Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

However, on the surface, Wei Chen remained polite and courteous: "Uncle Xu, you're too kind. Welcome back to live with your aunt. Neighbors should visit each other more often. If there's anything you need in the future, please feel free to speak up." He spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, expressing his welcome while also drawing a clear line—limited to "neighbors."

Wang Xiulan quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, it's great that Comrade Xu is back to stay. It'll be lively! Come visit often."

They chatted for a few more minutes about trivial matters, such as the steel mill's benefits this year, to which Xu Wude also expressed his envy, and the changes in the courtyard house over the years. Xu Wude spoke skillfully, avoiding awkward silences while also staying grounded, maintaining a gentle yet respectful distance befitting an elder. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xu Wude got up to take his leave.

"It's getting late, so I won't disturb your rest any longer." Xu Wude picked up his cotton coat and put it on. "Sister-in-law, Comrade Wei Chen, thank you for the tea. Please come and sit in the backyard often."

"It's my pleasure, Uncle Xu, take care." Wei Chen stood up to see him off.

Wang Xiulan also saw him off at the door: "Comrade Xu, take care. Da Mao, take care."

Wei Chen accompanied the Xu family father and son to the moon gate. Xu Wude stopped again, looked back at Wei Chen's small, warm, and tidy space, and said sincerely, "This courtyard is really nice." His tone carried a hint of complexity, perhaps envy, or perhaps something else.

"Uncle Xu, you flatter me." Wei Chen opened the moon door.

"Wait, wait." Xu Wude waved his hand and walked out one after the other with Xu Damao.

Wei Chen stood inside the door, watching their backs disappear into the darkness of the front yard, before slowly closing the heavy door and bolting it shut. The cold iron bolt clicked softly, shutting out the outside world.

"Mom, Uncle Xu and the others have left, you should rest too," Wei Chen said towards the side room. "Okay, I know, you should go to sleep too," Wang Xiulan's voice came, sounding relaxed.

Wei Chen returned to his bedroom and bolted the door shut. The stove fire had been extinguished, but the residual heat of the fire wall still lingered, so he didn't feel cold.

He walked to the window, pulled back a corner of the curtain, and his gaze seemed to pierce through the wall, looking towards the Xu family's house in the backyard. What was hidden behind Xu Wood's seemingly casual glance and words? Was it merely for neighborly visits? He didn't believe it. Especially Xu Damao's undisguised smug look, which made him feel that the sudden return of this father and son was far more complicated than it appeared on the surface.

However, it probably has nothing to do with their family.

Xu Damao and Xu Wude left Wei Chen's house and walked along the covered walkway, their steps uneven in the cold moonlight, towards the backyard. Most of the houses in the front and middle yards had already turned off their lights, with only a few windows letting in a dim yellow glow. The cold wind swept across the eaves, making a low, whistling sound.

"Dad, what do you think of Wei Chen?" Xu Damao asked in a low voice, with a hint of pride and a hint of probing. He had a lot of faith in his father's ability to judge character.

With his hands tucked into the sleeves of his cotton overcoat, Xu Wude walked steadily. After a moment's thought, he slowly spoke, "Not simple."

His voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet night: "At such a young age, to be able to bring in so many wild boars, establish himself in the factory, and get promoted so quickly shows he's capable, has connections, and knows how to hide his talents. Look at his house, it's even more well-maintained than a cadre's home. The firewall, most people wouldn't even think of it or be willing to spend the coal. And that yard, it's so big, who would have the guts to buy it and build their own? He actually did it."

His mother seemed like an honest and simple countrywoman, but it was no easy feat for her to raise such a son. This family... was unassuming, but had a solid foundation.” He gave her a very high evaluation.

"That's right! I told you he was extraordinary!" Xu Damao proudly raised his chin, then, as if remembering something, his tone became slightly sour, "But no matter how capable he is, he's just a purchasing agent. Compared to the big things we need to do..."

"What do you know!" Xu Wude snapped in a low voice, glancing warily around to make sure no one was watching before continuing, "It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings! The more unassuming the neighbor is, the less likely you are to offend them! We have to be careful with every step we take since we're back! Do you think someone of the Lou family's status would only ask the neighborhood headman for information? Sometimes, the gossip of the neighbors is more effective than gold!"

After being scolded by his father, Xu Damao shrank back and dared not utter another word.

Xu Wude softened his tone, speaking earnestly: "Da Mao, this opportunity is something your mother has risked her life for. She's been groveling before Madam Lou for over a decade to get this chance. If we succeed, our family will rise to the top! If you mess this up, or if you ruin your reputation because of the messes you made while showing movies in the countryside, I'll break your legs!"

"Dad! Don't worry! I know what's important!" Xu Damao quickly assured him, his voice urgent. "I promise! I won't leave the house during this time! I'll behave myself at home! Let the neighbors see that I, Xu Damao, am a respectable and ambitious young man!"

Xu Wude grunted in response and fell silent, his brow furrowed as if he were deep in thought.

It turns out that the Xu couple's move back to the courtyard house was not simply out of nostalgia or to "get to know their neighbors." Behind it all lay a grand plan that they believed could change the fate of their family—to have their son, Xu Damao, marry Lou Xiao'e, the daughter of the Lou family!

This story begins with Xu Damao's mother, Yang Sufeng.

When Yang Sufeng was young, she was a servant in Lou Zhenhua's household.

Lou Zhenhua, known as "Lou the Half-City," was the largest shareholder of the steel rolling mill and a true tycoon. Yang Sufeng was quick-witted and efficient, and more importantly, she was perceptive and discreet, earning the deep trust of Lou Zhenhua's wife.

Even after the steel mill became a joint public-private enterprise, the Lou family lost its former glory and became more low-key, even dismissing most of the servants, Yang Su-fen was still able to retain a "friendship" because of this trust. She would still go to the Lou family once a week to help with cleaning and tidying up, and also chat with Mrs. Lou to relieve her boredom, maintaining a special relationship that transcended master and servant, but was by no means equal.

About a month ago, Yang Sufeng went to the Lou family as usual. While helping Mrs. Lou comb her hair, Mrs. Lou looked at her daughter Lou Xiao'e's youthful and beautiful figure in the mirror and suddenly sighed. With a hint of worry and helplessness, she confided in her "old friend" Yang Sufeng: "Sufeng, you know, the world... Xiao'e is eighteen now, it's time to think about marriage. But... she's too picky. Those who were once considered good matches... sigh, who dares to even approach our family now? But if she just picks anyone... I really can't bring myself to do it."

As Mrs. Lou spoke, she lowered her voice: "Zhenhua wants to find someone with a respectable family background, preferably from a working-class family. A clean family history, an honest and upright person, and a decent job is all that's needed. That way... it's good for Xiao'e, and it's good for the Lou family too. We don't ask for great wealth or status, just a peaceful and safe life." Her words were filled with the helplessness under the impact of the times and the deep worries of a mother.

Yang Sufeng's heart pounded wildly upon hearing this! Suppressing her excitement, she gently combed Madam Lou's hair while cautiously probing, "Madam is right. In this world, peace and tranquility are a blessing. Our young lady is of noble birth, with the best looks and temperament; she must find a suitable husband. Children from the working class are good—they have impeccable backgrounds and are reliable. However… it's not easy to find a truly trustworthy family…"

Madam Lou closed her eyes, seemingly very tired, and only gave a soft "hmm".

When Yang Sufeng returned home, she immediately told Xu Wude the whole story, embellishing it with a few words. Xu Wude's eyes lit up! The Lou family's daughter! Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse! Even a little bit of wealth leaked from the Lou family's coffers would be enough for the Xu family to live on for generations!

Not to mention, marrying Lou Xiao'e is equivalent to climbing the social ladder to the Lou family. Even though the Lou family is now in decline, its connections and resources are far beyond what an ordinary working-class family can offer! This is simply a golden pie falling from the sky, no, it's swan meat!

The couple were so excited they couldn't sleep all night, and the next day they called Xu Damao back. When Xu Damao heard that he might be able to marry the legendary "Lou Bancheng" family's daughter, he was completely stunned, followed by immense joy!

He seemed to see a golden road unfolding before him! From now on, Xu Damao wouldn't be just an ordinary projectionist, but the Lou family's son-in-law! Who would dare look down on him? Sha Zhu? He wasn't even worthy to carry his shoes!

"Dad! Mom! This has to work! It has to work!" Xu Damao jumped up immediately, his face flushed with excitement.

However, the Schwolds were seasoned veterans; after their initial euphoria, they quickly calmed down and began to analyze the pros and cons and risks.

First of all, Xu Damao's "reputation" is a big problem. When he was showing movies in the countryside, this guy, relying on his little bit of power and smooth talk, seduced many young women and wives, earning him a terrible reputation. If this gets back to the Lou family, forget about marrying their daughter; they won't even be allowed to enter the door!

Secondly, Xu Damao usually lives in the courtyard, relying on his job as a projectionist and the fact that he has some extra income, and he's also a sworn enemy of Sha Zhu. He's always making a scene and causing trouble, so his reputation among the neighbors isn't great. If the Lou family were to inquire, the reputation of the courtyard would be crucial.

Finally, although the Lou family wanted to find a working-class family, they would definitely be selective! Besides his working-class status (projectionists are considered skilled workers) and his silver tongue, Xu Damao was... utterly unremarkable. Education? Barely graduated from junior high school. Appearance? A long face, with a slightly sleazy air. Skills? Besides showing movies and flattering, he had no real talent.

"So, we have to move back!" Xu Wude declared decisively. "And keep an eye on Da Mao! During this time, you better keep a low profile! Anyone who dares to mention those messy things in the countryside, I'll tear their mouths off! In the yard, act like a grandson! Act honest! Act ambitious! When you see the neighbors, especially the old man in charge, be polite! As for Sha Zhu, avoid him if you can, and if you can't, just bear with it! Don't you dare fight with him again!"