Volume 1, Chapter 57: No, I Have to Call the Police

"Dongxu is still lying in bed, and you people are already rushing to snatch his relief quota. Are you even human?"

Seeing that shrew about to throw a tantrum again, everyone furrowed their brows, inwardly cursing their bad luck, quickly gave Yi Zhonghai a few parting words, and scattered in all directions.

Who would want to stand in this chilly autumn wind watching a shrew make a public scene?

In a flash, the courtyard residents cleared out completely.

Only Silly Zhu, leaning on crutches, looked on with an ugly expression as the crowd dispersed.

"Su Jianshe, you just wait! Once my injuries heal, I'm going straight to the police station to report you. I refuse to believe there's no one to uphold justice for me!"

The mere thought of moving into Su Jianshe's warm, spacious house sent a surge of heat through Silly Zhu's heart.

Yet, before he had taken a few steps, a sharp, stabbing pain suddenly struck him.

"Hiss... Banggen, I am not finished with you!"

"Su Jianshe, you just wait!"

"When I recover from my injuries, I'll make sure you taste real hardship!"

Every single step made Silly Zhu feel as though his lower body was being sliced by knives.

The hatred burning in his heart for Banggen and Su Jianshe grew ever more intense.

The cold wind howled, and on his way back, not a single soul paid him any mind.

Even Sister Qin, whom he thought of day and night, failed to show her face.

"So cold!"

The moment he stepped across his threshold, Silly Zhu couldn't help shivering.

The stove inside had long since gone out, and the biting cold was oppressive.

He curled up in a ball, moving even slightly brought pain, and lighting a fire was out of the question—he could only wrap himself tightly in his quilt.

Recalling his recent misfortunes, Silly Zhu felt an overwhelming sense of grievance.

"Why did all of this have to happen to me?"

The thought that he was now crippled while Su Jianshe was living in luxury filled him with raging fury.

"No, I have to call the police."

"I refuse to believe no one can get justice for me!"

The thought that his prospects for marriage were now entirely ruined caused Silly Zhu piercing heartache.

However, the moment he tried to get up, the agonizing pain in his lower body forced him right back down. With a heavy sigh, he pulled the quilt back over his head and fell into a troubled sleep.

"A gentleman takes revenge over ten years. Su Jianshe, you just wait—the day I heal is the day you pay the price!"

Amidst the cold and pain, Silly Zhu quickly drifted off to sleep.

Outside the window, the bitter wind raged, relentlessly battering the panes with a steady clatter.

The entire city of Sijiu was swept by an even more ferocious gale.

Most households in the city had thickened their blankets and shoveled extra coal into their stoves.

As night fell, quite a few people shivered uncontrollably from the cold.

There were no shortage of impoverished and helpless souls like Silly Zhu; it was just that most of them were gritting their teeth and enduring.

Early in the morning, the first ray of sunlight pierced through the darkness, and a chorus of sneezes echoed back and forth across the courtyard.

Silly Zhu, who usually took great pride in his robust physique, couldn't help sneezing repeatedly now. He had spent the previous night in the piercing wind, and the relentless pain had accompanied him all through the night.

"It was freezing last night. Today I've got to figure out a way to get some coal, otherwise I won't survive this!"

Recalling the bitter cold of the previous night, even while tucked inside his quilt, Silly Zhu trembled all over, terrified of enduring that kind of misery again. He brushed the frost off the windowpane, and the sight outside left him stunned.

The dirt path running through the courtyard was, at some unknown point, covered in a pristine layer of white snow, draped in a coat of silver. It had snowed! Moreover, the snow had already piled up to the thickness of a person's foot.

The thought of his family's dwindling food supplies and nearly exhausted coal reserves made Silly Zhu's complexion turn even gloomier. Why had the snow arrived so early this year? Was it because of a cold wave?

...

Over at the Su residence, Chu Yan had finished washing up and was just about to step into the kitchen to cook when she was captivated by the picturesque scenery outside the window. The courtyard, adorned in white snow, looked as though it had donned a pristine veil of gauze, exceptionally enchanting.

"Construction Brother, come look! It's snowing in our yard, it's so beautiful!" Chu Yan exclaimed in wonder as she gazed at the view before her.

Logically speaking, it should still be late autumn. But since it was snowing, shouldn't someone go out and sweep it? Chu Yan suddenly fell into a brief trance, recalling the past.

She used to harbor an extreme dread of winter and snow, because what accompanied them was not only the bitter cold, but also rising prices, terrible weather, and the desperate need to burn coal for warmth. Back then, her family's food and income were meager, and every winter snowfall served as a severe test.

Yet now, she no longer needed to worry about such things. Chu Yan thought of her current abundance of food, the meat she could enjoy every single day, and her home as warm as spring—a life she had never dared to dream of before.

More importantly, Construction Brother doted on her endlessly, filling her heart with sweetness.

Su Jianshe watched as Chenchen slept soundly, a happy smile blooming across Chu Yan's face.

"Let Construction Brother sleep a bit longer. It's still early, the snow is light, and building a snowman can wait. Let it snow a little more!"

With that thought in mind, Chu Yan tied on her apron and set to work bustling about the kitchen.

The house was steeped in a cozy atmosphere. The water drawn the previous day remained lukewarm, and the busy Chu Yan felt not a hint of chill.

All of this was thanks to the constant-temperature system, though Chu Yan mistakenly believed they had simply burned a bit more coal at home.

...

"What on earth are we going to do now? It's snowing, prices are bound to go up, and our coal and grain are running low. We need to figure out a way to buy some more!"

Yi Zhonghai looked out at the snowy landscape, filled with deep anxiety, the pleasant mood of resolving the conflict completely washed away by the heavy snow.

"Old man, stop fretting and come eat. It's snowed, so we'll just go buy some things. We still have money at home!"

First Matron sighed as she spoke. She knew their household situation all too well—they couldn't just starve.

"Let's eat first. Buying grain and coal can be discussed later; there's no rush! We still have a little savings left, and if we spend it, we spend it. We can save again next year!"

Yi Zhonghai walked toward the dining table with his hands clasped behind his back. On the table sat a bowl of coarse multi-grain flour mush and some salted vegetables, but his worried expression remained unchanged.

He only hoped they would be able to buy what they needed smoothly.

...

"The situation is critical! Our entire family must stand united and weather this hardship together!"

"This snow is not just a natural disaster; it's a crisis for our household!"

Er Daha Liu Haizhong spoke in a solemn tone.

Instead of refuting him, everyone else slumped into low spirits.

How could they not know what a heavy snow signified?

"Dad, just tell us what to do; we'll listen to you!"

Liu Guangfu knew this wasn't the time to act tough; this snow had already altered far too many things.

The early winter had arrived prematurely, completely throwing everyone's daily lives out of rhythm.

"Right now, the family must pull together. Those with money contribute money, those with strength contribute labor, and we will overcome this difficulty as one!"

"All of you, hand over whatever money you have on you. This isn't the time to be petty; centralized distribution and management are the keys!"

Liu Guangfu and Liu Guanghai exchanged a glance, reluctance flashing across their faces, but in the end, they still dug out their respective savings.

Liu Haizhong stared at the mere thirteen yuan and fifty-seven cents on the table, his expression turning dark.

"Can't you two learn from your eldest brother? With a monthly salary that high, how did you manage to save such a pittance? What are you going to do in the future?"

"You're both grown men, yet you still make me and your mother worry. What on earth can this little bit of money accomplish?"

Despite his dissatisfaction, Liu Haizhong pocketed the money all the same.

"Consider this money used for purchasing supplies. Whether we can survive this winter remains a complete unknown. The two of you need to grow up and show some sense from now on—don't spend your wages the moment you get them!"

"Dad, look, since we've already handed over so much money, you surely can't expect us to keep eating coarse flour mush every day, right?"

"Otherwise, what was the point of giving you the money? At the very least, let us have some grease in our food; how can anyone survive entirely on flour mush and salted pickles every day?!"

Liu Haizhong was displeased upon hearing this, his face darkening as he glared at his son.

"What do you mean, 'what was the point'? You eat my food and use my things, yet you quibble with me over this?"

"Did I raise a pack of ungrateful wolves? Let me tell you, collecting this money now is for surviving the winter! Do you really think these thirteen yuan can buy the moon? You still want meat? Do you want to boil me up and eat me, too?!"

Liu Guangfu knew he couldn't win an argument against his father. Nursing a hidden anger in his heart, he muttered under his breath:

"If parents lack benevolence, children lack filial piety. If we do anything unfilial in the future, don't blame us!"

Without another word to his father, he turned and stalked into the kitchen.

"Mom, let me help you. Let me taste this—why does this paste taste a bit bland?"

Liu Guangfu, who had been starving all morning, decided out of sight was out of mind and took refuge in the kitchen.

...

"Dad, you truly have far-seeing vision. Since it's snowing, prices are definitely going to climb. Shouldn't our family stock up on some supplies?"

Yan Jiacheng gazed at his father with eyes full of admiration.

In the past, he had always felt his father was too petty and over-calculated everything.

It wasn't until the snowflakes began to fly that he finally appreciated the wisdom in those calculations.

"There's no need. Anyone shopping right now is bound to be caught in a massive crowd; we need to strike when they least expect it! Eldest, take your siblings to the nearby woods and gather more firewood!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Jiacheng's expression shifted drastically.

"Dad, it's snowing heavily outside. Where are we going to find tree branches? If one of us accidentally slips and falls, we'll just end up having to pay for medical bills!"

Yet Yan Fugui remained firm in his stance.

"If that's what you're thinking, others are thinking the exact same thing. Go deeper into the woods, and you're bound to forage even more!"

"As for falling, just watch your step and walk carefully. Even though we have supplies at home, we must never grow complacent. Complacency breeds backwardness and leaves you vulnerable to beatings!"

Yan Fugui sternly rejected his eldest son's desire to rest, ordering him to head to the nearby woods to gather firewood the moment breakfast was finished.

"Understood, Dad. I'll go right after eating!"

...

At the Su residence.

After breakfast, Su Jianshe leaned back leisurely against the sofa, discussing with his wife where they should build their snowman.

At that moment, a system prompt suddenly sounded in his ear.

"Ding! Would you like to check in?"

"Check in!"

"Congratulations to the host for obtaining two sets of thermal overcoats!"

As the voice faded in his mind, two deep-blue thermal overcoats that fit the aesthetic of the era materialized within Su Jianshe's portable space.

He inspected the two garments—one large, one small—both featuring a low-key, reserved tone. While lacking the trendy designs of his past life, they matched his aesthetic preferences and were exceptionally well-suited for this era.

Thinking of his younger sister, Su Jianshe stepped into the bathroom.

A moment later, he emerged carrying the overcoats.

"Xiaoyan, come try on the overcoat I bought earlier. I almost forgot!"

Su Jianshe revealed the two novel coat sets, and a bright sparkle instantly lit up Chu Yan's eyes.

"Construction Brother, you think of everything so thoroughly. I've heard these kinds of overcoats are in huge demand, and plenty of people dream of getting one! To think you were actually able to buy them—this is amazing!" Chu Yan looked at her husband with undisguised admiration.

" Wow! There are shoes, gloves, and a scarf, too!" Chu Yan looked in astonishment at the complete thermal set before her, whereupon her cheeks flushed red. She quickly grabbed the slightly smaller set and scurried off into the bathroom.

Su Jianshe didn't mind in the least; he simply drew the curtains and changed into his own right there.

"Truly fantastic. It feels wonderfully comfortable!"

Wearing the thermal outfit, Su Jianshe's gaze was filled with appreciation. This was indeed a fine gift bestowed by the system, far surpassing the coats he used to buy on certain online platforms in his past life. Not only was it warm and cozy, but it also fit his frame to absolute perfection, making him look sharp and capable rather than bundled up and bloated.

Before long, Chu Yan emerged from the bathroom dressed in her well-fitted overcoat.

Su Jianshe's eyes lit up. Though the thermal coat was slightly roomy, on Chu Yan it was an absolute ideal fit, perfectly tracing the graceful curves of her figure while lending her an even more playful and adorable air.

"Construction Brother, does it look good?" Chu Yan asked, flashing a sweet smile after changing into the new clothes, though she still harbored a trace of shyness, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush.

"It looks great, but... let me check and see if this outfit really fits properly!" Su Jianshe chuckled.

"Ah?"

"Ah!"

When Su Jianshe finally left the room, he was already fully suited up in his own thermal overcoat. Even though the world outside was locked in ice and snow, he still felt a pleasant trace of warmth.

He picked up the broom leaning by the door and began clearing away the snow piled in front of his threshold.

Before long, the snow all around the house had been swept clean and stacked neatly to the side.

Instantly, the area around the house looked bright, clean, and refreshing.

"Construction Brother, shall we go out to the entrance and build a snowman?" Chu Yan asked hopefully as she stepped outside and took in the snowy scenery.

"Alright... but I need to step out for just a moment first."

Gorgeous though the snow scene was, Su Jianshe's thoughts drifted to the little stray dog that always wagged its tail the moment it saw him.

"With weather this cold, how is it doing? I haven't fed it these past two days—it couldn't have frozen to death, could it?"

Thinking of that clever little dog, Su Jianshe felt a pang of fondness, figuring that adopting it wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

Hearing that Su Jianshe was heading out, a flicker of disappointment crossed Chu Yan's face, though she didn't mind too much. She simply stood quietly appreciating the snow, a smile dancing in her eyes.

Nowadays, she no longer feared heavy snow; the warmth inside her home and the meat on her table every single day left her deeply content.

She recalled how, back when her mother was still alive, every time snow fell, she would be gripped by sheer terror because a snow-bound city often meant starvation.

At this thought, Chu Yan pulled her thermal overcoat a little tighter around herself.

"Construction Brother, watch your step—the road is slippery!" she reminded him attentively, terrified that her husband might take a fall.

After all, the ground in the dead of winter was rock-hard, and a fall could easily lead to a fracture.

"Don't worry, I'll be right back."

Su Jianshe had originally intended to find the dog and return immediately, but realizing that leaving Chu Yan home alone might not be entirely safe, he turned back and asked:

"Do you want to enjoy the snow view a bit longer? How about you come with me to see a little fellow?"

"Alright!" Chu Yan replied.

With a radiant smile, Chu Yan hurried forward to catch up with Su Jianshe.

The two of them walked side by side, sharing lighthearted remarks as they took in the snow-draped courtyard.

Even the Siheyuan, blanketed in white, possessed a certain moving charm—take the jujube tree, for instance, which was now extravagantly adorned in white snow, looking exceptionally enchanting.

Compared to its lush, leafy appearance in warmer days, it held an entirely unique charm.

In the middle courtyard, Yan Fugui and his eldest son were busy sweeping the snow, pausing intermittently to lament the early arrival of this heavy snowfall.

"The snow came way too early this year. In past years, we'd just be starting to wear sweaters and cotton trousers by now—who would've thought we'd already be bundled up in padded jackets?"

"The colder the weather gets, the more coal we're bound to burn from here on out."

As Yan Fugui spoke, his face clouded over with worry. True to his calculating nature, the mere thought of rising coal prices and their daily consumption rate made his heart ache.

"If only we didn't have to burn all this coal, how wonderful would that be!"