Siheyuan: If you ruin the reputation of the whole courtyard, I will move out

If she knew that you were going to take the college entrance examination, there might be a glimmer of hope. If you were admitted to a university, maybe she could watch all this with a smile on her face on her way to the underworld." Zheng Juan opened her mouth in surprise. She had never thought of this!

(Zhou Rong and Feng Chenghua had spent the Spring Festival holiday at Zhang Yu's home and left Jichun by train on the second day of the Lunar New Year.)

The reason why they left so quickly was, on the one hand, because life in Zhang Yu's house was too restrictive; on the other hand, Feng Chenghua's vacation was limited and he had to return to work on the fifth day of the New Year.

When the two left, Zhang Yu did not go to the station to see them off. Instead, Li Suhua suggested going to the train station to visit her, but Zhou Rong dissuaded her because of her physical disability.

During the past few days, Feng Ya's attitude towards her parents has changed, but she is still emotionally indifferent. With Zhou Rong and Feng Huacheng leaving, the little emotional bond that was barely established is about to collapse.

After the Spring Festival, Li Suhua insisted on going back to Guangzi Pian to see the pictures and to greet the neighbors. At this time, Zheng's mother and Zheng Guangming also returned to Taiping Hutong. Zhang Yu chose to stay at home and did not return to his original residence. Instead, he invited friends such as Sun Ganchao and Xiao Guoqing to have a party at home on the third day of the New Year.

Last year's party was held in Qiao Chunyan's newly assigned one-bedroom apartment after she was promoted to deputy director. Whether she wanted to have a lively occasion or to show off, Qiao Chunyan was full of joy that day.

When they met at Zhang Yu's home in early March this year, the first thing Qiao Chunyan and Cao Debao did was to visit the house, with strong envy in their eyes.

"Look how capable Brother Zhang Kun is. He can buy such a big house without working." Qiao Chunyan expressed her inner feelings without hiding anything.

Cao Debao echoed, "Kun, how much does your apartment cost?"

"It's not as expensive as everyone imagines. I was lucky to get a bargain. The original owner of the house was in a hurry to go abroad, so he sold it to me at a low price." Zhang Yu explained after asking everyone to sit down.

"Your restaurant is much bigger than ours." Cao Debao exclaimed.

Then, Qiao Chunyan asked, "Brother, how big is your house?"

"Including the inside and outside, it should be at least 400 square meters." Lu Chuan estimated.

Tang Xiangyang immediately added, "It should be more than 400 square meters."

Lu Chuan once studied at university but dropped out for some reasons. He is the most academically knowledgeable among the people present.

"Okay, everyone is hungry, let's eat first." Zhang Yu urged everyone to pick up their chopsticks, wanting to change the topic and stop discussing the house.

Because envy and jealousy often come together, he is not a person who likes to show off, so he has other purposes in inviting everyone to his home.

"I have some news to tell you. There is a high possibility that the college entrance examination will be resumed next year." Zhang Yu began his announcement. He had already thought of an explanation and said that he had heard it from Feng Huacheng.

"My sister's husband came back and brought news. He is now a library staff member in the capital." Lu Chuan asked excitedly.

"I'm not sure, but this is roughly the case. It is expected to be implemented in the second half of the year, and we will have a full six months to review." Zhang Yu responded.

Looking at Lü Chuan and Tang Xiangyang exchanging glances, they both had burning desires. Sun Ganchao and Xiao Guoqing were relatively calm.

"It's good that I've recovered. I haven't even graduated from junior high school. How can I be qualified to go to university?" Sun Ganchao said with a wry smile to console himself.

"This time the college entrance examination has been resumed, and there is no restriction on academic ability. Even people who have graduated from junior high school are allowed to take the exam. Juanzi at home has already started considering signing up for the exam." Zhang Yu added.

In response to Xiao Guoqing's indifferent attitude, he took a bite of the dish and responded: "I know my level very well. No matter how much time I have to review, I still can't get into university."

Sun Ganchao nodded in agreement: "Guoqing is right. It's been a long time since we last touched the textbooks. It's not easy to get back into shape."

Among this group of friends, Xiao Guoqing and Sun Ganchao seemed the most easy-going and not too worried about the uncertainty of the future. They thought that they would be quite comfortable even if they worked as factory shippers in this life. On the contrary, Tang Xiangyang and Lu Chuan were deeply influenced by Qu Xiuzhen and attached great importance to learning.

Especially Lu Chuan, who was once blocked from college and expelled because of a report, was filled with resentment. Zhang Yu was willing to help Xiao Guoqing and Sun Ganchao. If they had not sent Li Suhua to the hospital in time, Zhou's mother might have been gone long ago.

"During the National Day holiday, I guess you won't be under too much pressure for the college entrance examination. If you work hard, you may be able to pass." Zhang Yu encouraged.

"What's the use of passing the exam?" Xiao Guoqing said in a low voice, "We have children to take care of, who can concentrate on going to school?"

"Your ambition is too short-sighted." Wu Qian, Xiao Guoqing's wife, mocked him, "Can't you learn from Bingkun and be more motivated? If you have half of his perseverance, you can buy a house." As they spoke, an awkward atmosphere filled the air at the table.

"Alright, alright, your nagging is like meat that can't be stopped." Xiao Guoqing was dissatisfied with his wife for embarrassing him in front of everyone.

"Is there anything wrong with what I said? If you are willing to work harder, we won't have to live in someone else's house." Wu Qian became more and more angry.

At this point, the argument escalated, Xiao Guoqing suddenly dropped his chopsticks and hit Wu Qian on the head. Although the force was light and did not cause any injury, she was still furious.

"Xiao Guoqing, how could you... You only know how to beat your own wife!" Wu Qian waved her hands to attack Xiao Guoqing.

Zhang Yu quickly grabbed Wu Qian and pulled her away, while Sun Ganchao skillfully comforted Xiao Guoqing.

The originally jubilant atmosphere was instantly interrupted by this family dispute. The three women, Zheng Juan, Yu Hong and Qiao Chunyan, began to persuade Wu Qian, while the male members stood on Xiao Guoqing's side to persuade them.

After everyone's efforts, the couple calmed down a little and were sent back home. It was not until Zhang Yu and Zheng Juan were left to clean up the scene that the two continued to communicate.

"Wu Qian is really something. She doesn't even know how to think about the situation for her man outside." Zheng Juan said as she cleaned the table.

Zhang Yu wiped the plate in his hand and said, "Guoqing is a little too impulsive. How can he beat his wife at the slightest provocation?"

After sighing, Zheng Juan asked again: "As the couple grows older, their tempers become more and more irritable. Weren't they very harmonious before?"

Faced with this question, Zhang Yu shook his head and said, "Alas, life is bitter when you are poor. The timber factory has not been doing well recently. There is no future for National Day and Ganchao to do unloading work all year round. No wonder Wu Qian is anxious."

"It's not good to fight all the time." Zheng Juan expressed her incomprehension.

"It's okay. If they really couldn't stand it, they would have separated long ago. Couples have their own ways of getting along. Even though it looks intense on the surface, their relationship is actually good. People in the Northeast are straightforward," Zhang Yu explained.

Zheng Juan smiled when she heard this: "You are also from the Northeast, so why don't you try to help your wife?"

Zhang Yu was a little surprised by this: "Not all Northeasterners beat their wives. For example, Cao Debao's wife is so strong that he dares not even breathe. Only Qiao Chunyan suppresses him."

Thinking of the relationship between Qiao Chunyan's dominance and Cao Debao's weakness, Zheng Juan couldn't help but laugh. "Everyone has a different personality and lifestyle," she said, and walked into the kitchen to continue washing the dishes.

Then Zhang Yu came over, hugged his wife gently from behind, and suggested softly: "Now that it's just the two of us at home, should we consider having a second child?"

This surprised Zheng Juan. "Oh! Don't mention it now. It's daytime and it's not night yet. What if my mother comes back suddenly?" she said nervously.

Zhang Yu said nonchalantly: "Then let her see it. She just wants my family to be prosperous."

After saying that, he carried Zheng Juan to the bedroom...

Returning to their residence in the capital city, Zhou Rong and Feng Huacheng couldn't help but sigh at the small residence. After spending a pleasant day at Zhang Yu's house, returning to their own dilapidated place, it was difficult to calm down for a while. Hearing the noise coming from next door, Zhou Rong's heart became more and more irritated.

Feng Huacheng noticed her frustration and tried to comfort her: "Are you tired from the journey? Let me pour some hot water for you to soak your feet."

But Zhou Rong lay down on the bed tiredly, and there was no empty seat in the room. She replied: "Forget it, I just want to be quiet for a while."

Knowing his lover's temperament, Feng Huacheng knew it was best not to disturb her and wait for the right time. After a while, Feng Huacheng packed their luggage neatly.

As the sky gradually darkened, he asked tentatively, "How about we prepare some food? I'll go out and buy some stewed dishes."

However, Zhou Rong seemed uninterested: "Why buy braised dishes? Just make a bowl of noodles. I have to save money every month to send back 16 yuan." Zhou Rong said listlessly.

"It won't be a big deal if I send less occasionally." Feng Huacheng started thinking about how to evade his debt as if he hadn't paid the money yet.

"No, I have to send the money. I can't afford to lose face." Zhou Rong sat up and said firmly.

"After all, we are family. I won't take it too seriously with you." Feng Huacheng retorted.

"But Bingkun will definitely not let go of the money. What if we don't give it to him and Zhou Yaya is sent back?" Zhou Rong questioned with a squint.

"Even if she is sent back, we will take care of her ourselves. After all, you also want to take your daughter back." Feng Huacheng mentioned the past.

Zhou Rong's face darkened instantly: "Later I thought about it, my daughter does have a lot of inconveniences around us. If I only pay eight dollars a month, I can avoid a lot of things."

Feng Huacheng immediately raised his eyebrows and questioned: "Are you not going to find a job?"

"I don't want to go to work. I just want to stay at home and prepare for the college entrance examination. I have neglected studying for a long time, and it is not easy to start over." Zhou Rong's position is unwavering.

Feng Huacheng asked incredulously: "Without your salary, how can I support both of us by myself?"

"Didn't we live well in Guizhou before? We could save some money every month, which was enough for us." Zhou Rong seemed very calm.

Feng Huacheng raised his voice: "The cost of living in Guizhou is too different from that in Beijing. How can I support my expenses with just over 10 yuan a month?"

Zhou Rong said without showing any weakness: "There are many people in Beijing who rely on this little money to support their families. We can also make it through."

Feng Huacheng retorted: "We can't just be content with living! We need money to maintain personal relationships at work, and I'm a writer who needs to maintain interpersonal relationships."

Zhou Rong was puzzled: "Writing is your way of dealing with people?"

Feng Huacheng was speechless: "How can you be so naive?"

Hearing Zhou Rong's question, Feng Huacheng sighed: "The work is not that simple. Unless I don't want to be promoted, I can't cope with all the pressure and competition just by doing my job."

Zhou Rong had never worked in her hometown, but she went to Guizhou for Feng Huacheng. Lacking social experience, she had a limited understanding of the complexity of human resources, while Feng Huacheng had been through many years of experience and understood that talent alone was not enough to gain a foothold in Beijing.

Feng Huacheng said: "You have to consider whether you can ensure that you succeed in the exam, and then strive for top universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University, which is not an unattainable dream."

"I not only want to go to a top university, I want to be admitted to Peking University or Tsinghua University." Zhou Rong said firmly, with a hint of revenge in her tone.

Feng Huacheng was confused when he heard this: "Why put so much pressure on yourself? Getting into Tsinghua or Peking University doesn't mean you are better than your brothers, right?"