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

The next afternoon, the sky was overcast, as if it was about to snow again.

Li Jing'an changed into a clean Zhongshan suit, combed his hair meticulously, and rode his bicycle slowly to Old Wu's house.

He showed up suddenly without giving any prior notice.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and he raised his hand and knocked lightly twice.

When Lao Wu opened the door and saw that only Li Jing'an was there, a look of surprise flashed across his face. Zhao Wenguang had accompanied him the previous two times, so why was he alone today?

Having already dealt with him twice and considered him a semi-acquaintance, Old Wu didn't dare to be negligent. He quickly put on a smile and ushered him into the house: "Comrade Li, why did you come alone? Where is Comrade Zhao?"

"He had something to do and couldn't come." Li Jing'an said casually, finding a stool to sit down, his tone as relaxed as if he were visiting relatives. "I just happened to be passing by."

Old Wu hurriedly poured water, but his heart was in turmoil, unsure of the purpose of this visit.

Li Jing'an picked up his water glass, blew on it to cool it down, and said casually, "I took that Shen Zhou painting back to show my friend yesterday. It's a very good piece, and my friend likes it very much."

Old Wu quickly smiled apologetically, "I'm glad you like it, I'm glad you like it."

Li Jing'an looked up at him, his tone still calm: "One painting isn't enough. I have a superior who needs to take care of something right away and would like to receive another one as a gift."

Old Wu's face immediately changed, and he subconsciously shrank back, waving his hands repeatedly: "Comrade Li, I'm really sorry, I really can't sell the remaining one. I have to keep it, as a memento..."

Li Jing'an didn't press him, but just smiled lightly and said calmly, "It's alright. Whether you sell or not is up to you. I'm just letting you know—if you ever change your mind and are willing to sell, don't go to the antique shops. The price they'll offer you is less than half of what I'm offering."

He paused for a moment, then clearly gave Old Wu his address: "If you really want to sell, come find me at the courtyard house. If you really can't find me, just ask Li Jing'an; everyone in this area knows him."

Old Wu was puzzled and couldn't help but tentatively ask, "Comrade Li, what exactly are you going to do with all these antique paintings?"

Li Jing'an picked up his water glass, took a sip, and said casually, "It's nothing. Just using these things to build connections. Asking friends in the neighborhood, district, government departments, and the police to help out and run errands."

He emphasized the word "public security" with a heavy and clear tone.

Old Wu's heart skipped a beat.

Police. These two words are now the ones he fears hearing most.

Li Jing'an sat for a few minutes, exchanged a few polite words, and then got up to take his leave. He didn't mention the painting once more.

A master chess player never forces their opponent to make a move. Instead, they lead their opponent into the trap they have set.

As soon as Li Jing'an left, Lao Wu immediately started to think about it.

What happened yesterday evening replayed in his mind once again.

Yesterday, he went to the police station with money in his pocket, intending to pay his grandson's fine and inquire about the situation. But the police chief who received him had an icy expression and one sentence that stunned him:

"This isn't your grandson's first time gambling; he's a repeat offender and a ringleader. His actions are egregious and the circumstances are serious. He won't just be detained for a few days; he might face three years of re-education through labor."

Three years. Re-education through labor.

Those four words ruined his grandson's life. He lost his job, his marriage was off, his reputation was tarnished, and he would never be able to hold his head up high again.

He was the only son in the Wu family.

Old Wu didn't sleep a wink all night.

Now that he heard that Li Jing'an even had such strong connections in the public security bureau, how could he sit still?

No. He had to find out if this Li Jing'an was really capable of getting things done.

Around four o'clock in the afternoon, as dusk began to fall, Old Wu changed into clean clothes and, with a heart full of anxiety, stealthily made his way to the entrance of the courtyard house.

Upon entering the compound, he bumped into Yan Bugui.

Yan Bugui was strolling in the yard with a large tea mug in his hand. When he saw that Old Wu was a stranger, his expression immediately turned indifferent, and he didn't want to talk to him. Old Wu, being a shrewd old man, saw this and quickly took out a cigarette from his pocket and offered it to him with both hands.

As soon as the cigarette was offered, Yan Bugui's expression immediately changed from indifferent to warm.

"Comrade, I'd like to ask you about someone." Old Wu smiled ingratiatingly. "Li Jing'an, does he live in this compound?"

"Li Jing'an?" Yan Bugui raised his chin, his tone tinged with pride. "Of course! He's a district people's congress representative and the director of the steel mill's guesthouse. Who around here doesn't know him?"

Old Wu's heart tightened, and he quickly lowered his voice: "Then... is he familiar with the people at the police station and the public security bureau?"

Yan Bugui chuckled, his face saying, "You've come to the right person." "We're close! Extremely close! Even the director calls him brother! If you ask him to pull some strings, no problem! There's nothing he can't do!"

As he spoke, Yan Bugui's eyes darted around, and he immediately put on a shrewd look, leaning closer expectantly: "You don't know Director Li, do you? How about I introduce you? We're from the same institute; one word from me is more effective than ten from you!"

Old Wu's heart tightened, and he quickly waved his hand, "No need, no need, I can find it myself, don't bother me."

Yan Bugui's enthusiasm vanished in an instant. Too lazy to waste any more words, he simply snorted, picked up his teacup, turned and left, ignoring Old Wu completely.

After finding out the details, Lao Wu was both surprised and delighted, fearful and hopeful.

What surprised me was that Li Jing'an really had such a powerful background. What pleased me was that there was actually hope for my grandson's future.

He dared not linger and quietly left the courtyard.

When it was completely dark, Old Wu bought two packets of pastries and a packet of brown sugar from a grocery store on the street, and carried them to the entrance of the courtyard house again.

He was peering around, unsure of where to go, when he saw a young man pushing a heavy bicycle into the yard. Just as he was about to stop him, he realized it was none other than Xu Damao.

Xu Damao immediately noticed the bag Old Wu was carrying—this was the standard setup for gift-giving and networking. He instantly understood, his face beaming with an incredibly warm smile as he proactively approached, "Sir! You're looking for Brother Li, right?"

Old Wu was taken aback: "Brother Li?"

"It's Director Li Jing'an!" Xu Damao chuckled, lowering his voice. "Come on, I'll take you through the shortcut!"

Old Wu was even more confused: "A shortcut? Doesn't he live in this courtyard house?"

Xu Damao gave him a "you just don't understand" look, lowering his voice even further: "Hey! Brother Li only associates with leaders and cadres. It's too crowded and noisy in the courtyard, making it inconvenient to talk or do business. He opened a separate small gate on the west side, leading directly into the courtyard from West Street—quiet and avoiding gossip. Since you're here on business, you'll definitely have to use the small gate!"

Old Wu suddenly realized, slapped his thigh, and repeatedly clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you so much! Young man, you're a very insightful person! Thank you so much!"

Xu Damao chuckled, pushed the cart, and led Lao Wu around to the west side of the central courtyard, heading straight for that quiet and secluded little door.

"Knock knock knock".

The door opened gently. Li Jing'an peeked out, saw Xu Damao, and said with a smile, "Damao, what brings you here? What brings you from this side?"

Xu Damao smiled ingratiatingly, then stepped aside slightly, revealing Old Wu behind him, who was carrying things and looking uneasy: "Brother Li, I heard someone looking for you at the gate, so I brought you through the back door to avoid the crowds in the compound and the gossip."

Li Jing'an's gaze fell on Old Wu, feigning surprise, and asked naturally, "Old Wu? What brings you here?"

"Director Li..." Old Wu's face was full of a fawning and pleading smile.

Li Jing'an nodded slightly to Xu Damao: "Thanks, Damao."

Xu Damao quickly waved his hand, "Brother Li, don't be so polite! You guys chat, I'll be going now! I won't disturb you!"

After saying that, he very tactfully pushed the cart away and disappeared into the darkness.

Li Jing'an ushered Lao Wu into the house, gently closed the small door, and then bolted it shut.

In an instant, the inside and outside were separated. Outside was the hustle and bustle of the courtyard house, while inside was a quiet and private little world.

As soon as he entered the room, Old Wu could no longer hold back. With a "plop," he knelt down before Li Jing'an, tears streaming down his face, his voice trembling uncontrollably: "Chief Li! Please save me! Save my grandson! Please, don't hold a grudge against me..."

Li Jing'an quickly helped him up.

"You have to help me with my grandson's matter! He's my only son!"

He recounted in detail, with tears streaming down his face, how his grandson had been arrested for gambling and was sentenced to three years of re-education through labor.

After listening, Li Jing'an did not speak immediately. He frowned, deliberately pondered for a long time, and showed a troubled yet solemn expression on his face.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke, his voice steady and powerful: "You're talking about the Liulichang Police Station, the area under Chief Yang's jurisdiction, right?"

Upon hearing the words "Chief Yang," Old Wu's eyes lit up instantly, and he trembled with excitement. He knew him! Li Jing'an really did know the police station chief!

"Chief Li! You know Chief Yang! Please, save my grandson!"

Li Jing'an reached out to support him, his tone calm and unhurried: "Don't get agitated, speak slowly. I can help you ask Director Yang. But let me make this clear—your grandson's case isn't just simple detention, it's three years of re-education through labor, it's too serious. I can't guarantee that I can get it done."

Old Wu no longer had the slightest doubt. The more Li Jing'an declined and the less he boasted, the more convinced Old Wu became that this was a truly capable and competent man.

"I know! I know!" Old Wu nodded repeatedly. "Thank you so much, Director Li! I'll be eternally grateful for your help! I'll never forget your great kindness!"

As he spoke, he pulled a thick envelope from his pocket, not caring whether it contained money or tickets, and shoved it forcefully into Li Jing'an's hand: "Director Li, please take this small token of my appreciation! Buy some cigarettes and a bottle of wine!"

Li Jing'an immediately pulled his hand back, his face hardening, and his tone serious: "No. The matter isn't settled yet, I can't take your money. You can express your gratitude after it's done."

The more he refused to accept it, the more flustered Old Wu became, and the more convinced he was of Old Wu's great abilities.

"Director Li! Please accept it! I won't feel at ease if you don't!" Old Wu said anxiously, trying to stuff it into his arms, almost begging.

After repeatedly declining, Li Jing'an feigned helplessness and sighed softly, "How about this? I won't accept the money now. Tomorrow night, I'll treat Director Yang to dinner. You can come along, meet him in person, and see if I'm really lying to you. You can pay for the meal. Consider it a token of your appreciation."

Old Wu was so excited that he trembled all over, tears streaming down his face. He thanked Li Jing'an profusely and almost kowtowed three times.

"Thank you, Chief Li! Thank you, Chief Li! You're my savior! I'll definitely go! I'll definitely be there on time! I'll pay for the meal! I'll pay whatever it costs!"

He thanked them profusely, turning back every few steps, before finally leaving the courtyard.

The small door closed gently.

Li Jing'an leaned against the door and remained silent for a few seconds.

Then, he slowly raised his head, and the corners of his mouth gradually turned up.