Rebirth of Bloody Romance

On this sunny afternoon, Zhong Yuemin stood in an empty field, with houses standing quietly around him, like witnesses of the passing of time.

"Comrades, please wait here for a while."

The old man smiled and said to Zhong Yuemin, "I'll go call them out so you can get to know each other. They used to pay the rent to the Housing Authority, but after the contract expires this year, they will probably have to pay it to you."

Zhong Yuemin blinked, he didn't expect that he would become the "landlord" so quickly. He had an indescribable feeling in his heart. In his previous life, he was a tenant, and now he also felt like a landlord. The old man had left in a hurry and began to knock on doors and call people from house to house.

"Everyone come out, I'll notify you if something happens!" The old man's voice echoed in the empty alley.

On this sunny afternoon, the mottled shadows under the jujube trees in the yard seemed like a natural stage on earth. The girls danced lightly with rubber bands, and the colorful shuttlecocks drew graceful arcs in the air.

The boys gathered around, playing with marbles bouncing on glass balls to create crisp notes, or slapping drawing paper to find that unique fun. The children's laughter and cheers came one after another, and the whole yard was filled with innocence and joy.

Zhou Xiaobai watched all this with a warm smile in her eyes. She gently pulled Zhong Yuemin's sleeve and pointed at the children playing and said, "Yuemin, look at how happy those children are playing."

Zheng Tong couldn't help but burst out laughing when he heard this. "Xiao Bai, isn't it like talking to a cow when you tell him this?"

Zheng Tong looked at Zhong Yuemin jokingly. "Zhong Yuemin was a genuine 'bad boy' leader when he was young. He did a lot of mischievous things when he was young. If you want to do something bad, he is definitely the best partner."

Zhong Yuemin was a little amused by what Zheng Tong said. He glared at Zheng Tong. "Zheng Tong, don't tell me all the things about my childhood. But then again, seeing these kids having so much fun, it reminds me of my childhood."

Zhong Yuemin looked around the yard again, and the more he looked, the more he thought it was a good deal. This was the real city! The current Beijing was not the Beijing there. His eyes seemed to have passed through the dust of history, and he scanned the surroundings again.

This courtyard, located in the heart of the capital, is worth every penny. This is not only because of its geographical location, but also because of its historical background.

The current Beijing city is not what it looks like in later times. At that time, the real urban area of ​​Beijing was basically confined to the Second Ring Road. This was not an artificial division, but a trace of history - the construction of the Second Ring Road. At the beginning, the Second Ring Road was built along the ancient moat.

Beijing, this ancient and solemn name, has witnessed countless historical changes. Within the city walls, there is the symbol of imperial power and the prosperity of the inner city; while outside the city walls, there is another world, a world completely different from the city. Zhongguancun, the embassy district, Jianguomenwai, CBD, these prosperous areas in later generations are now just wastelands or cemeteries outside the city.

Zhong Yuemin smiled slightly, and an inexplicable feeling welled up in his heart. In fact, from the names of these places, we can get a glimpse of what they used to look like. Zhongguancun, this name sounds like a village, and it should be called Zhongguancun at this time. Zhongguan is another name for eunuchs. That place used to be the retirement home for the eunuchs in the imperial city after they retired. It was quiet and mysterious.

But the situation is different inside the city wall. In the original ancient city, the city wall is towering, protecting the peace of the city. However, inside the city wall is a world full of layers and differences. There is a saying that is deeply engraved in the hearts of people in the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, that is, "the east is rich, the west is noble, the south is poor, and the north is humble."

Dong is Dongcheng, a district that rose to fame in the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. It is a gathering place for wealthy businessmen. The magnificent mansions and bustling shopping streets are full of the smell of money. The businessmen wear exquisite silk robes and hold exquisite pipes. Their laughter and conversation are full of confidence and pride. This is the so-called Dongfu.

Xicheng was a paradise for officials. The spacious mansions and exquisite gardens showed the majesty of power everywhere. The officials wore solemn official uniforms and tall official hats, and their steps were firm and powerful. This was the Xigui of the time.

As for the north and south directions, there is no South City or North City, but the area outside Qianmen, north of the Drum Tower and near Deshengmen has its own unique style.

South of Qianmen is a place full of life. Narrow streets and dilapidated houses reveal a sense of simplicity and hardship. People from all walks of life live here, which is the so-called southern poverty.

The area north of the Drum Tower to Deshengmen is another world. The families of the eunuchs and palace maids in the palace live here. Although they are not poor, their status is relatively low. They play an awkward role in this society, neither belonging to the rich class nor the poor class. This was called the Northern Jian at that time.

Zhong Yuemin also thought that in later generations, the price of Siheyuan would soar like a wild horse, and the increase would be staggering. When the dust of time settled, people looked back on this period of history and could not help but sigh that those once ordinary Siheyuans had become treasures worth a fortune.

In this courtyard house craze, the price of a neat courtyard house has climbed to an astonishing eight figures, and it is difficult to find one even if you have money. There are complex reasons behind this phenomenon of high prices and low demand.

With the rapid development of the city, a large number of original courtyard houses were demolished during the renovation, making the existing courtyard houses increasingly scarce. At the same time, some people who became wealthy first, in order to miss their childhood or pursue a different lifestyle, have turned their attention to these courtyard houses with historical heritage.

They spent huge sums of money to purchase courtyard houses, and then invited professional designers and craftsmen to renovate them, giving these ancient houses new life. In these carefully renovated courtyard houses, they either live or hold various entertainment activities, enjoying the tranquility and comfort brought by the courtyard houses.

The charm of the Siheyuan is not only its unique architectural style, but also the sense of belonging it brings to people. In the Siheyuan, people own their own houses and land and can carry out various life activities as they please. The courtyard is shaded by green trees and filled with the fragrance of flowers. People can drink tea, chat, read, and appreciate flowers here, enjoying a leisurely and comfortable life.

In contrast, people living in buildings seem to be imprisoned in a small space, like birds in a cage, losing their freedom and tranquility. Buildings have poor sound insulation, and the noise interference between neighbors is annoying; while courtyards have excellent enclosure, allowing people to enjoy peace in their own little world.

In this courtyard, Zhong Yuemin's thoughts were drifting with the noise of the crowd around him. The courtyard was filled with people of all kinds, from the elderly to young children, and their words revealed their dissatisfaction and confusion about the transfer of the old house.

A middle-aged man grumbled in dissatisfaction. "Old man, you transferred this house to someone else without saying anything. You really don't take us seriously." His words revealed his dissatisfaction and blame towards the old man.

However, the old man seemed quite proud. He responded bluntly, "It's my own house. I can do whatever I like with it."

The old man's words revealed his absolute control and confidence over the house. Then, he pointed at Zhong Yuemin and said, "Actually, I have nothing to say to you now. This house is no longer mine, and you don't have to tell me that this house belongs to this young man now."

As the old man finished speaking, everyone's eyes turned to Zhong Yuemin. At this time, an old lady in a big red coat rushed forward and yelled at the old man, "You are taking the road of exploitation and capitalist restoration. I will report you to the street." Her voice was sharp and harsh, full of anger and dissatisfaction with the old man.

However, the old man didn't care at all. He responded nonchalantly, "You are a bunch of scoundrels. I won't bother with you. Let me tell you, I did this with the consent of the Housing Authority. It's not against the law and it doesn't violate the regulations. You can do whatever you want. You think we are still thinking back to the old days." His words revealed his respect for the law and his confidence in his own actions.

As the dispute escalated, the atmosphere in the courtyard became increasingly tense. Standing in the crowd, Zhong Yuemin felt the gazes and discussions of the people around him, and his heart was filled with ripples.

At this time, Zhou Xiaobai gently pulled Zhong Yuemin's sleeve, her eyes revealing a hint of eagerness and expectation. She knew that Zhong Yuemin needed to stand up and say something at this moment, otherwise the situation might become difficult to handle.

Zhong Yuemin sensed her expectations, but he didn't care. He glanced at the people in the yard. If these people could be more sensible and not cause trouble for him, it would not be unacceptable for them to continue living here and collect rent on a monthly basis.

However, if they acted like those scoundrels, he would not tolerate them any longer. Zhong Yuemin knew that even though the old man had failed to drive them away, it did not mean that he was powerless.

Thinking of this, Zhong Yuemin took a deep breath and took out the deed from his pocket. He held it high so that everyone present could see the handwriting and the bright red official seal on it. His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was declaring an unchangeable fact.

"Everyone, please look carefully. This is the title deed, with a bright red official seal on it. This means that from now on, this house is my private property. I hope everyone can respect my rights. If you continue to make trouble unreasonably, I will take necessary measures to protect my rights."

As soon as Zhong Yuemin finished speaking, the atmosphere at the scene suddenly became tense. Everyone in the yard showed complicated expressions. Some people began to whisper to each other; some people looked dissatisfied, as if they did not agree with Zhong Yuemin's words.

At this time, a young man gnashed his teeth and said to Zhong Yuemin viciously, "We gave you all the money we earned!" His voice was full of anger and helplessness, as if he was resisting from extreme oppression.

This sentence made Zhong Yuemin frown slightly. He looked up at the young man, his eyes revealing an indescribable depth. He responded slowly. "Yes, if you really don't have money to pay the rent, I understand. Then you can move to a smaller house to reduce the burden. I borrowed money to buy this house. I was going to use this house for my wedding. If you do this, will I still be able to get married? It's difficult for everyone. To be honest, I really hope you don't pay the rent, so that I have an excuse to kick you out. Otherwise, I really can't do it."

The lady in the red coat was named Li Guizhi. She put her hands on her hips and walked towards Zhong Yuemin aggressively, trying to argue about the ownership of the house.

"Young man, we paid the rent to the Housing Authority and signed the contract with it. Who do you think you are?" Li Guizhi said with dissatisfaction, eyes wide open.

Zhong Yuemin smiled and replied, "Auntie, don't get excited. The house belongs to me now, and we can slowly discuss the contract. As far as I know, your contract with the Housing Authority expires this year, and I haven't signed a commission contract with the Housing Authority. So, if you continue to pay the Housing Authority, I won't recognize it."

When Li Guizhi heard this, her face suddenly turned ugly. She knew very well that she had lived in this old house for so many years and had a deep affection for every plant and tree here. If she really moved away, she would be reluctant to leave.

"Young man, what do you mean by this? Do you want to drive us away?" There was a hint of uneasiness in Li Guizhi's tone.

Zhong Yuemin shook his head and said jokingly, "Auntie, you misunderstood. I just want you to know that this house belongs to me now. I don't want to drive you away, but I hope you can respect my rights. I checked the archives of the Housing Authority and found that your contract with the Housing Authority is for 15 years, which just expires this year. So, I suggest that you all make plans to move early. I plan to keep this house for my marriage! If my lover and I can't get married because of you, Auntie, do you have a daughter? Otherwise, how about you marry your daughter to me?"

The lady in the red coat was so angry that her face turned red. She waved her chubby finger at Zhong Yuemin, her lips trembling but unable to speak. "You, you, you are a scoundrel."

The neighbors around also began to whisper, some sympathized with the old lady, while others were curious about what Zhong Yuemin said.

"Auntie, don't be angry, I was just joking." Zhong Yuemin comforted the auntie with a smile, but he felt a little proud in his heart.

"Young man, isn't it inappropriate for you to do this?" A white-haired old man came over. He was one of the old residents here and also the old lady's neighbor. He glared at Zhong Yuemin with a somewhat unhappy tone.

"Don't misunderstand me, old man. I was just joking with you. I respect these old residents very much. You have lived here for so many years and have deep feelings for this land. I also hope that this place can maintain its original appearance so that everyone can live and work in peace and contentment."

After hearing what Zhong Yuemin said, the old man's expression eased a little. He nodded and said, "Young man, do you mean what you say?"

"Whether it counts or not depends on your performance. I won't say too much to you. If you want to continue living here, you should pay the rent honestly in the future. If you still make trouble unreasonably, you'd better move out as soon as possible!"

Zhong Yuemin said that and then left it alone, leaving a group of men and women in the yard cursing.