Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

"It's nothing special, I just think that we are all neighbors and should be considerate of each other." Wang Qiang said softly, "I know you have lived here for a long time and it may be difficult for you to change your living habits. We can have a good chat and sort things out."

Jia Zhang looked up at him, a trace of hesitation flashed in her eyes. She took the osmanthus cake, opened the package, took out a piece and tasted it, and the expression on her face gradually eased.

"This sweet-scented osmanthus cake is well made." Jia Zhang swallowed the cake and forced a smile, "You boy, you actually know that I like to eat this kind of dessert."

"Aunt Jia, as long as you like it." Wang Qiang responded with a smile, "Actually, I don't like quarrels. Isn't it better for everyone to live together in harmony?"

Jia Zhang was silent for a while, as if she was weighing her attitude. She looked down at the box of sweet-scented osmanthus cake, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, and a look of relief appeared in her eyes. "Okay, Wang Qiang, you're right. We can have a good chat and sort things out. Although I have a bad temper, I don't want to make things too awkward."

Wang Qiang sat in Jia Zhang's small living room, feeling nervous. He watched Jia Zhang savor the sweet-scented osmanthus cake, and his expression gradually softened, and a glimmer of hope appeared in his heart. The sweet smell of cakes in the living room filled the air, like a warm sunshine, slowly dispelling the haze in his heart.

Jia Zhang tasted a piece of osmanthus cake, smacked her lips, and said with a little satisfaction: "This osmanthus cake is really good, very delicately made. Are you trying to impress me with dessert?"

Wang Qiang smiled slightly when he heard this, but his heart was a little complicated. Although Jia Zhang's attitude had eased, he knew that solving the problem was far more than just a box of desserts. He tried to adjust his mood and try to make himself look more natural and relaxed.

"Aunt Jia, dessert is just the beginning." Wang Qiang whispered, "I really hope we can sit down and have a good talk. After all, when we live together, living in harmony is always the most important thing."

Jia Zhang nodded, with a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "Well, let's talk about the Siheyuan." Although her tone was calm, Wang Qiang could sense that she was still somewhat resistant.

Wang Qiang adjusted his sitting position and tried to look sincere. He knew that to solve the problem, he had to first understand Jia Zhang's true thoughts. He asked softly, "Aunt Jia, what are you dissatisfied with in this courtyard? If we can improve it, do you think it will make you live more comfortably?"

Jia Zhang took a deep breath, as if she was organizing her thoughts. She put down the cake in her hand, and her eyes became a little complicated. After a moment, she slowly spoke: "I have lived here for so many years, and I am indeed a little used to it. But you are right, some problems here also bother me. For example, there are often people making noise in the yard, and I also hope to have a quiet environment."

Wang Qiang's heart moved. He knew that Jia Zhang was not simply picky, but had her own difficulties. He felt distressed and thought that his previous approach might be a bit too direct. He tried to understand Jia Zhang's predicament better and tried to make himself look more considerate and caring.

"I understand." Wang Qiang nodded. "In fact, I also found that there are some areas in the courtyard that need improvement, such as the noise problem. We can consider doing some sound insulation or adjusting the residents' schedules. This may be helpful to you."

When Jia Zhang heard Wang Qiang's proposal, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She said uncertainly, "Are you really willing to spend time on these things?"

"Of course." Wang Qiang said firmly, "I hope everyone can live comfortably. Solving the problem is not a matter of one day or one night, but as long as we are all willing to work hard, we will definitely find a way."

Jia Zhang was silent for a while, as if she was considering Wang Qiang's words. She looked down at the sweet-scented osmanthus cake in her hand, and a touch of emotion flashed in her eyes. Wang Qiang's sincerity slowly loosened her defenses, and she began to seriously consider whether she should adjust her attitude.

"Actually, I don't want to keep arguing with people." Jia Zhang said slowly, "I have a quick temper and get angry easily when I get used to it. I will consider what you said."

Wang Qiang was relieved and felt that his efforts had paid off. He said seriously, "Aunt Jia, I don't mean to go against you. I just hope that we can get along well. In fact, I have my own difficulties, and we can understand and support each other."

Jia Zhang's eyes softened and she nodded in agreement. Wang Qiang felt relieved. He knew that although the problem was not completely solved, at least the communication and understanding between the two sides had made great progress.

In the following conversation, Wang Qiang and Jia Zhang gradually found common ground. Wang Qiang made some reasonable suggestions, including improving the environment and management methods of the yard, and Jia Zhang also expressed some of his own needs and concerns. Although they had differences, they gradually reached some consensus in the discussion.

Wang Qiang felt warm inside. He couldn't bear to see Jia Zhang in a bad mood because of some minor problems. He hoped that he could make this courtyard more comfortable and harmonious through his efforts. Jia Zhang's attitude gradually became positive. She began to take the initiative to participate in the discussion and put forward some feasible suggestions.

At the end of the conversation, the relationship between Wang Qiang and Jia Zhang was obviously much better. They said goodbye to each other, and Wang Qiang returned to his room with a hint of expectation and uneasiness.

The next morning, Wang Qiang got up early and looked at the sunshine outside the window, feeling warm in his heart. The conversation with Jia Zhang gave him some hope. Although he knew it would take time to solve the problem, he had decided to start with the details and try his best to improve everyone's living environment. After breakfast, Wang Qiang decided to go to the nearby market to buy some dough - he heard that Jia Zhang had a special liking for this kind of food.

As Wang Qiang walked, he thought about how to further melt Jia Zhang's defenses. He knew that sweet-scented osmanthus cake alone was not enough, and that dough, a daily food, might be more approachable. He hoped that through these small actions, Jia Zhang would feel his sincerity, and he also hoped that he could find more solutions to the problem in the process.

The mornings at the market are always full of noise and energy. Wang Qiang walked into a bustling market, where street stalls were filled with all kinds of fresh ingredients and traditional local delicacies. He expertly moved through the crowds, stopping from time to time to smell the aromas from the stalls and taste samples.