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

Hearing Sha Zhu say this, Xu Damao was stunned for a moment, then nodded seriously: "Isn't that exactly what he's talking about? Yi Zhonghai has gone mad, trying to fight a losing battle? No matter how high he jumps, can he be higher than the Special Operations Division?"

"That's right. The other people in this courtyard haven't suffered much, they don't know the pain. We two know firsthand what it's like. This time, no matter what he says, we'll stick to one attitude: opposition! Criticism! We'll sever all ties with him!"

"right!

A mocking smile appeared on Xu Damao's lips as he lowered his voice to a whisper: "Let them court their own demise; we're not going to drag them down with us."

The two exchanged a glance and surprisingly felt a sense of tacit understanding and alliance.

Not long after, as evening approached, people from each household gradually returned home, and Yi Zhonghai went from house to house to notify them again.

This made everyone in the courtyard feel uncomfortable.

The reason so many people were arrested by the Special Operations Division last time was because Yi Zhonghai and his group held a hospital-wide meeting targeting Zhou Feng.

Unexpectedly, just a few days after he, Sha Zhu, and Xu Damao were released, this guy started causing trouble again.

The tradition of holding a general assembly has continued in the courtyard for at least a decade.

Normally, as long as one of the old men shouts a few times, everyone, whether they want to or not, will bring out their stools to listen to the old men talk about the big and small things happening in the courtyard.

But today, the atmosphere was quite different from usual.

Yi Zhonghai stood in the center of the courtyard, a signature smile on his face, watching the crowds emerge from the various rooms.

But the expressions of his neighbors were all a little off; they had almost none of the respect they had shown before, and instead, they were all a little impatient and speechless.

The lights were off in the old deaf woman's house in the backyard.

The old lady sat cross-legged on the kang (a heated brick bed), her ears perked up, listening to the sounds outside.

Especially Yi Zhonghai's familiar voice, saying that a hospital-wide meeting was to be held.

The deaf old lady immediately pursed her lips and shrank further into the quilt.

Anyway, she was determined that even if the sky fell, she would never leave this house today.

After an older woman came looking for her and was turned away, the relationship between Yi Zhonghai's family and her just so-so.

She's already so old; she can't afford to mess with those heavily armed soldiers.

Her status as a recipient of the Five Guarantees (a government welfare program for the elderly, disabled, and orphans) is not enough to justify her reckless actions; it's best to prioritize stability.

For a widowed old woman like her, pretending to be deaf and dumb is the safest thing to do.

Meanwhile, at the Jia family residence in the Intermediate People's Court, Jia Zhangshi pulled Qin Huairu into the inner room and lowered her voice: "Listen carefully at the court-wide meeting later. If Yi Zhonghai dares to say another unpleasant word about Zhou Feng, you must be the first to stand up and speak up for Zhou Feng."

Qin Huairu was taken aback: "Mom, this..."

"What do you mean, 'what'? Are you out of your mind? Can't you see who Zhou Feng is now? He's in the newspapers! Someone who can just deliver a chicken to every single household in the city—that's millions of chickens! In our yard, every single one of us, who has that kind of ability?"

Madam Jia gritted her teeth as she looked at Qin Huairu, her expression as if she wanted to personally crack her head open.

"Our family's relationship with Zhou Feng wasn't good before, wasn't it because you couldn't speak properly? You had no tact and couldn't see things clearly."

"If you could be the first to stand up and speak up for Zhou Feng in front of so many people at today's hospital-wide meeting, wouldn't that be offering him a way out?"

"At least leave a good impression. When Banggeng grows up, even if he spills a little something between his fingers, it will be enough for our family to eat and drink our fill."

Qin Huairu nodded thoughtfully.

Their mother-in-law's words made sense. Anyway, since Sha Zhu hadn't been back for so many days, their family had gotten used to not having any leftovers.

If Sha Zhu still insists on opposing Zhou Feng with Yi Zhonghai, then she can only reluctantly rebuke him!

The atmosphere was even more complicated in the front yard of the Yan family's house.

Yan Bugui sat in his own chair, holding an enamel mug in his hand, slowly drinking water.

Beside him, Yan Jiecheng squatted down with a gloomy expression, muttering to himself.

"Dad, what makes Zhou Feng so special? I'm just... I'm just..."

Yan Jiecheng couldn't continue speaking.

He had just been brought back from the police station. Although he hadn't suffered much, the fear and anxiety he had experienced there were enough to teach him a lesson.

Yan Bugui glanced at him sideways: "So what? So you acted recklessly? Jiecheng, how many times have I told you, you need to be discerning. Do you think you can afford to mess with someone like Zhou Feng?"

Yan Jiecheng snorted indignantly, but ultimately didn't dare to say anything more.

It's not that he doesn't hate Zhou Feng, it's that he truly doesn't have the guts.

Xu Damao, Sha Zhu, Uncle Yi, Uncle Er—aren't they all cautionary tales?

How many lives does Yan Jiecheng have? Does he dare to challenge that person?

The three younger siblings, Yan Jiefang, Yan Jiekuang, and Yan Jiedi, didn't feel any psychological burden.

They were young and naive; they only knew that Brother Zhou Feng had been good to them, giving them good food and never making things difficult for them.

Especially Yan Jiedi, the little girl still misses the sweet pastries from Brother Zhou Feng's house.

As for the eldest brother's resentment? What's it to them!

With everyone harboring their own thoughts, the number of people in the central courtyard gradually increased.

Several middle-aged women gathered together, discussing in hushed tones.

"What's wrong with Master Yi? He just got out of there a few days ago, and he's causing trouble again?"

"Who says otherwise! If he hadn't led the way last time, would we have been implicated? My husband was called in for questioning and was so scared he couldn't sleep for three days!"

"I think he hasn't suffered enough. If he targets Zhou Feng again this time, I'll be the first to object!"

"Absolutely! Zhou Feng is such a kind and generous kid! He gave a chicken to every single household in the whole city! My family received one too. These days, such a favor is more valuable than anything else!"

"Exactly! He's so capable, yet he still thinks of us ordinary people. What a huge favor that is! If Yi Zhonghai dares to say a bad word about Zhou Feng, I'll be the first to spit on him!"

The wind direction has completely changed.

If Zhou Feng was previously just a special person in the courtyard who was "capable but not to be trifled with", then this act of kindness with a million chickens has transformed him from a "special person" into "the benefactor of the entire city".

The gap was so large that it prevented anyone from feeling any jealousy or resentment.

Zhou Feng and Bai Ling arrived at the Intermediate Court just as the plenary meeting was about to begin.

The two walked side by side. Zhou Feng had his usual calm expression on his face, while Bai Ling was dressed casually.

Wherever he went, many of the neighbors who were sitting down subconsciously stood up, their faces showing either gratitude or ingratiating smiles, and greeted him.

"Comrade Zhou Feng has arrived!"

"Zhou Feng, sit here, sit here, let me make room for you!"

"Comrade Bai Ling is here too! Are you cold? Shall I get you a cup of hot water?"

Zhou Feng smiled and nodded in response to each one, but he knew exactly what was going on in his mind.

The change in these people's attitudes is less a matter of genuine respect and more a choice made after being completely crushed by strength.

But it doesn't matter, he doesn't care.

As long as these people can continuously generate emotional value and promote the upgrading of the double-door system, that's fine.

His gaze fell on Yi Zhonghai, who was standing in the middle of the field, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Yi Zhonghai naturally saw Zhou Feng as well.

His smile grew even warmer, and he even took two steps forward to greet him: "Comrade Zhou Feng is here! Please have a seat! Tonight's meeting is mainly about you!"

Upon hearing this, the neighbors immediately began to whisper among themselves, their eyes filled with wariness.

What about Zhou Feng?

What kind of trouble is this old man up to now?

Sha Zhu and Xu Damao squeezed to the edge of the crowd, exchanged a glance, and both saw wariness in each other's eyes.

The two of them moved to the front of the crowd without prior arrangement, ready to jump out and object immediately should Yi Zhonghai say anything targeting Zhou Feng!

Yi Zhonghai cleared his throat and raised his voice: "Alright, now that almost everyone's here, let's begin this college-wide meeting!"

He looked around, his smile becoming even more sincere, even tinged with a touch of emotion: "I've called everyone here today mainly for two things. First, with the New Year approaching, there's been a lot of miscellaneous work to do in our courtyard throughout the year, and as an old man, I need to reminisce and summarize it all."

He spoke calmly and confidently, but the wariness on everyone's faces did not diminish in the slightest.

In summary? I've never seen you this proactive in previous years!

After listening to Yi Zhonghai ramble on and on, a hint of impatience appeared on everyone's faces.

It's all just official jargon and platitudes. Who would want to stand in the courtyard in this freezing weather and listen to him?

Fortunately, he himself sensed the awkward atmosphere. After a pause, he suddenly changed the subject, looking intently at Zhou Feng: "But the second thing is more important! I must talk about this properly in front of everyone in the entire hospital!"

Everyone's hearts tightened. They're here!

Sha Zhu clenched his fists, and Xu Damao also straightened his body.

Madam Jia squeezed Qin Huairu's hand tightly, signaling her with her eyes to get ready.

The three of them stood there like athletes in a track and field competition in later generations, all waiting for Yi Zhonghai to fire the starting gun and make their move.

Yi Zhonghai's voice boomed, tinged with deliberate excitement: "That is, Comrade Zhou Feng from our institute has done something truly remarkable! Something that brings pride to our entire institute, and even the whole of Beiping!"

Everyone was stunned.

Yi Zhonghai continued speaking at length: "As everyone knows, a few days ago, Comrade Zhou Feng donated a chicken to every household in the city! Over a million chickens, comrades! What does that mean? It means that this year, over a million households in Beiping will be able to enjoy a reunion dinner with chicken!"

His voice grew louder and louder, his emotions becoming increasingly agitated: "What a great act of kindness! What a high level of awareness! Our compound has produced such a person; we are all so proud! As the oldest member of our compound, I must represent the entire compound in expressing our sincerest gratitude and highest respect to Comrade Zhou Feng!"

As he spoke, Yi Zhonghai took the lead in clapping, while looking around eagerly.

Applause rang out sparsely, and most people had not yet reacted to Yi Zhonghai's change in attitude.

Sha Zhu and Xu Damao looked at each other in disbelief.

What... what is this old man up to?

Yi Zhonghai, seemingly oblivious to everyone's astonishment, continued his impassioned speech: "Comrade Zhou Feng's selfless dedication is worthy of emulation by everyone in our institute! I propose that from now on, our institute should take Comrade Zhou Feng as our role model, unite and help each other, and live in harmony! Anyone who dares to speak ill of Comrade Zhou Feng behind his back, or engages in any kind of targeting as before, is going against our entire institute! I, Yi Zhonghai, will be the first to object!"

He spoke with righteous indignation and unwavering conviction, as if he were not the one who had led the attack on Zhou Feng.

At the edge of the crowd, Sha Zhu opened his mouth wide, and it took him a long time to close it with difficulty.

He turned to look at Xu Damao and lowered his voice: "Xu Damao, is this old man... truly admitting defeat, or...?"

Xu Damao's lips twitched, his eyes filled with complex emotions as he looked at the impassioned figure in the center of the room. After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth: "What's this about sincerity or pretense? I think he's just trying to save himself, trying to regain his prestige in the courtyard by relying on Zhou Feng's reputation."

Sha Zhu paused for a moment, then suddenly realized.

Yes, Yi Zhonghai had been imprisoned by the Special Operations Department, and after his release, his prestige in the compound had completely vanished.

The neighbors who had previously joined him in causing trouble, although they didn't suffer much, must still harbor resentment towards him.

If he continues to act like an old man and boss people around, it will only make everyone resentful.

But if he takes advantage of Zhou Feng's sensational act of kindness to make a complete 180-degree turn, elevates Zhou Feng to the heavens, and even leads the entire college to learn from Zhou Feng... then it will be a different story.

This not only demonstrated my loyalty to Zhou Feng, but also made it clear to the entire hospital that I am on Zhou Feng's side, and you shouldn't try to use past events to put me down.

Moreover, with him taking the lead, those who originally had opinions about him could no longer say anything, since he was praising Zhou Feng, and who would dare to refute him?

"That old bastard..." Xu Damao cursed under his breath, but inexplicably felt a sense of relief.

Regardless of whether Yi Zhonghai's intentions are genuine or not, as long as he doesn't do anything reckless by targeting Zhou Feng, he won't be implicated.

As for the rest, it's none of his business!

In the crowd, Qin Huairu, at her mother-in-law's prompting, spoke up at the opportune moment.

"The old man is right! Comrade Zhou Feng handled this matter brilliantly! It's a blessing for our institute to have someone like him! I, Qin Huairu, am the first to support him!"

Her voice was clear and crisp, with a hint of deliberate enthusiasm. As a daughter-in-law of the Jia family, it was only natural for her to speak on behalf of the Jia family.

Madam Jia nodded in satisfaction, secretly giving her daughter-in-law a thumbs up.

Yan Bugui slowly stood up, adjusted his glasses, and said with a sigh, "Comrade Zhou Feng, you really give our dean face! I, Yan Bugui, have been teaching for decades and have met many people, but I've never seen anyone as capable and kind as you! If you ever need any help from the front office in the future, just let us know!"

He spoke with heartfelt sincerity, but what he was really thinking was only known to himself.

With these few people taking the lead, the other neighbors also chimed in.

"Exactly! Comrade Zhou Feng is a great philanthropist!"

"My chicken is so fat! We're in for a treat this Chinese New Year!"

"Comrade Zhou Feng, if you need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask!"

For a time, the entire college assembly was filled with praise for Zhou Feng, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Yi Zhonghai stood in the center of the room, accepting the "united and harmonious" atmosphere with a smile. He would occasionally lead the applause and offer a few comments, as if he had orchestrated it all.

Zhou Feng sat there quietly the whole time, a faint smile on his face, nodding occasionally to the person who was speaking, as a form of response.

Regardless of whether these people were sincere or not, he could feel waves of emotional value being injected into the double-penetrating door, and that was enough.

As for cattle and horses, it doesn't matter whether you praise them or criticize them, as long as they obediently produce offspring.