My happy life in a courtyard house with triplets.

Chapter 164: Successfully Becoming the Fourth Uncle

When the people in the courtyard saw the banner in Zhang Lei's hand, they immediately surrounded him, their eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.

Uncle Yan Fugui squeezed to the front, adjusted his glasses, and asked with a smile, "Zhang Lei, when did you provide the police with the tip? Catching such a big enemy agent, how come you didn't tell us a word?"

Those around him chimed in, "That's right, Zhang Lei, such a huge achievement, and you're being too modest!" "Tell us what happened!"

Zhang Lei smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Hey, it's just a small matter. I didn't intend to bother anyone."

"This is no small matter!" someone immediately retorted. "This is catching enemy agents; it's a major undertaking!"

Zhang Lei humbly replied, "It's mainly thanks to the police officers at the local police station; I only provided a small clue."

"Stop being modest!" someone persisted. "Tell us, how did you find out? And how did the police arrest him?"

The others chimed in, "Yes, yes, tell us!" "Let us broaden our horizons!"

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Zhang Lei cleared his throat and said, "Alright, since everyone is willing to listen, I'll tell you about it."

He slowly began to speak, recounting how he "accidentally discovered the anomaly," then "secretly observed, analyzed, and judged," then "reported to the police station in a timely manner," and finally "cooperated with the police to formulate an arrest plan," all in a vivid and detailed manner.

In his description, the image of a meticulous, calm, and courageous young man gradually became clear in everyone's minds. It was as if one could see him dealing with enemy agents in a "complex environment," giving directions to the police in a "tense situation," and even helping to subdue the enemy in a "dangerous moment."

The audience listened intently, their emotions fluctuating with Zhang Lei's narration, sometimes tense, sometimes relieved. Some couldn't help but nod in approval, while others quietly gave a thumbs-up, their eyes filled with genuine admiration for Zhang Lei.

Looking at the engrossed audience, Zhang Lei couldn't help but smile slightly, revealing a satisfied expression.

He knew in his heart that what he had just said was indeed quite exaggerated, and many of the details had a distinctly heroic feel to them. But he also knew that ordinary people liked to hear stories that were exciting, thrilling, and vivid.

If you speak in a mundane and unremarkable way, they will think that everything you did was fake, not exciting enough, and not "heroic" enough.

At this moment, under everyone's gaze, Zhang Lei's image in their minds has unknowingly grown even taller.

Just then, someone in the crowd suddenly suggested, "Since Zhang Lei is a hero and often helps everyone solve problems, I think we should elect him as the Fourth Uncle, okay?"

Upon hearing this, everyone perked up and chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes! That's a great idea!" "Zhang Lei deserves to be the fourth uncle!" "We all support him!"

Zhang Lei feigned hesitation and tentatively asked, "This...isn't that inappropriate?"

"What's wrong with that?" someone immediately stood up and said, "You're even helping the police catch enemy spies! With that kind of skill, you'd be more than capable of being a high-ranking official!"

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Zhang Lei turned to Uncle Yi Zhonghai, Uncle Liu Haizhong, and Uncle Yan Fugui, and asked, "What do you three gentlemen say?"

Yan Fugui pushed up his glasses, first looked at the excited expressions of everyone, then exchanged glances with Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong. The three of them exchanged glances and then nodded.

Yan Fugui then spoke up, saying, "Zhang Lei, since everyone recommends you to be the Fourth Uncle, then you should be it. The three of us support you too."

Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong nodded in agreement.

Seeing that none of the three old men had any objections, Zhang Lei smiled and said loudly, "Alright! Since everyone thinks I'm capable of being the Fourth Uncle, then from today onwards, I, Zhang Lei, will be the Fourth Uncle!"

Zhang Lei knew perfectly well that his three uncles—Yan Fugui (the third uncle), Liu Haizhong (the second uncle), and Yi Zhonghai (the first uncle)—were definitely unhappy. His meddling had turned the once-perfect "iron triangle" into a "quadrilateral," and their influence would certainly be significantly diminished.

But they had no choice. In this courtyard, although the head steward held prestige, ultimately he still relied on the support of the residents. If they really angered everyone, the three of them would be nothing more than empty shells. Therefore, faced with the residents' suggestion, they could only nod in agreement.

Once the matter was settled, the group chatted for a while longer before gradually dispersing.

Zhang Lei led Ye Shuqin, Ye Shuqi, and Ye Shuhua back to his room.

As soon as she sat down, Ye Shuqin looked at Zhang Lei with a smile, but also a little embarrassed, and said, "You're the Fourth Master now, so... how should others address me?"

Zhang Lei thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Is that even a question? Of course I'll call you Fourth Aunt."

"Fourth Aunt?" Upon hearing this, Ye Shuqin blushed slightly and couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. "This...this is too old-fashioned, isn't it? I'm still so young."

Zhang Lei looked at her and said seriously, "It's just a form of address, a respectful way to address the family members of the steward. Besides, if you call them that, won't your seniority rise? From now on, everyone in the courtyard will look up to you. Who would dare to disrespect you?"

Hearing him say that, Ye Shuqin felt a little better, but she still muttered, "That's true, but it still sounds a bit strange."

Ye Shuqi and Ye Shuhua, who were listening nearby, couldn't help but laugh.

Zhang Lei's gaze fell once again on the bright red banner on the wall, the eight golden characters "Anti-Espionage Vanguard, People's Role Model" shining brightly under the light.

He couldn't help but think to himself, "This adds another layer of protection."

In this special era, especially considering the coming decade of turmoil, this banner, personally awarded by the police station to commend their "anti-espionage" achievements, carries immense weight. It is not merely an honor, but also a highly intimidating "protective talisman."

With this banner, no matter what political movement occurs, or if someone tries to use it to cause trouble or frame others, as long as this banner hangs on the wall, everyone will have to think twice. After all, it represents that Zhang Lei is a person recognized by the organization and has made contributions to the country.

Thinking this, Zhang Lei's previously tense mood completely relaxed, and a relieved smile unconsciously appeared on his lips. This move was absolutely right.