My happy life in a courtyard house with triplets.

Chapter 209: The Dream of an Old Man in Bangs

After listening to Yan Fugui's analysis, the three women belatedly realized that what they said made more and more sense. They quickly asked again, "Old Yan, were there any other people?"

Yan Fugui glanced at her and said, "The others? Like Second Uncle's family, the deaf old lady in the backyard, and Xu Damao, whom I recently heard was going to be released from the police station. Add these to the two households in the front yard, think about it, how many households are there in the whole yard?"

Upon hearing this, the three women's spirits immediately sank: "Old Yan, if what you're saying is true, then we can't stay in this courtyard house anymore? Shouldn't we find somewhere else to live?"

Yan Fugui glared at her: "I just told you that you can't mess with these people, who told you that people can't live in this courtyard? No matter what, I'm the third uncle of this courtyard."

The three women then remembered Yan Fugui's identity and felt a little relieved.

Yan Fugui continued, "Alright, I'm just telling you to be careful, avoid conflicts with them, and live your own lives peacefully. Don't meddle in other people's business. As long as you don't interfere, trouble won't befall us."

The rest of the Yan family nodded in agreement, taking Yan Fugui's words to heart.

Unlike Yan Fugui's cautiousness, Liu Haizhong was sitting at home in the backyard, excitedly drinking wine and eating hot food.

Seeing Liu Haizhong's happy expression, Auntie Er couldn't help but ask, "Old Liu, what's making you so happy?"

Liu Haizhong put down his wine glass and said smugly, "Of course it's Yi Zhonghai who's been sentenced! This guy has been keeping me in check for so many years, but now it's finally over, no one's competing with me for the position of the boss."

Upon hearing this, Auntie Er also laughed: "Old Liu, you mean you're going to get promoted?"

Liu Haizhong nodded, saying confidently, "That's for sure! Before, in the courtyard, Yi Zhonghai was the one who held more power than me; he was the eldest, and I was the second eldest. Now that he's in jail, he definitely can't be the eldest anymore. Who will be the eldest? Based on seniority and ability, it should be me!"

Hearing Liu Haizhong's words, Aunt Er laughed and agreed, "Old Liu, your analysis is really accurate."

But then she thought for a moment and said with some worry, "Old Liu, do you think someone else might come and compete with you for this old man?"

Upon hearing his second aunt's words, Liu Haizhong's eyes widened, and he slammed his hand on the table, saying, "Who dares? All these years, apart from that old geezer Yi Zhonghai who's always been a step ahead of me, who in this courtyard can compare to me?"

When Aunt Er saw Liu Haizhong glare at her, she quickly shut her mouth. She knew Liu Haizhong was really angry. After so many years of living together, Aunt Er knew Liu Haizhong's temperament all too well—he was like a mule that could be stroked with a gentle touch; if you went along with him, you could do whatever you wanted, but if you went against him, you'd get a lecture, and in serious cases, he might even hit you.

Liu Haizhong took a sip of his drink, thought for a moment, and then softened his tone: "I've been thinking about what you just said. If we're talking about who in the hospital poses a threat to me, Lao Yan doesn't count, Zhang Lei is too inexperienced, so that leaves only He Daqing."

He paused, his gaze becoming somewhat complicated: "I know He Daqing a little bit about him... I haven't been in the hospital for so many years. He used to be a reckless scoundrel, but who knows what he's really thinking? However, he just came back and just got Yi Zhonghai imprisoned, so he's got a lot of problems to deal with. He probably won't compete with me for this position."

Hearing Liu Haizhong's mutterings, Liu Guangtian quickly spoke up, "Dad, stop thinking about it. This position of 'elder brother' is definitely yours. In our courtyard, according to seniority, it should be yours no matter what."

Hearing Liu Guangtian's words, Liu Haizhong immediately smiled and nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, you're right. Why should I worry about them? Since the eldest uncle was no longer available, it should be me, the second uncle, who fills the gap."

Seeing Liu Haizhong smile, Liu Guangtian quickly pressed his advantage: "Dad, do you think we should discuss this with the others and hold a hospital-wide meeting? Once we announce it, your position as the eldest uncle will be secure!"

Liu Haizhong thought for a moment, then slapped his thigh: "Alright! You're right this time! I'll go talk to Lao Yan right now."

Auntie Erda reminded him from the side, "And there's Zhang Lei too. He's the fourth oldest man in the courtyard now."

Liu Haizhong paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, that's right! I'll call them both over to discuss it later. That way, everyone can get a promotion, and it'll look more respectable."

If Zhang Lei heard this, he would probably burst out laughing on the spot and spit in his face.

Meanwhile, He Daqing was at the hospital with He Yushui, telling Shazhu the news that Yi Zhonghai had been sentenced.

Sha Zhu felt a mix of emotions upon hearing this—he had long hoped that Yi Zhonghai would be punished, but when the news of the sentencing actually came, he couldn't sit still. He braced his hands on the edge of the hospital bed, his eyes were red, and he couldn't say a word for a long time.

At this moment, Sha Zhu looked at He Daqing and couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Dad, what about Xu Damao's matter?"

He Daqing looked at his son, He Yuzhu, and said, "Xu Damao's case is a bit complicated. He did hire someone to commit assault, so he'll have to stay in jail for another three months before he can be released."

Upon hearing that he would be imprisoned for three months, He Yuzhu was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Didn't I say I wouldn't pursue this? Why is he still being imprisoned for three months?"

He Daqing shook his head: "This isn't about whether you forgive him or not. After all, it involved hiring someone to commit assault, which is a serious offense. Right now, it's just three months in jail. If you were to pursue the matter further, he could probably get a few more years in prison."

Soon, it was evening.

At that moment, an older woman knocked on the He family's door.

He Daqing was stunned when he saw who it was.

An older woman, holding a wad of cash, looked at He Daqing and said somewhat stiffly, "He Daqing, this is compensation for Zhuzi and his sister. Count it and see if it's correct."

He Daqing took the money, counted it carefully twice, and looked up to say, "One thousand two hundred yuan, not a penny more, not a penny less."

After saying that, he quickly wrote a receipt for the old lady confirming that he had received the money.

The older woman took the certificate, didn't even glance at He Daqing, and left without looking back.

Watching the older woman's retreating figure, He Yushui felt a pang of guilt and said softly, "Dad, actually, that older woman is a very nice person, it's just..."

Before she could finish speaking, He Daqing interrupted her: "Yushui, do you think she's good?"

He Yushui nodded.

He Daqing glanced at her, shook his head, and said seriously, "You say she's good, but do you think she knows about all the things Yi Zhonghai has done?"

He Yushui was speechless for a moment when asked the question.

He Daqing continued, "You need to understand, two kinds of people can't sleep in the same bed. Yi Zhonghai stole the love and money I've given you and your sister for so many years. As Yi Zhonghai's wife, do you think she didn't know? Is that possible? If she knew, did she say a single word about it to you?"

He Yushui shook her head.

Looking at He Yushui's expression, He Daqing continued, "Since she didn't tell you, does that mean she's Yi Zhonghai's accomplice?"

Upon hearing this, He Yushui instantly understood her father's words, and her eyes became complicated.