Chapter 4: The Heavenly Venerable of Morality is About to Start Moral Blackmail

One cannot deny that after some time under Yi Zhonghai’s management, his prestige within the courtyard was unmatched.

Just moments before, no one dared to speak, but as soon as Yi Zhonghai arrived and asked, someone stepped forward to explain things to him.

Hearing that Wang Lin had bypassed the three elders and directly reported the matter to the neighborhood committee and the police filled him with great anger.

“So, you must be Deputy Director Wang Lin, right? How about this: let the Jia family apologize to you, clean up the house, and then we consider the matter settled. What do you think?”

Upon hearing Yi Zhonghai’s words, Director Wang furrowed her brows but remained silent. Instead, she hid behind the police officers, lowering her profile to observe what Yi Zhonghai was scheming.

The three policemen immediately understood Director Wang’s intention and chose not to say much, even stepping forward to shield her from view.

Wang Lin looked on with disdain.

“I don’t think that’s acceptable.”

Yi Zhonghai, unaccustomed to being challenged, darkened in expression and launched into his favorite tactic of moral coercion.

“We’re all neighbors here. You’re a leader at the factory, and the Jia family is struggling. These rooms mean little to you, so why can’t they be used to help the Jia family in need? Refusing this is divisive and disrupts the harmony of the courtyard.”

“That’s right. As deputy director, why care so much about a few rooms? Helping my family isn’t wrong.”

With Yi Zhonghai’s backing, the Jia family finally stood up.

It must be said, Yi Zhonghai’s words won the support of many other residents, who cast greedy glances toward the other rooms.

Third Elder Yan Buguì, a scholar among the courtyard residents, immediately sensed the gravity of the situation after hearing Yi Zhonghai’s speech.

He knew Yi Zhonghai’s argument was baseless because the Jia family’s actions were criminal.

If Director Wang and the police weren’t there, Yi Zhonghai’s words might have carried some weight. But with them present, Yi Zhonghai was courting serious trouble.

So while Yi Zhonghai was pontificating, Third Elder Yan discreetly blended into the crowd.

Meanwhile, First Elder Yi Zhonghai looked around to see that the courtyard residents supported him, which filled him with pride.

Wang Lin remained silent but looked toward Director Wang.

At that moment, an older policeman, evidently the leader, spoke.

“What you’re saying is nonsense. It seems you are also among those who unlawfully occupied Deputy Director Wang’s property. You’ll have to pay compensation—500 yuan. Otherwise, come with me.”

Yi Zhonghai was dumbfounded. He never imagined that before Wang Lin even spoke, the police would undermine his position.

“I… I…” Yi Zhonghai stammered, unsure of what to say, as the police had already made their judgment.

He deeply regretted defending the Jia family; he never thought it would backfire on him today.

At the same time, he developed a strong resentment toward Wang Lin.

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“Damn it, it’s all because of Wang Lin. If he hadn’t reported it, none of this would have happened.”

Yi Zhonghai’s face darkened further, turning a shade of purple.

“Officer, you see, we could have settled this with Wang Lin ourselves. Just a moment ago…” Yi Zhonghai began to argue.

But Director Wang could no longer hold back.

“Yi Zhonghai, you really are something. You try to cover up the Jia family’s crimes with a few words. No wonder they dared to occupy someone else’s property—they have your support behind them. Well then, tell me, who gave you such authority?”

Director Wang grew angrier with each word, nearly shouting the last sentence.

“W-Wang, Director Wang, this…” Yi Zhonghai shot a resentful glance at Mrs. Jia. He never expected Director Wang to be present, and blamed Mrs. Jia for not warning him.

He also blamed himself for not checking his surroundings before trying to morally pressure Wang Lin when the Jia family was being held accountable.

At this point, First Elder Yi Zhonghai’s hatred toward Wang Lin grew deeper. He knew the coveted “Advanced Courtyard” award for this year was lost, and he might even lose his position as First Elder, judging by Director Wang’s tone.

“No, no, I support the police’s decision. I’ll pay the fine now.”

He pulled out 500 yuan from his pocket, eyes cold as they turned toward Mrs. Jia.

“Mrs. Jia, you’ll pay too.”

Upon hearing she had to pay, Mrs. Jia replied decisively:

“My family has no money.”

At this moment, Jia Dongxu, who had been hiding in the crowd watching the scene unfold, rushed over.

“Master, my family really has no money, see?”

First Elder Yi Zhonghai’s expression twisted in conflict upon seeing Jia Dongxu.

Jia Dongxu was the person he had chosen to care for in old age, so he felt compelled to help him.

Yi Zhonghai regretted not listening to his deaf wife’s advice. Although Shazhu was somewhat reckless, he was easy to control.

More importantly, Shazhu was not as greedy as the Jia family, so the trouble wouldn’t have escalated this much.

“Fine, I’ll cover it for now.”

He then looked toward the crowd and called to his wife:

“Wife, go home and bring 500 yuan.”

Yi Zhonghai had not heard Director Wang say that Mrs. Jia needed to pay 1,000 yuan and that the house had to be cleaned up, or else he might have hesitated.

But the outcome was already decided. As long as Yi Zhonghai continued to support Jia Dongxu as his dependent, he was ultimately responsible for the costs.

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“It’s not 500 yuan. The Jia family must pay 1,000 yuan and clean up Deputy Director Wang’s house.”

Director Wang spoke coldly, having already decided to remove Yi Zhonghai from his position as First Elder.

Yi Zhonghai exhaled deeply, suppressing his anger, and resignedly told his wife:

“Go ahead, bring 1,000 yuan.”

After the full 1,000 yuan was handed over to Wang Lin, Director Wang spoke again.

“Yi Zhonghai, I’m very disappointed in your behavior today. You’ll step down as First Elder.”

Her tone was resolute.

Yi Zhonghai had long expected this outcome and said nothing more, turning to go home.

The police, seeing the matter resolved, departed as well.

After everyone else left, Director Wang respectfully approached Wang Lin.

“Wang Lin, how does this seem to you?”

Wang Lin understood perfectly that Director Wang’s actions had secured the best possible outcome for him.

The law was still imperfect, and with the Jia family’s actions, the worst punishment was a fine for rent.

Besides, Wang Lin’s house contained little of value, so no property loss occurred, meaning no theft charges. At worst, detention for a few days.

“Thank you for your help today, Director Wang. Could you introduce me to a renovation team? I want to completely refurbish these five rooms.”

“Of course. I’ll have someone from the steelworks visit you tomorrow.”

“Great.”

Seeing Wang Lin satisfied, Director Wang’s earlier anxiety finally eased.

“Since you’re fine, I’ll take my leave.”

“Alright, Director Wang. Please take care.”

After seeing Director Wang off, Wang Lin looked calmly at Qin Huairu.

“Huairu, it seems you can’t stay here today. Come with me to the meeting.”

“Okay, I’ll follow your lead.”

Hearing the name Huairu, Jia Dongxu, who was packing his belongings, felt a flicker of recognition and glanced toward Qin Huairu.

His face flushed red, whether from shyness or anger, no one could tell.