, we must not let him get away with it.

He mentally reviewed the available resources, but they were still too few. Although Sha Zhu listened to him, he couldn't involve Sha Zhu in this matter; he had to do it himself.

Since he was going to do it himself, he could only rely on the skill rewarded by the system—God-level fighting techniques, which were essentially killing techniques. With this ability, Yang Wei had an intimate understanding of human weaknesses. As long as he used some subtle methods, making Xu Damao suffer a terrible fate would be a piece of cake.

Thinking of this, Yang Wei's lips curled into a smile, but beneath that smile lay a chilling murderous intent.

"Honey, go keep Grandma company. Are you hungry? I'll go cook for you." Yang Wei patted Lou Xiao'e's head gently.

Stepping out of the house, Yang Wei didn't go straight into the kitchen. Instead, he stood in front of the door, his gaze fixed on Xu Damao's residence not far away. A bicycle was parked outside, indicating that Xu Damao had already returned from get off work and was probably hiding inside, secretly observing the area.

Yang Wei gave a cold smile, ignored him, and turned to go into the kitchen.

"Since you've caused trouble time and time again, we have to make an example of you, otherwise you'll face endless trouble in the future. Xu Damao, you brought this on yourself, so you'll have to bear the consequences."

Having made up his mind, Yang Wei stopped thinking and quickened his pace, soon serving several home-style dishes.

The three sat down to eat, and when the old lady asked about what had happened that day, Yang Wei didn't hide anything and told her everything.

"Xu Damao is no good person. His father was a scoundrel. The family is a bad family tradition. Don't associate with him anymore. Pretend you don't know him." The old lady saw through it all.

Yang Wei smiled, but thought to himself: Not only should we cut off all contact, but I should also prepare a backup "gift" for him so that he will remember it for the rest of his life and tremble at the mere mention of my name, Yang Wei.

"I know, Grandma. Don't worry, little Xu Damao can't do anything to your grandson!" Yang Wei said with a smile, putting some eggs on the old lady's plate.

"I knew my grandson was the best; no one in this yard is as good as you!" The old lady ate happily.

After dinner, Yang Wei tidied up and went to buy some liniment for bruises and sprains. He then applied it to Lou Xiao'e's wounds and told her to rest. Afterward, he got up and went to the front yard to find Sha Zhu.

Lou Xiao'e was a little worried, afraid that he was going to settle scores with Xu Damao, so she hurriedly instructed, "Husband, although Xu Damao is not a good person, we still live in the same courtyard and see each other all the time. Don't make things too tense, lest people gossip and say that we are bullying people because of our status. After all, you are no longer the head chef of the canteen, but the honorary deputy director of the steel rolling mill."

Seeing that Lou Xiao'e wasn't like those muddle-headed wives who advised him out of soft-heartedness or to save face, but instead used her status and influence to persuade him, Yang Wei became increasingly satisfied. This wife was not only beautiful, but also clear-headed and knew how to weigh the pros and cons.

"I understand, don't worry. I went to see Shazhu not because of Xu Damao, but for something else. Jinwei is trying to take my deputy factory director position, and I'm afraid I'll be removed. I'm going to talk to Zhuzi about whether we can move him to a different position. If Zhuzi can become the deputy factory director, our family won't have so many troublesome problems in this compound anymore," Yang Wei explained with a smile.

"Oh? Okay, then go quickly!" Upon hearing that it was about this, Lou Xiao'e stopped stopping her.

Yang Wei nodded and got up to head to the Intermediate People's Court.

He knocked on the door and entered. Sha Zhu and Wu Xiuqin were sitting and chatting. When Yang Wei came in, the couple immediately stood up with smiles on their faces.

"Brother Yang! Are you finished eating?"

"Yeah, I just ate. Come on, sit down, Brother Yang!" Sha Zhu greeted him, then said to Wu Xiuqin, "Quickly make some tea for Brother Yang!"

"Okay, I'll go right away!" Wu Xiuqin responded and went to pour tea.

After finishing his work and sitting down, Sha Zhu said somewhat embarrassedly, "Brother Yang, I'm really sorry I couldn't help Jinwei with his matter."

"This isn't your fault. Besides, if you hadn't gone to the factory manager, things wouldn't have been resolved so smoothly. Let's not talk about it anymore. I came to tell you something else." Yang Wei waved his hand.

"What's going on? Is it about dealing with Xu Damao? Brother Yang, just say the word and I'll go find him right now!" Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu immediately stood up excitedly, looking ready to take action.

"It's not about him, it's about you," Yang Wei said.

"My business? What business?" Sha Zhu was stunned, while Wu Xiuqin, who was standing next to him, also looked at Yang Wei curiously.

Seeing this, Yang Wei didn't keep him in suspense and asked directly, "Tell me, do you want to be the deputy factory director?"

Yang Wei's desire to help Sha Zhu become the deputy director of the steel rolling mill was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the result of careful consideration over an afternoon.

Currently, Yang Wei doesn't seem to be in any major trouble, but one must take a long-term view. If he wants to leave Beijing for Hong Kong as smoothly as possible in the future, he needs connections in all aspects. Since he doesn't want to be in the limelight, he can only find someone he can completely trust to help him achieve this goal.

After much deliberation, only Sha Zhu seemed the most suitable. Regardless of his abilities, his character was absolutely impeccable. Moreover, his wife, Wu Xiuqin, was a smart, kind, and dutiful woman. This way, there would be no problems at home.

This is why Yang Wei is sitting here today, asking Sha Zhu if he'd like to be the deputy factory director. To put it bluntly, Yang Wei values ​​Sha Zhu's character more than his abilities.

In later generations, the concept of "character" might be a joke. However, in this era, character truly exists. Since we are not born into a materialistic society, inner kindness and simplicity take precedence. There are fewer distractions, fewer schemes, fewer guardedness and vigilance, fewer temptations and conspiracies. Here, once you see through a person's character, what remains is a priceless purity.

So, to be honest, Yang Wei really likes this era.

Sha Zhu froze upon hearing Yang Wei's question. Wu Xiuqin, however, gleamed with delight. In her heart, Brother Yang was an omnipotent figure. She often whispered in Sha Zhu's ear, repeating the same few phrases: "Listen to Brother Yang in everything, ask Brother Yang for advice on everything, trust Brother Yang in everything. As long as you treat Brother Yang well, our future will be even better."

Especially after Wu Xiuqin became pregnant, Shazhu clearly matured a bit more, and became more understanding and willing to shoulder the responsibilities on his shoulders. Therefore, he listened very carefully to what his wife Wu Xiuqin said.

"Brother Yang, you're not kidding, are you? Me? The deputy factory director?" Sha Zhu realized what was happening and immediately felt that Yang Wei wasn't serious, but rather joking. He asked incredulously.

"That's right, it's you! Just say you want to, and I'll get it done. If you don't want to, I won't force you. It's all up to you; after all, this is an opportunity."

"You might not know this, but the deputy factory director is a deputy division-level position. The monthly salary is more than what you're currently earning, at least over a hundred yuan," Yang Wei said.

The tone was almost like a suggestion, seemingly respecting Sha Zhu's wishes, but the final sentence was an attempt to entice him with benefits. This is a negotiation technique, or perhaps a communication technique, which boils down to a few tricks: reason with him, appeal to his emotions, and entice him with benefits. With these three moves, most things that aren't too difficult can be accomplished.

Wu Xiuqin, seeing Sha Zhu hesitate and remain silent, was getting anxious and kept trying to signal to him with her eyes. However, Sha Zhu seemed oblivious, becoming even calmer. He knew his own abilities very well. He wasn't a fool; there's no such thing as a free lunch. Although he knew Yang Wei was genuinely good to him, if Yang Wei ever needed anything, he would have to do it, even if it meant breaking the law. After all, everything he had was given to him by Yang Wei. Without Yang Wei, he would never have had the chance to reach his current position, or even a higher one, and see the scenery from a higher perspective.

"Brother Yang, I want to know, what do you want me to do?" Sha Zhu asked in a deep voice.

Hearing this, Yang Wei felt even more relieved.

"Haha!! Zhu Zi, if you hadn't asked that question, even if you had agreed, I wouldn't have let you become the deputy factory director. But now that you've managed to ask, I'm determined to make you the director."

"Grandma was right, she saw things clearly. In this courtyard, if anyone thinks you're a fool, then they're the real fool."

"Don't worry, I don't have any demands on you. I just hope that when you become the deputy factory director, you can protect me from things like what happened today. As for anything else, I won't let you go down the path of breaking the law. After all, you're about to become a father." Yang Wei laughed and sincerely comforted Sha Zhu.

"Brother Yang, don't mind me. I know that everything in this world is an exchange of equal value. There's no gain without pain. Similarly, if you want to gain something, you must pay a price. It's not that I don't trust you, but this matter is just too big for me." Sha Zhu smiled sheepishly again and said apologetically to Yang Wei.

"Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who holds grudges. Alright, since you've agreed, then it's settled. Just wait for the factory's appointment."

"Oh, right, I need to trouble you with something. Later, please inform the three old men in our compound that there's a meeting tomorrow; I have something to take care of." Yang Wei said to Sha Zhu again before leaving.

"Okay, no problem, I'll go and let them know in a bit. Thank you, Brother Yang!" Sha Zhu looked at Yang Wei sincerely and said gratefully.

"Don't be so polite. You treat me like an older brother, and I treat you like a younger brother. It's that simple. If you overthink it, it becomes complicated," Yang Wei explained again.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Xu Damao knelt on the ground, ignoring the dirt and the neighbors watching the spectacle, and kowtowed several times to Yang Wei. The sound was painful, and his forehead instantly turned red.

This scene completely baffled everyone in the hospital.

Wasn't this just a heartwarming and touching gratitude ceremony? How come Xu Damao is now kneeling down and begging for mercy as if he's seen a ghost?

The contrast is too great!

Even Sha Zhu, who was prepared to watch the show, gaped, his face filled with disbelief. Although he hated Xu Damao, he knew that this guy was a tough nut to crack and usually very stubborn. What was wrong with him today? He looked like his soul had been scared out of his wits.

Liu Haizhong, who had been listening with an air of superiority while holding his teacup, nearly dropped it. His eyes widened, his mouth gaped open, and he stammered, "This...this Xu Damao is...is he possessed?"

Yi Zhonghai also frowned, his eyes darting back and forth between Yang Wei and Xu Damao. He'd lived most of his life and never seen anything like this. Yang Wei was clearly praising Xu Damao, so why was Xu Damao reacting as if Yang Wei wanted to kill him?

Something's definitely going on here!

Yang Wei looked at Xu Damao, who was kneeling on the ground and weeping bitterly, and his smile remained gentle, even carrying a hint of "concern". He slowly squatted down, reached out a hand, and gently patted Xu Damao's shoulder.

"Da Mao, what are you doing?"

Yang Wei's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone present, his tone full of "confusion" and "concern".

"We're neighbors and colleagues, and I appreciate your supervision. Why are you bowing so deeply? It's making me feel uncomfortable. Get up, get up, the ground is cold."

As he spoke, Yang Wei reached out to help Xu Damao.

However, the moment Xu Damao felt Yang Wei's hand on his shoulder, he trembled as if he had been electrocuted, and suddenly shrank back, collapsing to the ground with even greater fear in his eyes.

"No! No! Director Yang, I'm guilty! I'm a despicable person! I shouldn't have been jealous of you, I shouldn't have reported you, I shouldn't have led people to search your house! I'm a bastard! I'm not human!"

Xu Damao shouted incoherently, his face covered in snot and tears, a far cry from the dignified demeanor of a projectionist and godson. His mind was now filled only with Yang Wei's words, "I'll break your leg," and the chilling gaze in the interrogation room. He was certain that if he didn't kneel down and beg for mercy, he wouldn't even be able to leave this courtyard that night!

Looking at Xu Damao's cowardly appearance, Yang Wei's eyes flashed with a hint of disdain.

Are you scared already?

This is nothing.

He slowly stood up, his smile gradually fading, replaced by a pained expression. He sighed and said, "Da Mao, you've disappointed me greatly. I sincerely thanked you and looked up to you as a role model, and this is how you react? Do you really think of me, Yang Wei, as a petty, vindictive person?"

"No! No! Director Yang, you are a great man! You are a righteous official! It was my dark side that made me think so! It was my petty mind that judged you!" Xu Damao shook his head desperately. He just wanted to get rid of this big shot as soon as possible, even if it meant making him call him "father".

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai, an elderly man who had been silent all along, finally stood up.

"Da Mao! What kind of behavior is this! Stand up right now! Director Yang is praising you, look at yourself now, where is your dignity as a worker?"

Although Yi Zhonghai was also puzzled, he had to maintain the status quo. What kind of mess was this whole meeting? Besides, Yang Wei's status was different now; he was the honorary deputy factory director, and Yi Zhonghai had to help Yang Wei save face.

"I won't get up! I'm scared! Director Yang, just say the word, as long as you don't hold it against me, I'll do whatever you want!" Xu Damao ignored Yi Zhonghai's words and remained sprawled on the ground, refusing to get up no matter what.

Yang Wei watched this scene and chuckled to himself.

It's almost done.

If this continues, the "good guy" persona will collapse, and we'll have to find a different way to end it.

He shook his head helplessly and said to the crowd of onlookers, "Fellow neighbors, as you all saw, Comrade Xu Damao may have some misunderstanding about me, or perhaps he's under too much work pressure lately and his mental state is a bit unstable. Since he's so agitated, let's end the commendation ceremony here for today."

After speaking, Yang Wei looked down at Xu Damao, his voice lowered so that only Xu Damao could hear him:

"Da Mao, now that you know you're wrong, I'm not an unreasonable person. Go home tonight and reflect on your actions. Write a self-criticism and submit it to the factory office tomorrow. Remember, the self-criticism needs to be profound. If it makes me feel that you're not sincere..."

Yang Wei paused, his eyes instantly turning sharp as knives as he stared at Xu Damao's legs. "Then let's have a proper talk."

Xu Damao shuddered, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, and nodded repeatedly, pounding his fist on the ground: "Yes, yes, yes! I will definitely reflect deeply on my actions! I will definitely conduct a thorough self-examination! Thank you, Director Yang! Thank you, Director Yang, for your mercy!"

After saying that, he ignored his sore bottom, scrambled to his feet, lowered his head, and didn't dare to look at anyone. He then ran into his room as fast as a rabbit.

The neighbors, left behind in the courtyard, looked at each other, bewildered in the wind.

That's... that's it?

Lou Xiao'e stood at the back of the crowd, looking at Yang Wei's tall and straight back, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She had clearly seen a fleeting ruthlessness in Yang Wei's eyes just now. Although it was gone in an instant, she knew that was the real Yang Wei.

This man is becoming increasingly unfathomable to her.

But the way he defended himself just now, and that domineering aura of control over everything, made her somewhat...fascinated.

"Yang Wei, how many secrets do you still have that I don't know?" Lou Xiao'e thought to herself.

Sha Zhu also came to his senses at this moment, walked over to Yang Wei, gave him a thumbs up, and said in a low voice, "Brother Yang, awesome! That move of yours was even more ruthless than beating him up! Look how scared that bastard is, he probably won't be able to sleep well tonight."

Yang Wei smiled faintly and patted Sha Zhu on the shoulder: "Dealing with this kind of person, beating him up is the least skillful thing to do. To make him fear you from the bottom of his heart, to make him tremble at the sight of you, that takes real ability."

"Alright, let's call it a day. Everyone should go home and get some rest."

Yang Wei waved to the crowd and then turned to walk into his room.

That figure appeared increasingly unfathomable in the eyes of the crowd.

After this incident, no one in the courtyard dared to underestimate this young honorary deputy factory director anymore. Even Liu Haizhong and Yi Zhonghai looked at Yang Wei's retreating figure with a hint of apprehension.

As for Xu Damao, from now on, he will likely be left with a complete psychological scar.