Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

The afternoon work went smoothly, and Wang Qiang hardly felt tired. Every time he finished processing a part, he would say to himself, "Stay steady, keep going." This self-motivation allowed him to maintain a high morale throughout the entire work process.

After get off work, when he was about to leave the factory, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't seen He Yuzhu for several days. Although they worked in different places, they kept in close contact. Thinking of He Yuzhu's humorous face, Wang Qiang couldn't help but smile and thought, "Why don't I go talk to Yuzhu tonight and see how he is doing recently."

So Wang Qiang took out his cell phone and sent a message to He Yuzhu: "Yuzhu, are you free tonight? Let's have dinner together and chat." He Yuzhu called him, his voice full of excitement: "Xiao Qiang, I was looking for you! Where shall we meet tonight?"

Wang Qiang smiled: "The old place, our old restaurant, it's still the most comfortable place."

He Yuzhu readily agreed: "Okay, I'll go there after get off work, and we'll see you there!" Wang Qiang felt happy again. Everything seemed to be going so well today. His work went smoothly, his studies made progress, and he had old friends to keep him company in the evening. He felt that life was full of all kinds of wonderful possibilities.

As night fell, Wang Qiang walked into the familiar little restaurant. As soon as he entered the door, he saw He Yuzhu waiting inside. When the two met, He Yuzhu laughed and greeted, "Xiao Qiang, this way!" The two shook hands warmly and sat down. "You have been doing well recently. You look so energetic. What's going on? Are you in high spirits? It's just that your work has been going well recently and you are in a good mood. By the way, how are you doing recently?"

He Yuzhu grinned and said, "As for me, I'm still the same as always, busy with nothing. But, I heard that you've been doing very well in the factory recently, and everyone is praising you!"

Wang Qiang waved his hands and said with a smile: "It's not that exaggerated. I'm just in good shape recently. Teacher Ran praised me a few times, and I feel good. The topic ranged from work to life, and from life to the future. During the conversation, Wang Qiang felt extremely relaxed and happy. This kind of conversation between friends like He Yuzhu always allows him to let go of the burden in his heart and enjoy a moment of peace and pleasure.

After dinner, Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu walked on the streets at night. The cool night breeze blew gently as they chatted with each other, as if they had returned to their carefree youth.

He Yuzhu suddenly asked, "Xiao Qiang, what are your plans for the future? If you have the opportunity to go out and try your luck, what would you choose?"

Wang Qiang was silent for a moment, thinking about the changes and growth in recent days, and gradually had an answer in his heart. He slowly said: "Yuzhu, if there is a chance, I would like to give it a try. People can't always stay in one place. The world outside must be bigger. I want to learn more and do better. Patting Wang Qiang on the shoulder, he smiled and said: "You have an idea, kid, I believe in you. No matter where we go in the future, we are still brothers, remember this!"

Xu Damao stood up and patted Wang Qiang on the shoulder: "What you need is time and space to sort out your thoughts. Instead of struggling now, it is better to let go of these pressures and give yourself some time. Maybe during this time, you can find a solution that can meet practical needs while retaining emotional value."

Wang Qiang nodded and looked at Xu Damao gratefully: "Thank you, Xu Damao. Indeed, recent events have made me feel a little confused. Maybe I really need some time to re-examine these issues."

"That's right," Xu Damao said with a smile, "Don't rush to make a decision. We can have another drink, talk about other things, and relax."

The two sat back at the table, Xu Damao continued to pour wine, and the two began to chat about other interesting things and trivial matters in life. As the conversation deepened, Wang Qiang gradually felt a sense of relief. Although the problems in his heart still existed, he knew that at least at this moment he could temporarily put down those heavy burdens and enjoy the conversation and laughter among friends.

Time passed slowly, and the guests in the pub gradually dispersed. Wang Qiang and Xu Damao toasted for the last time to celebrate this fleeting moment of relaxation. Although Wang Qiang's mood was still complicated, he felt a rare sense of relief.

As the night drew to a close, Wang Qiang stood at the door of the tavern, ready to leave. He looked at the street outside, feeling as if he was about to be reborn. He knew that he still had to deal with Jia Zhang's business plan and find a balance between tradition and modernity, but he also understood that he had gained new strength and inspiration from this relaxation.

Xu Damao stood at the door and said goodbye to Wang Qiang: "Go to bed early, tomorrow is a new day. No matter what, remember that you are not alone in facing these troubles."

Wang Qiang smiled and nodded: "Thank you, Xu Damao. I will think about these issues carefully and try my best to find a suitable solution."

Wang Qiang left the bar, the night wind gently brushed his face, bringing a little coolness. He lowered his head and walked slowly, but the complicated emotions in his heart became increasingly uncontrollable. Although he drank and talked a lot with Xu Damao, those unresolved troubles and inner anxiety still lingered in his heart. Whenever it was late at night, Wang Qiang's thoughts began to become confused and uneasy.

Walking to the gate of the courtyard, Wang Qiang stood there and took a deep breath. The outline of the courtyard was clearer in the night, and the old bricks and tiles seemed to be telling stories of the past under the dim light. He gently pushed open the gate and walked into the yard, and the dissatisfaction and anger in his heart began to surge.

He began to complain to himself, his voice was low but full of suppressed anger: "Really, this guy Jia Zhang actually dared to come up with that kind of plan to force me. Did he think I was so easily tempted? What high-rise buildings, commercial complexes, there is no humanity in his plan at all."

Wang Qiang paced back and forth in the courtyard, his anger difficult to calm down. He looked around every corner of the courtyard, as if looking for someone to vent his anger on. His anger was not directed at Jia Zhang personally, but at the cold and ruthless business model in the process of modernization. He felt like he was being forced into a situation with no way out.

"Why must they destroy everything in this way?" Wang Qiang's voice gradually rose. "The Siheyuan has existed for so many years. Does he have to tear it all down just because he likes this piece of land?"

He walked to the corner of the yard, where there was an old-fashioned flower bed filled with various flowers and plants. He squatted down, stroking the yellowed leaves with his fingers, feeling a wave of loss. The flowers and plants seemed to be laughing at his powerlessness, and Wang Qiang became more and more angry.