1
The apartment I'd rented to my second uncle for next to nothing had been secretly sublet to a paralyzed old man.
I went to reclaim it, only to be shoved and cursed at by the tenant's son.
"This is my place now! Touch my dad and I'll sue you until you're bankrupt and begging on the street!"
My second uncle had blocked me everywhere and disappeared. Even the police and community workers were driven away.
With no other choice, I called 120.
"There's a critically ill patient here who needs immediate hospitalization. I'll cover all the costs."
Then I dialed my eighty-five-year-old grandfather.
Three hours later, when the paramedics arrived with the stretcher, Grandpa and his group of seventy-something square-dancing friends were already inside, erhu shrieking, turning the living room into a chaotic concert hall.
Grandpa twirled his red silk fan with flair.
"This place is perfect! Our senior troupe has been looking everywhere for rehearsal space!"
...
A week earlier, my mother had been diagnosed with cancer.
The doctor said the surgery couldn't be delayed.
Money became the mountain pressing down on our family.
I racked my brain for solutions until my eyes fell on the apartment rented to Second Uncle.
Selling it was our only way out.
Three years ago, he'd come begging, shameless as ever.
"Sis, I'm almost fifty and still don't have a proper home. It's embarrassing for you too! That old apartment of yours is just sitting empty—help your little brother out, will you?"
He'd patted his chest and promised, "Three hundred a month. I won't owe you a single yuan!"
Mom was too soft-hearted. She pitied her unmarried younger brother and agreed right away.
He moved in soon after.
But not a single month's rent was ever paid. Mom even covered his water, electricity, and property fees.
I'd lost count of how many times I'd argued with her.
"Mom! Even a rundown place in that location would rent for at least two thousand to strangers! You're basically giving it to him for free and still paying his bills! Are you raising a brother or another son?"
She'd always sigh. "He's had it hard. We're family—why keep score?"
I was speechless at her blind devotion to her brother.
For the past year, I hadn't seen Second Uncle even once. His phone was dead, WeChat messages ignored.
But Mom's surgery couldn't wait. The apartment had to be turned into cash—fast.
I chose a weekend and traveled across half the city to find him.
On the way, I rehearsed how to break the news—he was living there, after all.
The moment I arrived, I froze.
A sickening stench of spoiled food, rot, and stale urine hit me like a wall.
The hallway had become a garbage dump. Five or six black trash bags towered like a hill, dirty water seeping out and pooling on the floor. There wasn't a single clean spot to step.
I pinched my nose, brows knitted in disgust.
How could anyone live like this?
Among the everyday trash were scattered empty medicine boxes and packaging.
A cold dread crept up my spine. Was Second Uncle sick?
As nausea rose, the neighbor's door creaked open.
Aunt Zhang peeked out. Her eyes widened when she saw me.
"Yuxin? It really is you!"
She hurried over, looking me up and down, then wrinkled her nose at the smell.
"You finally came! Not to gossip, but who did you rent this place to? These past six months have nearly driven me crazy!"
"Noise every night, and look at this trash! It's ruining the whole building. I'm seriously thinking of selling my unit and moving back to the countryside for some peace!"
Heat rushed to my face. I wished the ground would swallow me whole.
"Aunt Zhang, I'm so sorry. It's my second uncle living here. He's… not the cleanest…"
"I'll talk to him right now and get this cleaned up. Truly, I'm sorry."
"Your second uncle?" Aunt Zhang's expression turned oddly strained.
2
She gave me a long, knowing look, shook her head, and went back inside.
I was confused, but getting the apartment back was more urgent.
Knock knock knock—
No response.
I knocked harder, calling out, "Second Uncle! It's me, Yuxin! I came to see you!"
A furious curse erupted from inside.
"Fuck! Who's trying to wake the dead?!"
Something heavy thudded against the door.
I jumped back, heart racing.
Heavy footsteps approached. The door was yanked open.
A bald man in a grimy tank top, face thick with menace, stood there.
A cigarette hung from his lips as his murky eyes scanned me with pure irritation.
"Who the hell are you? Banging like you've got a death wish?"
Cigarette smoke and sour sweat assaulted me. I swallowed my nausea, forcing a polite tone while holding up the fruit and milk I'd brought.
"Hello. I'm looking for Wu Jianguo. I'm his niece. Who might you be?"
He tsked, ignored the question, and snatched the bags from my hands.
"Wrong place. No one here by that name."
He moved to slam the door.
Panic surged. I threw caution aside and grabbed the handle.
"No way! This is my apartment! I rented it to him! Where's Wu Jianguo? Why are you in my property?"
During the tug-of-war, I finally glimpsed the living room.
Utter chaos. Takeout boxes, beer bottles, cigarette butts strewn everywhere.
Most shocking—a crude hospital bed in the center.
On it lay a gaunt old man with snow-white hair, eyes closed, covered by a filthy, grease-blackened quilt.
No sign of Second Uncle. Just a paralyzed stranger.
Terror and fury collided inside me. My voice cracked.
"You—who are you? Explain now, or I'm calling the police!"
"Police?" He laughed mockingly. "The station's practically my second home. I've been there more times than you've eaten hot meals. You think that scares me?"
Before I could finish, his greasy hand shoved my shoulder hard.
Caught off guard, I stumbled back and crashed to the floor.
My elbow scraped raw, blood oozing out.
"Get lost! Come back and I'll finish you!"
3
The door slammed shut in my face.
Aunt Zhang had quietly opened hers again. She helped me up, brushing off the dust.
"I knew it! That thug doesn't look anything like you—how could he be your uncle?"
"I bet your second uncle got greedy and sublet for profit. It's not his place, so he doesn't care what kind of trash he lets in!"
Rage burned in my eyes. "What kind of scum is he?!"
I stubbornly called Second Uncle again—still no answer.
"Yuxin, listen to Aunt Zhang. That guy's dangerous. Get the apartment back quickly…"
She lowered her voice. "You saw that half-dead old man inside. If he dies there, they could sue you for everything. Even if they don't, the place becomes unsellable—a haunted unit!"
My heart sank. She was absolutely right.
I'd seen too many stories of shameless extortion. It could happen to me.
And I needed the sale to save Mom's life.
"Call the police now. You can't handle him alone. Trust me—I only want what's best for you."
Aunt Zhang gripped my arm sincerely. I smiled gratefully and dialed 110.
"Hello, I'm reporting illegal occupation of my property and assault…"
After hanging up, I quickly contacted the community staff.
With police and officials together, Wang Qiang couldn't possibly resist.
The uniforms worked their magic. Wang Qiang opened the door, grudgingly.
But the second it opened, his earlier arrogance vanished. He morphed into a pitiful victim for the officers.
"Officers, I rented this fair and square from Wu Jianguo! Cash paid, contract signed! Why should I be thrown out?"
He waved a crumpled sheet.
"This woman stormed in demanding my paralyzed father and I leave. She wants us on the street! She says she's the landlord—where's her proof? She's just bullying us because we're weak!"
"I'm powerless! I'm poor! But do the poor have no dignity? Can anyone just walk all over us?"
He clutched an officer's sleeve and wailed dramatically.
Disgust crawled over me.
"Enough, Wang Qiang!" the officer snapped. "We know your type. No one in this city can bully you—drop the act."
4
"You claim ownership—show the deed."
The officer nodded at me. I pulled out the documents I'd prepared.
"Here's the property certificate and my ID. Three years ago, my mother rented it nearly for free to my second uncle. Now we urgently need money and must reclaim it. Who knew he'd secretly sublet it?"
"I tried to talk reasonably, but he stole my gifts and shoved me down! This is outright lawlessness!"
Anger sharpened my words.
"He sublet without my permission. I demand Wang Qiang leave immediately."
I paused, softening my tone. "But I'm not unreasonable. Give him a week. I'll compensate lost rent and even pay moving costs."
"No chance!" Wang Qiang roared, pointing inside. "Didn't you see how paralyzed my dad is? If something happens moving him, can you take responsibility?"
He sneered. "You want to sell it, don't you? Let me school you—sale doesn't break lease. Until my contract ends, not even God can evict me!"
The community worker sighed. "Xiao Wang, that's not how it works."
"Your contract isn't with the real owner. She had no idea! Her mother's in the hospital awaiting life-saving surgery—she needs the money. Show some compassion…"
"Her mom dying is my concern?" Wang Qiang snarled. "My dad's dying too—who cares? This useless old thing won't even hurry up and go…"
He muttered the last part through gritted teeth.
Suddenly, a weak groan came from inside.
The old man raised a trembling finger, voice barely audible.
"Move… hospital…"
Did he want to leave? To go to the hospital?
The realization struck me like lightning—he didn't want to stay here!
Wang Qiang's expression shifted. He rushed to block our view.
"Dad, don't worry! No one's kicking us out!"
Then he switched to tragic fury, howling:
"They're bullying honest folk! Help! They're tormenting a poor father and son! Where's justice?!"
His shouts drew every curious neighbor. The doorway was soon packed.
"I care for my paralyzed father alone—wiping shit, wiping piss. Is it easy? I scraped every cent for this place so he could pass peacefully. What's wrong with that? This heartless woman wants us homeless just because she owns it!"
"When I rented, how was I supposed to know her uncle wasn't the real landlord? I'm a victim too! Why should I pay for their family mess?"
He threw himself on the floor, rolling like a street rogue.
"Officers, don't favor her just because she's a woman!"
His twisted tale, combined with the old man's pitiful appearance, swayed the crowd.
"Those two have it rough enough. Caring for the elderly is exhausting. Life's hard—why make it harder?"
"Poor as dirt yet still keeping the old man. Seems like a filial son."
"Young lady, you have family too. One day you'll need help. Leave them a way out. Be kinder."
Suddenly, I was the villain?
The weak always win?
5
The murmurs grew louder. My face flushed with rage. Before I could speak, the officer pulled me aside.
"This is a civil dispute. We can only mediate. Eviction is up to him—we can't force it."
"Especially with his father's condition. If anything happens, liability becomes complicated."
The community worker sighed. "Wang Qiang's a known troublemaker. The station's like his living room. He's determined to fight you."
"You'll likely need to sue."
I bit my lip and shook my head.
I couldn't wait for a lawsuit. Mom's surgery couldn't wait.
"Is there really no other way?"
They looked at me with sympathy and shook their heads.
Police and staff left, their footsteps echoing coldly in the stairwell.
Wang Qiang strolled to the door, cigarette dangling, smug victory written across his face.
He'd overheard everything.
"Ready to give up? Told you it was useless."
Arms crossed, he swaggered.
"I know what you're plotting. But around here, even thugs call me Brother Qiang. Try anything dirty and you'll regret it."
His tone dripped menace.
"You saw my dad's state. Force us out and I'll bankrupt you!"
"You can run, but the apartment can't. Even if you win, who'll buy it after I'm through? I've got all the time in the world to play."
"Scare off buyers if you dare—just try."
His smug grin made me want to lunge at him.
But I couldn't.
Mom needed this money to live. I couldn't let this trash drag me down.
Yet what else could I do?
The law was too slow. Force played into his hands. Reason—he wouldn't listen.
Was I truly going to let him ruin us?
I staggered downstairs and collapsed onto the flowerbed outside.
The sun blazed, but ice filled my veins.
Then Aunt Zhang and a few familiar elderly neighbors approached cautiously.
"Yuxin, don't be too upset. We all saw it—that Wang Qiang is pure scum!"
Aunt Zhang handed me a tissue.
"Exactly! Getting him out would be a blessing for the whole building! With a filthy, shameless neighbor like that, our property values are plummeting!"
"Right! Yuxin, don't be scared. We old neighbors are behind you! Anything you need—just ask!"
Their simple, sincere words warmed the chill in my heart.
Elders…
A spark ignited.
If Wang Qiang could use an old man as a shield, so could I.
A flawless plan took shape.
6
I took a deep breath and called Grandpa.
He was a spry eighty-five-year-old, strong as an ox, leading his group of seniors in daily square dancing.
Since childhood, he'd taught me: If no one offends me, I offend no one. But if they do—I don't swallow my pride.
"Grandpa!"
The moment his steady "Hello" came through, tears nearly spilled.
"Yuxin? What's wrong, girl? Speak slowly. The sky won't fall."
His calm voice steadied me. I quickly explained everything.
"Grandpa, you're my last hope. If I can't sell this apartment, Mom will die!"
Choking back sobs, I outlined my plan.
Silence for a few seconds. Then Grandpa's barely hidden chuckle.
"Brilliant! Give him a taste of his own medicine! Smart girl. Leave it to Grandpa. I'll rally the troops and bring the instruments. Tomorrow, 8 a.m. sharp. Wait there and follow the plan!"
His words were pure adrenaline. Strength surged back into me.
The next morning, I arrived early and made the second call.
"Hello, I need an ambulance." I infused panic into my voice. "My family has a bedridden elder—sudden critical worsening. Life-threatening. Please hurry!"
Twenty minutes later, sirens shattered the neighborhood's quiet.
Paramedics rushed upstairs with the stretcher.
I guided them. "This way—the patient's inside!"
We knocked again.
Wang Qiang opened the door cursing—then froze at the sight of white coats and stretcher.
Suspicion narrowed his eyes. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The lead paramedic spoke gravely. "We received an emergency call—critical paralyzed patient requiring immediate transfer. You're family? Please cooperate. How's his condition?"
"Who called? My dad's fine!"
Wang Qiang blocked the doorway, panic flickering.
"You frauds trying to scam—"
His words were cut off by footsteps on the stairs.
A hearty voice boomed.
7
"This the place? Old Chen, you sure?"
"Dead sure! Address from my granddaughter. Oh—the ambulance is already here? Quick service!"
I turned. Grandpa strode up in vibrant red workout clothes, red silk fan in hand.
Behind him: Grandma Zhao with erhu, Uncle Qian with gong, Grandma Sun with drum.
Eight seniors, all seventy or older, marched up like a small army.
The sight stunned both paramedics and Wang Qiang.
Grandpa ignored the gaping thug and smiled at the medics.
"Comrades, do your job—saving lives comes first! We're the landlord's relatives, here for rehearsal. We won't get in the way!"
He waved a big hand. "Friends—this is perfect! Spacious, great atmosphere! Let's begin!"
Before Wang Qiang could react, the elders swept past with surprising speed, filling the cramped living room.
"You—who let you in?! Get out!"
Wang Qiang's face turned purple as he reached to push Uncle Qian.
Uncle Qian glared and puffed out his chest. "Young man, talk if you want—keep your hands to yourself! Touch these old bones and I'll drop right here. Then we'll see who gets sued."
Wang Qiang's hand froze.
He'd dared push me because I was young and wouldn't escalate.
But against elders older than his own father? He didn't have the guts.
One mishap and he'd be ruined.
While he hesitated, the seniors got to work.
CLANG! Uncle Qian struck the gong.
BOOM BOOM BOOM! Grandma Sun pounded the drum.
SCREECH! Grandma Zhao drew her bow—an explosive melody filled the room.
Grandpa whipped his fan in vigorous yangge steps.
In moments, the silent apartment became a riot of sound.
Wang Qiang clutched his head as the piercing noise drilled into his skull. He tried shouting—completely drowned out.
He wanted to fight, but knew the consequences.
He could only rage helplessly as control slipped away.
The paramedics, briefly stunned, regained focus.
While the elders encircled Wang Qiang, they quickly examined the old man and moved him onto the stretcher.
"Patient needs immediate hospital evaluation!"
I cooperated silently. We withdrew smoothly.
Wang Qiang saw his father being carried out and lunged—only for Grandpa's graceful spin to block him, fan nearly grazing his face.
"You… you old geezers! Get out!" He trembled with rage, words slurring.
Grandpa paused his dance, smiling warmly.
"Young man, don't be so angry. Great feng shui here—we're claiming it for our senior troupe rehearsals. If you're bored, join us—stretch your limbs, nourish the soul!"
He ignored Wang Qiang's ashen face and rejoined the performance, singing even louder.
I knew it: first round—ours.
Grandpa and his crew had pried open the breach with pure audacity and wisdom.
8
I followed the ambulance to the hospital.
The doctors said the elder had suffered long-term malnutrition and multiple infected bedsores. Serious, but stable.
I gritted my teeth and paid the initial fees.
Something told me this old man wasn't like his shameless son.
When I entered the ward, he was awake.
Seeing me, guilt and shame clouded his eyes.
"S-sorry…"
His voice was hoarse. "My son… he's no good…"
I shook my head gently and poured him water. "Grandpa Wang, it's not your fault. Rest and recover. I've covered the costs."
He trembled, gesturing excitedly. "Th-thank you… but I have money! I won't use yours!"
My kindness broke through his walls.
Tears welled as he opened up.
His name was Wang Deshun, a former state factory worker with a pension.
But his son Wang Qiang was a gambling addict who'd drained his savings and racked up loan-shark debts.
Three years ago, Wang Deshun fell and became half-paralyzed.
Wang Qiang immediately seized the pension card and spent every payment.
He kept his father alive only for the monthly income.
That's why the old man had wasted away—barely conscious lately.
"If you hadn't sent me here today… I'd have been dead soon…"
Tears streamed down his face.
"You saved my life. My savior!"
He wept like a child. My heart ached.
But I couldn't care for him forever.
"Grandpa Wang, which bank is your pension card? Have you reported it lost?"
A bold idea formed.
Better to teach a man to fish.
With the card in his hands, he could control his own life.
We went straight to the bank. Using his ID, we reported the old card stolen and issued a new one.
When the fresh card was placed in his trembling hands, he sobbed.
It wasn't just money—it was dignity, power, hope.
He clutched my hand and shared priceless information.
Second Uncle Wu Jianguo's exact current address.
"I overheard Wang Qiang on the phone… better check for yourself…"
9
An unexpected reward—for kindness given.
I didn't waste a moment.
I called two tall, strong male friends and explained everything.
Furious on my behalf, they agreed instantly.
We drove to the county address—a shabby rental behind a mahjong parlor.
When bleary-eyed Second Uncle opened the door and saw me flanked by two grim-faced men, he tried to slam it shut.
My friend wedged it open. I pushed inside.
Smoke and alcohol stench—rivaling my ruined apartment.
I stared at the disheveled man and smiled coldly.
"Second Uncle, living comfortably? Spending my sublet money on drinks and gambling?"
"You… know?" He forced an awkward laugh.
"I was broke! Think of it as filial respect. I'll return the apartment now—Wang Qiang's my buddy, he'll listen!"
Still playing innocent.
"Return it? You think he didn't tell you I came yesterday? Did you make him leave?"
My voice turned icy. "Who gave you the guts to rent my apartment to scum like Wang Qiang? You blocked me—did you ever think Mom's life depends on this sale?"
Fury boiled over. "You're coming with me now. Explain to the police. Or you leave here on a stretcher."
Wu Jianguo backed away.
My friends stepped forward, knuckles cracking.
He was a bully who folded fast. He caved immediately.
"I'll go, I'll go! No violence! Yuxin—I'm your elder!"
We escorted the broken man back to the city overnight.
And when we reached the building, an astonishing scene greeted us.
10
Wang Qiang had somehow summoned a media crew with cameras.
He sobbed into the lenses, claiming he and his paralyzed father had been terrorized by a tyrant landlord and a gang of elders who forcibly occupied their home. Now homeless—begging for exposure and justice.
Crowds of onlookers circled the drama.
Wu Jianguo tried shrinking back—my friends held him firm.
I smiled inwardly. Perfect timing.
We pushed through the crowd.
Wang Qiang spotted me and shrieked at the reporters. "That's her! The vicious woman! Film her!"
Every camera swung toward me.
I smiled and stepped aside, revealing the pale, trembling Wu Jianguo.
Wang Qiang's curses died in his throat.
"Second Uncle, didn't you just promise to help me reclaim my apartment? Why don't you explain?"
Wang Qiang's veins bulged. "Wu Jianguo! Why the hell are you here? We agreed—"
"Shut up!"
Wu Jianguo clamped a hand over his mouth.
Agreed to what? Squat forever?
"I have something to say!!!"
A frail voice rose from outside the circle.
Heads turned. Wang Deshun, in a wheelchair, was pushed forward.
Under stunned gazes, he raised a bony finger at his son, tears flowing.
"Unfilial beast! You still dare lie?! Reporters, neighbors—don't believe this monster's twisted words!"
He sobbed. "It's my fault! I failed as a father and raised this animal! He and Wu Jianguo schemed to cling to the apartment forever!"
"Wu Jianguo knew my son was a rogue with a useless old burden like me. He wanted the place for himself but feared the real owner reclaiming it. So he rented it to Wang Qiang for a thousand a month."
"Miss! I'm sorry! My beastly son wronged you! You repaid evil with kindness—saved me, restored my pension… You're the true good person! Heaven should strike this unfilial wretch!"
The shocking reversal left reporters reeling.
Cameras frantically captured the weeping father and raging son.
Wang Qiang stood frozen—he'd never imagined the father he'd used as a tool would deliver the killing blow.
He lunged to stop him. "Dad! What nonsense—you're senile!"
"I'm not senile!" Wang Deshun roared, years of pent-up rage erupting. "I'm clearer than ever! Officers!"
He turned to the arriving police. "I accuse my son Wang Qiang and Wu Jianguo! They've committed countless crimes—I know everything!"
He spilled every dark deed: illegal gambling, provocation, theft—even some involving Second Uncle.
Cold handcuffs snapped onto Wang Qiang.
His final defenses crumbled. He collapsed like mud.
"It's over… everything's over…"
Seeing the tide turn, cowardly Wu Jianguo dropped to his knees before me.
"Yuxin—for family's sake, save me! I only wanted money—I never meant harm!"
"Your mom—would she want her beloved little brother jailed? She'd never let me suffer!"
I stepped back. "You dare mention my mother? You nearly destroyed her chance to live! And how is your prison time my problem? How could I save you?"
He wilted. "I was possessed! Jealous! Why does your family always have more—multiple properties… Why? I'm the son, the Wu family root! Everything good should be mine!"
I turned and walked away from his ravings.
11
With ironclad evidence and Wang Deshun's testimony, Wang Qiang and Wu Jianguo were criminally detained.
Justice would be served.
Wang Deshun, pension restored, moved into a comfortable nursing home arranged by the community.
Free from his son's grasp, he could finally spend his remaining years in peace.
My apartment, after that heart-pounding ordeal, was mine again.
I hired professional cleaners and renovators. Every inch was scrubbed, disinfected, repaired.
When the last trash bag was hauled away and sunlight streamed through spotless windows into the renewed living room, I stood in the center and breathed deeply.
No more nauseating stench—only the reassuring scent of disinfectant.
The apartment sold quickly for a good price.
With that money, Mom had her surgery.
She recovered beautifully—more vibrant than before her illness.
On the day she was discharged, I invited Grandpa and his troupe, along with the kind elderly neighbors who'd supported me, for a concert at home.
Laughter and music filled the rooms—but this time, the songs weren't weapons.
They were celebrations of rebirth.
Grandpa raised his teacup, eyes shining with pride.
"Girl, look—this finally feels like a home again."
"After this storm, you and your mom have nothing but bright days ahead."
I linked my arm through his still-sturdy one and leaned against his shoulder.
Watching Mom's long-lost easy smile, watching these wonderful elders, gratitude and strength flooded my heart.
Yes—after the storm, home had returned.
And protecting it wasn't just the law.
It was wisdom, courage, and the unbreakable light of true family.