Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

Xu Damao's pub is not far from the courtyard, about 20 minutes' walk. Wang Qiang walked on the street, the cool evening breeze blowing on his face, making him feel a little calmer. He remembered a sentence Xu Damao often said: "No matter how big the matter is, a glass of wine can always make people feel good." Although this sounded a bit frivolous, today he sincerely hoped to use the wine to relieve his tense mood.

When Wang Qiang pushed open the door of the pub, the pub was already bustling with people. Xu Damao was sitting at a round table, chatting with several regular guests. When he saw Wang Qiang come in, he immediately stood up and greeted him warmly: "Wang Qiang, what a rare guest! Come on, come on, sit down, I just prepared some good wine."

Wang Qiang sat down with a smile. Xu Damao poured him a glass of wine, then poured himself a glass and raised his glass. "Come on, let's toast to our meeting!"

After the two clinked their glasses, Wang Qiang drank it all in one gulp. The warmth of the alcohol spread in his throat, seeming to take away some of the heaviness. He took a deep breath and poured out all his troubles and feelings to Xu Damao.

"I talked to Jia Zhang today. His plan is indeed very comprehensive and visionary." Wang Qiang shook his head. "But the Siheyuan is too important to me. Every time I see it, I think of my father and the past. I don't know how to accept modern changes while retaining this emotion."

Xu Damao nodded, frowning slightly. "Indeed, the Siheyuan is the foundation of your family. It's not easy to make a decision on this matter."

"I have this dilemma in my mind now," Wang Qiang continued. "Jia Zhang's proposal makes me feel conflicted. Although the conditions he offers are very tempting, I still feel that no matter how the courtyard house changes, it should retain some of its past flavor."

After hearing this, Xu Damao picked up his wine glass and said with a smile: "Then you have to think about it carefully. However, let's not think about those things tonight. Let's drink, sing songs, and relax."

Wang Qiang nodded, and he also felt that Xu Damao's words made sense. Seeing this, the owner of the pub immediately arranged for microphones and speakers. Everyone knew that Xu Damao and Wang Qiang always liked to sing songs to relieve boredom while drinking.

After three rounds of drinks, Xu Damao picked up the microphone with great interest and began to sing the Peking Opera of the old city. "The days of the past have become slower, and the cars, horses, and mail are all slower..."

Wang Qiang listened to the familiar melody, and his inner anxiety seemed to be gradually relaxed. Xu Damao's voice has a unique magnetism. Even though he is not a professional actor, he can sing Peking Opera vividly and interestingly. Wang Qiang also hummed along. Although his singing was not standard, he felt that he was gradually immersed in this relaxing atmosphere.

As the music played, a joyful atmosphere gradually spread in the pub. Guests also joined in the singing, and everyone sang in unison, making the atmosphere of the entire pub even more lively. Although Wang Qiang was getting drunker, the contradictions in his heart began to subside gradually. In such an atmosphere, he could temporarily forget the things that bothered him and enjoy the joy in front of him.

After Xu Damao sang a few songs on the stage, he saw that Wang Qiang was in a relaxed mood, so he came down and sat next to Wang Qiang, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Okay, don't think about those troubles anymore. Let's think about the matter of the Siheyuan slowly, and we can always find a solution."

Wang Qiang felt a little emotional when listening to Xu Damao's words. He knew that Xu Damao had always been one of his most trusted friends. No matter what difficulties he encountered, Xu Damao could always help him out of the predicament in a simple and direct way.

"Thank you, Xu Damao." Wang Qiang said gratefully, "I really feel much better with you around."

"It's nothing," Xu Damao said with a smile, "Friends should support each other."

The two continued to drink and sing, and the joyful atmosphere in the bar gradually dispelled Wang Qiang's anxiety and worries. At this moment, he felt like he was freed from the pressure of reality and enjoyed the pleasure of the moment. He knew that although the problem still existed, at least now he could relax a little and give himself a chance to breathe.

As the night deepened, the noise in the pub gradually subsided. Wang Qiang and Xu Damao sat at a table and talked about the interesting things in the past. Xu Damao's stories were always full of humor, which made Wang Qiang laugh. Whenever he laughed, Wang Qiang would feel that perhaps these small joys were a kind of strength for him to face future challenges.

Late at night, the lights of the pub illuminated Wang Qiang's slightly red cheeks. He looked at the wine glass on the table, but his heart was no longer as heavy as before. Xu Damao's humor and singing made him forget his troubles temporarily, but as time passed, the contradictions and entanglements hidden deep in his heart gradually returned to his mind.

Wang Qiang stood up, walked to the window, and looked through the glass at the gradually deserted streets outside. The city under the cover of night seemed particularly quiet, as if all the noise had been sucked into the darkness. His thoughts returned to the courtyard, the place that carried countless memories, and waves of unbearable pain surged in his heart.

Xu Damao noticed something was wrong with Wang Qiang, walked over, and asked softly, "What's wrong? Something doesn't seem right."

Wang Qiang sighed slightly, turned around, with a hint of helplessness and sadness in his eyes: "Xu Damao, tell me, if you were me, how would you deal with the Siheyuan incident?"

Xu Damao's expression became serious. He sat down and looked at Wang Qiang seriously: "I know that Siheyuan is not just a place for you, but the foundation of your family and your father's legacy. Although Jia Zhang's proposal has its commercial value, it is indeed a difficult decision to make."

"I really can't bear to change it." Wang Qiang's voice is low and solemn. "Whenever I think of those blue bricks, gray tiles, and the days when our family lived here, I feel that this is not just a building, it represents a part of our history and emotions."

Xu Damao nodded. He understood Wang Qiang's complicated feelings: "Indeed, this kind of emotional thing is difficult to measure with money. Even though Jia Zhang's plan looks attractive, your inner struggle is understandable."

Wang Qiang took a deep breath, his eyes revealing a hint of determination: "I tried to find a balance between tradition and modernity, but sometimes, the harder I tried, the more I found it difficult to choose between the two. Every inch of the courtyard carries too many memories, and I really can't bear to let it be completely changed."