Courtyard House: The Frog Boy Brings Back a Genetic Potion at the Start

In the winter of 1960, the capital city and its surroundings were covered in snow.

Hao Jianguo pushed his bicycle into the alley, a thin layer of frost settling on the brim of his cotton hat.

Under the old locust tree in the courtyard, Qin Huairu was bending over washing clothes, her hands, red from the cold, repeatedly kneading them in the cold water.

When she saw him come in, she paused, and the usual look of sorrow appeared in the corner of her eyes.

Hao Jianguo's gaze swept over her frostbitten earlobes, but he felt no ripple of emotion.

He still remembers clearly the shy smile of Qin Huairu hiding behind her parents when the Qin family tried every means to find a matchmaker.

Later, the Hao family suffered a misfortune, with the parents passing away one after another. Less than half a month later, Qin Huairu asked someone to break off the engagement and instead married into the Jia family.

Several elders in the courtyard advised him to let go, speaking tactfully but meaning clearly—that in his current state, he was indeed not good enough for her.

Unexpectedly, within just a few years, their situations reversed.

The men of the Jia family suffered one misfortune after another, and their fortunes plummeted.

Qin Huairu was wearing the same floral-patterned jacket she wore when she got married; the cuffs were worn and faded.

Hao Jianguo, on the other hand, has been on a lucky streak lately. He not only got a brand new bicycle, but the aroma of stewed meat has also been wafting from his house.

"Nation-building..."

Qin Huairu suddenly called out to him, her voice as soft as snowflakes falling on his collar, "If you have any clothes that need washing, I'll help you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Hao Jianguo had already brushed past him.

She stood there stunned, her eyes suddenly reddening. The tears came at just the right moment; if Sha Zhu had been there, he probably would have softened his heart again.

Unfortunately, this trick had long since lost its effectiveness on him.

When I opened the door to my house, a warm feeling mixed with the aroma of food wafted over me.

The braised pork on the stove was bubbling away, and just as he hung up his cotton-padded coat, a clear bell rang in his ears.

"Your little frog is home!"

"The little frog brought something new, come and see!"

A smile appeared on Hao Jianguo's lips.

This "traveling frog" suddenly came to mind a few days ago.

It was truly a marvelous creature—that little green creature loved to wander around, sometimes disappearing for three to five days at a time, and when it returned, its little bag on its back would be bulging.

The wild mushrooms he brought back from beyond the Great Wall last time had been a feast for him for ten days. I wonder what new and exotic things he has found this time.

He rubbed his frozen hands and walked toward the hand-woven cattail nest on the windowsill.

Hao Jianguo opened the system package, his eyes filled with anticipation.

[Note: You have obtained one dose of gene enhancement potion. Using it will significantly improve your body's functions.]

[Note: We have obtained 10 catties each of pork, refined rice, flour, and eggs. Please ensure adequate nutrition.]

The system's voice made him pause briefly.

This talking frog is quite thoughtful.

Without hesitation, he injected the medicine into his body.

In an instant, a surge of heat coursed through my limbs and bones, and every muscle was quietly transforming.

A feeling of exhilaration rose from the bottom of my heart.

The retrieved supplies were piled up like a small mountain on the table.

Then the image of the frog popped up again.

[System check in progress...]

[Jia Dongxu has been found to be incapacitated; a bicycle purchase receipt has been awarded to his owner.]

【Master, Jia Dongxu used to always cause you trouble, but now that he's bedridden, you can ride your new bike right past his door. How satisfying!】

If it weren't for the virtual image, Hao Jianguo would really want to pat its head.

This little creature is both thoughtful and protective of its owner.

It's really rare.

Compared to those in the courtyard houses...

Although frogs are not human, some residents in the courtyard are worse than beasts.

The frog is about to embark on a journey.

Photos will be sent back during transit; please check your mail for them.

I'll also bring back local specialties and souvenirs from various places; whatever you need, I'll find it for you.

Hearing these heartwarming words, Hao Jianguo couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"If we needed a wife, could you bring one back with you?"

The frog's image seemed to freeze for a moment, but it eventually hopped off again.

What surprise will you bring back next time?

Hao Jianguo was thinking that braised pork was already simmering in the pot.

Before long, the rich aroma wafted over the courtyard walls and into every household.

Upon learning that it was Hao Jianguo cooking meat again, the neighbors gradually went from envious to indifferent.

Yan Bugui, a shrewd strategist, shook his head inwardly.

If I had known this would happen, I would have said something nice back then, and perhaps I would be enjoying meat now.

Inside the Jia family's house.

As Jia Zhangshi smelled the meaty aroma in the air, she felt as if claws were scratching at her heart.

She hasn't had any oily or fatty foods in a long time.

"Where does Hao Jianguo get the good fortune to eat meat every day?"

"Sigh, our family can only afford to eat cornbread."

She stared at the bowl of coarse cornmeal porridge on the table, finding it increasingly difficult to swallow.

Qin Huairu remained silent, but regret churned within her chest.

The next morning, Hao Jianguo arrived at the factory on time.

In the afternoon, he asked the workshop director for half a day off.

With the savings he had accumulated over the years, plus the new train tickets he had received, he decided to buy a bicycle.

Several new cars were displayed at the counter of the supply and marketing cooperative.

He paid the fare and pushed away a Forever brand 28-inch motorcycle.

Back then, buying a bicycle was like buying a car today; you had to register it, get a license plate, and have it stamped with a steel seal. You also had to pay a few yuan in management fees every year.

Hao Jianguo rode straight to the subdistrict office.

The brand-new car attracted the attention of the clerks, and several middle-aged women pulled him aside to ask him all sorts of questions.

It was past noon when the formalities were completed, and he was about to leave when he vaguely heard the clerks talking in hushed tones—

Jia Dongxu was assessed as having a level two disability, yet the Jia family demanded nearly 400 yuan in compensation.

"That old woman, she even dared to exaggerate her disability level..."

Jia Dongxu was clearly only hemiplegic, but in Jia Zhangshi's words, he was completely paralyzed, and the amount of compensation naturally increased accordingly.

That sum of money was an astronomical figure at the time.

This old woman is certainly very bold.

Inside the courtyard house of the Jia family.

"Uncle, we're really starving and about to run out of food. You have to help us out and get everyone to lend a hand."

Madam Jia frowned, her face full of sorrow, and kept pleading with Yi Zhonghai.

Qin Huairu didn't say anything, but just lowered her head and wiped away her tears, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Seeing her like this, He Yuzhu felt bad and quickly tugged at Yi Zhonghai's sleeve.

"Uncle Yi, look at this family, the old, weak, women and children, the pillar of the family has collapsed, life is really hard."

We can't just stand by and do nothing.

He Yuzhu chimed in.

Yi Zhonghai pondered for a moment, then finally nodded.

"Of course we should help."

However, there's a problem – none of the families in the courtyard are well-off, and it might be difficult to persuade them to spend money for no reason.

Someone has to start.

He spoke in detail, but He Yuzhu waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Isn't it enough that you're leading the way with me?"

Yi Zhonghai glared at the reckless man. "I am Dongxu's master. Our two families are close. When we donate money, others will just think it's our duty and won't set an example."

We need to find someone else, preferably... someone who doesn't get along with the Jia family.

The words had barely left his mouth when He Yuzhu blurted out, "Hao Jianguo!"

"That's him! Everyone in the courtyard knows he's at odds with the Jia family. If even he's willing to donate, then when others see that even those with whom they have a grudge are donating, how can they not lend a hand?"

He Yuzhu spoke with great enthusiasm.

Jia Zhangshi also perked up.

"Yes, yes, let's find him! He's been eating meat every few days lately, he's really living it up."

Qin Huairu hesitated. "But...would he be willing?"

After all, the two families had a long-standing feud.

He Yuzhu was not about to show weakness in front of her, and immediately pounded his chest loudly.

"Don't worry, if he dares not to donate this time, my fists won't show mercy."

"It might take some persuasion from others in the courtyard, but dealing with him would be a piece of cake."

As the group was discussing, a commotion came from the courtyard gate—Hao Jianguo had returned.

This time, he wasn't alone; a brand-new bicycle was beside him.

In those days, owning a bicycle was a very respectable thing.

Many eyes in the courtyard turned to look, and everyone was stunned for a moment.

Many people were itching to touch the handlebars and share in the glory, but considering their friendship with Hao Jianguo, they didn't dare to move. They just stared longingly at the gleaming motorcycle.

"This...this is a bicycle?"

Yan Bugui, who was tending to the flowers and plants, straightened up and exclaimed.

Even the bangs that were swaying around stopped in their tracks, and the eyes stared blankly.

This is the first time a bicycle has ever appeared in this large courtyard.

Jia Zhangshi stared intently at the car, her eyes filled with venom.

"A single vehicle costs at least a hundred yuan, and you need a receipt. Where did he get his connections? I bet it's illicit; we should report him!"

She spat sourly, feeling a pang of jealousy—why was Hao Jianguo living such a comfortable life when her family was suffering so much?

Yi Zhonghai also stared intently at the bicycle, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

He cleared his throat, adopted the air of an old man, and blocked Hao Jianguo's way.

"Hao Jianguo, where did you get this car?"

He spoke in an interrogative tone, even temporarily setting aside the fundraising.

Yi Zhonghai pondered that, given Hao Jianguo's abilities, he certainly didn't seem like someone who could afford a car.

More importantly, he is the most prestigious person in the courtyard and the one who should be the first to purchase the most expensive items.

By taking the lead, Hao Jianguo overshadowed him.

We absolutely have to curb this momentum.

Hao Jianguo was too lazy to pay attention to this group of people.

"What's it to you?"

He retorted without hesitation.

What kind of "Grandpa Yi" is he? He's nothing in his eyes.

He turned his head and gave a cold glance at Jia Zhangshi, whose face was full of resentment and jealousy, his eyes full of mockery.

Hao Jianguo sneered, not stopping his steps, but glancing sideways at Sha Zhu. "Who do you think you are to say that? When I was starving, did you ever break off even half a piece of your cornbread for me? Now you're trying to act like a great philanthropist."

He lightly brushed his fingers across the bicycle handlebars, the brand-new stamp on them gleaming faintly in the sunlight. "The bike's here, the name's on it; whoever has the time can go check."

As for other matters—

He paused, his voice laced with undisguised sarcasm, "The rice of the Hao family would rather feed the stray dogs at the alley entrance than fall into the mouths of innocent bystanders."

The surroundings fell silent instantly.

The people who had been whispering to each other fell silent, their eyes darting furtively towards the Jia family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Qin Huairu's face burned, her head almost drooping to her chest, her fingers tightly twisting the hem of her clothes.

The brand-new bicycle pierced her eyes, causing a sharp pain, and her heart felt like it was being scraped repeatedly by a dull knife—if only she had known this would happen…

Jia Zhangshi was so anxious that she kept tugging at Yi Zhonghai's sleeve.

Yi Zhonghai's face turned ashen. He took a deep breath and was about to speak again when Hao Jianguo raised his hand to stop him.

"Save your energy, Uncle Yi."

Hao Jianguo pushed the cart forward, his voice low but clear, "What talk of unity, mutual assistance, and overcoming difficulties together? You can keep those words to yourself."

When I was down on my luck, no one in the neighborhood offered me a helping hand. Now that things are a little better, they all jump out to be "generous" to me.

The beads on that abacus clanged so loudly you could hear them ten miles away.

Sha Zhu's face turned red from being choked, especially when he saw Qin Huairu's aggrieved look. He felt a surge of anger and took a step forward to stop her again.

Hao Jianguo had already turned the car around nimbly, and the bell rang crisply.

"Advising me to be magnanimous?"

His last words drifted into everyone's ears as the wheels turned: "Anyone who keeps nagging should first consider whether they were clean in the first place."

I don't want to get involved in the gossip in this courtyard, but if anyone insists on dragging me into it—”

He smiled, but didn't finish speaking. However, the chill in his eyes made Sha Zhu stop in his tracks.

The car rolled over the ground, leaving two shallow tracks, and headed straight out of the yard.

Only a courtyard remained, people staring at each other in bewilderment. The afternoon sun shone brightly, but it caused some people's faces to turn pale and then flushed.

Hao Jianguo turned his head and glanced at Sha Zhu with a hint of amusement.

"Zhu Zi, these days you've been bringing food home every day to help the Jia family, haven't you?"

Sha Zhu was taken aback by his sudden question and nodded subconsciously.

"Yeah, that's why I said you have to learn from me, this is what a real man should do."

Sha Zhu even showed a hint of smugness.

Hao Jianguo shook his head, "I think it's not too late for you to be this attentive after Jia Dongxu leaves."

After saying that, he glanced meaningfully at the window of the Jia family's house.

The pale face behind the window suddenly turned so gloomy it looked like it could be wrung out of water.

Sha Zhu was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized what was going on.

The shame and anger of having his secret exposed surged up instantly, and he clenched his fists, almost wanting to pounce on him.