I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

A gentle southern breeze wafted in through the office windows, carrying the faint scent of camphor trees lining the street. The procuratorate's office area was simple and solemn, with light gray desks and chairs neatly arranged, thick stacks of case files and legal documents piled on the desks, and a red banner on the wall proclaiming "Upholding Justice and Serving the People," exuding a rigorous and dignified atmosphere.

Xie Hui was busy organizing case files, his pen flying across the transcript, his brows furrowed, so focused that he didn't even notice the person next to him. It wasn't until a hand gently patted his shoulder that he looked up abruptly, recognizing Prosecutor Wang, with whom he had worked for many days. He quickly stood up, a shy smile on his face: "Brother Wang."

Prosecutor Wang, nearing forty, wore a crisp prosecutor's uniform and wore a gentle smile. He gestured to the chair opposite Xie Hui, casually pulled it over, and sat down. "Little Xie, how have you been settling in with our office these past few days?"

"Brother Wang, it's all good, I've adapted." Xie Hui nodded, placing his hands neatly on his knees, his eyes revealing sincerity.

Looking at his earnest expression, Prosecutor Wang couldn't help but smile, her tone tinged with emotion: "The benefits at our local procuratorate are nothing compared to the big companies you used to work for. The salary isn't high, and you're always busy, barely having a proper day off. I was worried you wouldn't be able to handle the hardship and wondered if you regretted quitting your job."

Upon hearing this, Xie Hui's eyes lit up, and his tone became even more determined: "I really think it's great, and I don't feel tired at all. Every day I have something substantial to do, such as reviewing case files, conducting interrogations, and organizing evidence. Every step feels meaningful. I no longer have to waste time on meaningless socializing and internal conflicts like I did in a company. I feel full of energy."

"It seems you really are a young man who wants to get things done." Prosecutor Wang's eyes flashed with approval as he gently patted his arm. "These days, there aren't many young people like you who would give up a high salary at a company and willingly come to the procuratorate to endure the hardships."

"Brother Wang, I think that's how most young people think," Xie Hui leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest. "Look at my colleagues in the institute, whether they're seniors or newcomers like me, everyone works diligently and wholeheartedly, focused on solving cases well and upholding fairness and justice. Working with people like that makes me feel particularly grounded and proud."

"Hehe, it seems you were really stifled working in the corporate world before." Prosecutor Wang smiled knowingly, his tone tinged with understanding. "No wonder, after all, companies are driven by profit and inevitably have to deal with all sorts of people. The relationships between them are intricate and complex, far less pure than those in our procuratorate. We only need to keep the law and the facts in our hearts."

"You're absolutely right!" Xie Hui nodded vigorously, his eyes full of agreement. "It's this purity that makes me feel that this job is valuable. As long as I can handle every case well, no matter how hard or tiring it is, it's all worth it."

Looking at his spirited demeanor, and recalling his past experiences at the company he mentioned when he joined the organization, Prosecutor Wang gently advised, "I can see that you still harbor resentment about your previous experience at the company. Let bygones be bygones. Now that you're here at the procuratorate, move forward steadily. You won't be disappointed here."

"I understand, thank you for your concern, Brother Wang." Xie Hui replied, a faint smile appearing on his lips, but only he knew whether that experience was truly over.

At the west gate of Li Jing'an's courtyard, Manager Qian of the non-staple food company had a fawning smile on his face. Li Jing'an stood to the side, clutching a stack of brand-new RMB notes, his eyebrows slightly raised, his tone carrying a hint of insistence.

"Old Qian, here's the money." Li Jing'an handed the money to Manager Qian. "I bought this wine. It's a favor that you helped me reserve it. I can't let you pay for it. There's no reason for you to give it away for free."

Manager Qian immediately straightened up, waving his hands repeatedly and shaking his head like a rattle drum, his smile becoming even more obsequious: "Hey, Jing'an, what kind of person do you take me for! It's just a few cases of wine, how could I take your money! Besides, this isn't a gift from me, it's me showing my filial piety to Leader Wei, you can't stop me from doing this."

"You're making me make a mistake." Li Jing'an frowned, feigning seriousness, and raised his voice. "We're all Party members and cadres. It's the rule to keep public and private matters separate. How can I take something so valuable for nothing?"

"Besides, didn't I tell you to take two boxes? Why did you bring four?" Li Jing pretended to be displeased. (Note: One box is the current quantity; one box used to be too much.)

"How can this be considered a mistake!" Manager Qian quickly defended himself, leaning closer to Li Jing'an and lowering his voice to laugh, "This isn't just for Leader Wei. Think about it, I can't just give it to Leader Wei; I also need to send two boxes to your father, right? We can't be biased."

Li Jing'an looked troubled, sighed, and patted Manager Qian on the shoulder: "Oh, Lao Qian, you've thought of everything I hadn't considered. You're so thoughtful. Alright, since you've said that, it would be disrespectful for you if I refused. I won't force the money on you."

"That's more like it!" Manager Qian immediately breathed a sigh of relief, his face beaming with joy. He patted his chest and assured, "Jing'an, with our relationship, this is nothing! From now on, if you ever need anything, just ask. As long as it's within my power, I'll do it without hesitation, and I guarantee I'll handle it perfectly!"

"Good, Lao Qian, you're a real friend!" Li Jing'an laughed heartily, his tone tinged with generosity. "Now it's the new China, and we're both Party members and cadres, adhering to organizational principles. If it were before, I would have sworn brotherhood with you!"

"Just hearing that makes me happy!" Manager Qian's eyes narrowed into slits with a smile. "Jing'an, just wait and see how I perform in the future!"

After seeing Manager Qian off, Li Jing'an turned around and went back into the house. He rolled up his sleeves and carried the four cases of Moutai into the bedroom, carefully placing them in a corner.

Just as I finished tidying up, there was a soft knock at the east gate of the courtyard.