Chapter 7: Qin Huairu's Lament

Hearing Xu Damao's words, He Yuzhu merely smiled; what a lame excuse—just because he's a cook doesn't mean he can steal chickens, there are many cooks in the world, why wouldn't he suspect others?

He punched Xu Damao to the ground, lifted his size-42 big foot and began kicking Xu Damao, shouting angrily: "If I don't beat you for a day, do you feel uncomfortable? I'm a master craftsman—would I even crave a chicken from you?"

Xu Damao cried for his parents, finally summoning Yi Daye. Seeing He Yuzhu so fierce, he hurriedly pushed him away, urging him to quickly return to the courtyard to attend the general meeting.

"Our courtyard house has always been a loving community, inseparable from us leaders; today this matter is simply smearing dirt on our faces." Second Elder held his teacup and spoke there, "Catch——"

"Admitting it now isn't a big deal, but if it's found out, you'll definitely go to prison." Yi Daye said hurriedly.

"His words were snatched away; Second Elder grew a bit angry, but he was merely Second Elder—second place could never compare to first."

Everyone silently stared at Xu Damao, seemingly even more curious about how he got those injuries.

"Xu Damao got hit by me for his foul mouth; as for the chicken theft, I think we should just go to the police—they have plenty of tricks, they can even find out at what age you wet the bed."

Several elders disagreed, feeling it would be humiliating, after all, family disgrace should not be aired publicly.

The courtyard house had seen theft incidents before; everyone knew who did it, but they only stole things of little value, not their own, so everyone turned a blind eye.

This chicken theft has made everyone a bit fearful; nowadays a chicken is quite valuable, ordinary families only dare to cook one during the New Year.

"Zhuzi, who do you think did this?"

Yi Daye is using himself as a knife—who doesn't know who in the courtyard has sticky hands, it's just that no one wants to offend anyone.

"Who I think it is doesn't matter; Yi Daye, who do you think it is?" He Yuzhu replied, "You are the most virtuous person in our courtyard house—you can't cover for a thief."

Some people nodded in understanding; the only one Yi Daye could cover for is that little brat.

Xu Damao also realized Bang Geng's hands weren't clean; this time he came straight to his own home.

He took a few steps to Qin Huairu, asking where Bang Geng was and whether he had stolen his chicken.

Jia Zhangshi bumped her head into Xu Damao's belly, wailing: "You heartless seed, on what grounds do you doubt my grandson? He's the most well-behaved child in our courtyard house."

Xu Damao slapped Jia Zhangshi across the face, grabbed her hair and was about to strike. Seeing this, the three elders quickly announced the meeting adjourned.

The three began to break up Xu Damao and Jia Zhangshi.

"Tell you all, if you don't compensate us for the chicken today, tomorrow you'll be staying in the Juvenile Detention Center." Xu Damao broke free from Yi Daye's restraint, "This matter won't end."

He Yuzhu felt pleased inside, letting Xu Damao and the Jia family bite each other—this time we'll see who comes out on top.

He planned to go back inside to move a chair; Qin Huairu took a few steps after him, flung herself at the doorway, weeping: "Zhuzi, please save your sister this time—I truly can't go on."

This life is truly too fragile; He Yuzhu didn't believe she couldn't survive after paying two dollars, while Jia Zhangshi's hands were wide open.

"This matter has nothing to do with me; if you're begging someone, you should go to Xu Damao—no money is fine, he's not the type who loves money like life, he has other hobbies."

"How is it unrelated to you?" Jia Zhangshi also rushed in, "If you hadn't stopped sending things, could you have starved Bang Geng? They wouldn't have stolen chickens, so you owe it to Zhuzi."

Xu Damao took advantage of the chaos, dragging Bang Geng out of his house; there was still an oil stain on his clothes, Jia Zhangshi had no choice but to act shamelessly toward He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu grabbed her hair and dragged her away from the doorway, kicked her down into the courtyard; several elders hurried to intervene, Third Elder dragged Jia Zhangshi back inside, and Yi Daye restrained the furious He Yuzhu.

"Is that even human speech? Tell you, Jia Zhangshi, don't come to my place again, or else every time you show up I'll hit you."

The others were driven away by Second Elder; Yi Daye pulled Xu Damao aside to discuss a solution—this matter must be resolved immediately, otherwise dragging it on could affect everyone's unity.

"Qin Huairu, stop crying first, you all quit the fuss." Yi Daye said sternly, "I think Zhuzi should front this sum first, and later Qin Huairu can repay you."

"That would still work." Xu Damao planned to demand a huge sum.

"Yi Daye, whose kang did you leave your brain on? This matter has nothing to do with me, I won't get involved." He Yuzhu shook his head, "But speaking of repaying debts, Qin Huairu, you owe me too and should pay up."

"What are you doing? This is the leader's order—how can you still haggle?" Second Elder glared, "Zhuzi, watch your words."

He Yuzhu glanced at them contemptuously.

Seeing the two elders approach He Yuzhu, Xu Damao tossed off a line, then hurried home a few steps, saying he'd need to see money that evening.

He also feared that Yi Daye would let him off easy; if he refused, Yi Daye might later settle scores elsewhere—too bad about that chicken, which was meant to be saved as a gift for the leader.

"Zhuzi, you can't just stand by and not save someone."

"Why aren't you saving them?" He Yuzhu grew impatient, "Your salary is higher than mine, your family wealth is richer—why should I be the one to rescue?"

Having said that, he went home and shut the door.

"Yi Daye, please do me this favor." Qin Huairu knelt at Yi Daye's feet, "From now on I'll make sure Bang Geng properly honors you; our whole family will thank you for your great kindness."

A gleam flashed in Yi Daye's eyes; he told Qin Huairu to go to the back courtyard to find Lou Xiao'e, see if she could persuade Xu Damao; if not, come back to him in the evening.

"Old Liu, this silly…… He Yuzhu doesn't even take us seriously; I think we need to give him a proper disciplining." Second Elder felt He Yuzhu was just a lousy cook, something he could handle.

"Zhuzi, sigh." Yi Daye shook his head, "Bang Geng being arrested is actually a good thing—at least our courtyard won't have to worry; otherwise who knows, one day he might steal from right over our heads."

At home hearing Yi Daye's words, He Yuzhu furrowed his brows; today's matter seemed a bit strange—why did Yi Daye finally change his stance?

Bang Geng was caught; the Jia family and Jia Zhangshi are still around, but he didn't gain any advantage either. Qin Huairu is such a sharp person—she shouldn't fall for that kind of trick.

That kind of trick where you don't want your child bullied in the Juvenile Detention Center, so you need something.

What exactly was he after?