Qin Huairu felt utterly helpless at that moment. She had never imagined that not a single person in the courtyard would have the slightest intention of helping. Now, she wouldn't be getting a single cent. At the same time, her heart was heavy with anguish; she hadn't even had the chance to enjoy a decent life, and already Mrs. Jia was paralyzed.
Shazhu, standing to one side, felt a surge of resentment as he watched Qin Huairu’s distress. "It’s all that damned Xu Damao and Li Jianjun. If it weren't for them, the people in the courtyard would definitely have donated money. We certainly would have been able to solve the Jia family's problem. I’m going to go find those two bastards right now."
With that, Shazhu turned to charge aggressively toward Xu Damao’s house.
"Shazhu, you stand right there!" Yi Zhonghai barked. "That’s enough. Qin Huairu, stop crying so much. I will think of a way for the Jia family. Everyone, just go home and get some rest!"
Yi Zhonghai felt a twinge of impatience. He turned and hurried away. Seeing this, Qin Huairu and Mrs. Jia returned to their home, though Mrs. Jia kept muttering curses under her breath. After all, the Jia family hadn't received a single cent tonight—how could she not be furious?
When Yi Zhonghai returned to his own house, he started drinking straight away, regardless of the late hour. He had no idea what to do now. Jia Dongxu was paralyzed—didn't that completely ruin his plans? What was he supposed to do about his retirement?
"Lǎo Yì? What’s going on? Why are you drinking in the middle of the night?" First Aunt came out from the bedroom and was surprised to see Yi Zhonghai hitting the bottle. Under normal circumstances, he never drank.
"It’s nothing, I’m just feeling troubled. I never imagined that Jia Dongxu would have such an accident," Yi Zhonghai said, waving a hand helplessly.
"I see..." First Aunt hesitated, then said, "Lǎo Yì, I think you’re being foolish sometimes. There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time, but I was afraid of making you angry."
"What is it? Speak up. I won't be angry," Yi Zhonghai frowned, wondering what she could possibly have to say.
"Then I’ll say it. In this entire courtyard, I think the most motivated and steady person is Li Jianjun. Just look at him—in just a few years, he’s become a Level 6 fitter. And he did it without any master to guide him. Wouldn't you say that's impressive? If you could just build a good relationship with him, would you still have to worry about who will support you in your old age? I’ve always liked that boy. He’s miles better than those other two."
Yi Zhonghai was taken aback. However, as he thought about it, it really did seem that way. Li Jianjun was indeed exceptional. Looking back at the past and then at the present, Li Jianjun was far more capable than Jia Dongxu had ever been. But back then, his focus had been entirely on Jia Dongxu, causing him to overlook Li Jianjun’s talent. Now, he felt a sting of regret. If he had chosen to mentor Li Jianjun back then, he would have had a reliable retirement plan by now.
"Sigh! You’re right, First Aunt, but given our current relationship with him, I’m afraid it’s impossible now," Yi Zhonghai sighed.
"Lǎo Yì, no matter what, why not try and see?" First Aunt suggested.
"This... alright then." Yi Zhonghai nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. But while their plan sounded good, the reality was cruel.
***
The next day.
"Check in."
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for a successful check-in. You have received ten pounds of beef, a set of steak seasonings, and two hundred yuan in cash.]
"Looks like I’ve got something good to eat." Li Jianjun hadn't expected to get beef from his check-in today. It looked like he could make steak for dinner. "No, I'll make it right now."
With that thought, Li Jianjun started pan-searing his steak. Once he was done, he sat by his doorway to eat. Passersby cast envious glances at him; they couldn't believe how well Li Jianjun was living, eating meat early in the morning. They didn't even know what kind of meat it was, but the smell was so fragrant it made their mouths water.
Just then, Mrs. Jia, who had been scurrying about the courtyard, caught the scent. She looked over and saw Li Jianjun enjoying his meal again.
"Damn it, how is this bastard eating so well?" Mrs. Jia felt a wave of imbalance. Why did Li Jianjun get to eat like royalty while her son was lying in the hospital? It was so unfair. She felt that things should be the other way around—it should be Li Jianjun lying in the hospital bed.
Li Jianjun, who had been eating with great satisfaction, felt a gaze upon him. He looked up and saw Mrs. Jia staring at him. He couldn't help but smile slightly.
"Do you want some?" Li Jianjun asked, waving the piece of beef in his hand.
Mrs. Jia froze. She gulped repeatedly, and just as she was about to say something, Li Jianjun burst into laughter.
"Haha! A crone like you wants to eat this? Keep dreaming. Even if I had leftovers, I’d feed them to the dogs before I’d give them to you. Go ahead and starve, you old hag."
Without another word, Li Jianjun ignored Mrs. Jia, laughed, and walked back into his house, not giving her another look. This made Mrs. Jia livid.
"Goddamn it! You goddamn Li Jianjun, you’ll meet a terrible end! You’ll be crushed and paralyzed just like him!" Mrs. Jia cursed and swore, her words growing more vicious by the second.
"Mother-in-law? What’s the matter?" Qin Huairu asked, confused by the angry shouting as Mrs. Jia returned to the house. Who had upset her so early in the morning?
"It’s nothing! It’s that goddamn Li Jianjun! He’s eating such delicious meat and didn't even bother to give our family a bite. He’s absolutely detestable!" Mrs. Jia gritted her teeth at the memory of Li Jianjun's words.
Qin Huairu shook her head. "Well, breakfast is already cooked. I’m going to go take some food to Jia Dongxu now. You eat yours."
"Go on, go on!" Mrs. Jia waved a hand in agitation. She picked up a steamed bun, but the more she ate, the less she enjoyed it. She was desperate for some meat.
***
After finishing his meal, Li Jianjun hopped on his bicycle and pedaled leisurely toward the Rolling Mill. On the way, he ran into Shazhu and Xu Damao, who were busy bickering—or perhaps just cursing at each other. He couldn't be bothered to deal with them and rode right past.
"Hmph! What’s so great about an old piece-of-junk bicycle? When I get the money, I’m going to buy one even better than yours!" Shazhu muttered, looking unhappy.
"Haha! You? Why don't you use your money to keep subsidizing Qin Huairu?" Xu Damao laughed.
"None of your damn business!" Shazhu flared up and chased after Xu Damao, ready to fight.
Before long, Li Jianjun arrived at the Rolling Mill on his bike. At the entrance, he spotted a beautiful silhouette. It was Yu Li. Why was she here?