Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

The afterglow of the setting sun gradually faded, and the night slowly fell. The courtyard was gradually shrouded in a layer of soft moonlight. Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu stood side by side in the courtyard, enjoying the tranquility and peace. After a moment of silence, Wang Qiang suddenly said, "Yuzhu, I'll buy some delicious food tomorrow. Let's get together and talk about our stories over the years."

He Yuzhu smiled and patted Wang Qiang on the shoulder: "Okay, brother, we haven't had a drink together for a long time, let's have a good drink tomorrow."

The night wind blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness. Wang Qiang looked at He Yuzhu's face, feeling a lot of emotion in his heart. He suddenly realized that he had been running around outside for these years, while He Yuzhu had been silently guarding this friendship in this courtyard. He decided to buy some of the best things tomorrow to compensate He Yuzhu.

The next morning, Wang Qiang went out early. He walked on the street, his heart full of anticipation and anxiety. He walked into the market and carefully selected various ingredients, thinking of giving He Yuzhu a surprise. He bought fresh fish, beef, eggs, vegetables, and some snacks that he usually didn't want to buy. Every time he picked something, he would feel warm in his heart, as if he could see He Yuzhu's surprised expression when he saw these things.

"Boss, is this fish fresh?" Wang Qiang asked, with a hint of pickiness in his eyes.

"Fresh, fresh, just arrived this morning!" the stall owner replied enthusiastically.

Wang Qiang nodded with satisfaction and bought the fish. When he returned to the courtyard, it was noon, and the sun was shining in the courtyard, warm and bright. He Yuzhu was sitting at the stone table, reading a book in his hand, with a peaceful smile on his face.

"Yuzhui, I'm back!" Wang Qiang shouted excitedly, carrying a bag full of food.

He Yuzhu looked up and saw Wang Qiang, with a pleased smile on his face: "You bought so many things, it's really thoughtful of you, Qiangzi."

Wang Qiang walked to the stone table, put down the bag, and rolled up his sleeves: "Let's have a good meal today. I will cook for you and let you taste my cooking skills."

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Okay, I'm really looking forward to it."

Wang Qiang walked into the kitchen and started to work. His movements were skillful, obviously a skill acquired from years of independent living. He Yuzhu stood at the door of the kitchen, watching Wang Qiang busying around, and felt warm in his heart. Their friendship had withstood the test of time and now was rejuvenated with new brilliance.

"Qiangzi, remember to add some ginger, so the fish will be more delicious." He Yuzhu reminded.

"I got it, Yuzhu. Don't worry. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with the meal." Wang Qiang responded with a smile and continued with his work.

After a while, the aroma floated out from the kitchen and filled the entire courtyard. Wang Qiang came out with a plate of delicious dishes. He Yuzhu had already set the table and greeted this long-lost meal with a smile on his face.

"Come on, Qiangzi, let's have a drink." He Yuzhu filled two glasses of wine and handed them to Wang Qiang.

Wang Qiang took the wine glass, and the two of them clinked their glasses gently, smiled at each other in tacit understanding, and then drank it all in one gulp. The aroma of wine filled their mouths, and the warmth of friendship rose in their hearts.

"Yuzhui, how have you been these years?" Wang Qiang asked while picking up some food, his eyes full of concern.

He Yuzhu smiled and said calmly: "It's okay. Although life in the yard is dull, it has its own fun. I planted some flowers and plants here, and read books in my spare time. Life is quite comfortable."

Wang Qiang nodded, full of admiration for He Yuzhu's choice. He knew that He Yuzhu was a person who could enjoy a simple life, while he was a person who pursued dreams and adventures. Although their choices were different, this deep friendship kept them closely connected.

"Qiangzi, what about you? I heard that you are doing well outside. Can you tell me about your experience?" He Yuzhu asked curiously, with anticipation in his eyes.

Wang Qiang took a deep breath and began to tell his experiences over the past few years. From the initial confusion to the gradual return to the right track, his story was full of ups and downs and challenges, but also success and joy. He talked about the breakthrough he made in a key business, how he overcame many difficulties and finally won the trust of customers. Every detail shocked and gratified He Yuzhu.

"Qiangzi, you are amazing!" He Yuzhu exclaimed sincerely and raised his glass to clink with Wang Qiang again.

"It's your encouragement that kept me going, Yuzhu. If it weren't for you, I would have given up long ago." Wang Qiang said with emotion, a tear flashing in his eyes.

As the night deepened, the lights in the yard were soft and warm. Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu sat at the stone table and continued to chat about their stories. They talked about the good memories of the past and looked forward to the infinite possibilities of the future. The bond of friendship kept them closely connected. No matter how many storms they went through, their hearts were always together.

The morning light in the courtyard was like a golden veil, gently spreading in every corner. Wang Qiang got up early in the morning and planned to go to the market to buy some fresh vegetables to prepare lunch. His heart was filled with peace and joy, as if he had returned to his carefree youth.

Just as he was packing up in the yard, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Qin Huairu walked into the yard quickly, her face full of anger. As soon as she saw Wang Qiang, she rushed over with dissatisfaction in her eyes.

"Wang Qiang! How could you be so irresponsible when you came back this time? Do you know that He Yuzhu has tolerated you for a long time!" Qin Huairu said angrily, with a strong reproach in his voice.

Wang Qiang was stunned and looked at Qin Huairu in confusion. "Qin Huairu, what are you talking about? I don't understand what you are talking about."

"Are you still pretending to be confused?" Qin Huairu sneered, pointing at Wang Qiang and said, "You have been doing well outside these years, but have you ever thought about how hard it is for He Yuzhu to guard the courtyard here? He helped you take care of everything, but after you came back, you didn't show any appreciation and even let him bear all the responsibilities alone!"

Wang Qiang's heart tightened. Qin Huairu's words were like a sharp knife, piercing his heart. He knew that he had indeed neglected He Yuzhu during these years, but he did not mean to do so. He was about to explain when he saw He Yuzhu walking out of the house with obvious displeasure on his face.

"Qin Huairu, stop talking." He Yuzhu said coldly, his eyes full of anger. He walked in front of Wang Qiang, his eyes sharp, as if waiting for Wang Qiang's explanation.

Wang Qiang felt He Yuzhu's anger and felt extremely guilty. He opened his mouth and wanted to explain, but found that he couldn't. He knew that any explanation seemed so pale and powerless at this moment.