Volume 1, Chapter 10: Denouncing Su Jianshe
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Jia Zhangshi, who was weeping bitterly on the ground, tried to stop Yi Zhonghai from seeking the patrol officers, nervously saying, “We’re all neighbors here. As long as that brat Su Jianshe pays up, there’s no need to involve the police.”
“How can that be? That wretched creature dares to behave like this; he must be made to suffer. As the senior master of the courtyard, I cannot shirk my responsibility!”
“No, really, I just want Su Jianshe to compensate me.”
Jia Zhangshi was filled with guilt. She knew well that if Yi Zhonghai actually called the police, she wasn’t sure whether Su Jianshe would be arrested, but she herself would almost certainly be in trouble.
More importantly, when Jia Zhangshi returned, she overheard people in the courtyard talking about Su Jianshe giving Yi Zhonghai five thousand yuan.
Five thousand yuan!
“If I could get even five hundred—no, one thousand—that would be my retirement fund.”
Fearing Yi Zhonghai might insist on reporting to the police, Jia Zhangshi hurriedly explained further, “Think about it—if you really call the police, our courtyard’s Red Flag Unit status this year would be at risk. As long as Su Jianshe can support me for the rest of my life, and give me an extra thousand, this matter can be settled.”
The neighbors gathered around to watch the commotion all chimed in, “Exactly, sir, our courtyard can’t afford any more trouble this year; losing the Red Flag Unit title would be a disgrace.”
“The collective honor is paramount. Our courtyard has been a Red Flag Unit year after year. Losing it this year would be shameful.”
“That’s right, sir, Jia Zhangshi isn’t pursuing it anymore, so why would you need to call the police?”
Hearing this, Yi Zhonghai didn’t rush to decide but pondered inwardly.
“If I report this, I’d still have to pay for the letter of forgiveness. Since I have Su Jianshe’s weakness in my grasp, how could I let him off easily?”
“This time, not only will he avoid paying for the letter of forgiveness, but he must also understand who rules this courtyard!”
Thinking this through, Yi Zhonghai asked again, “What about Banggeng, the child? So young and disabled—how will he find work or marry in the future?”
Just as Qin Huairu was about to speak, Jia Zhangshi shot her a fierce glare, silencing her.
“If he’s supporting me, he has to support Banggeng too. That brat can’t get off lightly.”
Yi Zhonghai glanced at Banggeng deliberately, avoiding Qin Huairu’s eyes.
Seeing no objections from the Jia family, Yi Zhonghai was pleased inside but kept a calm outward demeanor.
“Very well, as the senior master of the courtyard, I will convene a full meeting tonight to criticize Su Jianshe.”
He looked toward Jia Zhangshi—his capable assistant in this matter.
With Shazhu and the old lady absent, he could only rely on this shrew.
“Yes! This is too vile. We must hold a meeting immediately to criticize Su Jianshe!”
Upon hearing this, Jia Zhangshi hurriedly nodded in agreement, hoping Yi Zhonghai would back her up. With the support of the courtyard’s senior master, she believed she could finally get some justice from Su Jianshe.
Fearing things might drag on, Yi Zhonghai quickly gathered everyone at home in the courtyard.
Soon, whether working or away, all were called back. Many hadn’t even had time to eat, as it was only afternoon. Most workers in the courtyard were laborers who needed their strength, with few skilled workers.
“This senior master is something else—what could be so important that people can’t even eat?”
“This is ridiculous. Judging by the fuss, could it be that someone’s about to be criticized?”
“Whatever. It doesn’t concern us.”
“Meetings every day—so annoying. What big deal could there be that needs a meeting?”
People muttered privately, many resentful, but within this courtyard, even if discontented, no one dared speak out and had to swallow their grievances.
“Old Yi, what’s going on? You called me back from school directly—my child’s education is important and can’t be delayed!” Third Master Yan Bugui complained. He had finally had an afternoon off from teaching and was planning to go fishing, only to be summoned back by Yi Zhonghai.
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Second Master Liu Haizhong was also displeased. Ever since Shazhu joined the factory, the meal quality had worsened steadily. He had hoped to return home for a fried egg from his wife.
Before enjoying a bite of hot food, he was hurriedly summoned to the meeting, feeling annoyed.
Yi Zhonghai’s anger had ruffled many feathers, and Liu Haizhong was not about to miss an opportunity.
He sarcastically jabbed Yi Zhonghai, “Some comrades only care about their personal feelings and ignore the genuine feelings of the masses. This is inappropriate and incomprehensible and deserves criticism.”
Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui echoed each other, causing Yi Zhonghai’s expression to darken.
“I am the senior master of this courtyard. Are meetings not allowed?”
Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui turned pale but offered no further rebuttal.
Once everyone had gathered, Yi Zhonghai, ignoring Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui, searched for Su Jianshe and Chu Yan.
After a long search, disappointment grew in Yi Zhonghai’s eyes.
“If those two don’t show up, how can I get a letter of forgiveness?”
The crowd began to murmur.
If this were a leisurely meeting, people might watch out of curiosity, but now everyone was still hungry.
“Quiet! What nonsense is this? Our courtyard’s full meeting is to improve our environment and respond to the nation’s call!”
Once the senior master spoke, the crowd fell silent.
Only Banggeng, whose right hand was bandaged, wept uncontrollably.
Beside him, Jia Zhangshi kept babbling.
“This time, that little beast must be severely punished. Not a cent less than a thousand!”
“With the senior master backing me, I don’t believe that villain Su Jianshe will dare to be arrogant.”
Jia Dongxu, sitting in a wheelchair, showed a grim expression no less fierce than Jia Zhangshi’s.
“Yes! Su Jianshe caused you and Banggeng to be disabled. He must pay the price! If he can’t come up with the money, take his house!”
Only Qin Huairu comforted her son, “Banggeng, it’s okay; the pain in your hand will go away in a few days.”
The little one silently pulled his brother’s sleeve.
They crouched quietly in a corner.
Banggeng’s tear-stained eyes were full of resentment—he hated Su Jianshe and even his own grandmother, Jia Zhangshi.
If not for her urging, how would he have taken to stealing?
...
With Jia Zhangshi’s curses, people finally noticed the two injured members of the Jia family.
The blood seeping through the bandages was glaringly obvious; Banggeng’s pale face was impossible to ignore.
“Hey, what happened to Jia Zhangshi and Banggeng?”
“They both have bandaged hands. Could they have been injured?”
“Poor Banggeng, only ten years old, and his hand is seriously hurt.”
Those unfamiliar with the situation cast sympathetic glances at Banggeng, pitying him, while no one cared much for Jia Zhangshi.
Seeing the moment was ripe, Yi Zhonghai slammed the table sharply, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Everyone has seen it—our courtyard has suffered a vile injury incident. Su Jianshe set mouse traps where Jia Zhangshi and Banggeng were trying to retrieve their belongings, causing their disabilities.”
At these words, the courtyard residents erupted.
“Banggeng is only ten—his life is ruined!”
“Su Jianshe is worse than a beast—how could he do such a thing to a child?”
“I knew he had ill intentions. When he returns, I won’t let him off.”
Those unaware began cursing Su Jianshe; more expressed pity for Banggeng.
As for Jia Zhangshi, no one felt sympathy; some even felt satisfaction.
After all, who in the courtyard didn’t know her bad reputation?
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Some had even been insulted by her.
If not for Qin Huairu, who would want to aid the Jia family?
“Setting that aside, our Banggeng is so young—how could Su Jianshe be so cruel?”
Finding no one paid her heed, Jia Zhangshi let herself go, turning all attention to Banggeng, hoping to leverage people’s sympathy for him to denounce Su Jianshe and gain compensation.
Yet Jia Zhangshi failed to notice that although Banggeng was sobbing, his eyes were full of resentment, growing ever stronger.
“Three masters, you must stand up for me! My poor grandson is probably going to be crippled! Only ten years old, and he was hurt by that cruel Su Jianshe. How will he ever write or work in the future?”
After speaking, Jia Zhangshi threw a tantrum, rolling on the ground, ignoring her injured hand, determined to get her compensation.
Though many were disgusted, seeing Banggeng’s plight stirred pity.
Second Master Liu Haizhong was quick to declare,
“As the second master of this courtyard, I will use my position to be the first to condemn Su Jianshe, urge him to reform, and meet all the Jia family’s compensation demands!”
Yi Zhonghai, who intended to use the courtyard residents’ collective power to pressure Su Jianshe, cleared his throat and added,
“The three of us masters have decided that Su Jianshe must compensate the Jia family and reflect on his mistakes to prevent harming others again.”
Yan Bugui frowned, puzzled: When did I agree to this? He always felt Su Jianshe wouldn’t do such a thing, and how could a mouse trap easily sever a hand?
Yet now, led by Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong, the courtyard residents were all denouncing Su Jianshe.
“That beast Su Jianshe—if he doesn’t compensate the Jia family, we won’t let him off!”
“The Jia family has suffered enough. That little bastard Su Jianshe just piled on the misery. Does he even have a conscience?”
“Banggeng, such a young child, suffering such a terrible crime—how pitiful!”
Just as these words lingered, three figures entered the courtyard.
In the center stood the very man they condemned—Su Jianshe.
On either side, patrol officers in uniform stood out prominently.
Suddenly, the large hospital became deathly silent,
So quiet that the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.
Even Jia Zhangshi, who had been shouting the loudest, was now mute.
Banggeng sobbed, fearfully looking at the patrol officers beside Su Jianshe, afraid he would be taken away.
Though small, he understood the grave consequences of being caught stealing.
“Mom... sob... I’m so scared.”
Banggeng cried, hiding behind Qin Huairu.
Jia Zhangshi’s face was ashen, her bandaged hand trembling incessantly.
Jia Dongxu nervously swallowed his saliva, his arrogance completely gone.
Only Yi Zhonghai looked at Qin Huairu with confusion, as if asking,
“Weren’t we supposed to avoid involving the patrol officers? Why did Su Jianshe suddenly bring them?”
But Qin Huairu was busy comforting Banggeng behind her back, paying no attention.
Seeing the Jia family silent, Yi Zhonghai stepped forward indignantly,
“Although I don’t know why that brat Su Jianshe called the patrol officers, it’s an undeniable fact that he caused the disabilities of Banggeng and Jia Zhangshi! This time, not even a divine being could save him!”
Without giving Su Jianshe a chance to speak, Yi Zhonghai quickly turned to the patrol officers,
“You came just in time. Su Jianshe deliberately harmed others. Look, this ten-year-old child and this elderly woman are disabled because of his mouse traps.”
Yi Zhonghai pointed angrily at the trembling Banggeng behind Qin Huairu.
“Officers, look at this child—only ten years old, his hand ruined. How will he make a living or start a family?” Yi Zhonghai’s face was full of rage as he pointed directly at Su Jianshe.
“Su Jianshe, I, as the senior master of this courtyard, order you to apologize to the Jia family and compensate them immediately, or else the patrol officers will take you away. Don’t expect me to interfere.”
A gleam of triumph flashed in Yi Zhonghai’s eyes, as if boasting he had caught Su Jianshe red-handed.
Liu Haizhong was not about to miss the chance to assert his status and also spoke sternly: