My happy life in a courtyard house with triplets.

Chapter 109: My Back Hurt

Just then, there was a cracking sound from the bed, and Zhang Lei immediately yelled, "Ouch, my back!"

Hearing Zhang Lei's shout, Ye Shuqin rushed over. Seeing the scene on the bed, she angrily twisted Ye Shuhua's ear, pulled her up, and said, "Shuhua, what are you doing? You're so rough! You've hurt my back! What if I get sick? Who will bring us happiness then?!"

Ye Shuqi, who was standing nearby, quickly rubbed Zhang Lei's lower back and asked with concern, "Honey, are you alright?"

Zhang Lei tried to stand up by supporting himself on the bed, grimacing as he said, "I almost, I almost broke my old back."

Ye Shuhua, standing to the side, shrank back in fright, secretly stuck out her tongue, and pretended to be innocent.

Ye Shuqin looked at Zhang Lei with concern and asked, "Honey, are you alright? Should I put some safflower oil on you?"

Zhang Lei waved his hand, calmed himself down, and said, "No need, no need. I was just startled by the sudden appearance of the calligraphy and painting, and didn't react in time."

At this moment, Ye Shuqin adopted the demeanor of an elder sister, looked at Ye Shuhua with a stern face, and said seriously, "Shuhua, come here and rub the master's back."

Looking at Ye Shuhua, who was scolded and dared not utter a sound, Zhang Lei couldn't help but grin. He then beckoned to her and said, "Shuhua, you massage me properly. Stop when you're done."

Zhang Lei enjoyed Ye Shuhua's kneading and fell asleep without realizing it.

The next morning, Zhang Lei opened his eyes and saw Ye Shuhua lying next to him. He couldn't help but smile and pinch her cheek.

Ye Shuhua groggily opened her eyes and saw Zhang Lei. She immediately became angry, her eyes reddening, and said in a wronged tone, "Honey, you didn't tell me to stop last night. I had to massage you all night, and my hands are sore."

Seeing Ye Shuhua's aggrieved expression, Zhang Lei quickly reached out and hugged her, gently comforting her, "It's alright, it's all my fault. It's just that your little hands felt so good that I fell asleep. After you rest, I'll take you to buy new clothes, okay? Or I'll buy you your favorite snacks. Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you."

At this moment, Ye Shuqin walked in, her face stern, and said, "Husband, don't spoil her. She's doing it on purpose."

Upon hearing her elder sister Ye Shuqin's words, Ye Shuhua immediately pouted and said in a tearful voice, "Elder sister, you haven't cared for me since you got married, waaaah, I'm so pitiful."

Ye Shuqin wasn't buying it. She walked over and patted the edge of the bed, urging, "Get up quickly. Breakfast is ready. If you stay in bed any longer, you won't get any."

After breakfast, Zhang Lei started to plan his scheme.

Today I'll explore other hutongs, specifically those secluded and quiet alleys where few people go. Maybe I can find some unexpected treasures in the nooks and crannies.

After all, this is Beijing, a city that has witnessed hundreds of years of prosperity and change. Who knows, some inconspicuous place might be hiding rare artifacts left by our ancestors.

Just as Zhang Lei was about to leave, he suddenly saw a group of people rushing into the back courtyard gate.

Zhang Lei began to wonder, "Who are these people? Why are there so many people all of a sudden?"

But when he saw that the first person to step through the door was Lou Xiao'e, he was stunned for a moment.

Lou Xiao'e saw Zhang Lei and quickly walked over, her voice filled with surprise and delight: "Zhang Lei, you really live here?"

Zhang Lei looked at Lou Xiao'e, then glanced at the people behind her, and asked in confusion, "What's going on here?"

Lou Xiao'e quickly stepped aside and pulled the two people next to her over to introduce them: "This is my dad, and this is my mom. They said they insisted on coming with me to properly thank you for saving me."

Zhang Lei looked at Lou Xiao'e's parents and his heart skipped a beat.

Isn't this the famous Lou Bancheng?

Although the saying "half of Beijing" is somewhat exaggerated, it does indirectly prove the Lou family's substantial wealth.

Upon hearing Lou Xiao'e's introduction, Zhang Lei quickly stepped aside to welcome her in.

He turned and called out into the house, "Shuqin, bring some water!"

Mr. Lou looked around at the furniture and furnishings in the room, smiled and nodded, saying, "Your home is quite uniquely decorated."

Zhang Lei waved his hand, a polite smile on his face: "It's just an ordinary family home, with some old and worn-out furniture. Compared to your home, Mr. Lou, it's far inferior."

Ye Shuqin walked over quickly with a kettle and poured water for everyone.

At this moment, Lou Xiao'e's gaze fell on Ye Shuqin, then turned to look at Zhang Lei, her eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Lei suddenly realized what was going on and quickly introduced, "This is my wife, Ye Shuqin."

Upon hearing Zhang Lei's words, Lou Xiao'e's expression darkened slightly, and a sense of disappointment swept through her heart. She hadn't expected that Zhang Lei was already married.

At this moment, Lou Bancheng cleared his throat and reminded her, "Xiao'e, aren't you going to bring the gifts in?"

Lou Xiao'e then realized what was happening, quickly responded, and turned to shout towards the door, telling the driver to bring the things in.

Zhang Lei's eyes lit up as he looked at the items being brought in. Moutai and Wuliangye filled half the table, along with all sorts of exquisite pastries. In addition, two brand-new bolts of cloth were also brought in.

At this moment, Lou Bancheng took out a thick red envelope from his pocket and gently placed it on the table.

He looked at Zhang Lei and said sincerely, "Zhang Lei, thank you for saving my daughter. You must accept these things."

Zhang Lei quickly reached out to decline, saying with a sincere smile, "Uncle Lou, you're too kind. It was just a small favor; you can't accept so many things."

At this moment, Lou Xiao'e spoke up, "Zhang Lei, just accept it. I have plenty of these things at home. If the car wasn't full, I would have given you even more."

Lou Bancheng, hearing his daughter's carefree words that almost revealed everything about the family, quickly coughed a few times and gave her a look, signaling her to stop talking.

Lou Xiao'e, however, seemed not to notice and continued to chatter on and on.

At this moment, Lou's mother interrupted Lou Xiao'e and turned to Zhang Lei, saying with a gentle smile, "Zhang Lei, thank you for saving our Xiao'e. If you ever need our help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

At this moment, Lou's father also spoke up, his tone sincere and somewhat generous: "Yes, if you need any help in the future, just ask. As long as it is within my power, Lou Bancheng will never refuse."