Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

People in the yard gradually gathered to watch the final result of the contest. Old Zhang slowly walked between the two and said with a smile, "Okay, okay, let's see who can win today. But no matter who wins or loses, we still have to fill everyone's stomach in the end."

Wang Qiang and Liu Guangtian looked at each other and didn't say anything. In the next few hours, everyone started to help the two harvest corn and vegetables and prepare to calculate the final yield.

As the harvest progressed, Wang Qiang gradually relaxed. He found that his corn was not only abundant in quantity but also full in grains, which was better than he expected. Although Liu Guangtian also harvested a lot, he did not seem as confident as he had shown before.

Finally, the results were revealed. After joint calculations by several old residents in the yard, Wang Qiang's corn yield was actually slightly better!

Liu Guangtian's face was livid, and his eyes were filled with mixed emotions, including surprise, unwillingness, and a bit of shame. He thought he had a sure win, and bet that Wang Qiang would fall flat on his face this time, but he never expected that Wang Qiang's corn yield was actually higher than his own vegetables. He had obviously started this bet, but he didn't get what he wanted. Liu Guangtian felt extremely embarrassed, especially under the gaze of everyone in the courtyard, and he felt a little embarrassed.

The neighbors who were watching began to whisper. Everyone was surprised by the result of the bet. Someone whispered, "I didn't expect Wang Qiang to win. It seems that he is really good at it."

"Yes, Liu Guangtian has fallen on hard times this time. He is usually so eloquent, but I didn't expect that he would fall on corn this time."

Listening to these discussions, Liu Guangtian's face flushed. He forced a smile and said reluctantly, "Okay, okay, Wang Qiang, you're lucky this time. But, if you lose, you lose. I, Liu Guangtian, am not the kind of person who won't admit it. According to the bet, I will treat everyone to a meal."

Although Liu Guangtian appeared to admit defeat, Wang Qiang could see that he was not really convinced. Wang Qiang did not like this kind of meaningless fight. He knew that if this matter was not handled properly, the atmosphere in the courtyard would become more tense. So he decided not to let the matter develop into a stalemate, and secretly thought about how to stabilize the situation without letting Liu Guangtian lose face.

Wang Qiang pondered for a moment, walked to Liu Guangtian, and said softly: "Brother Liu, everyone can see that you have put a lot of effort into growing vegetables. Today's bet is an opportunity for us to learn from each other. Corn and vegetables are both part of the yard. I think we can sit down and have a good chat about how to make better use of the land in the yard so that everyone can benefit."

After these words came out, not only Liu Guangtian was stunned for a moment, but the neighbors beside him also stopped talking and looked at Wang Qiang. Originally, everyone thought that Wang Qiang would take advantage of the victory to pursue and make Liu Guangtian completely embarrassed, but unexpectedly, he took the initiative to propose a peaceful solution.

Liu Guangtian was stunned for a few seconds, and then his expression gradually eased. He was prepared to deal with it head-on, and even planned to find an opportunity to win back a game later, but Wang Qiang's words caught him off guard. Wang Qiang did not pursue the victory, but instead left him a way out so that he would not lose face in front of everyone.

Although Liu Guangtian was still holding his breath, he had to admire Wang Qiang's wit and generosity. He forced a smile, nodded and said, "Wang Qiang, it seems that I really underestimated you before. You are a broad-minded person, and I, Liu Guangtian, can't compare. Today, let's do as you said. Let's not get entangled in who wins and who loses. Let's sit down and have a good talk. Everyone has a share in the affairs of the hospital."

Hearing Liu Guangtian's words, Wang Qiang felt relieved. He didn't like betting with others, and he didn't want to cause any confrontation in the hospital because of this trivial matter. Now that Liu Guangtian's attitude softened, things finally developed in a good direction.

The two stood in the middle of the yard, facing the neighbors who were watching. Wang Qiang said solemnly, "As you all saw, there is actually no winner or loser between the two of us in today's competition. I grow corn, and Brother Liu grows vegetables, all for the good of the yard. In fact, we shouldn't just compete for the bet, but we should find ways to make the whole yard more prosperous. Everyone has a share of the land in the yard, so why not make good use of it so that everyone can have a good harvest?"

The neighbors nodded in agreement after hearing his sincere words. Usually, everyone farmed and managed their own land, and rarely had the opportunity to get together and discuss. Wang Qiang's words enlightened them that the land in the yard was not just for comparison, but could benefit the whole yard through cooperation.

An elderly neighbor said, "Wang Qiang is right. We have been working independently for many years and have never thought about working together. In fact, there is not much land in the yard. If we can work together and do collective planting, it will definitely be better than working alone."

Another neighbor also agreed: "Yes, I think we can discuss and see how to divide the work and cooperate. Wang Qiang, since you have this idea, why don't you take the lead in organizing it and let everyone do it together?"

Wang Qiang was a little surprised to hear everyone's proposal. He originally just wanted to calm the gambling and prevent the conflict from escalating, but he didn't expect it to trigger collective reflection among the people in the yard. He hesitated for a moment and looked at Liu Guangtian to see his reaction.

Liu Guangtian's smile finally became more natural, and he seemed to realize that this was an opportunity. He coughed lightly and took over the conversation: "Well, since everyone says so, I, Liu Guangtian, am willing to cooperate. Wang Qiang, you take the lead in this matter. I am willing to work with you to make good use of the land in our yard."

Wang Qiang nodded slightly, feeling relieved. He knew that Liu Guangtian's words meant that he was no longer fighting alone, and with his endorsement, things would be easier to push forward.

So Wang Qiang raised his head and said to everyone: "Since Brother Liu said so, let's act together. I think it's better to start with division of labor. Every household that is able to do some work can contribute. Those who have land can plan according to the types of crops, such as planting grains on some land and vegetables on some land, so that we can cooperate with each other."

The people in the yard nodded in agreement, and everyone's mood began to rise. At this time, Xu Damao appeared from nowhere and said with a somewhat sarcastic smile: "Oh, it seems that you guys are really making a fuss. How come you decided such a big thing when I was not here?"

Wang Qiang was not affected by Xu Damao's cold words. Instead, he looked at him calmly and said calmly: "Brother Xu, of course you can also participate. This is a matter of the courtyard, and we can all give suggestions. Today's matter is not decided by one person, but we all discuss it together."