Siheyuan: If you ruin the reputation of the whole courtyard, I will move out
Chapter 50: Terrifying Earthquake
When Li Shufen was still hesitating and Zhang Yu and his wife were trying to persuade her, there was a sudden strong earthquake outside the house. "Oh, it's going to happen again!" Zhang Yu immediately realized the critical situation and rushed out of the house with his wife and Li Shufen in his arms.
At that moment, he suddenly remembered an important thing: this largest earthquake since the founding of the country, but the exact time was unknown, was about to come, so he failed to prepare countermeasures in advance.
The whole family gathered in the yard as the powerful shaking grew stronger and the neighbors’ screams echoed in the air.
"Everyone stay here and don't move." After taking the children, Zhang Yu asked He Yushui and Li Shufen to sit down close together. The ground became their only support.
Although it was dangerous to be in an area with frequent aftershocks, Zhang Yu took this opportunity to quickly build a simple shelter to resist the heavy rain and prevent the house from being destroyed. He knew that solid buildings were not always the best shelters and could collapse in an instant under strong winds.
After several aftershocks, it started raining in downtown Beijing, but Zhang Yu did not panic based on his previous expectations. "How are the children?" Li Shufen asked her only son and daughter-in-law who lived in the compound, worried about whether they were safe.
Faced with Zhang Yu's bold decision, Liu Xianjin had a complicated expression, and it was hard to tell whether to praise or blame him. He wondered when he could prevent such reckless behavior. Despite the inner struggle, Zhang Yu's rescue initiative spread like a ripple, and only a few responders joined the team.
Under Li Baonian's guidance, people including Liu Xianjin signed the registration form, and the rescue plan was formed. "Send your family home first and pack your bags. We will set off in three hours." After saying this, Li Baonian left with the list. Liu Xianjin approached Zhang Yu, feeling excited but unable to interrupt the decision.
He Yushui almost collapsed after hearing the news, while Li Shufen held Zhang Yu tightly, eager to rush to the factory immediately. Zhang Yu emphasized that this was their voluntary choice, not driven by external pressure.
After a brief consolation from his family, Zhang Yu returned to the factory in a good mood and threw himself into the rescue work, even though it was only peripheral assistance and the risk was low. Even He Yuzhu, who could not participate in the rescue due to driver's license issues, no longer objected.
When standing at the door of her house, He Yushui burst into tears, her sobbing voice was piercing. However, Zhang Yu did not stop, but took firm steps and sped up his way to the factory.
When he arrived at the destination, Liu Xianjin assigned a truck to carry the relief supplies, and then drove out of the city to support the team and deliver the supplies to the disaster area. On the way, he witnessed the destructive power of the earth: even the small aftershocks in the marginal areas were shocking, houses were broken into ruins, and the originally flat roads were full of dangers. The aftershocks shook the earth, and every inch of the bumpy road was full of dangers.
With each step forward, the aftershocks they encountered became more frequent and violent. In a disaster that nearly caused a landslide, they survived with only minor injuries. In this life-and-death ordeal, Zhang Yu finally felt the unpredictable power of nature.
The disaster area was filled with desolation and sadness, and the survivors under the ruins were filled with pain and pity. Zhang Yu resolutely took on the responsibility of carrying the injured to a nearby medical institution. He was deeply moved by the tragic scene in front of him and devoted himself to the rescue, just to save as many innocent victims as possible.
From then on, the miserable wailing in the disaster area permeated Zhang Yu's daily life. Life and death blended before his eyes. He might have become a little indifferent, but he always persisted in the rescue mission and tried his best to protect the suffering people. The trucks of the factory were stained with blood. Even after countless cleanings, the bloodstains were still clearly visible. The strong smell of blood inspired him to devote himself to the rescue operation.
In the early summer of that year, he had just entered the disaster area and did not return to Beijing until the late spring of the following year. The factory gave him great recognition and gave him the title of excellent employee, but this did not bring him much excitement. In March 1977, when he returned, the first thing that greeted him was not the familiar truck, but a truck that was nearly abandoned. The factory's deep affection for the truck was like a drop in the ocean.
On the day he returned to the factory, a warm crowd lined the street. Factory Director Anyang personally stepped forward to shake hands with him and unfurled a large banner that read "Welcome Back" to celebrate. In the crowd, Factory Director Anyang addressed the crowd, "Mr. Zhang, we have been waiting for your return for a long time."
Zhang Yu understood that although everything seemed calm on the surface during his absence, subtle changes in power were quietly taking place under the undercurrent. The once arrogant Director Li could only bow down to the factory director Anyang, like a small figure in the eyes of everyone.
"Comrade Zhang Yu, this welcome ceremony was specially set up for your return." Qian Baonian bowed and said, "The factory director was very happy to hear that you were coming back."
Director Yang continued with a quiet smile, "Last week, the superior publicly praised your deeds during a conversation and awarded you the honor of an outstanding pioneer. The specific commendation will be announced at a subsequent meeting."
Surrounded by a warm welcome, Director Yang stayed by his side the entire time.
"Am I really rescuing many people on the front line?" someone asked doubtfully.
"That's my duty as an employee," Zhang Yu replied.
"I heard that you were part of the search and rescue team supporting the military and encountered aftershocks. Is that true?" someone else asked.
"Fortunately, it's just an ordinary aftershock, not serious."
"How are the victims' living conditions? I heard it's very difficult," another person asked with concern.
"The focus now is on rebuilding our homes, and the welfare of the people is the key." After Zhang Yu answered, he followed Director Yang to Li Baonian's former office, which is now the new director's office. The director personally made him a cup of tea and said to Vice President Li, "Vice President Li, there is nothing for you to do here, just keep busy!"
Hearing this, Li Baonian's expression seemed unusual.
"Okay, if the factory director needs me, I will respond immediately. I'll go and get busy now." Li Baonian left the room with a smile on his face and closed the door behind him.
Sitting at the table, Director Yang said comfortingly: "Your performance in the disaster area has made the factory's reputation shine. After careful consideration, we will pay the overdue wages and give you an additional bonus of 50 yuan." Zhang Yu shook his head and refused: "No need for bonus, I am already very pleased that you have achieved this position."
Upon hearing this reply, Director Yang smiled happily and said, "Then let's celebrate together. I declare that you will be promoted to the leader of the driving team."
Upon learning of the promotion decision, Zhang Yu asked in confusion: "How was Master Liu's health before?"
Director Yang said soothingly: "Your master Liu Xianjin retired this month with honor. He gave me a handwritten letter of recommendation. The decision at the meeting has been made clear. Starting next month, you will take over the position."
Zhang Yu now understands that the reason for Liu Xianjin's absence may be that he has really reached retirement age, but what puzzles him is why his master did not retire earlier and even submitted an application for an extension.
Director Yang consoled him: "You should discuss the details with Liu Xianjin directly. He has completed all the procedures for resignation."
Zhang Yu nodded slightly, indicating that he accepted the explanation, and decided to visit Liu Xianjin at his residence.
"Since you have taken over the position again, why is Li Baonian still reluctant to leave the factory?" Zhang Yu asked curiously.
The factory director looked serious. "I just returned to my post and have not yet fully grasped the recent situation. In fact, it was Li Baonian's actions over the past ten years that caused a certain impact on the company. I am conducting a detailed study and am determined to conduct a thorough investigation." He spoke with determination. "After taking over the finance department, I deeply felt that its greed was shocking. What you have learned is only superficial."
"Li Baonian's father-in-law is quite powerful, so you must be on guard." Zhang Yu gave a kind reminder.
Hearing this, Director Yang sneered: "His father-in-law also has his shortcomings, there is no need to worry too much. I have already grasped the preliminary clues, and once the time is right, these two people will be held responsible for their own mistakes." The two pairs of eyes intertwined, and Director Yang's eyes showed no concealment of the hatred for the past. It was obvious that Li Baonian's past made him unable to let go.
Afterwards, Director Yang generously expressed his support, and they all participated in the celebration of Zhang Yu's return.
Zhang Yu, who didn't finish work until 8 o'clock in the evening, returned home tired, physically and mentally exhausted.
When he entered the house, a cheerful scene came into view: his parents He Yuzhu and his wife, his sister Zhang Sisi, his youngest son He Tian and his godmother Li Shufen were all outside the door to greet him. And the most important person to him was also here.
He put down his backpack and walked into the yard. He hugged his wife and son. He Yushui was already sobbing and sobbing in his arms. His three-year-old son Zhang Yan stared at him with wide eyes, as if trying to confirm the identity of this strange man.
The family was reunited for a long time, but He Yuzhu and his wife did not urge them: "Yuzi, why did you come back so late? We were so worried! Everyone has gone back, but you are the only one delaying outside." He Yuzhu's words were full of anxiety, and his voice trembled slightly.
Zhang Yu apologized: "I'm sorry for causing trouble to everyone." He hugged his wife, feeling guilty. He wanted to go home a month ago, but the aftershocks forced him to stay for three months during the aid period. During the Spring Festival, he could only keep in touch through emails.
He Yuzhu comforted his sister and said, "Forget it, Yuzi hasn't eaten anything, you should go and make something delicious! Don't make the atmosphere too tense." He cleverly changed the subject, trying to ease the tension.
Yu Shui looked at her husband: "You look so haggard, the living conditions there must be very bad, right?" She looked at her husband with pity, her concern was beyond words.
Zhang Yu responded with a smile: "I'm not thinner, but I've become stronger. Look, these are muscles I've exercised." As he spoke, he raised his arm and gently lifted his son's little wrist up high. The child giggled, and the tense atmosphere gradually eased.
The child urged happily: "It needs to be a little higher! I still want to play!" He Yuzhu took the child over: "You guys go into the house first, don't just play!" There was both blame and love in his words.
As he stepped into the inner room, a strong aroma of food hit him in the face: "Stewed pig's trotters, twice-cooked pork, Mapo tofu, Kung Pao chicken... these are all your specialties, uncle." He smiled at He Yuzhu to show his approval.
He Yuzhu smiled and said, "I got up early to work for you. Remember to celebrate later. Let's drink some Maotai."
Qiu Ye coughed lightly and reminded: "Don't drink too much."
"Don't worry, I will exercise restraint." He Yuzhu vowed, "If it really doesn't work, just sleep at my house for a night." At this moment, Zhang Yu was excited, and his long-suppressed emotions urgently needed an opportunity to be released.
In the night, Zhang Yu was indeed not able to handle the alcohol, even though he had always been rational and restrained in this life and in his past lives, and had never indulged himself in alcohol. However, tonight, he was willing to indulge in the trance brought by alcohol.
Life is always full of poetry. His father's protection is like a solid screen, silently guarding in front of him, saving him from a lot of suffering. Even his perception of this new world carries a kind of illusory charm preserved by chance.
This illusion pushed him to be unrestrained. When he faced Yi Zhonghai and Qin Huairu, he acted ruthlessly, even endangering the safety of their families. But he had no regrets, and regarded these as games, and easily passed these challenges.
However, after becoming a husband and a father, Zhang Yu's life became more practical. Especially after becoming Zhang Yan's father, he understood the weight of responsibility. The anger at the beginning of the disaster was purely due to his determination to protect the family's honor.
Witnessing those tragic scenes, he was deeply shocked. He had personally experienced life-or-death rescue, and although the child he saved was someone else's, that scene made him feel more deeply the preciousness of life.
From this moment on, his worldview has undergone a huge change. The memory of every living life reminds him that real life is far from simple as imagined. It is cruel and real. After persevering in this disaster, his spiritual support lies in the inner strength, which is firm and sincere.
At the table, he raised his glass and drank with He Yuzhu. His drinking action seemed more like he was drinking to relieve his sorrow rather than tasting the food. He Yushui wanted to stop him, but Li Shufen gently stopped him and silently signaled him not to meddle.
They were drunk until a bottle of Maotai was empty, and He Yuzhu slumped on the table exhausted. Ran Qiuye and Li Shufen helped him out of the house and decided to stay at Li Shufen's place tonight.
When saying goodbye, Li Shufen carried little Zhang Yan away, leaving Zhang Yu and He Yushui alone in this spacious house. Once upon a time, this space separating the living room and bedroom belonged to their unique world.
In silence, Zhang Yu's heart was filled with worry, and he just kept drinking one glass after another. Seeing his painful appearance, He Yushui felt extremely distressed, but didn't know how to comfort him.
Zhang Yu, who was slightly tipsy, said, "Yuzhu, do you know...how fragile human life is?" His eyes were red, his mouth was filled with the aroma of wine, and his voice was trembling, "I have seen a seven or eight-year-old child buried under the rubble. His body...was simply inhumane."
"Can you understand what it feels like to have your body crushed into pieces?" With the help of alcohol, he seemed to be trying to wash away the memories hidden deep in his heart.
The brave figures of the soldiers who risked their lives to rescue people filled Zhang Yu's heart with sadness: "In the past six months, I have been thinking about you all the time, afraid that you would encounter the same danger..." At this point, his emotions finally broke down and he burst into tears.
He Yushui hugged Zhang Yu tightly and whispered, "Everything is fine now that you are back." She knew that at such a moment, silent companionship is the most powerful comfort. She gently patted his back and whispered, "Don't worry, this is your safe home." Hearing this, Zhang Yu gradually calmed down and fell asleep on her shoulder. He Yushui did her best to make his bed, wiped him clean after bathing, and stayed by his side all night, just to relieve his deep fatigue.
At dawn, Zhang Yu opened his eyes and saw He Yushui beside him, looking sleepy and comfortable, obviously not fully awake yet. He carefully carried her back to bed, and the two looked at each other quietly. It was not until the afternoon sun was blazing and the laughter of children from the yard reached their ears that He Yushui slowly woke up. She stared at Zhang Yu beside her, blinking her big eyes and asking in confusion: "Why don't you rest a little longer now that you're awake?"
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