Courtyard House: A System Connecting Two Worlds, Resources for the Nation

Just as Zhou Feng and Sha Zhu were sitting on a long bench, eating braised pork side by side, Sha Zhu started jumping around in the yard.

He's got a fire burning inside!

That Zhou Feng guy made him lose all face before, and then tricked him into cleaning toilets. Now he walks down the street and smells terrible.

Even the workers in the steel mill's kitchen looked at him with very strange expressions.

Now it's gotten even worse. I don't know where they got that weird and strange thing from, but everyone in the hospital is gathered around to look at it!

What gives him the right?!

Why is he able to live such a comfortable life?

And then there's Bai Ling, such a beautiful girl, and she has such a good job too.

How could she have fallen for such a thing? He's such a good cook, yet she doesn't even glance at him and goes to Zhou Feng's house to cook for him every day!

For this reason alone, we can't let him be so comfortable; we have to make things difficult for him!

Having been tricked so many times, Sha Zhu had learned his lesson. Instead of going directly to Zhou Feng, he went to Yi Zhonghai's house first.

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai had just finished eating and was sitting there drinking tea, while an older woman was clearing away the dishes.

"Grandpa, have you finished eating?"

Sha Zhu pushed open the door and went in, a smile plastered on his face.

Yi Zhonghai had practically watched him grow up, and he immediately noticed that Sha Zhu's expression was off.

This kid has never been like this before; he's incredibly honest and simple.

I don't know when or how I ended up learning from Xu Damao.

Judging from his appearance, you can tell he's definitely not thinking anything good.

"Zhu Zi, have you eaten yet? If not, why don't you eat something here?"

Regardless, Yi Zhonghai was still quite kind to Sha Zhu, even though he knew the guy was there to cause trouble, he still maintained a friendly demeanor.

"No, no, I'll eat at home!"

Sha Zhu waved his hand, sat down on the stool next to him, sighed, and said, "Uncle, I've come to talk to you about something. I'm feeling really down."

"Oh? What is it? Tell me." Yi Zhonghai put down his teacup.

"That washing machine that Zhou Feng brought back this afternoon!"

Sha Zhu's voice rose considerably, his eyes widening: "You didn't see it! Good heavens, the whole hospital went to see it! That thing looks novel, but have you ever thought about what it uses? Electricity!"

When Yi Zhonghai heard Sha Zhu bring up Zhou Feng's matter again, he felt a headache coming on.

To say that he finds Zhou Feng enjoyable is pure nonsense. With such a large firecracker in the yard, exploding every now and then, how could he possibly feel comfortable?

But he was genuinely afraid of Zhou Feng; every time he went up against this guy, he was incredibly unlucky.

He's so old, he'd be ashamed to be pointed at and criticized by a young person!

"Zhu Zi, Zhou Feng said he's using his own black box, not the electricity from our yard, right?"

Yi Zhonghai looked at the middle-aged woman who was still tidying up the table, and she immediately nodded affirmatively: "Yes, he said that's called an outdoor power supply, and it doesn't use our electricity."

"Hey! You two, old man and old woman! How can you still believe him?"

Sha Zhu slapped his thigh. "You just listened to him say it wasn't needed! Look at the washing machine's power cord! It's so much thicker than the power cords we use!"

"Who can guarantee he won't secretly connect to the power line in the courtyard? Even if he doesn't use it now, what if his 'outdoor power supply' runs out of power later? Won't he have to find a way to pay? Then the electricity meter will be spinning like crazy, and who will pay the electricity bill? It'll still be split among all the staff in the courtyard!"

Yi Zhonghai paused for a moment, his hand holding the teacup still.

When it comes to electricity bills, this is indeed a sensitive issue.

These days, every household is careful with their electricity usage, using low-wattage light bulbs and avoiding turning on the lights at night if possible.

If the electricity bill for the entire hospital really went up because of that thing Zhou Feng brought back, then that would be no small matter!

Seeing that Yi Zhonghai's expression had changed, Sha Zhu quickly added fuel to the fire.

"Uncle, you tell me, our compound is all about unity and fairness! Zhou Feng is rich and powerful, so he's getting special treatment, using that kind of machine. Let's not even talk about how much electricity it uses, it's just not fair!"

"Why is it that while we, the vast working class, are scrimping and saving, he can spend lavishly? What if he really uses public electricity? Isn't that taking advantage of everyone? If this continues, what will become of the unity within our institute? You're the elder statesman; you can't ignore this!"

Yi Zhonghai's expression grew increasingly serious as he listened to Sha Zhu's words.

He really values ​​the stability of this courtyard; Sha Zhu's words really hit the nail on the head.

Zhou Feng has bicycles and washing machines, and he eats white rice and various kinds of meat every day. It is indeed easy for this to cause comparison and conflict.

This wasn't him picking a fight with Zhou Feng, but as an elder in the courtyard, he had a responsibility to maintain the unity and stability of the entire courtyard!

So what if Zhou Feng is rich and powerful?

Now is the era of the working class in charge. He doesn't believe that he, a dignified eighth-grade worker, can be defeated by a capitalist.

An older woman standing nearby sighed helplessly. She could tell that her husband, Lao Yi, had actually been successfully fooled by Sha Zhu!

When did Sha Zhu become so cunning?

What they didn't know was that there's a saying that came out in later generations: "People can't teach people, but experience can teach people in one go."

After going through so much, it's normal for Sha Zhu's temperament and thoughts to have changed.

"Zhu Zi, what you said makes some sense."

Yi Zhonghai pondered, "This really needs to be discussed. We can't let a lazy machine ruin the harmony of our compound."

"You're right!"

Sha Zhu clapped his hands suddenly: "Grandpa, you've done a fair job!"

Seeing Sha Zhu's somewhat excited expression, Yi Zhonghai sighed again, causing the other man's heart to clench.

"Zhu Zi, but there's something we've discussed before. We've had a hospital-wide meeting about this before, and you know what Comrade Zhou Feng's attitude is. It's not enough for just the two of us; it would be best to bring Uncle Er and Uncle San along too. What do you think…"

"Don't worry, you don't need to tell me. I'll go talk to Uncle Er and the others!"

Sha Zhu patted his chest and ran quickly out of Yi Zhonghai's house.

He had already planned to persuade the second uncle if the first uncle disagreed, but since the first uncle had already said so, he would just go directly to Liu Haizhong!

Watching his retreating figure, Yi Zhonghai took another deep breath. The thought of having to deal with Zhou Feng again made him feel uneasy.

Despite being quite young, he's like a hedgehog, always prickly when he speaks, and it hurts a lot when he gets hurt!

Like the eldest uncle's family, Liu Haizhong had also finished his meal and drunk two cups of wine. He was pacing around the house with his hands behind his back, enjoying the authority of the head of the household.

Auntie Er was also tidying up the house, while her two sons had both run outside after finishing their meal.

The truth is, Liu Haizhong had been drinking, and his attitude towards them was somewhat unpredictable. They were too lazy to serve him, so they simply avoided him.

"Second Uncle, did I disturb you?"

Facing Liu Haizhong, Sha Zhu wasn't as casual as Yi Zhonghai; he still had to put on a smiling face.

"Oh, it's Zhu Zi. What's up?"

Liu Haizhong was still putting on airs, speaking slowly and deliberately.

"Something big has happened! Second Uncle, I have to tell you, there might be trouble in our yard! Zhou Feng from the front yard has brought back an electric machine, it's making a loud rumbling noise, and he says he can wash clothes without anyone lifting a finger!"

"Is that so?"

Liu Haizhong raised an eyebrow; he got off work late and hadn't heard about it yet.

"Yes, it's called a washing machine. I spent ages looking at it there; it's so convenient."

Aunt Erda, who was wiping the table, chimed in, only to be glared at by Liu Haizhong before turning back to the kitchen.

"Even if such a machine existed, what would it have to do with us? What trouble could it possibly cause?"

Seeing Liu Haizhong's nonchalant attitude, Sha Zhu's expression became exaggerated: "Second Uncle, think about it, whose electricity does this machine use? What if it uses the yard's electricity? How will the electricity bill be calculated? This is a big deal that concerns every household's wallet!"

"As for that old man... sigh, I think he's a bit hesitant, after all, Zhou Feng's attitude towards him wasn't good before. But this matter needs someone who can make a decision and dares to speak up to uphold justice! Otherwise, everyone will feel uneasy!"

"Now that I think about it, aren't you the most capable person in our courtyard? You can handle the things that Uncle Yi should handle, and you can handle the things that Uncle Yi can't handle. That's what you, Uncle Er, are all about!"

That really hit Liu Hai right where it hurts!

What Yi Zhonghai can't handle, can he?

That's so well said! This is the perfect opportunity for him to establish his authority through his bangs!

It's time for Uncle Er to demonstrate his courage and ability in upholding justice and safeguarding the interests of the entire hospital!

If he can handle this matter well, everyone in the compound will respect him.

It will definitely outdo Yi Zhonghai!

Over the years, this matter has almost become an obsession for him.

Liu Haizhong immediately felt more sober, straightened his back even more, and adopted an official tone: "Hmm! Zhuzi, you're very vigilant! This matter is indeed not to be ignored! It concerns the collective interest, and there can be no ambiguity! Don't worry, as the second oldest in the compound, I will definitely take it seriously and give everyone an explanation!"

Sha Zhu was overjoyed inside, but flattered her aloud, saying, "Oh, it's all thanks to you, Second Uncle! You're so responsible! We're counting on you for this!"

With Liu Haizhong dealt with, the matter was basically settled, but Sha Zhu still arrived at Yan Bugui's house in the front yard.

He glared angrily at Zhou Feng's door before knocking on Yan Bugui's door.

After being let in, Yan Bugui was using the lamplight and his reading glasses to work on the abacus beads, while the third aunt was mending clothes beside him.

"Third Uncle, busy?"

Yan Bugui looked up and adjusted his glasses: "Zhu Zi, a rare guest. What brings you here?"

Having already been involved in the theft of bicycle wheels, his family and Sha Zhu didn't get along very well, and they weren't exactly friendly when he came to their door.

"There is something I'd like to hear your opinion as a cultured person."

Sha Zhu reiterated the issue of the washing machine potentially using public electricity, leading to the sharing of electricity costs, and especially emphasized the phrase "shared electricity costs".

This was the ultimate weapon he had prepared for Yan Bugui; otherwise, how could he have been so confident in coming to his door?

Even if Yan Bugui doesn't like him, he will definitely support him when it comes to sharing the extra electricity costs!

"Third Uncle, now both First Uncle and Second Uncle have decided to hold a general meeting of the entire courtyard to discuss this matter. What do you think…?"

"Our family won't get involved in this matter. We'll attend your hospital-wide meeting, but we won't offer any opinions."

Sha Zhu, who was full of confidence and waiting for Yan Bugui to express his opinion, froze on the spot before the smile on his face had faded.

"No, Third Uncle, this concerns the interests of the entire hospital..."

"I know, our family won't get involved, please leave!"

Sha Zhu was rebuffed and left the Yan family dejectedly.

However, he was not worried. With the support of Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong, the conference could proceed!

However, just as he returned home, the Jia family's door was open in the middle courtyard, and Qin Huairu was washing clothes there!

Looking further inside, Jia Zhangshi was sitting cross-legged on the kang (a heated brick bed) sewing shoe soles, while Banggeng was playing with Xiaodang and Huaihua.

Sha Zhu hesitated for a few seconds, but still walked over.

"Sister Qin, did you see Zhou Feng's washing machine? Isn't it great? You don't have to wash clothes by hand! If we could get him to take the machine out so everyone could use it, that would be wonderful! You usually have to wash so many clothes for the whole family, it must be so tiring!"

Qin Huairu was stunned for a moment, but helplessly wiped her fallen hair with the back of her hand: "Don't even think about it, those are treasures for other people, we don't have that kind of luck."

That's what she said, but her eyes were still full of envy.

"Hey? What good fortune or bad luck? You know what, I have a way!"

At this point, Sha Zhu had already raised his chin, just waiting for Qin Huairu to ask him a question.

"You have no ideas whatsoever! You idiot Zhu, what are you doing standing around at our doorstep stirring things up? If you have a solution, go ahead and use it, but don't go around nagging Qin Huairu!"

After Xu Damao was arrested, Jia Zhangshi became certain in her heart that Zhou Feng was someone she absolutely could not mess with!

Some people can use moral blackmail and threats, some can use their seniority to solve problems, and some can use tantrums and tantrums to force people to comply...

But Zhou Feng is the kind of person who is impervious to reason, stubborn, and even capable of flipping tables.

The Jia family, with only orphans and widows, could have been unaware of his abilities before, but now that they know he's so powerful, they must have lost their minds to provoke him!

It is these young people like Sha Zhu who constantly talk about the glorious working class and believe that the working class can be in charge of their own destiny.

These elderly people only believe in one saying: "The people cannot fight against the officials; an egg cannot break a rock!"

Sha Zhu was taken aback, then retorted, "Aunt Jia, I was just trying to make things convenient for everyone! We're all neighbors..."

"Pah!" Madam Jia spat. "Don't give me that crap! I know you too well. You just don't like Zhou Feng, right? You want to make things difficult for him? Don't use us as pawns! Everyone uses it, but who's responsible if it breaks? Who pays the electricity bill? You pay it! I think you're just deliberately trying to cause trouble! Get out of here, don't get in my way!"

"Qin Huairu, let me tell you, if you dare get involved in this, I'm not letting you off the hook. Lock that door!"

After being scolded by her mother-in-law, Qin Huairu didn't dare to say a word. She glanced apologetically at Sha Zhu and silently closed the door.

To be honest, she was indeed a little afraid to provoke Zhou Feng. What if she was also arrested like Xu Damao? What would happen to her children?