Chapter Nine: The Full Assembly

"Vice Factory Director Wang, what is the meaning of this? Do you have an issue with our courtyard being named a Civilized Courtyard? You must realize that this is the result of the collective efforts of everyone in this compound."

Yi Zhonghai emphasized the word "Vice" with great weight. The reason he dared to provoke Wang Lin was his belief that he could use the other residents to pressure him. As the saying goes, the law does not punish the masses; he believed that no matter how deep Wang Lin's connections were, he would eventually be forced to submit.

Wang Lin ignored him entirely, taking Qin Huairu straight back to his house in the rear courtyard. Seeing Wang Lin disregard him so brazenly made Yi Zhonghai even more furious.

"This is lawless! Absolutely lawless! We must hold a full courtyard assembly today and drive this black sheep out of our compound."

Hearing Yi Zhonghai speak, Liu Haizhong, who was still fuming from Wang Lin’s earlier rebuke, quickly chimed in, "Yes, that's right! We must hold a meeting and cast this black sheep out." As he spoke, he pointed repeatedly at Wang Lin, his hand trembling with rage.

Yan Bugui watched from the sidelines, remaining silent. Although Yi Zhonghai had some influence, Yan did not believe he could successfully oust Wang Lin tonight. Yan Bugui was not one to involve himself in such uncertain endeavors.

Yi Zhonghai shot a cold glance at Yan Bugui, who turned away, pretending not to notice. Yi snorted, harboring a deep resentment toward Yan despite knowing his character well.

Suppressing his anger, Yi Zhonghai turned to He Yushui, who was still sobbing, his gaze flickering with disgust. However, thinking of He Yuzhu, who was still hospitalized, he walked over to her.

"Yushui, your brother is injured and is currently in the hospital. Go pack your things and head there with your Aunt Yi to take care of him."

Upon hearing that her brother was hospitalized, Yushui forgot her sorrow over He Daqing’s departure. "Uncle Yi, is my brother’s injury serious?"

Yi Zhonghai put on a somber expression. "It is very serious. You should go and try to talk to him; I’m worried he might do something drastic."

At these words, Yushui’s knees went weak, and she stumbled backward.

Xu Damao, whose cunning eyes darted around, didn't fear escalating the situation and began to spread rumors. "Don't tell me Sha Zhu has been left without heirs? Why else would he be thinking of doing something drastic?"

Yi Zhonghai’s face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. To him, the term "ending one's family line" was the most painful thing to hear. What made him even angrier was that Xu Damao had guessed correctly. He hadn't said it aloud in front of everyone precisely because he feared rumors would spread, and if Sha Zhu were to suffer such a blow, he might act recklessly.

"Shut your mouth, Xu Damao! If you keep spreading rumors, I will kick you out of this compound!"

Frightened, Xu Damao quickly explained, "I was just guessing! If you don't want me to talk, I won't." A man like Xu Damao only dared to play petty tricks in the dark; in all other respects, he was a good-for-nothing.

Wang Lin looked at his empty house and sneered. "It seems I’ve been too kind to them. Our things haven't even been returned yet." The items taken by the Jia family were obvious, but other things from his house had been moved by others as well. Wang Lin already had his suspicions. Those bold enough to do this were either Mrs. Jia or Yi Zhonghai.

Returning to the middle courtyard with Qin Huairu, Wang Lin happened to hear Xu Damao’s comment about Sha Zhu being left without heirs. Once Xu Damao had been cowed into silence by Yi Zhonghai, Wang Lin spoke up.

"Yi Zhonghai, I want to see all my belongings back in my room by tomorrow. If even one item is missing, just wait for the police to handle it."

As he spoke, Wang Lin walked toward the front courtyard with his arm around Qin Huairu, his voice echoing back. "I believe you can manage it. After all, you wouldn't want to lose the Civilized Courtyard title, would you?"

The commanding tone and the threat only fueled Yi Zhonghai’s rage. He was starting to regret his actions. He had been the one to order the others to move Wang Lin’s belongings, relying on the idea that the crowd wouldn't be punished. He never expected Wang Lin to simply walk away, rendering the planned courtyard assembly meaningless. But he didn't dare face Wang Lin alone, so he coldly ordered, "Return all the things from Wang Lin's house by tonight."

With that, Yi Zhonghai flicked his sleeve and stormed off to his own house.

He Yushui hurried after him, deeply worried about her brother. However, only Yi Zhonghai knew which hospital He Yuzhu was in, and she had no money. She hadn't eaten since school ended, and after crying, she was starving.

"Uncle Yi, wait! Which hospital is my brother in?"

Yi Zhonghai stopped, his angry expression instantly replaced by a smile. "Yushui, wait at my place for a moment. Let your Aunt Yi cook something, and you can take it to your brother together."

"O-okay." Hearing that she would be bringing food to her brother, Yushui swallowed hard, but she was soon taken aback. When Aunt Yi finished cooking, she packed only a single steamed corn bun and some pickled vegetables into a lunchbox.

"Let’s go, Yushui. We’ll take this to your brother. You’ll be responsible for looking after him tonight." Aunt Yi didn't give her a chance to speak and, without eating herself, urged Yushui to leave.

Yushui swallowed again, desperately wanting to ask if she could eat first, but seeing Aunt Yi’s anxious expression and thinking of her brother’s injuries, she suppressed her hunger and followed her to the Red Star Affiliated Hospital.

"Husband, are we going back to the Shadow Realm to rest tonight?" Qin Huairu asked, brimming with excitement. Having been there once, she had fallen in love with the place. It was filled with endless food, nobody to disturb them, and the environment was beautiful—a true paradise on earth.

Wang Lin reached out and gave Qin Huairu a squeeze, answering, "Yes, we'll rest in the Shadow Realm tonight."

"Oh, husband! There are so many people watching!" Feeling her body go limp from his touch, she leaned into his embrace, her face flushed a beautiful shade of red.

This scene was caught by Xu Damao. Watching Qin Huairu’s flushed face, he was instantly stirred, his mouth going dry. Only after Wang Lin and Qin Huairu had disappeared for a long time did Xu Damao tear his eyes away, licking his lips.

He pulled all the money from his pocket and counted it. "Ten yuan left... yes, that should be enough to find a girl." He muttered to himself, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. "Hehehe, ladies, your Brother Damao is coming!"