The Renaissance eventually reached the courtyard houses.

The two children from the second uncle's family and the two children from the third uncle's family were the first in the courtyard to wear red armbands. They participated in movements at their workplaces and schools, and after returning to the courtyard, they acted like big shots and even began to rebel against their parents' oppression.

"Old Liu, given the current situation, what are your plans?"

At Liu Haizhong's house, Yan Fugui came over to discuss countermeasures with the other party. Both of them usually disciplined their child strictly, but now, the child has started to rebel.

"Sigh, what can I do about this situation? At work, there are red armband-wearing volunteers causing trouble every day, and at home I have to put up with these brats. It's just outrageous," Liu Haizhong said angrily.

He is now the deputy director of the auto repair shop, which is considered a middle-level manager. He used to be highly respected by his colleagues, so the workers' disturbance is actually detrimental to him.

“Old Liu, I’m a lowly intellectual, I can’t change my fate, but you’re different. Why didn’t you join the revolutionary ranks this time?” Yan Fugui asked curiously.

When Yan Fugui asked him this question, Liu Haizhong really didn't know how to answer. Could he say that he was greedy for his current deputy director position? He had thought about joining the team, but he needed a guarantee that he would get a better position after joining, but no one could guarantee that unless he did something extraordinary.

"Old Yan, there really is something wrong with your thinking. You need to reform. How about I ask Guangtian and the others to help you?" Not wanting to answer the question, Liu Haizhong changed the subject.

"Don't get me into trouble. I already have two kids at home, and they're giving me lessons every day. If I add yours to the mix, I'm probably in deep trouble." Yan Fugui shook his head.

"You should go back first; I can barely take care of myself."

After seeing Yan Fugui off, Liu Haizhong began to ponder. Many people were now joining the movement; it seemed to be an inevitable trend. Several of those who were once less capable than him had become key figures in the factory's activities, bossing everyone around and acting all high and mighty.

This made Liu Haizhong feel very bad! Why should all his hard work over the years be surpassed by those people? Thinking about this, he put on his clothes, went out, and walked to Xu Damao's house across the street.

"Da Mao, are you home?" Liu Haizhong asked.

"Second Uncle, is something the matter?" Xu Damao was about to go out when he saw Liu Haizhong coming over and stopped in his tracks.

"Da Mao, I have a question for you. What do you think of this sport now?" Liu Haizhong asked quietly when no one was around.

"Second Uncle, is this something I can discuss? What, you want to participate?" Xu Damao asked.

"Hehe, it's not that I wanted to participate, it's that all my kids have participated, and they're giving me lectures every day. You know I'm not very educated, so I thought I'd come and ask for your opinion," Liu Haizhong said modestly.

"I don't know how to say these things. But one thing, Second Uncle, whatever you do, you absolutely mustn't cause trouble in the courtyard. We don't know how long this movement will last, but you'll probably be staying in this courtyard for the rest of your life, so I hope you'll maintain its stability," Xu Damao warned.

Liu Haizhong's visit today indicates he's already made up his mind; he's only here to sound out Xu Damao's opinion. Therefore, too much persuasion might backfire.

“That’s for sure. We’re all neighbors, good comrades, and we know each other very well,” Liu Haizhong nodded hurriedly. From Xu Damao’s words, he realized that Xu Damao didn’t object to him joining the movement, so he could do it.

It's important to know that Xu Damao was not only a committee member and head of the armed forces department at the steel rolling mill, but also a former director of the auto repair shop, with extensive connections within the organization. If Xu Damao strongly opposed it, then he definitely wouldn't do it.

After dismissing Liu Haizhong, Xu Damao hopped on his bicycle and headed out. He wasn't going to the factory, but rather to wander the streets. Although the streets weren't peaceful at the moment, he still wanted to see the damage the movement had inflicted on the country.

There wasn't much unusual in the alley, except that there were more workers not going to work. But once the cars entered the streets, it became extremely lively, almost like a morbid carnival.

Groups of young people wearing red armbands marched through the streets, chanting slogans, sometimes even leading to small-scale clashes. Further on, the streets suddenly became congested, with crowds gathered in front, motionless.

Curious, Xu Damao locked his car and walked into the crowd. It turned out that a denunciation meeting was taking place at the very back.

Each person being criticized had a sign around their neck stating their class background, while others threw things and spat into the area. Those being criticized all had their heads bowed, making it impossible to see their faces.

Even so, Xu Damao still recognized a few people. They were all highly respected figures in the neighborhood, the kind of people Xu Damao would always nod and greet whenever he saw them. He never expected to meet them in this kind of environment.

Seeing the miserable state of these people, Xu Damao couldn't bear to look at them, but he was powerless to change anything, so he could only leave. As he walked forward, he suddenly saw a group of soldiers rushing forward and then stopping at a luxurious villa by the roadside.

Well, this family is definitely going to have their property confiscated. This family used to own a flour mill, but like Lou Hongsheng, they handed it over, and they didn't go far away from home.

Xu Damao waited outside for a while and then saw a group of people carrying out several large boxes. They were all very excited, which showed that they had made a great haul.

Seeing this situation, Xu Damao knew that the time had come for him to acquire these items.