Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

He knew that this was just a small beginning, but at least he was taking action and creating value for his life.

"I really made money today!" After the heavy rain stopped for a while, He Yuzhu excitedly counted the money in his hand with a smile on his face, "Brother Wang, we did a good job today."

Wang Qiang also smiled. Although he didn't make much money, he felt a long-lost sense of satisfaction in his heart. This sense of achievement gained through his own efforts was much stronger than wasting time at home.

"Yuzhui, thank you. If it weren't for you, I don't know what to do." Wang Qiang said sincerely, his heart full of gratitude to He Yuzhui.

He Yuzhu waved his hands and said with a smile: "What's there to thank for? We should help each other. Besides, we have a bigger chance. Today is just the beginning. We can think of more ways in the future."

Wang Qiang nodded, and a new hope emerged in his heart. He knew that he could no longer be lazy and idle like before, but should take the initiative to find opportunities and create his own life. Perhaps, he did not need to do anything big at the beginning, but starting from these small things, gradually accumulating experience and confidence, the road ahead would become wider and wider.

The rain stopped, the afterglow of the setting sun appeared in the sky, and the people in the market gradually dispersed. Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu packed up their stalls and put the remaining umbrellas back into the bag. Although they were tired, they felt particularly relaxed.

"Brother Wang, today is a great start. Go back and have a good rest. We will continue tomorrow." He Yuzhu said to Wang Qiang with a smile, his face full of anticipation.

Wang Qiang also smiled and nodded in response, "Okay, let's continue tomorrow. I am becoming more and more confident about the future."

The next morning, the sun shone through the thin curtains onto the bed. Wang Qiang slowly opened his eyes, and the fatigue from last night seemed to still remain in his body. He stretched his body, feeling the soreness of his muscles, but also a rare sense of satisfaction. The experience of selling umbrellas with He Yuzhu yesterday rekindled his hope for life, but at the same time, he also felt a little uneasy.

“Should I talk to someone about these ideas?” Wang Qiang thought. He needed someone to talk to. Maybe the other person could give him some advice or a new perspective to help him sort out his thoughts.

The image of Xu Damao emerged in his mind. Xu Damao was a neighbor who was a few years older than him in the courtyard. He was also a very smart person. He liked to give advice to others and was very thoughtful in doing things. Wang Qiang thought that Xu Damao might be a good person to talk to.

Thinking of this, Wang Qiang decided to go talk to Xu Damao today. He got up, packed up, had some breakfast, and then walked out of the house and went straight to Xu Damao's house.

Xu Damao's home was at the other end of the courtyard. Wang Qiang walked in the familiar alley and felt the tranquility all around. The air was filled with a light morning mist, and the breeze blew, making him feel a little cool. He was a little nervous, wondering if Xu Damao was willing to listen to him talk about these trivial matters, after all, their friendship was not very deep.

When he arrived at Xu Damao's door, he couldn't help but hesitate. He stood at the door, raised his hand and put it down, struggling whether to knock on the door. Just as he was hesitating, the door suddenly opened, and Xu Damao looked at Wang Qiang standing at the door with surprise.

"Wang Qiang? You're here so early. Is there something wrong?" Xu Damao frowned slightly when he saw that Wang Qiang seemed a little uneasy.

Wang Qiang smiled awkwardly, "Brother Damao, I...I want to talk to you. There is something I don't know how to deal with."

Seeing that he looked serious, Xu Damao stepped aside and opened the door. "Come in. I have nothing to do. Let's have a good chat."

Wang Qiang followed Xu Damao into the house, which was simply and neatly decorated. There were a few books and a set of tea sets on a coffee table, which looked particularly elegant. Xu Damao asked Wang Qiang to sit on the sofa, and he went to the kitchen to make two cups of tea and handed one to Wang Qiang.

"Tell me, what's the matter that brings you to see me so early?" Xu Damao sat on the chair opposite, holding a teacup, with a calm expression.

Wang Qiang picked up the teacup, took a sip, and felt the warmth of the tea spreading in his mouth, which made him feel a little more relaxed. He was silent for a moment, and then he slowly spoke, "Brother Damao, I feel a little confused about life recently, and I don't know how to go on."

Xu Damao raised his eyebrows, revealing a hint of curiosity. "Oh? Why are you confused? Haven't you always been very opinionated?"

Wang Qiang gave a bitter smile, "Yes, but I always feel like I have lost my direction recently. I don't know what to do every day, and I can't get motivated to do anything. Yesterday, Yu Zhu and I sold umbrellas together. Although we made a little money, I still felt a little empty inside."

Xu Damao nodded, as if thinking about Wang Qiang's words. He knew that Wang Qiang had always been a thoughtful person with his own pursuits in life, but perhaps it was precisely because of this pursuit that he had more confusion and anxiety about reality.

"Qiangzi, it's normal to feel confused." Xu Damao said slowly, "In fact, I've had this feeling before. We all seek meaning in life, but sometimes we find that the harder we work, the more empty we feel. But you have to understand that the meaning of life doesn't necessarily have to be some grand goal. Sometimes, finding a way of life that makes you feel at ease is the greatest satisfaction."

Wang Qiang listened to Xu Damao's words, and gradually felt touched. He knew that Xu Damao's words made sense, but he still felt a sense of emptiness deep in his heart that could not be filled.

"But, Brother Damao, I always feel like I'm missing something." Wang Qiang sighed, "I don't know how to find my own path. I feel like I'm not interested in anything I do now."

Xu Damao was silent for a while, put down the teacup in his hand, and his eyes became a little deep. "Qiangzi, let me ask you a question. Have you ever thought about what you really want? It's not the expectations of the outside world, not the opinions of others, but the deepest desire in your heart."

Wang Qiang was stunned. He had never thought about this question carefully. He had always been busy with life and trying to survive, but he never really stopped to ask himself what he really wanted.

Xu Damao saw Wang Qiang's expression and continued, "You know what? Oftentimes, the root of our confusion is that we put too much energy into catering to the expectations of the outside world and ignore our own hearts. You feel empty now, maybe because you haven't found something that really makes you feel fulfilled."