siheyuan: I transmigrated into love in courtyard

A month had passed since my promotion, and work went on as usual. My days were structured around running the kitchen efficiently, ensuring that every meal was of the highest quality. Meanwhile, I continued signing in every morning, accumulating rewards that far exceeded my expectations.

So far, I had received:

Over 1,000 yuan, giving me financial security.

Master-level fighting skills, which gave me an edge in physical confrontations.

Four Unlucky Charms, which I had yet to use but could potentially bring disaster upon my enemies.

While I outwardly maintained the status quo, I was steadily laying the groundwork for my plans. My rise in the factory was just the beginning, and today, I would take my first real step in eliminating obstacles.

The Anonymous Report

Shazhu's habit of taking leftovers from the factory kitchen had continued, and I made no move to stop him—until now. Today, it was time to put my plan into motion.

I prepared an anonymous report detailing how Shazhu had been stealing food from the factory under the guise of 'leftovers.' I included details of his routine, specifying the exact time he would take the food and where he would exit the building.

The report was delivered to the Security Department by an unknown 'concerned worker.'

Now, all I had to do was wait.

The Sting Operation

As evening approached, Shazhu mindlessly followed his usual routine. He packed the leftover food into a container, completely unaware that tonight would be different.

Just as he was stepping out of the back entrance, a firm voice called out:

"Stop right there!"

Shazhu turned around in confusion, only to find two security officers standing behind him, their eyes filled with suspicion. One of them stepped forward, his expression cold.

"Shazhu, we've received a report that you've been stealing food from the factory. Open the container."

Shazhu's face turned pale, and his hands trembled. "W-What report? This is just leftovers! I've always taken them home, and nobody said anything before!"

The officers weren't interested in his excuses. One of them grabbed the container and opened it, revealing the neatly packed portions of food—far too well-prepared to be mere scraps.

"This isn't just leftovers. This is theft," the officer stated firmly. "You're coming with us."

Panic settled on Shazhu's face. "No! This is a misunderstanding! I swear!"

But his words fell on deaf ears as the officers dragged him away, and within minutes, the entire factory was buzzing with rumors about Shazhu being caught stealing.

News Spreads Like Wildfire

The news spread across the factory and eventually reached the courtyard. By the time Shazhu was brought to the Security Department, everyone was already whispering about what had happened.

Xu Damao laughed hysterically when he heard the news. "That idiot Shazhu! He thought he could get away with it forever! Serves him right!"

Yi Zhonghai and the Deaf Old Lady were furious, knowing that this scandal could destroy their carefully crafted influence.

"I need to talk to Director Yang," the Deaf Old Lady said gravely. "We can't let this ruin Shazhu's future."

The Final Judgment

The next morning, using her old connections, the Deaf Old Lady personally went to Director Yang, pleading for Shazhu's release. She played the card of past favors, trying to convince him that this was just a minor offense.

Director Yang sighed, rubbing his temples. "I can let him out, but the damage is done. The factory has a strict policy against stealing. Even if I wanted to help him, my hands are tied."

The Deaf Old Lady gritted her teeth. "So you're saying—"

"I'm saying Shazhu is fired."

Her face twisted in shock. "Fired? You can't do that! What will he do now?"

"I have no choice," Director Yang said firmly. "If I cover for him, it will set a bad example. He should have been more careful."

The Deaf Old Lady left in frustration, knowing that her influence wasn't enough to save Shazhu this time.

Shazhu's World Crumbles

When Shazhu was finally released and told about his termination, he felt like the ground had been pulled out from under him.

Fired.

His job—the one thing that gave him stability—was gone. The reality of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks.

He stumbled back to the courtyard, his face pale and his steps unsteady. As soon as he entered, Qin Huairu approached him with concern.

"Shazhu, what happened? Why do you look like that?" she asked, feigning worry.

Shazhu forced a weak smile. "It's fine. Just a small misunderstanding… I'll get my job back."

Even as he said it, he didn't believe it himself.

Qin Huairu studied his expression, sensing his hesitation. Her heart sank.

Shazhu wasn't confident anymore.

And if he truly lost his income… her backup plan was crumbling.

Watching From Afar

I stood near my door, observing everything from a distance.

Shazhu had fallen exactly as I planned.

Qin Huairu was starting to panic.

The Deaf Old Lady and Yi Zhonghai had lost a valuable pawn.

A small smirk played on my lips. The pieces were moving perfectly.

With Shazhu out of the factory, his position in the courtyard was also weakening. He was no longer valuable to Qin Huairu, and soon, she would start looking elsewhere for support.

And when that time came…