Siheyuan: Revenge of the Stupid Pillar

As time went by, He Yuzhu's mind was no longer on the chessboard, but was attracted by the large desktop loudspeaker on the counter behind the big leader.

This large desktop speaker is called a phonograph and was invented by the great inventor Edison.

The phonograph can play music by putting a record on it, and it is the earliest music playing device in the world.

The big boss saw through He Yuzhu's thoughts at a glance and said with a smile: "Zhuzi, are you interested in this phonograph?"

He Yuzhu nodded and admitted, "I am indeed interested. How can such a machine play music?"

The leader said seriously: "This is the power of science and technology. Our country still has a long way to go in this regard."

He Yuzhu said firmly: "We Chinese are no worse than any other nation, and we will catch up sooner or later."

The leader nodded in approval and said, "You are right. We Chinese are hardworking, brave, and intelligent. We are able to endure hardships and are good at learning. It won't be long before we can catch up with those developed countries."

"Zhu Zi, since you are interested in this phonograph, I will give it to you!"

He Yuzhu quickly refused: "No, I don't dare to take such a valuable thing."

The big boss chuckled and said, "This phonograph may be valuable to you, but it is worthless to me. I have a lot of these strange things in my warehouse, all given by others. It would be bad if I didn't accept them. After all, our country is a society based on favors."

"A sword is for a hero, and rouge is for a beauty. I know you are interested in music and can compose songs. Giving you this phonograph is a way of helping you achieve your goal."

He Yuzhu declined again, saying, "Uncle Xu, this thing is too valuable. I feel ashamed to accept it."

The big boss was dissatisfied and said, "What do you mean by guilty? I often trouble you to cook for me. I am still your uncle. What's wrong with giving you a gift?"

"Besides, we old couple don't need this thing, it will just gather dust here. If you like it, take it. It's a small token of my appreciation. If you refuse, you're being disrespectful to me."

He Yuzhu pretended to be helpless and said, "I dare not refuse the gift from the elder, so I will accept it shamelessly."

He Yuzhu was actually somewhat interested in this phonograph. After all, it was because of this phonograph that he and Lou Xiao'e fell in love in his previous life and he successfully exposed Lou Zi.

The big boss smiled and said, "That's right! Keep playing chess, checkmate!"

He Yuzhu looked at the chessboard and said suspiciously, "Uncle Xu, did you take advantage of my unpreparedness and make a few more moves? I don't remember it should be like this."

"Don't talk nonsense, kid. I am an old man with excellent chess character and I would never do such things."

"Okay... okay, I'll let you win this once!"

"What do you mean by 'give up'? I am an old man who is very good at chess. Do I really need you to give up?"

"I wanted to let you go because you are older than me, but now that you say that, you can't blame me. I will kill you without a fight."

"You little brat, you are just boasting, but you are afraid of being blown away by the wind. You still want to kill me and make me lose my armor and weapons. I will kill you and make you lose everything."

He Yuzhu was not bragging at all. When he got serious, the big boss didn't win a single game. The look in his eyes when he looked at He Yuzhu became more and more resentful.

He Yuzhu pretended not to see it and continued to fire at full speed, making the big boss more and more impatient.

Another round ended, He Yuzhu raised his wrist to look at his watch, it was already past four o'clock.

"Uncle Xu, it's getting late. I have to go back."

"No, you have to play a few games with me."

"Uncle Xu, I'll come and accompany you next time. I have something else to do at home."

"You are an old bachelor, what can happen to you? Just continue to accompany me."

"Uncle Xu, how can you be so talkative? It's so hurtful!"

The big boss said dissatisfiedly, "You deserve it. Your Aunt Liu has said many times that she would introduce you to someone, but you didn't agree. I really don't know what you are thinking."

He Yuzhu laughed and said, "The people you know are all too high-ranking. I'm afraid I'm not worthy of them."

This was certainly not He Yuzhu's real thought. He was mainly afraid that if the wind came, he would be implicated.

In his previous life, during that special period, the top leader was also affected. Although it was not too serious, he was affected after all.

The big boss was able to land safely in the end because he had made great contributions and had strong connections, but he had no power and influence, so he didn't dare to get involved in this muddy water. It would be safer for him to marry an ordinary girl.

The big boss said angrily: "What do you mean by too high a level? In our country, workers and peasants are in charge, and everyone is equal."

He Yuzhu didn't want to argue with the other party on this issue, so he quickly changed the subject:

"Uncle Xu, I still have to go home to help the deaf old lady change the glass, so I really have to go."

Upon hearing this, the leader said in a deep voice: "Is the deaf old lady you mentioned the same as the one reported in the newspaper?"

He Yuzhu nodded and said, "Yes, it's her."

The big boss said with a hint of disgust: "I heard Yang Xinmin say that this old lady saved her before, and I thought she was a kind person who was willing to help others. I didn't expect that she was a bad person with low moral character. The key is that she made a mistake and refused to repent. She tried to confuse right and wrong and call a horse a zebra."

Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu insincerely said a few good words for the deaf old lady.

The big boss didn't buy it, and said coldly: "Even if she has many difficulties, it is not a reason for him to bully his neighbors."

"Zhu Zi, you'd better stay away from this old lady."

He Yuzhu smiled bitterly and said, "No matter what this old lady's character is, she has helped me after all, and I also promised to provide for your old age. I can't go back on my word, right?"

"Let's not talk about her anymore. Just know what's going on in your mind. Play three more rounds with me!"

"I can only play one more round with you."

“Two plates!”

"Okay, two plates then!"

In the first game, He Yuzhu quickly defeated his opponent, making the leader so angry that he was fuming.

In the second game, He Yuzhu deliberately let the big boss win, because he was afraid that the old guy would lose again and would pester him to keep playing.

"Zhu Zi, you finally got the hang of it and let me play with you."

"I didn't give you a handicap. It's just that you are good at chess and I have never beaten you."

"You bastard, do you really think I'm old and confused?"

"Uncle Xu, I don't want to chat with you anymore. I really have to go."

"OK then!"

He Yuzhu and the boss came to the living room and found that Liu Fangchun had already prepared a gift for him.

Liu Fangchun smiled and said, "Zhu Zi, take these things back and eat them. It's just a token of my appreciation."

He Yuzhu declined politely: "Aunt Liu, my uncle has already given me a phonograph..."

Liu Fangchun interrupted, "Your uncle is your uncle, and I am me. You must accept these gifts."

"Aunt Liu, it's really not necessary. Every time I come back from your house, you give me a lot of things. I feel embarrassed to come to your house."

"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm just giving you some food, not valuables. You are not allowed to refuse."

"Thank you, Aunt Liu! I'm so ashamed to accept it."