The Scholar in the Courtyard

Chapter 7: The Beasts' Reactions

At last, only Jason Holt remained.

As the person Ryan Williams had singled out by name, Jason Holt's long face turned stiff with embarrassment. He was still apprenticing under his father, learning the trade of film projection, and didn't have much money of his own.

But he understood one thing clearly.

If this matter wasn't settled today and the Security Department got involved, his future as a projectionist would be finished before it even began.

Just then, a thin older man stepped out of the crowd.

It was Jason Holt's father.

With a forced smile on his face, he approached Ryan Williams and first greeted Director Brooks and Director Sterling. It was obvious they knew each other.

That wasn't surprising.

Back then, film projectionists were highly respected. The job came with stable pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities to interact with local officials. Whenever they traveled to the countryside to show films, villagers would often send them home with local specialties and gifts.

The Holt family wasn't any poorer than Thomas Carter's household.

"Ryan, my son acted recklessly."

"On behalf of our family, I apologize."

Without hesitation, he pulled out ten dollars and handed it over.

"Take this money. Buy yourself a chicken and nourish your body. Consider it our apology."

Direct and efficient.

Just like that, Jason Holt's assault was quietly settled.

The projectionist position was too valuable to risk.

"Thank you, Uncle Holt."

Ryan Williams accepted the money without hesitation.

He knew exactly what kind of people the Holt family were.

If they could raise someone like Jason Holt, then his father wasn't much better.

Still, money was money.

The matter was settled.

After giving Ryan Williams a few final instructions, Director Brooks and Director Sterling took him to the hospital for a proper examination, leaving the residents behind to continue Kevin Parker's wedding banquet.

Unfortunately, after everything that had happened, the wedding had become a complete disaster.

The atmosphere was ruined beyond repair.

Supported by Director Sterling, Ryan Williams climbed onto the back seat of a borrowed bicycle as they headed toward the Sixth People's Hospital.

The moment they exited the front gate, a sharp slap echoed behind them.

Then came furious cursing.

Crying.

Wailing.

And Kevin Parker's enraged voice.

Ryan Williams didn't even bother turning around.

From the moment Elysia Smith made her choice, the relationship between them had ended.

Completely.

Never seeing each other again wasn't just an empty threat.

It meant severing all ties with the Parker family forever.

Only by cutting them off completely could he avoid becoming their future victim.

As for revenge...

He had already gotten enough.

Leaning against the back of the bicycle, Ryan Williams quietly muttered to himself.

"I guess your grudge has finally been settled."

"You can rest now."

"Not marrying Elysia Smith was the greatest blessing you ever received."

"Otherwise, the green hat on your head would've crushed you sooner or later."

As those final thoughts drifted through his mind, the last lingering obsession left behind by the original owner completely disappeared.

A sense of peace settled over him.

Looking up at the gray winter sky, he whispered softly,

"From today onward..."

"I am Ryan Williams."

"The real Ryan Williams."

Slap!

Back at the Parker household, another slap landed heavily.

"You shameless woman!"

"I must've been blind to marry someone like you!"

"You've completely humiliated me!"

Fueled by anger and alcohol, Kevin Parker struck Elysia Smith across the face.

She collapsed onto the bed.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she didn't dare fight back.

Outside the room, Andrew Fletcher clenched his fists.

His heart burned with anger.

He desperately wanted to rush inside and comfort Sister Elysia.

But reality kept him rooted to the spot.

Elysia Smith was Kevin Parker's wife.

He was just an outsider.

No matter how much he cared, he had no right to interfere.

Meanwhile, Thomas Carter returned home.

The three elders had spent a long time discussing the events of the day.

None of them could understand how Ryan Williams had changed so dramatically.

"Old Carter."

Auntie placed two steamed buns on the table.

"Don't you think Ryan Williams was acting strange today?"

"He's usually quiet, but today he was fiercer than John Dillinger."

"What happened to him?"

Thomas Carter lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

Who knew?

Today's events had completely blindsided him.

Looking back, Ryan Williams's every move had been carefully calculated.

First, he exposed Elysia Smith's broken engagement and painted himself as the wronged party.

Immediately, he gained the moral high ground.

No one could blame him for seeking justice afterward.

Then came the injuries.

That move was devastating.

The moment Director Brooks and Director Sterling saw those wounds, the matter stopped being a personal dispute.

It became a failure of the courtyard's leadership.

And that included him.

Then Ryan Williams used Samantha Parker's own words against her, relentlessly cornering her until she was taken away by the authorities.

She never even had a chance to fight back.

Most frightening of all, Ryan Williams knew exactly when to stop.

He didn't push recklessly.

He adapted to the situation and squeezed every possible benefit from it.

That kind of patience...

That kind of calculation...

That was what truly worried Thomas Carter.

"This kid..."

"It's like he's become a completely different person."

Thomas Carter narrowed his eyes.

An uncontrollable variable had appeared in the courtyard.

And that threatened everything he had planned.

This matter would require careful handling.

Very careful handling.

After finishing her meal, Auntie asked quietly,

"What about Samantha Parker?"

"It's almost New Year's."

"And Kevin just got married."

"Having something like this happen is terrible luck."

Thomas Carter extinguished his cigarette and stood.

"I'm going to the neighborhood committee."

Without another word, he walked out.

At George Cooper's house in the middle courtyard—

Smack! Smack!

"You little brat!"

"Still trying to dodge?"

"Dad!"

"It was my brother's fault!"

"Why are you hitting me?"

"Dare talk back?"

"I'll beat you to death!"

Inside the house, George Cooper chased Henry Cooper around with a feather duster.

The boy cried out miserably while trying to avoid the blows.

Nearby, Second Aunt calmly picked up the remaining half of a boiled egg and walked away as though nothing unusual was happening.

Grayson Cooper had long since hidden himself in another room, terrified of becoming collateral damage.

Meanwhile, Charles Cooper sat at the table.

Second Aunt lovingly placed the egg and a piece of cornbread in front of him.

"Eat."

"Today's trouble wasn't your fault."

"That Ryan brat caused everything."

"Your father shouldn't have gotten involved."

"Don't be upset."

After a pause, she smiled.

"In a few days, I'll arrange a marriage for you."

"You'll settle down and start your own family."

"Our family isn't any worse than the Parker family."

Charles Cooper glanced at his father beating his younger brother.

Then he looked at the food.

Without saying a word, he picked it up and walked outside.

Marriage?

What was the point?

Who would want to raise children in a household like this?

At the Collins family home in the front courtyard—

"What?!"

"Two more dollars?"

Edward Collins nearly jumped out of his chair.

He had finally secured temporary work at the thermos factory.

His monthly salary was only sixteen and a half dollars.

After handing thirteen dollars to the family every month, he barely had anything left.

Now his father wanted even more.

Richard Collins adjusted his glasses calmly.

"What about the interest?"

Edward Collins nearly choked.

Beside him, Third Aunt gently persuaded,

"Edward, listen to your father."

"You won't become poor from eating and dressing yourself."

"You become poor by failing to plan ahead."

"When we've saved enough money, we'll find you a good wife."

Edward Collins reluctantly sat back down.

"Fine."

"But she has to be prettier than Elysia Smith."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Richard Collins snorted.

"Pretty?"

"What use is pretty?"

"If you're looking for a wife, find one with a government grain ration."

"Beauty won't fill your stomach."

Everyone nodded.

In those days, food security mattered far more than appearance.

As the conversation continued, Edward Collins suddenly remembered the day's events.

"Still..."

"Ryan Williams was impressive today."

"He got Samantha Parker arrested with just a few words."

"Nobody expected that."

Richard Collins took a sip from his enamel cup.

"He was impressive."

"But that's all."

The family stared at him.

"What do you mean?"

Richard Collins sneered.

"Do you really think someone who offended the Parker family, Thomas Carter, and George Cooper can live comfortably from now on?"

"He has practically offended half the courtyard."

"He'll suffer sooner or later."

"Just wait."

"If Thomas Carter wants to make life difficult for him at the factory, all it takes is a small push."

"If things get serious enough, he could lose his job."

The room fell silent.

Then the topic shifted to the mysterious deaf old lady.

When Edward Collins asked whether she had truly delivered shoes to the Red Army, Richard Collins laughed.

"Who told you that nonsense?"

"Your mother and I never heard such a thing."

"The Red Army wasn't even near Chicago back then."

"Could a bound-footed old woman walk all the way there?"

The family exchanged surprised looks.

When they thought about it, it really didn't make much sense.

Richard Collins lowered his voice.

"Remember this."

"Nobody in this courtyard is simple."

"Not even Andrew Fletcher."

"And from now on, don't get too close to Ryan Williams."

"But don't deliberately offend him either."

Edward Collins frowned.

"What about the five dollars we lost?"

Richard Collins's eyes narrowed.

"Let it go?"

"Heh."

"Do you really think I'd let that go?"

A cold smile appeared on his face.

Anyone who took advantage of him would eventually pay the price.