Siheyuan: Buyers get rich from hunting

The sun shines on the bulletin board of the Transportation Department of the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill, and a tense atmosphere permeates the air. Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong squeezed in the crowd, their eyes full of expectation and anxiety, staring closely at the list on the bulletin board that determines their fate. The parents around them are also anxiously waiting, with different expressions on their faces, some are happy, and some are sad.

Liu Haizhong's heart gradually became heavier as his eyes moved down the line. He carefully searched for his child's name, but each time ended in disappointment. Every search was a blow, making him feel extremely lost. Finally, when he confirmed for the last time, his hope was completely shattered. He sighed deeply and prepared to turn around and leave.

However, just as he was about to turn around, his eyes inadvertently swept across the end of the list. Suddenly, two familiar names flashed through his mind like a flash of lightning - Yan Jiecheng and Xu Damao. He stopped abruptly, his eyes wide open, as if he couldn't believe what he saw.

Yi Zhonghai noticed something strange in his bangs, and curiously took a closer look. He was also shocked by the two names and was speechless. The two of them looked gloomy in an instant, and anger spread in their hearts.

"This... How is this possible?!" Liu Haizhong's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief, and he kept repeating this sentence. His voice was full of confusion and shock, as if he couldn't accept what was happening before his eyes.

Yi Zhonghai, who was standing by, also frowned and shook his head helplessly, indicating that he was also confused. He agreed solemnly, "Yes, although they are smart, I have never heard of any special skills or deep backgrounds. How could they be selected so easily?"

After hearing this, the people around started to whisper to each other. For a while, the selection of Yan Jiecheng and Xu Damao became a hot topic. Some people speculated that they might have hidden talents unknown to the public, while others thought that it was just pure luck.

However, Liu Haizhong felt mixed emotions. But soon, he realized that this might be a profound lesson that life has given them, warning them not to judge a person's ability based solely on appearance. So, he gently patted Yi Zhonghai on the shoulder and said meaningfully: "It seems that in the future, we have to pay more attention to children's interests and unique expertise, rather than just limiting ourselves to textbook knowledge."

Yi Zhonghai nodded, indicating his agreement with Liu Lan. The two smiled at each other, with a hint of relief in their eyes. They knew that although the result of this interview was unexpected, it also taught the parents of Siheyuan a vivid lesson: opportunities are always reserved for those who are prepared and dare to try.

However, this news did not make everyone happy. Some people in the courtyard began to talk about it, especially those families whose children were not admitted.

"Oh my, have you heard? Yan Jiecheng and Xu Damao, those two guys, actually got into the transportation department of the steel rolling mill! The world has really changed!" Aunt Li waved her fan, an expression of surprise and confusion on her face.

"That's right. Back then, when they were fooling around in the yard, who would have thought that they would be able to wear the worker's uniform and have a stable job today!" Uncle Wang took a puff of his pipe, his eyes full of emotion. His voice was full of vicissitudes, as if he saw the shadow of his youth.

"Our little Zhuzi studies like a sutra every day, but in the end he is not as good as others who know how to play. What's the point of studying?" Aunt Zhao slapped her thigh anxiously, her tone full of helplessness and resignation. She looked at her own child and felt a little disappointed.

"Hey, Aunt Zhao, you can't say that. Knowledge is still useful, but the world is changing, and opportunities are also important." Uncle Zhang, wearing reading glasses, analyzed slowly and tried to comfort her. His voice was gentle and kind, as if it could soothe people's anxiety and uneasiness.

"Opportunity? I think they are good at flattering, otherwise how could they get into the Transportation Department?" Aunt Liu curled her lips, with a bit of sourness in her tone. Her eyes flickered with jealousy and dissatisfaction, as if she was full of prejudice and doubt towards those who entered the Transportation Department.

"We can't generalize. Maybe he is really capable. We should encourage children to learn more and try more instead of staying in the yard all the time." Grandpa Sun, one of the few educated elders in the yard, always encourages young people to have foresight. His words reveal a respect for knowledge and hard work, and also express his expectations for the growth of young people.

"That's right, our children have to work hard too. We can't always rely on the halo of the older generation to live. Times have changed. We have to make our own way in the world." Aunt Chen took over the conversation with a firm look in her eyes. Her face was filled with confidence and determination, as if telling everyone that as long as they have courage and perseverance, they can create their own future.

"In the final analysis, we the older generation have to let go and let the children go. Yan Jiecheng and Xu Damao can do it, so can our children!" Grandpa Li slapped his thigh and made the final decision, and everyone nodded in agreement.

For a while, the courtyard was full of discussions, some were surprised at the achievements of Yan Jiecheng and Xu Damao, and some were looking forward to and worried about the future of their children. But in any case, this sudden news undoubtedly added an unusual color to the peaceful courtyard life.

At night, the stars twinkle, and the moonlight gently sprinkles on the roof and ground of the courtyard. Everything seems quiet and peaceful. However, on this seemingly peaceful night, Yan Bugui is extremely excited. He is wearing that old shirt that has been washed white, but it can't hide the pride on his face. He walks leisurely in the yard, and every step seems so calm, as if the atmosphere of the whole yard is infected by his joy and becomes relaxed and happy.

"Oh, Old Yan, I heard that your Jie Cheng became a worker in the steel rolling mill? Now, your family has three workers!" Aunt Li walked over slowly, fanning herself, and her voice revealed a hint of envy and ridicule. Yan Bugui couldn't help but chuckle after hearing this. His eyes narrowed into a thin slit, and the corners of his mouth turned up. He said with joy: "Of course, my Jie Cheng is very smart. This time he has brought honor to our family!" "Tsk tsk, I really can't believe it. Jie Cheng, who is always laughing and joking, can actually pass the exam to become a worker." Uncle Wang stood aside, his eyes full of surprise and admiration, and he couldn't help but sigh.

Yan Bugui became more and more proud. He waved his hands complacently and said modestly: "Oh, stop praising me. Jie Cheng is still young and he has a long way to go. But, my family does have three employees now, and we can live a more comfortable life." His words were full of expectations and confidence for future life, as if he had already seen a better tomorrow.

As the news of Yan Jiecheng becoming a worker spread, people in the yard gathered around. Some of them congratulated Yan Bugui on his son becoming a worker; some curiously asked about the details of Yan Jiecheng's work; and some showed sour words and complicated eyes, as if they were a little jealous of the Yan family's good fortune. However, these did not make Yan Bugui feel unhappy at all. On the contrary, he enjoyed the attention and envy of everyone even more complacently. He secretly rejoiced in his original decision and thought that it was all worth it.

Finally, Yan Bugui had enough of wandering around and returned home contentedly. As soon as he entered the house, he smelled an alluring aroma of meat. It turned out that in order to celebrate Yan Jiecheng becoming a worker, the Yan family had eaten meat for the first time. Although it was just a simple stew, it was a rare delicacy for this family.

The table was filled with sumptuous dishes, and the aroma filled the air. Yan Bugui sat in the main seat, his face flushed with joy that could not be concealed. He raised the wine glass in his hand, his eyes full of pride and satisfaction, and said to Yan Jiecheng: "Jiecheng, today Dad has to congratulate you! You have become a worker, which is a stable and glorious career. From now on, our family will have more hope for the future. Come, have a sip!"

Yan Jiecheng took the wine glass with a smile, his heart filled with emotion and pride. He knew that this honor belonged not only to him, but also to the whole family. He was grateful for his father's support and encouragement, and secretly made up his mind to work hard to live up to his family's expectations and create better living conditions for them.

The wine glasses of the father and son gently clinked together, making a crisp sound. Yan Jiecheng raised his head and drank it all. The spicy liquor flowed down his throat into his stomach, but he felt a warm power surge in his heart. He understood that from this moment on, he would shoulder more responsibilities and obligations and become the backbone of the family.

In this small courtyard, the joyful atmosphere of the Yan family spread, as if it could infect everyone. Neighbors came to congratulate, and there was constant laughter and joy. Yan Bugui looked at the lively scene in front of him, and his heart was filled with emotion. He thought of the hard years in the past, and now he finally ushered in the dawn of hope. He believed that as long as the family united and worked together, life in the future would get better and better.

Yan Bugui looked at the other children again and said earnestly: "And you, second son, you must also work hard and try to find a good job as soon as possible. Third son and youngest daughter, you must also study hard and bring honor to our family like your brother in the future!" The children nodded one after another, saying that they would study hard and live up to their parents' expectations.

The dinner at the Yan family continued, with laughter and blessings interweaving together, forming a warm and harmonious picture. In this courtyard, the bond of family affection is closely connected, and every family member has a vision of a better future. As the eldest son of the family, Yan Jiecheng is taking a firm step towards a new stage of life. He will use his own efforts to write a glorious chapter for the Yan family.

The children nodded one after another, with determination and expectation in their eyes. At this moment, the Yan family seemed to be surrounded by a warm and firm force. They knew that as long as they worked hard, the future would be better.