Zhang Yuanlin’s voice was resonant and full of vigor.
Each word echoed throughout the compound, carrying an authoritative tone that brooked no doubt or rebuttal.
At this moment, the initiative remained firmly in Zhang Yuanlin’s grasp.
Faced with Zhang Yuanlin’s unyielding attitude, Yi Zhonghai felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.
He had hoped to start with discussions, gradually employing moral kidnapping to downplay the matter, turning major issues into minor ones and minor issues into nothing.
But Zhang Yuanlin gave no opportunity, setting the terms outright from the very beginning without any room for negotiation.
In truth, Yi Zhonghai had considerable experience in handling disputes among the younger generation.
His usual approach was to assert authority through seniority, then summon both parties’ elders to mediate.
But Zhang Yuanlin stood alone—where could Yi Zhonghai find an elder to restrain him?
Not only did Yi Zhonghai, the First Elder, wear an unpleasant expression, but even Deaf Old Lady was utterly bewildered, completely unprepared for how rapidly the situation had escalated.
Zhang Yuanlin showed no courtesy, laying out his conditions upfront without allowing any bargaining.
Now, there were only two choices: either agree or go to the police station.
Observing the grim faces of those involved, Zhang Yuanlin sneered inwardly.
The reason matters in the compound were so difficult to resolve was because these people colluded, ganging up to stir trouble.
The very establishment of the Three Great Uncles’ positions was problematic from the start.
Their stated intention sounded noble—to resolve conflicts within the compound and maintain neighborly relations.
In reality, they distorted right and wrong, failing to distinguish good from bad, only seeking to suppress troubles without genuinely aiming to solve problems.
Their sole concern was preventing issues from spilling outside the compound, so that to outsiders, it would appear as a model community, enabling them to secure honors as an advanced collective.
Hypocritical and disgusting!
Zhang Yuanlin knew what they were thinking: to save face, someone had to be sacrificed.
If that were the case, then let someone else be the sacrifice—Zhang Yuanlin would not be their scapegoat.
Zhang Yuanlin stood tall and imposing before the threshold, exuding an overwhelming presence.
He waited for the Jia Family and the Three Great Uncles to state their positions. Of course, it would be best if Deaf Old Lady spoke up, as she had the final say.
If they agreed, things would proceed as discussed.
If not, Zhang Yuanlin would turn and head straight to the police station. Since the central courtyard was crowded, he had temporarily parked his bicycle in the front courtyard, making it convenient to leave.
Nearby, Qin’s father and Qin’s mother watched Zhang Yuanlin’s domineering demeanor with growing admiration, seeing in him the very image of their ideal son-in-law.
Qin Huairu was completely lovestruck, gazing at him in a daze. In her eyes, Zhang Yuanlin was adorned with countless halos—the most dazzling man not just in the compound, but in all of Sijiucheng, even the entire country.
At the same time, this further solidified Qin Huairu’s inner resolve.
This might be an opportunity—for the sake of my happiness, I must seize it!
The silence in the courtyard lasted for about a minute.
All eyes were fixed on the mother and son of the Jia Family.
Yet, it was Yi Zhonghai who finally broke the silence.
“Dongxu, if you want to keep your job, you should agree. As long as you don’t make any mistakes from now on, you’ll be promoted to a formal worker in at most two months.”
He didn’t elaborate further, but Jia Dongxu understood.
The gap between an apprentice worker and a formal worker wasn’t just about wages—the benefits and security differed as well.
In these times, securing a position in a work unit was no simple matter.
Especially for technical positions, one must be guided by a experienced master, because factories don’t keep idle people, let alone hire someone specifically to teach you.
Moreover, with potential enemy agents possibly lurking in every corner, having someone vouch for you makes it easier to pass the review process.
Currently, Jia Dongxu is still an apprentice worker. If anything goes wrong, the factory will deal with it severely, and Yi Zhonghai, as his master, would also suffer the consequences.
But once Jia Dongxu becomes a formal worker, it’s equivalent to having an iron rice bowl.
As long as he doesn’t commit an unforgivable mistake, he might face salary deductions, wage cuts, or even reassignment, but he would still have a job and wouldn’t become unemployed.
Jia Zhangshi had never worked since moving into this compound and didn’t understand what Yi Zhonghai meant, so she could only turn to her son.
Jia Dongxu clenched his fists without speaking, thought for a long time, and finally nodded in agreement with a sorrowful expression.
Jia Dongxu liked Qin Huairu, but he also knew what choice he had to make.
With a job, there would still be chances to marry someone else in the future, but without a job, he definitely wouldn’t be able to marry at all.
No matter the era, without money, one can’t move an inch!
Seeing Jia Dongxu nod in agreement, Zhang Yuanlin finally showed his signature smile.
“Good, since the Jia Family has agreed, let’s end the matter here.”
“Old Lady, you’re the witness. I believe you have no issues with that, right?”
Deaf Old Lady, being used as a tool for the first time, felt her mind couldn’t keep up for a moment.
But it was true that she had said it, and the Jia Family had agreed to the compensation terms. Deaf Old Lady had nothing to say and could only nod.
Then Zhang Yuanlin looked at Yi Zhonghai and said with a smile:
“First Elder, you’re Jia Dongxu’s master. Your signature is needed for his salary. Could you take charge of collecting the money? No problem, right?”
Yi Zhonghai’s face twitched, and he also nodded reluctantly.
Helping his own apprentice collect his salary to give to someone else—how awkward did that sound?
After making everything clear, Zhang Yuanlin turned to the three members of the Qin family and said apologetically:
“I’m sorry, I should have stepped in earlier. You’ve been wronged.”
Qin’s father and Qin’s mother shook their heads and waved their hands repeatedly, saying it was the Jia Family’s fault and that Zhang Yuanlin shouldn’t be blamed for stepping in late.
Just as Zhang Yuanlin was about to see them off, Qin Huairu seemed to hesitate, wanting to say something.
Seeing this, Jia Dongxu couldn’t help but look hopeful and said excitedly:
“Miss Qin, I knew you would give me a chance! Do you pity me, sympathize with me? Actually, everything I did was for you!”
Qin Huairu, who was gathering her emotions, twitched her eyelids, barely resisting the urge to slap him, and once again gave him a friend card.
“Although what your mother did was despicable, it’s good that you can admit your mistakes. I hope you can keep it up in the future. However, the person I want to talk to isn’t you.”
Jia Dongxu was stunned, once again making a fool of himself in public.
Then Qin Huairu turned back to Zhang Yuanlin, mustered her courage, and said:
“Brother Zhang, actually, I’ve always had something I wanted to say to you.”
Zhang Yuanlin was taken aback and nodded, saying:
“Oh? If you have something to say, go ahead.”
Qin Huairu nervously twisted her fingers and said through gritted teeth:
“I… I like you! I want to marry you!”
As soon as she finished speaking, the whole place erupted in surprise.
In these times, it’s rare for a girl to confess to a guy, especially in such a public setting. How much courage must it have taken to do that?
Jia Zhangshi’s face was twisted in utter displeasure—no, her face was so swollen it had doubled in size, making any expression impossible to discern.
She never imagined that Qin Huairu would not only look down on her son but also take the initiative to confess her feelings to Zhang Yuanlin. This was utterly humiliating!
Meanwhile, Jia Dongxu, standing nearby, slumped to the ground in despair. His already fragile heart was mercilessly crushed once more, as if trampled by a stampede of ten thousand horses, his sorrow roaring like the raging Yangtze and Yellow Rivers!
At that moment, Jia Dongxu could no longer hold back. Covering his face, he broke into tears, staggered back home, and threw himself onto the bed, wailing uncontrollably.