Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

Xu Damao smiled helplessly, "I know it's not easy to quit, but I've had enough. Maybe I can do something I like, such as opening a small shop and living a leisurely life."

He Yuzhu was silent for a while, then said: "Da Mao, resigning is indeed an option, but you must think it through. You have a family and responsibilities, and you can't act on impulse. Have you discussed it with your family?"

Xu Damao shook his head. "Not yet. I'm afraid they will object."

He Yuzhu patted his shoulder and said, "Da Mao, family support is very important. You should talk to them first and listen to their opinions. Besides, do you have any other plans?"

Xu Damao thought for a while and said, "Actually, I have always had a dream, which is to open a bookstore. I like books and people who read. Maybe that kind of life will make me happier."

He Yuzhu nodded and agreed: "That's a good idea. However, you have to be fully prepared. It's not easy to open a bookstore. You have to consider the cost, location, source of books, and business management."

Xu Damao's eyes flashed with determination, "Yuzhu, thank you. I will think about these issues carefully."

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Good brother, I believe you can do it. However, before you make a decision, you should discuss it with your family first. They are your strongest support."

Xu Damao nodded and looked at He Yuzhu gratefully, "You are right, Yuzhu. I will go back and have a good talk with them."

He Yuzhu stood up and patted Xu Damao on the shoulder. "Okay, Damao, think positively. There will always be a way out in life. We brothers will support you."

Xu Damao stood up, a long-lost smile on his face, "Thank you, Yuzhu. You are such a good brother."

He Yuzhu waved his hand, "Okay, let's stop talking about this, let's go out for a meal and relax. It's my treat, let's go eat spicy food!"

Xu Damao laughed, "Okay, I like spicy food too, let's go!"

He Yuzhu and Xu Damao were eating spicy chili fried pork in a small restaurant on the street. Xu Damao ate with big mouthfuls and sighed: "Yuzhu, thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I might be even more confused."

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Da Mao, there is no need to thank each other. Just remember one thing, no matter what happens, we are behind you."

Outside the restaurant, the night gradually deepened, and there were fewer pedestrians on the street. He Yuzhu looked out the window, feeling a little emotional. He recalled the gap between his dreams and reality when he was young, and felt a dull pain in his heart. Isn't Xu Damao's predicament a reflection of him? The road of life is always full of ups and downs and challenges, but he knows that only by firm belief can he go further.

After dinner, the two walked side by side on the way home. Xu Damao suddenly said, "Yuzhu, have you ever thought about what we would be like now if we had chosen another path?"

He Yuzhu smiled slightly, "Who knows? There are no ifs in life. We can only walk the path at hand and do well what is in front of us."

Xu Damao nodded and was silent for a moment. "You are right, Yuzhu. I will think about resigning and discuss it with my family."

A few days later, He Yuzhu was busy at the steel mill when a colleague quietly walked up to him and whispered, "Yuzhu, have you heard? Xu Damao didn't come to work today. I heard he really resigned."

He Yuzhu was stunned, put down the tools in his hands, and felt uneasy. He hurried to Xu Damao's house and knocked on the door, but no one answered. Seeing this, the neighbor Old Li came forward and said, "Yuzhu, Xu Damao left early in the morning, saying that he was going to find a new life."

He Yuzhu's heart tightened, he knew Xu Damao really left the steel mill this time. He returned to his home, sat on a chair, and kept thinking about Xu Damao's words and deeds in his mind. He could understand Damao's choice, but at the same time he was worried about him. Although Xu Damao had ideals, could he withstand the cruel reality?

At night, He Yuzhu lay in bed, tossing and turning. He thought about Xu Damao's future and reflected on his own life. He knew that Damao was a man with ideas, but perhaps what he needed more was support and companionship. Thinking of this, He Yuzhu decided to go to Xu Damao the next day to see how he was doing.

The next morning, He Yuzhu hurried to Xu Damao's new residence. After knocking on the door, he saw Xu Damao busy preparing for the opening of the new bookstore. Seeing He Yuzhu, Xu Damao smiled in surprise, "Yuzhu, why are you here?"

He Yuzhu walked into the room and looked around, "Da Mao, I heard that you resigned, so I came to see how you are doing."

Xu Damao smiled and said, "Yuzhu, I'm fine. I've been busy preparing for the bookstore these days. Although it's tiring, it's fulfilling."

He Yuzhu nodded, and the uneasiness in his heart gradually subsided as he watched Xu Damao busying around. "Damo, as long as you think it's worth it, just do it. I will always support you."

Xu Damao stopped what he was doing, walked over to He Yuzhu, and patted him on the shoulder. "Thank you, Yuzhu. I am really lucky to have a friend like you."

The two sat down, and Xu Damao began to talk about his plan. "I plan to make this bookstore a place for reading and communication. Not only will it sell books, but it can also host some reading clubs and lectures. In this way, more people can find their own peace and happiness here."

He Yuzhu listened carefully and nodded from time to time, "Da Mao, your idea is very good. A bookstore is not only a business, but also a carrier of culture. As long as you work hard, you will succeed."

Xu Damao's eyes flashed with determination, "Yes, Yuzhu. I will definitely work hard."

In the following days, He Yuzhu often took time to help Xu Damao organize the bookstore. They discussed the placement of books and designed the bookstore's promotional posters together. Every time they worked together, He Yuzhu could feel Xu Damao's enthusiasm and dedication to the new life, and this positive attitude also touched him deeply.

One night, He Yuzhu and Xu Damao sat in front of the bookstore, drinking tea and looking at the street at night. Xu Damao said, "Yuzhu, you know what? I never thought that one day I would be so happy. Although resigning is risky, I think this is the best decision I have ever made."

He Yuzhu smiled and nodded, "Da Mao, you did a great job. As long as you believe in yourself, the future will be even better."

Xu Damao clenched his fists, "Yes, Yuzhu. I will stick to it, no matter what difficulties I encounter."