Courtyard House: Railway Police at the Start

Chapter 35: Seed

Early the next morning.

Xu Damao drove his mother back to the courtyard house, with the breakfast he had brought for Tang Zhenghong on the way still in the basket in front of him.

The toilets inside and outside the courtyard are under renovation these days, so Yan Bugui, like everyone else in the courtyard, has to walk a long way to the alley entrance to use the toilet.

"Hey, Da Mao's mom, long time no see! What brings you here today?"

As he arrived at the courtyard gate, he happened to run into Xu Damao and his son. The steaming hot meat-filled buns made Yan Bugui sniff around.

Mrs. Xu was in a bad mood and ignored Yan Bugui with a sullen face. She had been angry since early morning. This ungrateful son wouldn't even let her taste one of the big meat buns, even though she paid for them. In a moment, it would all benefit an outsider.

Xu Damao was afraid that Yan Bugui would make wild guesses and spread rumors in the courtyard, so he explained on behalf of his mother: "Good morning, Third Uncle. My mother caught a cold and her throat is a little sore. Zheng Hong said he knows a good doctor, so we came to ask him for directions."

Hearing this, Xu's mother understood what her son meant. She forced a smile and nodded to Yan Bugui, pointing to her throat and making two "ah ah" sounds to cooperate with her son's acting.

Yan Bugui's attention was focused on the steamed buns, so he didn't notice anything amiss. He glanced longingly at the bag, took a few deep breaths to make it feel like he'd gotten a good deal, and then made way for them.

After Xu Damao and his mother went to the courtyard in the west corner, Yan Bugui realized something was wrong and muttered to himself, "Hey, what kind of show are they putting on for me?"

However, he was still a little confused about what Da Mao's mother wanted to see Tang Zhenghong about.

They even brought meat buns for them. Does Xu Fugui have the personality to let others take advantage of his family?

There must be something he doesn't know about here.

He wanted to go over and listen to some gossip, but seeing Xu's mother standing guard at the gate of the courtyard, he was afraid of angering Xu Damao and his mother, so he could only suppress his curiosity and go home.

"Zhenghong, I only heard about this from my mom last night. Look at the mess this has made, I was almost too embarrassed to come here."

Inside the house, Xu Damao brought him steamed buns and poured him water. Since things would have to be discussed sooner or later, it was better to be open and honest.

Seeing Tang Zhenghong eating his steamed bun without replying, Xu Damao flattered him, "To be honest, this is all my fault. My dad is also eager for revenge and wants to use your connections to teach Yi Zhonghai a lesson. Who told you to be the only one who's successful in the compound right now? This is our family's fault, and we'll admit it. As long as you give us a plan, I, Xu Damao, will sell everything I own to make sure you get your revenge."

"Brother Da Mao, since I came back, we've been the closest people in the compound, right? When that Du Yu guy came to me, I guessed what was going on. I thought it was someone else in the compound, but I never expected it to be Uncle Xu. That's so underhanded. Good heavens, I've only been a policeman for a few days, and he's already using me as a pawn. Is this how an elder should act?"

Xu Damao nodded and bowed in agreement: "I really consider you a brother. My dad is getting senile, so please don't take it to heart."

"Uncle Xu's matter has nothing to do with you. Let's keep things separate. I'll keep my promise to you from last night, and we'll go find out some information later. But let's get this straight: I can't put my master and the others in that position and pretend to be the good guy. You understand?"

"Understood. This time, I'll do whatever you say, both out of politeness and obligation. But, as you know, my dad's job requires constant supervision. If this goes on for too long, it'll be difficult to explain to the movie theater. Of course, I'm not trying to excuse him at all. We have no objection to any punishment or compensation."

Tang Zhenghong remained noncommittal, saying it depended on Lao Xu's attitude. If Lao Xu really wanted to make an example of him, then his knife might not be so ineffective.

On the other side, Xu Fugui had been locked up all night and looked much more haggard.

After a sleepless night, he finally understood that his actions were not punishable at all. He was just making excuses to vent his anger for the Tang family kid. He could only regret that he hadn't been discerning enough.

"Brother Xu, didn't you say last night that someone from your family would find a way to pick you up? Why haven't we seen anyone yet?"

The person speaking was locked up last night in the middle of the night. He said he got into trouble while doing someone else's work and ended up here. Judging from his clothes, he was obviously bragging. He looked like a "lazy bum".

However, Xu Fugui did not underestimate the other party. Even rats have their own ways, and besides, this person's physique made him look like someone not to be trifled with.

"You're too naive. These leaders don't even start work until after breakfast. They have to spend time dealing with people and currying favor with everyone."

"Brother Xu, you really work at a movie theater?"

Xu Fugui, having nothing to do last night, roughly told the other party how he got into this mess, saying that righteous people are often ruthless.

After hearing this, the man also deeply resented Yi Zhonghai and said that he would help Xu Fugui get revenge if he had the chance in the future.

"Yeah, I used to show movies to those big shots all the time, so I still have some connections. My son just needs to pass on a message, and I'll definitely be out today. Your problem is nothing, just hang in there, and I'll treat you to drinks when you get out."

Xu Fugui liked to associate with people who couldn't afford to eat.

When people can't even get enough to eat, why would they care about anything else? This is the perfect time to take advantage of the situation.

He admitted defeat this time, but he hated Yi Zhonghai and the deaf old lady even more.

"He's here with us. We never intended to do anything to him. He was locked up all night and suffered enough."

At this point, Old Lu hesitated for a moment, then reminded him, "We're all part of the same team. Captain Fan handed the man over to us, so when to release him is up to you. Now we owe Old Fan a favor again."

Those who understand reading comprehension will understand the meaning. The key words in this statement are "collective" and "human relationships." Only through "unity" can we get closer to the collective, and only by understanding reciprocity and giving back can we have human relationships.

Tang Zhenghong understood this basic workplace awareness, so whether he forgave Xu Fugui or not, he had to make sacrifices; otherwise, how could he "unite" the team?

"Master, thank you. I'm not familiar with the leaders in our Public Security Bureau. When would be a convenient time for me to express my gratitude in person?"

Tang Zhenghong didn't know Captain Fan well. The other party was doing this because of his master. He knew his master's personality; he couldn't tolerate any wrongdoing and had strong principles. But this time, he was being tactful and flexible, sacrificing his reputation for his own benefit.

Seeing that his apprentice understood immediately, Lu Zhang nodded calmly and said, "Let's have lunch then. Captain Fan likes Shandong cuisine, and there's a nice little restaurant nearby. I happen to have a bottle of wine here; just remember to return it later. Come on, I'll take you there to meet Xu Fugui and see how things go. This kind of petty person needs to be taught a lesson. Flies don't bite, but they're annoying."

Upon seeing Tang Zhenghong and his companion emerge, Xu Damao rushed forward obsequiously to offer them cigarettes: "Boss, thank you for your trouble. My name is Xu Damao, and I am Xu Fugui's son."

Lu Zhang ignored the mother and son, refused their cigarettes, and left in a huff with a sullen face.

Xu Damao's hand awkwardly froze in mid-air.

At home, Xu's mother was domineering, but here, as a housewife, she was very timid and didn't even dare to raise her head.

Since his master was playing the bad cop, Tang Zhenghong naturally played the good cop, keeping up with his master without stopping, and whispered, "I'm going to see Uncle Xu with the captain. Let's wait for news later."

Xu Damao hurriedly nodded and bowed, smiling profusely in gratitude. He watched Tang Zhenghong and his apprentice walk away before straightening up again.

From that moment on, Xu Damao also planted a seed of becoming an official in his heart.