Siheyuan: Fighting against the beasts under the pressure of the system

"Wow, this is incredible. This is the first person from our hutong who was admitted to Peking University. This is such an honor for our hutong."

"That's right! The kid from the Wang family in the next alley was admitted to Beijing University of Political Science and Law, and the people in that alley were so happy that they didn't know what to do."

"I always show off to the people in our alley. Now I have to go back and have a good talk with those old gangsters. I want to enhance the prestige of our alley."

“It’s so inspiring.”

The neighbors around had all kinds of comments. Even passers-by stopped to congratulate Zhang Minghui's family on the happy event.

Zhang Minghui clasped his fists in response to the congratulations from his neighbors. At this time, Uncle Wang next door said something.

"Everyone, please be quiet, everyone. This is a great event for our hutong. It brings honor to our hutong."

When Grandpa Wang spoke, the scene fell silent. This old man was a leader before he retired, and after retirement, he was very willing to help his neighbors.

No matter who was in trouble, he would lend a hand. He was fair and impartial in his work. Over time, he became the most respected person in the whole alley.

He is very prestigious in the alley for his words and deeds.

Uncle Wang's loud voice was heard on the street, attracting many neighbors to come out and gather at the door of Zhang Minghui's house.

"Dear neighbors, the eldest daughter of the Zhang family has been admitted to Peking University. In ancient times, that would be considered the top scholar, the god of literature descended to earth, and people from all over the village would come to celebrate this event."

"This is a great event that brings honor to our family and every neighbor will be proud of it. When we go out and talk to people, we will all feel proud."

"I have a suggestion. Those who have money can contribute money, and those who have strength can contribute strength. How about we all get together in the alley to hold a celebration banquet to celebrate the Zhang family's eldest daughter's admission to Peking University?"

When the people below heard this, they all cheered and shouted "Agree, Agree." The neighbors all knew that maybe the Zhang family would be very successful in the future.

As neighbors, we can’t say how much benefit we will get at that time, but having a neighbor like this will definitely bring honor to our family.

Besides, Zhang's family are all good people. If I give a little money today, I will do them a favor. Maybe if I encounter something difficult in the future, they will help me.

After hearing what Uncle Wang said, Zhang Minghui hurried forward, first expressed his gratitude to Uncle Wang, and then shouted to the enthusiastic neighbors below.

"Thank you all the neighbors for your blessing to our Weihong. I agree with Uncle Wang's proposal, but you don't have to pay for it. I will prepare the banquet when the time comes."

"Everyone is welcome to attend my sister's graduation party."

The neighbors downstairs were not happy with this and kept shouting.

"Minghui, this isn't just about your family. This is a big happy event for our alley, you can't be the only one paying for it."

"Like Lao Wang said, those of us with money can contribute some money. Those of us with financial difficulties can lend a hand. We can do what we can and see what everyone thinks."

The neighbors around said in unison.

"Okay, it's decided."

Many passers-by looked at the enthusiastic neighbors in front of them with envy. They secretly wondered why they didn't have such good neighbors who actually helped them with money and labor.

The neighbors looked at the envious eyes of passers-by and held their heads high, talking non-stop. Not to mention how proud they were.

Zhang Minghui's family had moved to Yaer Hutong not long ago and had a good relationship with their neighbors.

These neighbors all have good family conditions. Some of them, like Zhang Minghui, live in their own courtyards. Many families have two or three working people.

When people have money, they won't be so fussy about small things. It's not like when we were in Courtyard 95, when everyone was living a tight life and therefore would be calculating.

And with the help of a kind-hearted retired cadre, Uncle Wang, who mediated, the relations among the neighbors in the whole alley became even closer.

If someone is in trouble, just say a word and everyone will definitely lend a helping hand. It's just like the old saying goes.

“Distant relatives are not as good as near neighbors.”

After moving here, Zhang Minghui finally experienced the family-like atmosphere in the old Beijing hutongs. This was something Zhang Minghui had never experienced even after living in Nanluoguxiang for decades.

If it was at No. 95 Courtyard, everyone would have rushed to Zhang Minghui to hold a banquet and make him bleed a lot of money. The neighbors had a great feast and would have muttered behind their backs that the Zhang family was lucky.

It’s hard to say how particular the Zhang family is!

It would not be like the neighbors today who would spontaneously help out with money and effort.

The courtyard and outside of Zhang Minghui's house became the gathering place for neighbors today. Children in the alley ran around in the yard, chattering, and adults drank tea in the front yard.

There was a group of people sitting at the door with small stools, chatting and talking about everything. Today, everyone was in a particularly good mood, talking about university issues and having a great time.

It was around noon, and the neighbors were just about to go home and cook.

Li Youchun, who was riding a bicycle, entered the alley and pedaled while shouting loudly.

"Zhang Minghui's brother-in-law was admitted to Tsinghua University. Zhang Minghui's brother-in-law was admitted to Tsinghua University."

At this moment, the neighbors looked at Li Youchun in disbelief. They all wondered if they had heard it wrong. The scene was terribly quiet, and everyone was listening carefully to the shouting in the distance.

Li Youchun pedaled his bicycle until sparks flew, and he became completely excited. He had just delivered a batch of admission letters and was waiting to return to the post office.

Unexpectedly, a lot of letters came.

Li Youchun read it carefully and found that Zhang Minghui's brother-in-law Cheng Xuewen was admitted to Tsinghua University. Li Youchun was frightened and shouted in the post office.

"Fuck! This is smoke coming out of our ancestors' graves!"

The shout was so loud that it startled the colleagues who were busy in the room.

Li Youchun's leader, Zhao Dongsheng, sat on a chair and knocked on the table. He said something dissatisfied.

"Youchun, you are so old, why are you still so jumpy? You scared your colleagues."

Li Youchun explained hurriedly.

"Director Zhao, I'm not surprised. The Zhang family in Ya'er Hutong is going to be famous this time. Zhang Minghui's sister Zhang Weihong was admitted to Peking University, and his brother-in-law was admitted to Tsinghua University."

"How can I not be surprised when I suddenly see it?"

"This is the admission letter I just saw. It gave me a big shock."

After saying that, he raised the admission letter in his hand.