The onlookers exchanged glances, unable to make a decision.
Chu Xiu sneered, his patience worn thin: "If you make a fuss again, I'll call the police!"
If the police were called, Bang Geng would qualify for juvenile detention!
The Jia family mother and son were extorting, and they deserved to go to jail.
Hearing this, Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu immediately panicked.
As Jia Dongxu was about to speak, Chu Xiu directly interrupted, sneering with a sideways glance: "What do you want, you rabbit boy?"
The entire courtyard immediately erupted in laughter!
Everyone was amused by Chu Xiu's remark, and looking at Jia Dongxu's appearance, he indeed looked like a rabbit boy.
Jia Dongxu's face turned ashen, his eyes flashing with hostility. This had two meanings: first, it referred to a Peking Opera puppet that was limp and could not move, which suited Jia Dongxu's current listless state; second, it referred to his teeth, with only four large incisors sticking out, resembling a rabbit.
Jia Dongxu was furious, this was simply personal insult, and it completely broke him!
Yì Zhōnghǎi frowned deeply—the Jia family only knew how to act outrageously; when they encountered someone tough, they were no match for Chu Xiu.
Besides, the Jia family was in the wrong from the start. They stole the salted fish that someone had dried and had the nerve to cause trouble? Where in the world is there such logic! He had long been fed up with Jia Zhangshi stirring up trouble every day; she was behind most of the messes in the courtyard.
As for that boy Bang Geng, his sticky fingers weren't a new problem, people just hadn't bothered with him.
This time, it was good that Chu Xiu was dealing with the Jia family.
It's just a pity that Shǎ Zhù happened to run into the line of fire...
Although he didn't want to deal with the Jia family's mess, Shǎ Zhù couldn't be ignored.
After all, he would have to rely on him for old age in the future; Chu Xiu was just a backup plan.
If he couldn't count on Chu Xiu, in the end, he would still have to rely on Shǎ Zhù to cover him.
Thinking of this, Yì Zhōnghǎi stepped forward.
Just then.
Deaf Old Lady slowly entered the crowd, leaning on her cane.
The onlookers automatically parted to make way.
Shǎ Zhù was seen curled up on the ground in pain. Chu Xiu's kick contained the power of a grandmaster; even though he had restrained himself, it made Shǎ Zhù gasp for air.
Seeing this, the old lady's wrinkled face immediately darkened.
Shǎ Zhù, whom she had watched grow up, was like her own grandson in her heart. The scene before her made her question sternly: Who did this?
Her cane hit the ground heavily. She had heard Shǎ Zhù's name mixed in with the commotion from afar.
All eyes turned to Chu Xiu. "I kicked him." Chu Xiu's expression was calm.
This Siheyuan was outwardly managed by three grandpas, but in reality, Deaf Old Lady was the one with the highest status. "You wild kid from the countryside!" the old lady reprimanded. "To be so heavy-handed with your neighbors, you have no sense of proportion!"
Chu Xiu's lips curled into a cold sneer: "I respect you as a martyr's family, but that's no reason for you to show favoritism.
To take sides without asking about right and wrong, you've lived all these years in vain."
As soon as he finished speaking, there was an uproar.
How dare he talk back to the old lady!
Even First Grandfather wasn't taken seriously by him...
This was going to overturn the heavens!
The old lady, who had always been highly respected, had never been spoken to like this before. She trembled with anger: "You uncultured brat!"
Deaf Old Lady was so angry she rolled her eyes, appearing extremely embarrassed under everyone's gaze.
Shǎ Zhù lay on the ground, unable to speak, looking at Chu Xiu with fear in his eyes. That kick had caused him unbearable pain, and he was still trembling with fear.
First Grandfather frowned, wanting to step forward but stopping.
Having been astute in his dealings for many years, he knew it was not the time to step forward, lest the angry Chu Xiu take his anger out on him, causing him to lose face and affect his prestige in the courtyard.
Second Uncle Liú Hǎizhōng had been secretly observing First Grandfather's actions. Seeing that he remained silent, he cursed him in his heart for being hypocritical.
After all, First Grandfather always preached about rules and order and was respectful to Deaf Old Lady. Now, he pretended to be deaf and mute, not even daring to say a word.
Liú Hǎizhōng stroked his stubble, contemplating that perhaps in the future, he could win over Chu Xiu and have him do things for him—a high-ranking official always needed a capable assistant, right?
Third Uncle secretly rejoiced that he had established a good relationship with Chu Xiu early on, thinking that this young man was so assertive, the Siheyuan was likely to change.
The neighbors watching were both surprised and awed, thinking they could never offend Chu Xiu in the future—even Shǎ Zhù was beaten to the ground, and Deaf Old Lady's face was worthless; who would dare provoke such a ruthless character?
Chu Xiu surveyed the surroundings and said coldly: "Stop bothering me. If you're not convinced, call the police!"
Then his gaze swept over Jia Zhangshi, and he said sarcastically: "A family of losers!"
With that, he turned and went home, not even giving anyone a second glance.
Jia Zhangshi was so angry she jumped up and down, cursing: "This is outrageous! How can such a scourge be allowed to stay in the courtyard?"
Although she had been slapped, her sharp tongue wouldn't restrain itself. Seeing that Chu Xiu had already left, she cursed even more fiercely.
Everyone looked at her with disdain, chattering amongst themselves:
"Why is she still going on?"
"She's the one who loves to stir up trouble the most in the courtyard; she deserves bad luck!"
"Do you really think Chu Xiu is easy to bully? He's a popular figure at the factory now!"
"I heard the Workshop Director looks upon him favorably!"
"Really?"
"Absolutely true! My buddy works in his workshop and specifically told me not to provoke him."
The more they talked, the more shocked they became, never expecting Chu Xiu to be so successful now!
Deaf Old Lady leaned on her cane, her face turning from green to white!
Seeing this, First Grandfather Yì Zhōnghǎi stepped forward to help her, intending to escort the old lady home to rest.
Shǎ Zhù, clutching his stomach, had just stood up when Deaf Old Lady raised her cane and hit him, shouting sternly: "Who did you have to provoke, but Chu Xiu? Don't you know your own limits!"
She was truly enraged; this whole incident had made her lose face after decades!
She was even reprimanded by a junior like Chu Xiu in public!
Shǎ Zhù also understood the gravity of the situation, knowing that the old lady always doted on him. He didn't dare to make a sound even after being hit. "Sigh..." Deaf Old Lady sighed, and tremblingly said: "Let's go home!"
As Yì Zhōnghǎi supported the old lady, he felt her back was more stooped than usual.
Meanwhile, Chu Xiu returned home and leisurely cooked a bowl of noodles.
As he was cleaning up the bowls after eating, he noticed the little frog squatting on the table again!
He wondered what new item it had brought back this time.
A secret meeting between First Grandfather and Qín Huairú
The little frog squatted on the tabletop, the gift box on its back gleaming faintly.
Chu Xiu skillfully poked the small box on the frog's back. Ding! Level Two traveling frog completed its mission, bringing back three gifts—
Bicycle Coupon × 1, Bad Luck Card × 3, Vengeful Doll × 1!
Chu Xiu's eyes lit up.
Ever since the gold coins were upgraded last night, the little frog had indeed been promoted to Level Two, and its rewards had become more generous. The drop rate increased after the upgrade.
He smiled and checked the item descriptions: The Bicycle Coupon was naturally a voucher to buy a bicycle.
Bicycles were expensive these days; having money wasn't enough without a coupon. He would go buy a car tomorrow and join the ranks of car owners.
Next, the Bad Luck Card—
After using it on a designated target, the target would be plagued by misfortune and everything would go wrong. Chu Xiu rubbed the card; this thing would be perfect for dealing with the beasts in the courtyard.
The last item, the Vengeful Doll, sent a chill down his spine.
This thing had a ferocious appearance; just looking at it made one's scalp tingle. After touching it, it would transform into a vengeful spirit to entangle the target, creating terrifying illusions... Unfortunately, it was a consumable.
Although the effect was tempting, Chu Xiu still averted his gaze with disgust: If I put it in the room, I'll have nightmares.
Chu Xiu pondered for a moment and stuffed the items under his bed.
The little frog still looked at him expectantly. "Go ahead."
He gently stroked the little frog's head, his gaze as gentle as if he were looking at his own child.
He began to anticipate tomorrow night's surprise.
At the same time, people returning home were all discussing tonight's events.
The Yan Family. "Tonight was too shocking!" Yán Jiěfàng's eyes shone.
He had never witnessed such a scene in his life.
Chu Xiu single-handedly confronted the Jia family and didn't even spare Deaf Old Lady's face!
He was terrified at the time.
Third Aunt patted her chest and said: "I didn't expect Chu Xiu to be so tough; could he be a reckless brute? He's offended so many people, how will he stand in the courtyard in the future?"
Yán Jiěfàng and his brothers nodded repeatedly.
It was likely that Chu Xiu's future days would not be peaceful!
The Jia family and Shǎ Zhù would never let it go so easily!
Third Uncle sneered, looking at his family with disappointment: "What do you know? Does Chu Xiu seem like someone without a brain?"
If he really had no brain, the Jia family would have caused a huge scene when they were slandering him every day back then.
He shook his head and said earnestly: "He is now unrestrained, do you understand?"
Look at Chu Xiu's demonstrated abilities—woodworking, fishing, cooking, promotion to fitter, favored by factory leaders, even Shǎ Zhù can't defeat him...
Third Uncle glared at his sons with frustration: "Think with your pig brains, if it were you, would you be afraid?"
Yán Jiěfàng and the others suddenly realized: "That's right! If I had this ability, I wouldn't give anyone face either!"
This angered Third Uncle so much he almost fainted. He raised his hand and slapped Yán Jiěfàng. "Dad, why are you hitting me? Did I say something wrong?"
Yán Jiěfàng, covering his face, was stunned.
Third Uncle pointed at his nose and cursed: "If you had half of Chu Xiu's success, I would be grateful! Don't you see how popular Chu Xiu is at the factory? He's targeting those who splash dirty water in the courtyard!"
He was truly furious.
Chu Xiu is clearly a sensible person, only showing no mercy to those who had bullied him.
But this does not mean he is arrogant!
Hearing his son's foolish words, Third Uncle was completely disheartened— "Dross cannot be carved!"
Even if he got lucky and seized an opportunity in the future, he was destined to not keep it.
"His morals do not match his position!"
If only Chu Xiu were my son...
Third Uncle was filled with bitterness and calculated how to get closer to Chu Xiu.
The Yì Family.
First Grandfather entered the house with a grim expression.
"What's wrong? Why the long face?"
First Aunt closed the door, looking puzzled, "Still worried about Chu Xiu's matter? Hasn't it blown over?"
First Grandfather glared at her: "What do you know! Women only know how to meddle!"
"The old lady won't even look at me properly now; she's probably angry with me!"
First Aunt was even more confused: "What is she angry at you for?"
"Sigh!"
First Grandfather looked at his blockhead wife and suppressed his temper to explain, "It's my fault for pretending to be deaf and mute! I didn't say a word when Shǎ Zhù was beaten, and I didn't chime in when Chu Xiu talked back to the old lady. I'm afraid she'll give me a hard time from now on!"
"What should we do?"
First Grandfather pondered for a long time and decided: "Go buy a pound of fresh beef tomorrow morning and stew some soup for the old lady. She's craving this; perhaps it will calm her down."
First Aunt rubbed her hands, pained: "But this beef is expensive..."
"Short-sighted wench!"
First Grandfather waved his hand impatiently, "Just do as I say!"
With that, he picked up a bag of flour and walked out.
Discussions continued to rise and fall in the courtyard.
Chu Xiu, however, turned a deaf ear, busying himself with tidying his bed.
He had long decided to move out of this chaotic courtyard.
Just as he was about to turn off the light, two dark figures outside the window caught his attention—
First Grandfather and Qín Huairú were standing very close, whispering.
"The old geezer was full of righteousness and morality during the day..."
Chu Xiu grabbed his flashlight, pushed open the window abruptly, and shouted with all his might: "Thief!"