Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Upon hearing this, Wei Chen instantly understood and secretly praised the arrangement as thoughtful, appropriate, and perfectly timed. It preserved his formal position in the security department and his double salary, without restricting his freedom, while also allowing him to reasonably handle procurement work, cultivate his martial arts in his spare time, and take care of his family. It was a win-win situation that perfectly met his needs.

He immediately nodded in agreement: "Thank you for your thoughtful arrangements, Deputy Section Chief Jin. I will fully comply with the arrangements, cooperate well with Old Li on duty, be available for security at any time, and ensure that procurement is not delayed. I will do my best in both tasks."

As they spoke, the two arrived at the entrance of the security department's internal affairs office. Section Chief Zhou Jianjun was already waiting inside. Upon seeing Wei Chen arrive, a satisfied expression appeared on his face. After quickly verifying the onboarding procedures, he immediately finalized the job assignment and publicly instructed all the senior colleagues in the internal affairs department to take good care of Wei Chen and treat the new backbone and meritorious employee well.

The veteran staff members had long heard of Wei Chen's heroic deeds, and seeing that he held two positions at a young age and was highly capable, they were all polite and enthusiastic, taking the initiative to greet him and show goodwill, without any attempt to exclude the newcomer.

After a quick check-in and verbal handover, Jin Aimin smiled and said to Wei Chen, "Alright, the formalities are done and the position is set. You don't need to be on duty today; consider it a half-day break to get used to it. Take your equipment home, tidy it up, and familiarize yourself with the rules of your new position. Tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, be at your office to clock in."

Wei Chen readily agreed, then, carrying two large bags of brand-new standard security equipment, turned and left the security department, heading towards the factory gate. Reaching a secluded spot near the side gate, he quickly changed into his new police uniform, straightening his belt, armbands, shoes, and hat, adjusting his collar and blouse. His posture was upright, and his demeanor commanding.

Wearing a dark blue police uniform, he instantly shed the plain and unassuming air of an ordinary purchasing clerk, exuding the dignity and integrity of a public official. His eyes were sharp, his posture upright, and he was calm, capable, and commanding. His spirit was refreshed, and he looked dignified, tough, dignified, and reliable. Walking on the factory road, he attracted everyone's attention and respect.

A gentle spring breeze blew, the sun hung high, and the warm sunlight bathed him. Wei Chen, dressed in a crisp, brand-new police uniform, stood tall and walked steadily along the familiar alleyways toward the courtyard house.

In the eyes of ordinary people these days, this standard police uniform carries immense weight and carries a very high status. These days, military uniforms rank first, being the most revered and envied attire, representing the protection of the nation and supreme glory; closely following is this standard police uniform, representing public office, safeguarding the community, dignity, stability, and power. Ordinary workers, farmers, and city dwellers instinctively feel awe and reverence upon seeing public officials in police uniforms,不敢随性惹 (不敢随性惹 means not daring to provoke), and are filled with deep respect.

As Wei Chen walked along, the neighbors, roadside vendors, and children playing in the alleys all stopped in their tracks and glanced at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of envy, awe, and curiosity. They whispered among themselves, wondering where this police officer came from, with such an extraordinary demeanor.

Walking steadily forward, Wei Chen soon arrived at the gate of the courtyard house.

At that moment, standing at the gate of the courtyard house was Uncle Yan Bugui, the third uncle, who had just returned from school and was planning to go home to settle accounts. Uncle Yan Bugui was holding an old abacus in his hand. As he walked, he kept his head down, calculating the family's food expenses, children's tuition and miscellaneous fees for the month. He was meticulously calculating every penny, his mind full of the trivial calculations of daily life.

He glanced up casually and saw a public official in a neat dark blue police uniform with a standard belt around his waist walking in through the gate. He looked dignified and imposing. His heart skipped a beat. He didn't dare to be negligent in the slightest. He quickly put away his abacus, put on a respectful and enthusiastic smile, and hurried to greet him.

He bowed and scraped, greeting everyone politely: "Officer, thank you for your hard work! Are you here today for a routine security patrol, or do you have official business to inquire about? Everyone in the courtyard is law-abiding and there's absolutely no one causing trouble. Whatever you need, I'll cooperate fully immediately!"

Yan Bugui was both nervous and respectful, fearing that someone in the courtyard might cause trouble and attract public officials to come and bother him, thus affecting his peaceful life. His attitude was humble and polite.

But as he took two quick steps closer and took a closer look at the features, his eyes widened instantly, and he froze on the spot. The respectful smile on his face froze, and he was filled with surprise, joy, unexpectedness, and envy. He blurted out, "Oh my god! This... isn't this Wei Chen?! My goodness! When I saw the police uniform from afar, I thought it was the police from the local station coming to our door. I never expected it to be you!"

Seeing the startled look on Uncle San's face, Wei Chen remained calm and nodded slightly in greeting, "Uncle San, you're back from school? Just got back from get off work at the factory."

"He's back! He's back! My goodness!" Yan Bugui looked Wei Chen up and down in his crisp, brand-new police uniform, his eyes practically overflowing with envy. He circled Wei Chen again and again, clicking his tongue in praise.

"Wei Chen, Wei Chen, you've really made something of yourself! The moment you put on this police uniform, your aura changes completely—dignified, tough, and imposing! It's a hundred times better than your ordinary factory work clothes! What's going on? Weren't you working in the purchasing department of the steel rolling mill? Why are you suddenly wearing a proper police uniform? Tell Uncle San, has this been a promotion? Or a change to a better position?"

Wei Chen didn't hide anything and explained simply and directly: "It's not a promotion. I just happened to be on duty at the factory a while ago and encountered a suspicious person. I made a small contribution to security."

The factory valued my decent skills, quick reflexes, and basic archery knowledge, so they specially recruited me from the purchasing department and officially transferred me to the factory's security department. The security department wears the same uniforms as the police, and I'll be working there from now on—a stable and reliable job, balancing work on both fronts.

These few simple words, when they reached the ears of the Third Uncle, were like a thunderclap, shocking and surprising him.

Yan Bugui suddenly understood, nodding repeatedly, inwardly filled with envy, and praising him incessantly: "So that's how it is! Earning merit through real ability, getting into the security department based on merit, wearing a proper police uniform, and having a stable public service job! That's amazing! Wei Chen, you are truly the most promising young person in our courtyard. At such a young age, you've already secured a secure and stable position; your future is bright, and you'll rise steadily!"

The commotion of the two talking at the door quickly reached the Intermediate People's Court.

In the courtyard of the central compound, Qin Huairu, with her slightly protruding belly, was slowly tidying up the odds and ends of clothes drying in the yard. Lately, food had been scarce, and her family didn't have enough to eat. She was constantly worried, plotting how to get some favors or borrow some coarse grains to supplement her income. She was considering whether to go and talk to the better-off families in the compound in a couple of days, asking for their help.

She glanced up casually and immediately saw Wei Chen in his crisp police uniform standing at the gate. She froze, her eyes wide with surprise and envy. She quickly put down the clothes she was holding, rushed over with a beaming smile, and greeted him warmly and gently, "Oh, Brother Wei Chen, you're back from get off work? That uniform looks so smart and presentable! Did you get promoted to police? You're becoming more and more capable and successful!"

In the past, Qin Huairu had always wanted to win over Wei Chen, hoping that he would be like Sha Zhu, frequently providing her family with food and supplementing their income. Now that Wei Chen was wearing a police uniform, her desire to win him over and curry favor with him intensified instantly. Her smile became even more gentle and enthusiastic, as she couldn't wait to get closer to him so that she could ask for his help and assistance in the future.

Lying on the kang (heated brick bed) inside, Jia Zhangshi was seething with resentment, secretly envious of Wei Chen's wealthy family. She was about to hurl some insults and sour remarks to vent her jealousy and resentment. But when she caught a glimpse of Wei Chen in his imposing police uniform through the window, the foul words she was about to utter instantly died in her throat, and she dared not utter a single word.

Deep down, Jia Zhangshi was terrified of people in police uniforms. She had always been a bully who preyed on the weak and feared the strong, and she was always afraid of public officials coming to her door to cause trouble, reprimand, or hold her accountable. She quickly shrank back and lay back down on the kang (a heated brick bed), not daring to show her face or make a sound. She stayed quietly in the room, not daring to come out and provoke Wei Chen in the slightest.

A group of children, mostly teenagers, playing in the front, middle, and back yards of the courtyard house, heard the commotion at the entrance and swarmed over, surrounding Wei Chen. They looked up at him with eyes full of envy. In the children's minds, police uniforms were the clothes of heroes, and those who wore them were heroes protecting everyone—powerful and impressive, something everyone admired.

A group of children chattered amongst themselves, whispering, "Uncle Wei Chen's clothes are so cool!" "When I grow up, I want to wear clothes like that and be a policeman!" "Brother Wei Chen is so awesome, he's a great hero!"

Aunt Liu, who lived in the backyard and had a close and harmonious relationship with Wei Chen's family, came over quickly, carrying freshly picked vegetables. Her face was full of sincere smiles, and she didn't hold back her praise: "Wei Chen, what a good boy! You've really made us proud! You've already earned your job at such a young age, and you're wearing such decent clothes. Your job will be stable, and your family's life will get better and better. Your mother is so lucky to be living with you!"

Grandma Li, who had received help and assistance from Wei Chen in the past, slowly walked over with her cane, smiling kindly as she said, "Our Wei Chen has always been reliable, honest, and sensible since he was a child. Now he's accomplished, working as a security guard, protecting the factory's safety. He's the pride of our compound. What a good boy, so promising!"

Little Stone stared longingly at Wei Chen's police uniform, then mustered his courage and asked timidly in a low voice, "Brother Wei Chen, your uniform looks so impressive! Can I...can I touch it just a little bit? Just a tiny touch, I won't damage it, okay?"

Looking at the child's sincere envy, Wei Chen smiled gently and nodded, jokingly saying, "Of course you can, just touch it lightly, don't tear the clothes."

Little Stone was overjoyed. He carefully reached out his little hand and gently touched the smooth fabric of the police uniform, his heart pounding with happiness and his face beaming with satisfaction. The other children nearby watched with envy, their admiration for Wei Chen growing stronger, and their secret respect for this imposing figure.