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

Yan Bugui's eyes flickered upon hearing this, but he immediately sighed and shook his head: "Why blame Zhou Feng? It's like he brought it on himself! Zhou Feng is right, he forged evidence and was caught red-handed. How could he help? In front of everyone, if he really spoke up to protect him, wouldn't he be getting himself involved? If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't dare to say a word either."

Despite saying that, Yan Bugui still harbored a sliver of hope and expectation.

Zhou Feng, that kid, has a powerful background and connections. Even Deputy Factory Director Li treats him with utmost respect. Now he's caused such a commotion.

If he were truly willing to step in, even if it were just to speak privately with the neighborhood committee or the police station, he might be able to minimize the impact of this matter and reduce the suffering for Jie Cheng.

But... how do I bring it up?

Regarding the incident involving Zhou Feng's family last time, although I didn't join Yi Zhonghai and the others in their nonsense, I did try to protect myself and didn't speak up for Zhou Feng.

Now that my son is in this situation, why should anyone help me?

Yan Bugui was conflicted all afternoon and barely ate any dinner.

The chicken that had been so hard to get was carefully preserved, and they planned to eat it during the Chinese New Year.

Yu Li had a dark expression on her face the whole time.

She knew nothing about this; it was all Yan Jiecheng's doing. But now that her own husband had done something like this, she felt ashamed.

When she went out in the afternoon, she heard the older women in the next courtyard talking about this, and they said some really unpleasant things.

"How about... Yu Li, you go and plead with Zhou Feng across the street. It's not right for Jie Cheng to be taken away like this. At least ask them to give him a lighter punishment!"

After finishing her meal, Yu Li, who was clearing the dishes, heard her mother-in-law's words and a cold smile appeared on her lips.

"Mom, I can't bring myself to say anything about this. He didn't discuss it with me when he made the mistake, and now that he's been arrested, what can I do?"

After giving a curt reply, Yu Li silently washed the dishes and went straight back to her room.

Yu Li was already very dissatisfied with Yan Jiecheng's current unemployment, and now that he had done something so shameful, she was speechless.

"you…"

The three women wanted to say something, but Yan Bugui stopped them with a gesture.

"Forget it, I'll go talk to Zhou Feng about this and see if he can give me some face because of our past relationship."

After all, he was his son. Yan Bugui sighed, put on his coat, and walked towards Zhou Feng's house.

As Yan Bugui approached Zhou Feng's house, the aroma of meat wafted from inside. Even though he didn't have much of an appetite, he couldn't help but swallow.

Arriving at someone's door during their mealtime is somewhat impolite.

But Yan Bugui couldn't think about that anymore. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Who is it?

Zhou Feng's voice came from inside the room.

"It's me, Lao Yan!"

Yan Bugui, who needed a favor from someone, naturally wouldn't act like a big shot. He even softened his tone and made his voice sound more natural.

The door opened, and Zhou Feng, dressed in pajamas and holding chopsticks, stood in the doorway.

The heat inside the house kept escaping out through the doorway. There were two dishes and a soup on the table, and Bai Ling was also there.

"Hey, Third Uncle? It's so late, what's up? Have you eaten yet? If not, come in and grab a bite?"

Zhou Feng was somewhat surprised to see Yan Bugui, but he still spoke very politely.

However, he remained blocking the doorway, showing no intention of making way for anyone to come in.

They ate together, all lovey-dovey, feeding each other and giving each other kisses—how comfortable!

Bringing in an old man like that makes everyone uncomfortable.

Moreover, Zhou Feng knew what Yan Bugui's visit meant; it was about the mistake Yan Jiecheng made during the day!

Seeing that Bai Ling inside the room was also looking up, Yan Bugui forced an awkward smile and waved his hands repeatedly, "I've eaten, I've just eaten. Um... Zhou Feng, I hope I didn't disturb your meal? I... I have something I'd like to talk to you about alone for a bit."

Zhou Feng glanced at Bai Ling, who nodded slightly and continued eating slowly.

He then stepped out, closed the door behind him, and stood under the eaves with Yan Bugui.

"Uncle, what's the matter? Please tell me," Zhou Feng said, his hands clasped in his pockets, his tone relatively calm.

Yan Bugui chuckled awkwardly, composed himself, and then lowered his voice, pleading, "Zhou Feng, you were there today...you were there when they were distributing the supplies. That bastard Jie Cheng, he...he was just confused, blinded by greed! It's all his fault! I...I've completely lost face because of him!"

As he spoke, he observed Zhou Feng's expression.

Zhou Feng listened quietly, without any expression.

"Now that he's been taken away by the police station, I'm really worried. He's still young, if he really gets a disciplinary action or gets locked up for a few days, what will happen to him in the future... sigh!"

Yan Bugui sighed and finally got to the point, "Zhou Feng, I know you know a lot of people and have influence. Could you perhaps help me think of a way to speak to the neighborhood committee or the police station? Just say that the child is young and doesn't understand, it's his first offense, and our family will definitely discipline him strictly! He should apologize if necessary, write a self-criticism if needed, as long as it doesn't leave a criminal record and doesn't have too bad an impact, anything is fine!"

Zhou Feng sighed, feeling the constant emotional turmoil within him ever since Yan Jiecheng was captured, and shook his head helplessly.

Previously, the Yan family had been showing him goodwill, but people have varying degrees of closeness and distance. Yan Bugui and Yan Jiekuang were both quite perceptive.

As for Yan Jiecheng, for some reason, although he wasn't exactly hostile towards him, he was somewhat indifferent.

Of course, Zhou Feng isn't a piece of RMB, so it's impossible for everyone to like him.

But since you don't like me, it's understandable that I won't help you when you make a mistake!

"Uncle, I understand how you feel."

"Jie Cheng's case isn't a huge deal, but it's not a small one either. On the one hand, it's deceiving the organization and engaging in speculation; on the other hand, it's just being greedy for small gains and getting caught red-handed."

Yan Bugui's face darkened when Zhou Feng sighed, and upon hearing the following words, it became even more gloomy. He could only agree, "Yes, yes, he's just greedy! He has no other ill intentions!"

Sure enough, Zhou Feng's tone changed the next second.

"But, Uncle, where did this happen? It happened at the scene where the government was distributing welfare supplies! In full view of everyone! Director Zhang from the neighborhood committee and the officers from the police station were just doing their jobs."

"What right do you think I have to interfere with the normal work of the neighborhood committee and the police station? If I were to say that today, what would that make me? Abusing my power for personal gain? Interfering with law enforcement?"

"Let's not even talk about whether they'll give me that face. Even if they did, what good would it do me, Jie Cheng, you, or even our entire institute if word got out? Things would only get more complicated then!"