Siheyuan: I just came across and wanted to chase me away

Chapter 1048 He Yuzhu Ignores Yi Zhonghai

Qin Huairu nodded, a heavy weight pressing on her heart—at this point, there was really no other way but to ask He Yuzhu for help. But she also knew that her relationship with He Yuzhu had long since faded. Last time, they had argued fiercely over the theft of the chicken, and He Yuzhu's words, "From now on, we'll go our separate ways and never see each other again," still felt like a thorn in her heart. To get his help now, she would have to be extremely humble. After much thought, she felt that perhaps she could only ask Yi Zhonghai to mediate—after all, in the courtyard, Yi Zhonghai always acted as an "elder," and his reputation still carried some weight; perhaps He Yuzhu would grant him that favor.

The day flew by, and the sun gradually set, casting long, crooked shadows of the trees in the alleyway. In the afternoon, as He Yuzhu was pushing his bicycle home, a peach shortbread he'd bought for Qin Jingru hanging from the handlebars, he bumped into Yi Zhonghai standing under the screen wall as he turned into the courtyard. The old man stood with his hands behind his back, staring intently at him, clearly waiting for him. He Yuzhu felt disgusted and wanted to walk past him—everything the old man had done over the years had been calculated, especially his favoritism towards Jia Dongxu and his underhanded tactics against Ding Jianguo; it was utterly despicable and not worth stopping to talk to.

But He Yuzhu's indifference didn't mean Yi Zhonghai would let him off the hook. Yi Zhonghai slowly walked forward, deliberately blocking his bicycle, his face plastered with his usual, seemingly kind smile: "Yuzhu, you're off work early today? Usually at this time, aren't you still busy at the factory?"

He Yuzhu's heart skipped a beat, and he forced an awkward smile. He knew Yi Zhonghai's words had a hidden meaning—a while ago, Gu Nan was keeping a close eye on the kitchen, and Zhong Yi was also checking up on things every day, so he had to work overtime until dark every day; but lately, Gu Nan was focused on his power struggle with Deputy Factory Director Li, and no one had time to deal with the kitchen's trivial matters, which was why he was able to leave work on time. "Uncle Yi, is there anything I can help you with?" He didn't want to beat around the bush with this old man, so he went straight to the point, gently pushing his bicycle to indicate that he didn't have time for small talk.

Yi Zhonghai felt a surge of anger at He Yuzhu's blatantly aloof attitude. He remembered how respectful He Yuzhu had been to him in the past, always addressing him as "Uncle," and constantly seeking his advice. Now, He Yuzhu's tone was clearly dismissive, and he wouldn't even deign to look at him. But remembering Qin Huairu's tearful plea, he suppressed his anger and softened his tone: "Zhuzi, it's nothing serious. I just heard you're a favorite of Deputy Factory Director Li now? That matter of sending corn to the countryside is a piece of cake for you, isn't it? Just help Qin Huairu out; she's a widow raising three children, it's not easy for her. For the sake of our past relationship..."

After listening, He Yuzhu merely curled his lip, his eyes filled with undisguised sarcasm: "Uncle Yi, what does it matter to you whether I handle this or not? This is a matter for the Jia family, why are you so concerned? Did the Jia family give you some benefits?" He knew perfectly well that Yi Zhonghai simply wanted to use him to curry favor with Qin Huairu, so that the Jia family would rely on him more and consolidate his "authority" in the courtyard. He had seen through this little scheme long ago.

Yi Zhonghai's smile froze. He hadn't expected He Yuzhu to be so disrespectful, leaving no room for maneuver. He cleared his throat, deliberately putting on a stern face and adopting the air of an elder: "Zhuzi, you can't say that. We're all neighbors living in the same courtyard, we see each other all the time, isn't it only natural to help each other out? We can't just stand by and watch the Jia family struggle, can we? You child, how come you're becoming more and more insensible?"

He Yuzhu didn't reply, only smiled faintly, gently turned his bicycle around Yi Zhonghai, and headed home. The wheels rolled across the ground, making a "rolling" sound, as if responding for him. Some things didn't need to be said outright; Yi Zhonghai understood, and he was clear-headed—the Jia family's affairs were a bottomless pit, and it was best not to get involved to avoid trouble and making Qin Jingru unhappy later.

Yi Zhonghai watched He Yuzhu's figure disappear around the corner, not even bothering to say "goodbye." The smile on his face vanished completely, and his brows furrowed into a knot. He was seething with anger, but he couldn't vent it—He Yuzhu now had Deputy Factory Director Li backing him up, and he was doing very well in the factory. His confidence in the yard had also grown considerably, and he was no longer as easily manipulated as before. But it was too late to be angry now; he could only think of another way. He snorted heavily, put his hands behind his back, and walked towards his home. His steps felt like lead, each step making a "thump-thump" sound on the stone pavement in the yard. He had nowhere to vent his anger.

He Yuzhu sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), clutching an empty cigarette box in his hand. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became—Yi Zhonghai was really meddling! Who he associated with in the courtyard and who he helped was none of Yi Zhonghai's business! Did he really think he was the emperor of the courtyard? Especially Yi Zhonghai's words just now, which were both direct and indirect, that he shouldn't get involved in the Jia family's affairs, made his temples throb.

Just as he was sulking, Lu Jia came in from the outer room carrying an empty lunchbox. Seeing his brows furrowed and his face long, she laughed and teased, "Brother Zhu, your face looks so gloomy today. You don't seem to be in a good mood. Who are you arguing with this time?"

He Yuzhu glanced at her, then swallowed the words he was about to say. He knew Lu Jia had always disliked the messy affairs of the Jia family. If he were to mention Qin Huairu's request for help and Yi Zhonghai's involvement, she would likely scold him for being "clueless." So he simply waved his hand and forced a smile: "Hey, what could it be? Just some trivial matters in the yard that are really annoying. By the way, I'll show off my skills at noon and make you something delicious."

Seeing his obvious attempt to conceal something, Lu Jia didn't press him further, but she had a vague idea of ​​what was going on—things at the factory had been calm lately, and Gu Nan hadn't caused any more trouble, so he was probably back to dealing with the mess at the courtyard house. She smiled and touched her slightly protruding belly: "No need for anything too complicated, just something simple will do. I've been having severe morning sickness lately, so I really can't eat anything greasy. Something light is best."

"Don't worry, I guarantee it will suit your taste." He Yuzhu patted his chest, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. "Yesterday I asked a friend in the countryside to bring me some fresh tender shepherd's purse and some newly sprouted bamboo shoots. I'll make you a shepherd's purse, bamboo shoot and tofu soup. It's very refreshing, and I guarantee you'll enjoy it."

Lu Jia raised an eyebrow, walked to the edge of the kang (heated brick bed) and sat down: "Oh, you even prepared ingredients? Looks like we're in for a treat today."