Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

"After your mother was transferred to another city, we started a long-distance relationship. At that time, communication was not as convenient as it is now, so we relied on letters to keep in touch." He Yuzhu sighed softly, "Later, we eventually separated because of some misunderstandings and distance issues."

"Then why didn't you continue to contact her?" He Peng asked, with some confusion in his voice.

He Yuzhu was silent for a moment, recalling that time full of regrets. He knew that his separation from Lou Xiaoe was due to many reasons, including distance, misunderstandings, and confusion about the future.

"Sometimes, two people separate because they can no longer bear the test of reality," He Yuzhu said, "but I have never stopped missing her."

He Peng nodded. He knew that his mother had always been strong, but perhaps she also had feelings in her heart that she could not let go. His mother's death made him feel extremely lonely, and the person sitting in front of He Yuzhu now might be the only connection he could find to his mother's past.

"Have you ever thought about me?" He Peng's voice trembled a little, his eyes full of anticipation.

He Yuzhu's heart moved, and he realized that the young man in front of him was actually his son. This realization made him feel complicated, with both surprise and a hint of regret.

"I didn't expect you to come to me, nor did I expect that I would be so lucky." He Yuzhu said frankly, "If I had known you existed earlier, I would have tried my best to find you."

He Peng smiled, although it was a little reluctant, but He Yuzhu could feel the sincerity. He knew that it would take time to repair and develop their relationship, but he was willing to work hard for it.

"Thank you, Uncle Yuzhu." He Peng said. Although he called him uncle, he had already acknowledged that he was his father in his heart.

"Peng, if you have any problems in the future, feel free to come to me." He Yuzhu's tone was full of tenderness and determination, "I will try my best to make up for the shortcomings of the past."

He Peng nodded, and seemed relieved. Although there were still many questions to be answered, he knew that this meeting was just the beginning. He was willing to believe in the man in front of him, and was willing to give himself and He Yuzhu a chance to get to know each other and establish a new relationship.

In the following days, He Peng often came to the courtyard to visit He Yuzhu. They discussed the trivialities of life and talked about their plans for the future. He Peng gradually learned about He Yuzhu's life and became very interested in his cooking skills.

"Uncle Yuzhu, can I learn to cook from you?" He Peng asked on a sunny morning.

He Yuzhu smiled and nodded: "Of course, learning to cook is also a very interesting thing."

So, He Yuzhu began to teach He Peng how to select ingredients, how to control the heat, and how to make each dish carefully. The two were busy in the kitchen, He Yuzhu patiently instructed, and He Peng studied hard.

He Yuzhu discovered that He Peng had a talent for cooking and was pleased with his growing interest. He Peng's presence made He Yuzhu feel a satisfaction and happiness he had never experienced before, and this family connection made up for the years of regret in his heart.

As time goes by, the relationship between He Yuzhu and Xu Damao becomes more and more harmonious. Both of them realize that their misunderstandings and conflicts are just small episodes in life. In this small community of Siheyuan, they all hope to live in harmony and spend every day together.

On a sunny weekend, He Yuzhu decided to invite Xu Damao to his home for dinner, which was also a way to put an end to the unpleasant past. Xu Damao readily agreed, and this time he even took the initiative to propose cooking together.

"Xu Damao, I'm going to cook a few dishes today. Can you see if there's anything else I need to add?" He Yuzhu was looking for ingredients in the kitchen and looked up at Xu Damao.

Xu Damao came over with a smile and checked: "Do you have tofu? I want to try making mapo tofu."

"Yes, it's in the refrigerator." He Yuzhu responded with a smile, feeling relieved by Xu Damao's initiative.

The two began to get busy, and the kitchen was filled with the sound of cutting vegetables and the aroma of seasonings. He Yuzhu was responsible for cooking, while Xu Damao carefully prepared tofu. For a while, the atmosphere in the kitchen became relaxed and pleasant.

"Yuzhui, your cooking skills are really good." Xu Damao said while cutting vegetables, with admiration in his eyes.

He Yuzhu smiled gently: "In fact, cooking is just a matter of practice, and you will slowly master the skills. If you try a few more times, you will be able to cook well."

Xu Damao nodded, and his admiration for He Yuzhu grew day by day. He had always felt that he was too busy in the factory to study these details of life, but now he found that cooking could be a kind of enjoyment.

He Peng sat aside, watching the two busy figures, and felt a warm feeling in his heart. He never thought that he could find a sense of home here, and He Yuzhu's care and tolerance made him feel extremely precious.

"Uncle Xu, what dishes do you like to cook?" He Peng asked curiously, trying to join in their conversation.

Xu Damao stopped what he was doing and thought for a moment: "Actually, I don't cook very often, but I've tried some simple dishes recently. For example, this mapo tofu, I learned it from a book."

He Peng nodded, and was surprised at the change in Xu Damao. This man who had been in constant conflict with He Yuzhu has now become his partner in the kitchen. He Peng saw the subtle changes in the relationship between people and also realized the power of reconciliation and understanding.

Soon, the dishes were ready, and the table was filled with delicious food. He Yuzhu, Xu Damao and He Peng sat down together, ready to enjoy this sumptuous dinner.

"Come, everyone, try this Mapo Tofu." Xu Damao said confidently, putting a plate of tofu on the table.

He Yuzhu picked up a piece, tasted it carefully, and nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, the heat is well controlled, and the taste is also very good."

He Peng also tasted it and was surprised to find that it tasted better than he imagined: "Uncle Xu, you did a great job! It's much better than what I ate outside."

Xu Damao smiled, and his sense of accomplishment was beyond words. In the past, he always felt that he was not as good as He Yuzhu, and always wanted to compete with him in other aspects, but now he realized that the joy of life lies in sharing and communication, not meaningless competition.

At the following dinner table, the three of them talked and laughed, and the atmosphere was very harmonious. He Yuzhu found that Xu Damao was actually a very interesting person. He had many stories about factories and projects, which were vivid and interesting. He Peng listened carefully, occasionally interjected a sentence or two, and asked some questions.