Turning back, Zhang Yuanlin wore a calm expression, his gaze sharp as a blade, fearlessly sweeping across the eyes of the Great Uncles.
Just from this exchange of glances, Zhang Yuanlin had already gained an edge in presence.
So what if you’re the Great Uncles of the compound?
If I respect you, you remain Great Uncles.
If I don’t, you’re just three old geezers!
Finally, Zhang Yuanlin looked toward the Deaf Old Lady.
“Old Lady, this time I’m willing to give the Three Great Uncles a chance out of respect for you.”
The implication was clear: Zhang Yuanlin could disregard the Three Great Uncles’ authority, but he would honor the Deaf Old Lady’s standing because he respects true elders!
It was only 1952 at this time, and the Three Great Uncles had just been elected recently, not yet firmly established in their positions.
Moreover, they were only slightly older than middle-aged, not yet truly elderly.
Zhang Yuanlin’s approach was flawless.
By showing respect to the Deaf Old Lady, he couldn’t be accused of disrespecting elders—he simply didn’t acknowledge the Three Great Uncles’ authority.
Though they all lived in the backyard, Zhang Yuanlin usually kept a low profile—staying out of sight, not drawing attention, never being flashy—so even the Deaf Old Lady hadn’t paid him much mind.
But now, through this encounter, she realized Zhang Yuanlin was someone difficult to handle, far more challenging to manage than Shazhu, Xu Damao, or Jia Dongxu.
At the very least, the latter three could be controlled when the Three Great Uncles stepped in, but dealing with Zhang Yuanlin required more than all three of them combined.
Without saying more, the Deaf Old Lady left the scene for the Three Great Uncles to handle.
These were the people she had chosen; sooner or later, the entire compound would be under their management.
Yi Zhonghai stepped forward first—as the First Elder, he should take the lead.
After scanning the crowd, he noted that everyone who should be present had come, including those who usually couldn’t be bothered, making it even more complete than a whole-courtyard meeting.
“Old Liu, Old Yan, come out and say a few words. Let’s treat this as a whole-courtyard meeting.”
Liu Haizhong had been enjoying the spectacle, but when called upon, he had no choice but to step up reluctantly.
But Liu Haizhong was an official-obsessed man—usually putting on airs and enjoying privileges was his forte, but analyzing situations was truly not his strong suit.
He could only see the surface of things, agreeing with whoever spoke, never bothering to think things through.
“Well, uh, I think Zhang Yuanlin is asking for compensation, so let the Jia Family discuss how to pay!”
Though he held the title of Second Uncle, his approach to matters was no different from a bystander’s, truly disgracing the name of Second Uncle.
In fact, this Second Uncle position had been decided by Yi Zhonghai and the Deaf Old Lady together—someone not too bright, easy to manage.
Unlike He Daqing, who would resort to fists after just a few words, making him impossible to deal with.
Yi Zhonghai gave a helpless glance at Liu Haizhong, who was spouting nonsense, thinking, Couldn’t you say something practical and useful?
Everyone could see that Zhang Yuanlin was in the right and wanted compensation—the issue was there was no set amount, and no one knew how to proceed.
Yet you tell the Jia Family to figure it out themselves? With someone as unreasonable as Jia Zhangshi, would they honestly offer compensation?
So Yi Zhonghai turned to Yan Bugui and said:
“Old Yan, you’re good with numbers, educated, and reasonable. Analyze this—how should the compensation be handled?”
Yan Bugui adjusted his glasses and began analyzing seriously.
“This matter is indeed rather difficult to quantify, as it’s not about some broken object with tangible value. There’s no fixed price we can firmly establish, you understand?”
“The weight of moral principles can vary greatly. I believe it’s not for us to decide – we should let the involved parties determine it.”
“Here’s my suggestion: let Zhang Yuanlin name a figure, then the three of us will assess whether it’s reasonable. Of course, Zhang Yuanlin can explain his reasoning, as long as it makes sense.”
“Finally, we’ll let the Jia Family decide whether to accept it. After all, Zhang Yuanlin controls his own actions – we can only offer reference opinions, not make the final decision.”
Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai nodded with satisfaction.
Truly an educated man – his way of speaking was different, much more sophisticated than Liu Haizhong’s approach.
Moreover, he had ultimately passed the ball to Zhang Yuanlin. Even if negotiations fell through, it would be Zhang Yuanlin’s problem.
The Three Great Uncles had only recently formed their group and hadn’t yet developed proper coordination, making their collaboration somewhat awkward.
Zhang Yuanlin paid no mind to these dynamics, nor did he care about Yan Bugui’s deflection of responsibility. Even if the Three Great Uncles had made a decision, Zhang Yuanlin would have overturned it anyway.
Was he joking? He had brought even Deaf Old Lady, the most senior member of the compound, as a witness – did they think he was doing this for mere peanuts?
If he didn’t make the Jia Family jump through hoops and pay through the nose today, what was the point of making such a grand spectacle?
“Zhang Yuanlin, you heard him. Name your figure, and we’ll see if the Jia Family agrees and whether we Three Great Uncles find it acceptable.”
Zhang Yuanlin smiled and extended one finger.
The crowd watched with curiosity.
Yi Zhonghai made a guess and said with relaxed expression:
“Ten yuan? Acceptable! I’ll answer for Jia Zhangshi!”
Jia Zhangshi, whose head had swollen to twice its size, immediately stood up from the ground upon hearing money was involved.
But to protect her son’s job, she had to endure it.
However, Zhang Yuanlin shook his head.
Yi Zhonghai frowned and said:
“One hundred yuan? That’s excessive! While the Jia Family was wrong to insult and falsely accuse you, this is going too far. One hundred yuan is nearly half a year’s salary for Jia Dongxu!”
Yet Zhang Yuanlin still shook his head.
Yi Zhonghai grew tense, his heart rising to his throat.
“Zhang Yuanlin, what exactly do you want?”
With a light laugh, Zhang Yuanlin slowly said:
“I want Jia Dongxu to make a self-criticism before the entire compound, apologize at my doorstep for three consecutive days, and… I want one year of his salary!”
Gasp!
The Three Great Uncles drew sharp breaths, utterly shocked.
Deaf Old Lady also gripped her cane tightly, brows furrowed.
What audacity!
Meanwhile, Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu had already jumped three feet high, beginning to curse and complain.
“Zhang Yuanlin, asking for a whole year’s salary – why don’t you just rob us!”
“Shameless! Zhang Yuanlin, you’re extorting us! I’ll report you to the police station too!”
Seeing this, Zhang Yuanlin remained unflustered and smiled calmly:
“Don’t rush. I’m not taking all the money myself – half will go to the Qin Family, because you also insulted their dignity and slandered their reputation.”
“Also, Jia Dongxu, watch your words. Robbery is illegal, but demanding compensation is perfectly justified.”
“Furthermore, Jia Zhangshi, you should decide whether you’re really going to the police station. If you’re sure, let’s go together right now – whoever runs away is a coward!”
Yi Zhonghai was the first to recover, saying sternly:
“Zhang Yuanlin, justify your demand!”
Putting away his smile, Zhang Yuanlin turned serious, his expression stern as he said:
“Reputation, integrity, dignity!”
“Each of these is priceless, representing a person’s face. Once tarnished, no amount of gold can restore it!”
“When people gossip behind my back normally, I’ve never bothered to respond. But today, Jia Zhangshi spouted nonsense in front of the entire compound—I can’t pretend not to have heard it!”
“Jia Zhangshi’s words not only severely damage my reputation but also undermine my friendship with the Qin family, and even worse, put the Qin family in such an awkward position. For my own sake and for my friends, I must stand my ground!”
“Jia Zhangshi, Jia Dongxu, if your attitude had been better, I wouldn’t have made such demands. In any case, I won’t back down: one year’s wages, a public self-criticism before the whole compound, and three consecutive days of apologies. Miss even one, and we’ll settle this at the police station—no one’s connections will help you!”
The implication was clear: miss even one, and Jia Dongxu, you can kiss your job goodbye!
Hah! You old shrew, addicted to spewing filth, are you? If I don’t make you bleed and pay dearly today, I’ll write my name Zhang Yuanlin backwards!
Having been in this world for two years, Zhang Yuanlin never lacked material comforts and satisfaction, but that was absolutely no reason for him to accept mental humiliation!
In the entire compound, Zhang Yuanlin detested no one more than Jia Zhangshi—old, bitter, foul-mouthed, the most loathsome fly of all.
Because of the generational gap, he couldn’t just pin her down and beat her up. Unfortunately, he had to find a way to make her dare not provoke him to his face.
This way, when Qin Huairu married into the family, things would be quieter!