Chapter 726 Master's Position 2
When Liu Haizhong heard this, his heart skipped a beat. The sound was like a heavy hammer hitting his heart, shaking his head. His original momentum of challenging the street office leader with his neck stiffened instantly, like a punctured balloon, deflated several points.
He only felt his throat tighten, and his originally high-pitched voice seemed to be strangled by an invisible hand, and he could no longer make that strong tone.
He subconsciously glanced at the serious face of the street office leader. The tense expression was like a hard rock, leaving no room for negotiation. There was unquestionable majesty in his deep eyes, as if he could see through all the little calculations in his heart.
He turned his gaze to the neighbors around him who were also somewhat at a loss. Some of them lowered their heads, twisting their fingers nervously around the corners of their clothes; some avoided his gaze and did not dare to look him in the eye; others were whispering to each other, their panicked expressions like a group of deer lost in the forest.
Liu Haizhong felt a chill running from the soles of his feet straight to his forehead. Fine beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead. The beads as big as beans slowly slid down his cheeks, feeling itchy, but he didn't even have the courage to reach out and wipe it away.
He felt like there was a little rabbit in his heart, jumping up and down non-stop, knowing that if he continued to act like this, he might not get any good results. If the street office leader really got angry, he might be accused of disturbing the order, and then the loss would outweigh the gain.
But when he thought of the position of "Second Master", which had brought him great honor for many years, he felt mixed emotions. For so many years, he had always regarded himself as "Second Master", and had the final say in the courtyard, enjoying the respectful looks and flattering words of everyone.
On weekdays, he walked in the courtyard with his footsteps full of wind, as if he was the local emperor of this courtyard. If he gave up this position so easily, how could he hold his head up in the courtyard in the future? Those who usually bowed to him would probably laugh at him behind his back.
Just when Liu Haizhong was feeling extremely conflicted and at a loss, Xu Damao's eyes were rolling around. He looked like a fox spying on its prey in the dark, keenly aware that the situation was not good.
His eyes rolled, and he had an idea in his mind. He stepped forward quickly, and his face was instantly filled with a flattering smile. That smile was like a blooming chrysanthemum, too bright. His voice also became soft, like a spring breeze, with a hint of coquettishness: "Leader, don't be angry, we are also anxious. After all, we have lived in this courtyard for so many years, and we have developed feelings for this "uncle" position. Think about it, this "uncle" position is like an antique in our courtyard. Although it may have some minor problems, it is also a part of our courtyard. Over the years, it has accompanied us through ups and downs and witnessed every bit of our courtyard. Can you give us another chance to speak our minds and listen to what we have done for the courtyard. Maybe after listening, you will change your mind."
The leader of the subdistrict office looked at them, his deep eyes seemed to be able to see through all their innermost thoughts. He was silent for a moment, and the air in the office seemed to freeze, and only the rapid breathing and heartbeats of the people could be heard. Finally, he slowly sat back in his chair, his movements were neither hurried nor slow, but with an invisible pressure. His tone softened a little, like the slightly calmer sea after a storm: "Okay, then you guys talk, but don't be unreasonable here. If what you say makes sense, we will naturally consider it; if you are still making trouble here, don't blame us for being rude."
When Liu Haizhong saw the street office leader relax, he looked like a man who had been drifting in the vast ocean for a long time and was about to be swallowed by the huge waves and suddenly grabbed a life-saving straw, and a spark of hope instantly ignited in his eyes. He hurriedly cleared his throat, and the sound was deliberately raised by several decibels, as if he wanted to pour out all the things he had done for the Siheyuan over the years.
He raised his head slightly, with a smug look on his face, and began to talk incessantly about the "great achievements" he had made for the courtyard over the years: "Leader, listen to me, let's talk about last winter, the weather was so cold that it could freeze people's ears off. The water pipe in the yard was frozen and cracked for some reason, and water gushed out of the crack like a fountain. After a while, a thick layer of water accumulated in the yard, and ice chips formed layer after layer on the water surface, making it slippery to walk on.
The situation was very urgent at the time. If the repairs were not done, the water supply in the whole yard would be paralyzed and everyone's life would be affected. I was the first one to stand up and shout in the yard to organize everyone to repair the fire. It was icy and snowy, the wind cut my face like a knife, my hands were frozen red, and I almost lost consciousness, but I didn't complain about the hardship or tiredness.
I was busy for several hours in the icy and snowy weather, sometimes directing things, sometimes helping to move things, and sometimes fixing the water pipes myself. I was so tired that I couldn't even straighten my back. I finally fixed the water pipes and ensured that everyone had normal water supply. Just imagine, if I hadn't been there, how serious the consequences would have been!"
He took a breath and continued, "Two years ago, a child from a family in our yard suddenly fell ill. The child had a fever and his face was red and wrinkled. It was heartbreaking to see him.
The family was not well off to begin with, and they simply couldn't afford to pay for their child's medical treatment. The situation was extremely urgent, and the child's condition could not be delayed. I went door to door, knocking on everyone's door, urging them to donate. Some neighbors were not well off, so I persuaded them earnestly, telling them how critical the child's condition was and that the money was to save his life.
Thanks to my efforts, everyone lent a hand and raised money to help the family through the difficult times. Everyone saw what was happening, and I always felt that this was what I should do, after all, I was the "Second Uncle" of this courtyard.
Xu Damao also chimed in like a puppy wagging its tail to please its master: "Yes, leader, Second Uncle has really contributed a lot to the courtyard over the years. For example, when cleaning the courtyard, the dirty and tiring work, Second Uncle is always the first to pick up the broom and lead everyone to do it together.
Whether it was a hot summer day when the sun scorched the ground, or a cold winter day when people were shivering, the second uncle never backed down. He was also good at mediating disputes between neighbors. Whenever there was a conflict between two families, the second uncle would go there and settle the matter in a few words, making everyone shake hands and make peace. If this position was lost, the courtyard would be without such a backbone, and I don’t know how chaotic it would be. When that time came, no one would have anyone to discuss things with, how would they live? ”
The neighbors around him nodded their heads, like chicks pecking at rice, and started talking quietly. Some neighbors frowned and said with emotion: "Second uncle really helps us a lot. Last time my water pipe was blocked, it was Second uncle who helped me find someone to fix it." Some neighbors echoed worriedly: "Without this position, I really don't know who to turn to if something happens in the future. I always feel uneasy."
The street office leader listened to their story, and his expression eased a little. The corners of his originally tense mouth slightly raised, and his eyes were no longer so stern. He pondered for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, as if thinking about something.
After a while, he raised his head and said slowly: "Lao Liu, we have seen and remembered all the things you have done for the Siheyuan. But the abolition of the position of 'uncle' is also to solve the current problems and make the management of the Siheyuan more standardized and scientific. After all, the times are different now, and the old management methods may not be suitable for the current situation. However, considering your efforts over the years and everyone's opinions, we can consider arranging some suitable roles for you in the new management mechanism so that you can continue to contribute to the Siheyuan. For example, you can set up a residents' discussion group, and as a member, you can participate in some decision-making and management of the Siheyuan. This will not only give play to your experience advantages, but also make the management of the Siheyuan more democratic and transparent."
On the other side of the courtyard, in a simple and cozy house, the warm yellow light gently casts a soft halo over the whole room. There are several old-fashioned furniture in the room, exuding the atmosphere of years. Yi Zhonghai, a prestigious old man in the courtyard, is sitting steadily on an old rattan chair. The rattan chair creaks slightly with his movements, as if telling stories from the past.
On the small table in front of him, there was a set of simple tea sets. The blue and white porcelain teapot was emitting curling steam, and the faint fragrance of tea filled the air. Yi Zhonghai picked up the teacup slowly, blew it gently, and then took a sip. His comfortable expression seemed as if all the troubles in the world had nothing to do with him.
Meanwhile, his wife, an auntie, was anxious as an ant on a hot pot. She kept rubbing the corners of her clothes with her hands, her brows knitted tightly together, forming a deep "川" character. She looked at Yi Zhonghai anxiously, and couldn't help asking, "Old Yi, why don't you go with Liu Haizhong and the others to the street office to put pressure on them? If this position of 'uncle' is gone, what will we do in the courtyard in the future!"
After hearing this, Yi Zhonghai looked at her speechlessly, with a hint of helplessness and disdain in his eyes. He gently put down his teacup, cleared his throat, and began to explain patiently: "I am telling you, you are short on knowledge. The Street Office wants to abolish the position of 'Uncle', that has been decided long ago, it is set in stone, no one can make a fuss about it. Just think about it, if I go with Liu Haizhong, that fool, then the Street Office will vent their anger on us, how can we survive in the Siheyuan in the future? We can't be so reckless, we have to use our brains."
After hearing this, the aunt was still a little worried. She frowned and pouted, muttering softly, "But if I really lose my position as 'master', will my words still have the same effect in the courtyard? Those young people may not even take me seriously. Where will I put my face when the time comes?"
Yi Zhonghai took a sip of tea and slowly put down the cup, his eyes revealing a calm and confident look. He said slowly: "What do you know? In this courtyard, we rely on more than just a false reputation. As long as we are fair and impartial in our daily lives, everyone will still respect us. Besides, if something really happens, isn't it better for us to give them advice and show them a way out than to rush in directly? We must learn to judge the situation and not rush forward blindly."
Just as Yi Zhonghai and the aunt were talking, a sudden noise came from the yard. The sound became louder and louder, as if a group of people were arguing fiercely about something. Yi Zhonghai's heart moved, he put down the teacup in his hand, slowly stood up, and walked to the window with steady steps. He gently pushed open the window, and saw that the yard was in chaos.
In the fringe, the second uncle who always loves to show off is coming back from the street office with a group of people. His face is red like a ripe tomato, veins are bulging on his forehead, and he is still cursing, so loud that it seems to overturn the whole courtyard. He is waving his arms as he walks, and all he spits out is dissatisfaction and complaints about the street office.
The people following behind him were all dejected, without the enthusiasm they had when they left. Some of them lowered their heads, while others shook their heads and sighed, their faces full of frustration and loss. The originally neat team became loose and disorderly.
Yi Zhonghai looked at this scene and thought to himself, "It seems that the Street Office didn't treat them well. Liu Haizhong should be quiet now. His trip was in vain and he probably didn't get anything in return." Just as he was thinking, he heard Liu Haizhong shouting outside, "Listen to me, everyone. The people in the Street Office are totally unreasonable and insist on canceling our position as 'bosses'. But don't panic, I won't let this go. I must seek justice for everyone! We can't just let others push us around. We have to find a way to resolve this matter!"
Yi Zhonghai listened to Liu Haizhong's shouting, and the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a barely perceptible sneer. He knew in his heart that Liu Haizhong was just bluffing, and since the street office had already made a decision, it was not something he could easily change. He turned around, sat back on the rattan chair, picked up the teacup, and drank tea slowly, as if everything outside had nothing to do with him.