Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

"Qiangzi, I understand how you feel." He Yuzhu whispered, with a hint of helplessness and heartache in his tone, "Don't always think about the results. Sometimes, the process is more important than the result. You have to believe that as long as you persist, there will always be good results. You may not be able to see it now, but it does not mean that there is no hope in the future."

After listening to He Yuzhu's words, Wang Qiang's anger gradually subsided. He knew that He Yuzhu was doing this for his own good, but he still felt a deep sense of powerlessness. This feeling was like a mountain pressing down on his chest, making it impossible for him to breathe.

"I'm really tired, Yuzhu." Wang Qiang whispered, with a tremor in his voice, "I don't know how long I can hold on. Sometimes I really feel that all this is meaningless."

He Yuzhu sighed, walked forward, and put his arm around Wang Qiang's shoulders. "Qiangzi, don't think like that. Life is indeed difficult sometimes, but as long as you don't give up, there will always be a way out. You are not alone in your struggle. I will always be with you. Let's find a way together. No matter how difficult this road is, we must keep going."

Wang Qiang felt the strength of He Yuzhu, and the oppressive feeling in his heart was slightly relieved. He knew that he could not give up, at least he still had friends by his side to support him, which made him feel a little warm.

"Thank you, Yuzhu." Wang Qiang said softly, with a hint of gratitude and relief in his voice.

He Yuzhu smiled and patted Wang Qiang on the back, "We are brothers, no need to thank me. Come to me if you have any problems in the future, don't carry it alone."

Wang Qiang nodded, and the feeling of depression in his heart finally dissipated a little. He knew that he needed to learn to accept these negative emotions and find a way to release them instead of letting them bother him all the time.

The two walked side by side in the alley, with a hint of tacit understanding in their silence. Wang Qiang felt that the burden in his heart was slightly relieved. Although the road ahead was still unclear, he at least knew that he was not alone and that he had friends around to support him.

Wang Qiang's neighbor Jia Dongxu is a sad existence. Jia Dongxu is over 50 years old and was once a famous carpenter in the alley, but now he is in a state of poverty. When Jia Dongxu was young, he had good skills and relied on his skills to live a well-off life. However, fate always seems to be against him. In an accident at a construction site, Jia Dongxu's right hand was seriously injured and he can hardly do carpentry work anymore.

Since then, Jia Dongxu's life has fallen into trouble. His wife, unable to bear the poverty and pressure, eventually chose to leave him and took away their only son. Jia Dongxu has become more taciturn since then. He paces back and forth in the courtyard every day, with vicissitudes and loneliness written all over his face. Wang Qiang sometimes visits Jia Dongxu and helps him do what he can, such as repairing the roof or carrying wood. Although Jia Dongxu always speaks coldly to Wang Qiang, Wang Qiang never takes it to heart, because he knows that Jia Dongxu's inner pain is much more than what he shows on the surface.

After Wang Qiang graduated from high school, he failed to get into college and could only work hard in society. He worked in many jobs, including delivering takeout, working as a courier, and serving dishes in a restaurant. But no matter how hard it was, Wang Qiang never gave up his dream. He hoped that one day he could make enough money to leave this courtyard and give himself and his family a better life.

By chance, Wang Qiang met a friend who worked in a real estate company. The friend told him that the real estate industry was in need of manpower and if he was willing, he could recommend him to the company for a try. Wang Qiang was very excited and immediately went to the company for an interview. With his diligence and hard work, he finally got the job.

After work, Wang Qiang became increasingly busy and had little time to return to the courtyard. Every time he returned, he would find that Jia Dongxu's condition was getting worse and worse. Jia Dongxu's body was getting weaker and weaker, his carpentry tools had long been rusty, and his house was in a state of disrepair because no one cared for it. Wang Qiang knew that Jia Dongxu's time was running out, but he was powerless and could only silently wish Jia Dongxu to spend the rest of his days in peace.

One day, Wang Qiang received a call from his neighbor that Jia Dongxu was ill and lying in bed unable to move. Wang Qiang immediately rushed back to the courtyard and saw Jia Dongxu's haggard appearance, and he felt mixed emotions. He invited a doctor to treat Jia Dongxu, but the doctor's face made Wang Qiang realize that Jia Dongxu's condition was irreversible. Wang Qiang stayed with Jia Dongxu every day, helping him cook, clean, and take care of his daily life.

On a cold winter night, Jia Dongxu suddenly held Wang Qiang's hand, with a hint of hope and regret in his eyes. He said to Wang Qiang in a weak voice: "Xiao Qiang, I have nothing to regret in my life. The only thing I am worried about is my child. I hope you can help me find him and let him know that I have been waiting for him to come back." After saying this, Jia Dongxu's hand fell weakly, his eyes slowly closed, and he passed away peacefully.

Jia Dongxu's death made Wang Qiang feel heavy-hearted. He decided to fulfill Jia Dongxu's last wish and find his son. After much inquiry, Wang Qiang finally found Jia Dongxu's son Jia Ming, who had already started a family and had his own life. When Jia Ming learned of his father's death, a hint of complex emotions appeared in his eyes. He decided to return to the courtyard and hold a simple funeral for his father.

On the day of the funeral, all the neighbors in the courtyard came to bid farewell to Jia Dongxu. They stood in front of his coffin, prayed silently, and recalled his past. Jia Ming stood in front of the coffin, tears in his eyes. He bowed deeply, his heart filled with guilt and longing for his father.

After the funeral, Jia Ming decided to stay and sort out his father's belongings. Wang Qiang also helped him sort out the things. Looking through the tools and works left by Jia Dongxu, Wang Qiang seemed to see Jia Dongxu's glorious past. Jia Ming finally chose to stay and continue to live in this courtyard. He hoped that through his own efforts, he could bring new vitality to this courtyard.

Wang Qiang looked at Jia Ming's choice and had a new understanding in his heart. He decided to continue to struggle, not only for himself, but also for those who had helped him. He understood that no matter how difficult life was, as long as he had a dream in his heart, he would be able to find his own light.

Wang Qiang decided to buy some vermicelli and bamboo shoots, which were Jia Dongxu's favorite dishes when he was alive. He walked into the vegetable market, felt the hustle and bustle of the crowd and the smell of fresh ingredients, and a warm feeling of nostalgia surged in his heart. He selected the best vermicelli and bamboo shoots, thinking that he must make the most authentic home-cooked dish to commemorate Jia Dongxu.