Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

One evening, Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu were chatting in the yard. He Yuzhu looked at Bang Geng who was playing not far away and nodded with satisfaction: "Qiangzi, Bang Geng has changed a lot recently. Your efforts have not been in vain."

The flowers and plants in the yard are still lush, and the sun shines on the bluestone slabs, casting spots of light. Wang Qiang walked across the stone path and came to the grape trellis in the middle of the yard, recalling the time he and He Yuzhu spent here. Under the grape trellis, the familiar figure was pruning the vines with his head down. The years had carved a few shallow lines on his face, but his eyes were still bright and energetic.

"Yuzhui, long time no see." Wang Qiang spoke, his voice filled with excitement and nervousness.

He Yuzhu looked up and when he saw Wang Qiang, a hint of surprise appeared on his face, but it soon turned into joy. He put down the scissors in his hand, walked quickly to Wang Qiang, and patted him on the shoulder heavily, "Wang Qiang, you're back!"

The two stood in the yard, as if time had gone back to the summer three years ago. At that time, Wang Qiang left the Siheyuan for a job transfer and went to a city in the south. Three years of living in a different place made him experience a lot and understand a lot. He once thought that leaving here was a relief, but now he understands that the Siheyuan and the friends here have long become an indispensable part of his life.

"Yes, I'm back." Wang Qiang replied with a smile, with a hint of complex emotions flashing in his eyes.

He Yuzhu nodded, and took Wang Qiang to the stone table under the grape trellis. After the two sat down, He Yuzhu asked the neighbor's children to bring them two cups of tea. The fragrance of the tea was refreshing, as if it washed away the heaviness in their hearts.

"How have you been doing in the past three years?" He Yuzhu asked with concern, his eyes full of care.

Wang Qiang picked up the teacup, took a sip, and sighed, "Everything is going smoothly at work, but I always feel like something is missing. Now I understand that what I'm missing is the peace of mind, the sense of solidity that comes from being with you guys."

He Yuzhu listened, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes, "Some things are only cherished when they are lost. We old friends have been thinking about you all the time."

The two sat together, chatting about the past, as if they were making up for the three years of absence. When other neighbors in the yard heard that Wang Qiang was back, they also came to greet him. Aunt Li brought a plate of freshly steamed buns, and Uncle Zhang brought a pot of homemade rice wine. Everyone sat together, talking and laughing, as if they had returned to the carefree days of the past.

As night fell, the courtyard looked particularly warm under the dim light. Wang Qiang walked to the corner of the courtyard, looked at the stars in the sky, and felt a lot of emotions in his heart. He knew that returning here was not only returning to the memories of the past, but also returning to his heart.

He Yuzhu walked up to him and handed him a glass of wine, "Come, let's toast to our reunion."

Wang Qiang took the wine glass and clinked it with He Yuzhu. A drop of wine spilled out of the glass and fell to the ground, creating a small splash of water. The two drank it all in one gulp, as if all the ups and downs of the past had been transformed into this sip of the glass.

"Yuzhu, there is something I want to tell you." Wang Qiang suddenly said seriously, with a hint of determination in his eyes.

"Tell me, is there anything that we brothers can't talk about?" He Yuzhu patted his shoulder.

Wang Qiang took a deep breath and said slowly: "In the past three years, I left not only because of work, but also because of a relationship. However, now I understand that although that relationship is important, the most important thing is still here, and it’s still you."

He Yuzhu smiled, and smiled calmly, "Everyone has his own way to go. As long as you understand what is most important, that's all."

Wang Qiang wanted to bring some delicious food to visit He Yuzhu. After being away from Siheyuan for so long, he always felt that he owed something. In the past three years, despite his busy work, he could always think of the time he spent with He Yuzhu. It was a carefree period. Although life was simple, it was full of laughter. Wang Qiang knew that the pure friendship and the warmth in life were hard to find in the bustling city.

The next morning, Wang Qiang went out early and walked to the market near the courtyard. The market was crowded with people, and the stalls were filled with all kinds of fresh ingredients. Wang Qiang walked to a stall selling cooked food, saw all kinds of meat and snacks, and thought about what to buy.

"Boss, how much is this pig's trotter?" Wang Qiang asked, thinking that this was He Yuzhu's favorite food.

The boss replied with a smile: "This pig's trotter is very fresh, just made today, 30 yuan each."

Wang Qiang nodded, bought two pig's trotters, and then went to the stall next to him to buy a few bags of noodles with soybean paste and some side dishes. He remembered that He Yuzhu always said, "There is nothing that a bowl of noodles with soybean paste can't solve. If there is, then two bowls will do."

Carrying the bags, Wang Qiang was full of anticipation. He walked back to the courtyard, the sun shining on him, warm and cozy, as if the whole world had become brighter. Back at the courtyard, Wang Qiang walked straight to He Yuzhu's house and knocked on the door.

"Yuzhu, here I come!" Wang Qiang shouted loudly, with a hint of excitement in his voice.

He Yuzhu opened the door and saw Wang Qiang carrying a lot of things. He was stunned for a moment, then laughed, "Are you going to rob the market?"

Wang Qiang walked into the house with a smile and put the food on the table. "Do you remember your favorite pig's trotters and noodles with soybean paste? I brought them to you today."

He Yuzhu looked at the delicacies on the table, a touch of emotion flashed in his eyes, "It's rare that you still remember these."

The two sat down, and Wang Qiang began to work hard, putting the food on the table one by one. He Yuzhu helped on the side, and the two cooperated tacitly, as if they had returned to the days three years ago.

"Wang Qiang, how have you been doing outside these three years?" He Yuzhu asked while busying himself.

Wang Qiang stopped what he was doing and thought for a while, "Busy, really busy. Every day is filled with endless work and social activities. Sometimes I feel like I've almost forgotten the taste of life."

He Yuzhu nodded and said with understanding: "Life in a big city is like this, fast-paced and stressful. But no matter what, I'm glad you can come back."

Wang Qiang sighed, a warm feeling welling up in his heart, "Yes, after coming back and seeing you guys, I feel truly relaxed."

The two of them set the food and sat down to eat. While eating, Wang Qiang recalled the past, his heart full of emotion. He Yuzhu looked at Wang Qiang and felt a little excited. He knew that Wang Qiang was his best friend, and their friendship would not change because of time and distance.