Siheyuan: Buyers get rich from hunting

Chapter 792 Young People's Ambition 17

The third uncle stood in the center of the crowd. Though not a tall figure, he exuded a calm and composed aura. His eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze resting gently and concernedly on the two men who had just argued fiercely and were now apologizing to each other. Seeing their faces, which held a touch of embarrassment yet sincerity, the third uncle's lips curled up slowly, and he nodded in satisfaction. The nod was subtle, but it seemed to convey an undeniable affirmation.

Then, the third uncle cleared his throat and spoke slowly in a loud yet kind voice, "That's right. There are no knots between neighbors that can't be untied. We all live in this same yard, and we see each other every day. It's inevitable that there will be some minor frictions in our daily lives. But these little frictions are like stones in a river. If we let them stay in our hearts, then over time, the river in our hearts will be blocked. But if we can all talk about the knots in our hearts like we are doing now, and apologize to each other, then the river in our hearts will be unobstructed again. Everyone should get along well in the future and take care of each other. Only when neighbors help each other can we live a warm and prosperous life. If we let it get to this point because of a trivial matter, it would be really outrageous. Not only will people laugh at us, but we will also feel uncomfortable, right?"

After hearing what the third uncle said, the neighbors who were originally whispering to each other fell silent and nodded in agreement. The nodding movements came one after another, as if waves were surging through the crowd. Some neighbors felt that what the third uncle said was very reasonable and couldn't help but applaud. The applause was just a few scattered sounds at first, like the occasional twinkling stars in the night sky, sparse and scattered. But gradually, the applause became more and more frequent, and louder and louder. Although it was not enthusiastic, it was full of relief for the reconciliation between the two and full of everyone's expectations for a harmonious atmosphere in the yard.

The tension, once as tense as a fully drawn bowstring, finally eased, as if gently plucked by an invisible hand. The smell of gunpowder that had once permeated the air seemed to be quietly blown away by a gentle breeze. It was as if the sky, after a storm, had once again revealed its azure blue, a pure blue that was particularly soothing. The air was no longer oppressive and dreary, but filled with a fresh, earthy scent, as if even breathing had become easier.

The newly moved in male owner stood by, watching the dramatic scenes unfold with mixed emotions. He had originally been full of ambition, thinking of performing well in this new environment, upholding justice, and making everyone live in harmony. However, he didn't expect that his "intervention" would not only fail to resolve the situation, but would almost further intensify the conflict and make things worse. Now, seeing that the matter was finally properly resolved under the mediation of the third uncle, the tense muscles on his face finally relaxed, revealing a relieved smile. That smile was like a flower blooming in spring, with a bit of shyness and a bit of gratitude.

He walked quickly forward, his steps filled with a hint of eagerness and sincerity, and gave Third Uncle a thumbs-up, his thumb held high as if expressing the highest respect for him. He said with admiration, "Third Uncle, you're truly amazing! I admire your ability to resolve this conflict so cleanly with just a few words. I was really a bit overconfident just now, trying to uphold justice, but I almost made things worse. If you hadn't intervened in time, I don't know how I would have ended up like this. You are my role model, and I must learn more from you in the future."

The third uncle's face was filled with a kind and somewhat humble smile, that smile was like the warm but not dazzling sunshine on a spring day, which made people feel very friendly. He waved his hand gently, the movement was not large, but it was full of a nonchalant and free spirit. Then he slowly said, "It's no big deal. It's just a trivial matter between neighbors. We live in the same yard and see each other every day. We help each other every day. It's normal to have some minor friction and conflicts occasionally. How can we let such a small thing ruin the harmony?"

I've lived in this courtyard for so many years, decades at least. I'm familiar with every brick and tile, every blade of grass, and every tree. I know everyone's situation like the back of my hand. Who has a quick temper, who has a slow temper, and what difficulties each family has recently encountered—I know it all like a mirror. So, handling these minor neighborhood conflicts is naturally easier. After all, knowing yourself and the enemy is the key to victory in a hundred battles. Although this isn't a war, the principles apply.

You're new to our compound, so it's normal for you to be unfamiliar with everyone. It's like arriving in a new place; you need time to get to know your surroundings and the people around you. As you live here longer, hang out with everyone, chat with them more, and gradually become more familiar with everyone, you'll be able to handle neighborhood matters with ease.

After hearing the thoughtful and sincere words from the Third Uncle, the man felt relieved, just like taking a big bite of iced watermelon in the dog days of summer, which cooled his throat all the way to his heart. His originally uneasy heart was now completely at ease. A happy smile filled his face, his eyes full of gratitude, and he nodded repeatedly to the Third Uncle, saying, "Third Uncle, you are absolutely right. I will definitely communicate with everyone more in the future. Thanks to you for solving this problem today, otherwise I don’t know what to do." After saying this, he saw that the problem had been successfully solved, and he couldn't help but feel a little proud in his heart. That pride was like a proud little rooster, and he returned to the house with his head held high.

The neighbors who had been watching, seeing the situation resolved, felt the excitement was over and left in twos and threes. As they left, they whispered about what had just happened, their faces filled with expressions of relief and curiosity. Soon, the yard returned to its usual tranquility, with only the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of insects.

In reality, all this was a carefully orchestrated play. After the male host returned triumphantly and swaggeringly, Xu Damao, He Yuzhu, and the Third Uncle gathered quietly inside the house, like a group of underground party members at a secret meeting. The room was small, and the furniture was old, but at that moment, it felt particularly warm. The light inside was dim and soft, like a veil, gently enveloping everyone in the room. The light reflected on everyone's face, but it could not hide the excitement and pride on their faces.

Xu Damao was the first to break the silence. A cunning glint flashed in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a smug smile. He said, "Hey, did you see that? That kid was so smug just now, thinking he was so powerful, but in fact, he had already fallen into our trap."

He Yuzhu also laughed out loud, his belly trembling with laughter. He said, "That's right, he has no idea that we are just putting on a show for him. He will suffer in the future."

The third uncle sat aside, listening to their conversation quietly, with a barely perceptible smile on his face. He said slowly: "Okay, we did a pretty good job on this, but we have to be careful next time and don't show our hand." The room was filled with a cheerful atmosphere after the victory, as if even the air was filled with the smell of sweetness.

Xu Damao was the first to break the brief, pause-like silence. He slapped his thigh hard, the crisp snap being especially clear in the relatively quiet room. It was as if he was trying to capture the entire room's lively energy.

Then, he boasted loudly in his hoarse voice, "Hey! Did you see that? My performance just now was absolutely amazing! I stuck it there, like an unshakable mountain, solid and steady. His face stretched, and his originally narrow face instantly became even longer, like a frozen cucumber just taken out of the ice cellar, cold and icy.

My eyes almost popped out of their sockets, as if they were about to spit fire. My aura frightened the man. He must have been wondering, "Why has Xu Damao suddenly become so powerful? He doesn't look like this usually. Did I offend him in some way?" Haha!

As he spoke, he cocked his eyebrows in triumph, dancing merrily across his face like two playful little bugs. His hands gesticulated exaggeratedly in the air, waving fists and then making ferocious scratching motions, as if he wanted to reenact the wonderful moment just now in front of everyone, letting everyone feel his "majesty" at that moment.

He Yuzhu was listening to Xu Damao's self-boasting, and the spirit of not admitting defeat in his heart suddenly rose up.

He folded his hands across his chest, his posture like a proud general surveying his soldiers. With his head slightly raised, he squinted at Xu Damao, a confident yet slightly sarcastic smile on his lips as he said slowly, "Xu Damao, what's that? Stop bragging about yourself.

When I, He Yuzhu, take action, that's what I call real skill! I stand before the man, unhurried and unhurried, like a spring breeze, gentle and soft, but the words I speak are like sharp little knives, each one piercing his sore spot.

He was very stubborn at first, his neck stretched out like a pissed-off rooster, his eyes wide open, and he kept chirping back. But after a while, his face changed color like a palette: sometimes red like a ripe apple, probably because I was so angry that his blood was boiling; sometimes pale as a piece of paper, maybe because he was scared, knew he was in the wrong, and had nothing to say.

"In the end, I still left him speechless, and he walked away dejectedly like a stray dog, tail between his legs." He Yuzhu said this while imitating the man's embarrassed and helpless expression. He first frowned, his eyes rolled around, then his mouth curled up, his head drooping. His appearance was so lifelike that it looked like the man himself was standing in front of everyone, which made everyone laugh.

Some laughed so hard they nearly fell off their chairs; some laughed until tears came out and they kept wiping their eyes; some laughed so hard their stomachs hurt, holding their hands and shouting "ouch". The whole room was immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

The third uncle sat steadily aside, the worn-out palm-leaf fan in his hand was like a treasure, and he waved it gently. The fan swayed rhythmically with his movements, making a slight "whooshing" sound, as if telling the story of the years. He squinted his eyes, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were squeezed together, like two blooming chrysanthemums, revealing a calmness and wisdom that had experienced the vicissitudes of life. He spoke slowly, his voice neither hurried nor slow, like a stream flowing slowly in the mountains: "You two, stop fighting, it's like two kids fighting over candy, there's no peace. The success of this thing today is not the credit of one person, each of us has a share, and we have all contributed.

Xu Damao, you really have that aura. When you stood there, with a frown on your face and a glare in your eyes, you looked just like a ferocious door god, and scared the man to death. But if my third uncle hadn't been there to help out from time to time and make things difficult for the man, he wouldn't have lost his composure so quickly. It's like a battle. You can't just have warriors charging into battle. You also need someone to drum up support and disrupt the enemy's mind. Only then can we win, right? My words were like little stones, constantly thrown into his heart, making him more and more panicked and uncertain.

And Yuzhu, your tongue is really formidable, like a sharp sword, and every word you say can hit the nail on the head. But if Xu Damao hadn't suppressed him with momentum first, making him a little scared, your subsequent words might not have been so powerful. Think about it, if he had been full of confidence from the beginning and confronted you head-on, no matter how sharp your sword was, you might not be able to defeat him easily, right? So, what we are doing today is that everyone cooperates with each other, and no one can be missing." The Third Uncle's words were so coherent and clear, like a well-written account book, without favoring anyone, and clearly pointing out the role of each person, which made people have to be convinced after listening to it.

After hearing what Third Uncle said, Xu Damao curled his lips, the corners of his mouth drooping slightly. Although his face still held a hint of dissatisfaction, like a puppy whose food had been taken away, he had to admit that Third Uncle had a point. He scratched his head, which shook like a rattle, and then said, "Okay, Third Uncle, you're right. The success of our play today is the result of everyone's concerted efforts. It's like a large ship; if any one oar is missing, it won't move. But I still think my performance just now is definitely worthy of Best Actor. Look at my every move, every frown and smile; it was all carefully choreographed, just like a star in a movie. Standing there, I was the center of attention, and I had the man in the room completely stunned." As he spoke, he laughed triumphantly again, a laugh like the crowing of a cockerel, full of self-praise.

He Yuzhu also laughed. He patted Xu Damao on the shoulder and said, "Alright, alright, Xu Damao, stop being so conceited. Let's quickly discuss what to do next. Even though the male host was intimidated by us, there's no guarantee he'll come up with some evil ideas to retaliate against us later. We have to prepare in advance and not let him take advantage of any loopholes."