Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Countless gazes once again focused on Wei Chen. This time, the previous envy and curiosity were completely replaced by shock, awe, and a complex emotion that was hard to describe.

The previous speculation that he "might have connections" has been completely confirmed and elevated to an astonishing level—this guy can not only get his hands on scarce, unplanned meat, but he also has such immense influence that even the neighborhood committee can become his "customer"! This level of influence is enough to make anyone who wants to easily manipulate him think twice before acting!

Yi Zhonghai's smile remained as bright as if it had been welded on, but the depths of his eyes were like a frozen lake, cold and unfathomable.

Director Wang's move was absolutely brilliant! Not only did it officially confirm the value of Wei Chen's status as a martyr's family member, but it also erected an indestructible and dazzling "protective talisman" and a testament to his strength for this newcomer in front of the entire hospital!

The difficulty of influencing or even suppressing this young man by using "compound rules" or "elder status" will increase dramatically in the future! The alarm bell in his heart was rang deafeningly.

Liu Haizhong, on the other hand, looked extremely proud, as if the glory had also been bestowed upon him. He rubbed his hands together, leaned closer to Director Wang, and beamed with joy: "Director Wang, you're absolutely right! Comrade Wei Chen is the glorious representative of our institute! We must accept this meat! It's an honor! It's the organization's affirmation of the descendant of a hero! Wei Chen, please accept it quickly, don't let down Director Wang and the street office's good intentions!" His words were not only praising Wei Chen, but also taking credit in front of Director Wang.

This was exactly the effect Director Wang wanted. She looked at Wei Chen, her eyes filled with unwavering determination and a deep sense of "putting the bigger picture first": "Take it, Comrade Wei Chen. This is the organization's care, and it's what you deserve."

Having said all that, further refusal would not only be pretentious, but could also lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and even embarrass other genuinely needy individuals.

Wei Chen took a deep breath, suppressing the absurd feeling in his heart, and solemnly accepted the heavy lotus leaf package with both hands. It was slightly cool to the touch, and the aroma of the oil was even more intense.

He straightened his back and said sincerely to Director Wang and Officer Liu, "Thank you, Director Wang! Thank you, Officer Liu! Thank you for your care and kindness, leaders of the subdistrict office! I, Wei Chen, will remember this kindness!" His voice was not loud, but it carried a steady strength.

"That's right!" Director Wang finally showed a satisfied and relieved smile. She then turned to Yi Zhonghai and resumed her businesslike tone: "Master Yi, we'll have to trouble you again to take us to the backyard to deliver a portion to the deaf old lady as well. She's getting on in years, so we need to deliver it to her personally."

"Of course! Of course! Director Wang, you are so considerate! This way please! Watch out for the steps!" Yi Zhonghai immediately collected all his chaotic thoughts, and his face once again put on a warm, considerate, and impeccable old man's smile. He stepped aside to lead the way, his attitude respectful but not lacking in manners.

Director Wang and Staff Member Liu followed behind him. Liu Haizhong, naturally not wanting to fall behind, quickly squeezed to the front, trying to continue acting as the "guide," constantly explaining, "Director Wang, please slow down. I know this backyard well! The old lady seems to be in good spirits these past few days..."

The crowd parted like Moses parting the sea, watching them head deeper into the backyard. But most people's eyes remained glued to Wei Chen and the roe deer meat in his hand, a deadly temptation representing both "Martial Glory" and "Personal Strength." Low murmurs rippled through the air like bees buzzing in the twilight.

Wei Chen stood there, holding the roe deer meat he had "sold" and then returned wrapped in "honor," feeling the countless complex gazes around him—envy, awe, inquiry, calculation, jealousy...

His heart was clear, as if washed clean by the twilight. Director Wang's seemingly ordinary "visit" was more than just bringing two pounds of meat. She had clearly placed a heavy, golden ballast stone in front of the entire courtyard for Wei Chen in this intricate and turbulent courtyard—his indisputable status as a family member of a martyr, coupled with his genuine and awe-inspiring "hunting" ability, saving Wei Chen the trouble of explaining the money for building a house.

He knew that from this moment on, his position in the No. 95 Courtyard ecosystem had changed. Those hidden ambitions, schemes, and tests would have to restrain themselves, at least on the surface.

He weighed the heavy lotus leaf bundle in his hand, the rich aroma of meat filling his nostrils. The sense of absurdity faded, and a relaxed smile crept onto his lips.

Tonight, perhaps I can splurge a little and treat myself to a good meal with this "meat of honor"? After all, only when I'm well-fed will I have the strength to face the storms of this compound.

Director Wang and Secretary Liu disappeared through the moon gate leading to the backyard. The roe deer meat, representing "honor," hung heavily in Wei Chen's hands, and the rich aroma of the meat became the most captivating focus of the courtyard at that moment.

Countless gazes, some open, some hidden, were fixed on him, and the sounds of swallowing filled the air. Wei Chen could clearly feel the fervor in those gazes, especially from the direction of the Jia family; Jia Zhangshi's piercing gaze seemed to want to tear a piece of flesh from his flesh.

His mind raced. It was clearly inappropriate to keep this meat all to himself; it would only invite envy. Dividing it up directly? That was even less suitable; it would seem deliberate, and there was no guarantee of an even distribution, which would only give others something to gossip about. Rather than that, he decided to offer it to these three gentlemen, both to silence the gossip and to strengthen their relationship, especially… to observe the quality of the meat.

Having made up his mind, Wei Chen glanced at He Yuzhu, who was marveling at the brick wall he had just built. He Yuzhu had many flaws: he was a heavy drinker, had a foul mouth, and was sometimes so stubborn that it was infuriating. But deep down, he still had the pride of a chef and a sense of chivalry, especially at this point in time when Jia Dongxu was still around and Qin Huairu had not yet fully unleashed her power.

"Brother Zhu!" Wei Chen called out, a perfectly timed smile on his face and a hint of embarrassment at being a troublesome little brother.

Sha Zhu was pondering how quickly and well Wei Chen had built the wall when he heard the sound. He turned around and replied in a gruff voice, "What's up, Wei Chen? Speak up if you need anything!"

Wei Chen took a few steps closer, carrying a lotus leaf bundle, and lowered his voice, with a hint of unease, as if he didn't want to air his dirty laundry in public: "Brother Zhu, look, my house is still missing a roof, and I'm still crammed into the factory dormitory. Director Wang just delivered this meat, but if I put it in the dormitory, there are too many people around, and it smells too strong. There's really no place to put it, and I can't even cook it properly."

He paused, looked into Sha Zhu's eyes, and said sincerely, "Brother Zhu, you're a famous chef in our institute and factory, your skills are amazing!" He gave a thumbs up, "I just wanted to shamelessly ask you for a favor. Could you... help me out? With this little bit of meat, and some side dishes and vegetables, could you please cook a few dishes? I'll give you five yuan. You can buy whatever you need, and the rest is your payment for your hard work."

As he spoke, Wei Chen pulled a brand-new five-yuan note from his pocket with his other hand and stuffed it into Sha Zhu's hand without saying a word.

"Hey! What are you doing!" When Sha Zhu heard that he was being asked to cook, his eyes lit up. He was quite confident in his cooking skills and was just worried that he wouldn't have a chance to show off his skills in front of the new "martyr" and "hunter".

When Wei Chen handed her the five yuan, her face immediately turned red, as if burned by fire. She abruptly pulled her hand back, refusing to take the money. "Wei Chen! Are you looking down on your brother Zhu? It's just cooking a few dishes! What's the big deal! Your brother Zhu may not have many other skills, but he can still lift this ladle! You provide the meat, I provide the labor, it's only fair! Asking for money? Are you trying to slap me in the face!"

He had a loud voice, and his shouting was heard by the neighbors who hadn't yet dispersed, who all turned to look. Sha Zhu, true to his brash nature, patted his chest and declared, "It's just treating a few old men to a meal, right? Leave it to me! I'll make sure it's done perfectly, showing you what real good cooking looks like! Take your money back now! If you mention money again, I'll get angry!"

Looking at Sha Zhu's excited expression, as if saying "a scholar will die for one who understands him," Wei Chen felt both amused and touched. This Sha Zhu, now he really was a straightforward and passionate person.

Wei Chen casually put the money into Sha Zhu's pocket, a grateful smile on his face: "Brother Zhu, you're so generous! Let's use this money to buy vegetables and eat it all. Here, take the meat. Buy whatever vegetables you need. If you spend too much, I'll make up the difference." He solemnly handed the bag of roe deer meat, which exuded an enticing aroma, to Sha Zhu.

"Alright! Just you wait and see!" Sha Zhu took the meat, weighed it in his hand, and his face lit up with joy. This roe deer meat was a rare delicacy! He immediately patted his chest loudly, "I'll go to the vegetable market right now and see what other fresh stuff they have! I guarantee these gentlemen will be satisfied!" After saying that, he tucked the meat under his arm and ran briskly towards the front yard, ready to try his luck at the vegetable market at the alley entrance.

Over here, the three old men, Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, and Yan Bugui, had just respectfully seen Director Wang and Cadre Liu out of the courtyard gate, and were standing at the door saying polite words like "Take care, leaders" and "Thank you for your concern." As soon as Director Wang left, the smiles on their faces faded slightly, and they were preparing to go home when they heard Wei Chen's clear voice behind them:

"Grandpa! Grandpa! Grandpa! Grandpa! Wait a minute!"

The three turned around at the sound and saw Wei Chen walking quickly out of the courtyard with a smile on his face that was unique to young people—slightly shy yet generous.

"Wei Chen, is there anything else?" Yi Zhonghai, as the elder, spoke first, his tone gentle and showing the concern of an elder.

Wei Chen approached, bowed slightly, his attitude respectful but not obsequious: "It's like this, gentlemen. Director Wang just gave me some meat, and since I'm still staying in the dormitory, I really have nowhere to cook. I just asked Brother Zhu to help me cook a few dishes at his place tonight. I was thinking that you three are the backbone of our compound, and as a newcomer, I've been very kind to you, and I've been wanting to find an opportunity to express my gratitude. I wonder if you three are free tonight? Would you do me the honor of having a simple meal with me at Brother Zhu's place?"