Siheyuan: I, an ordinary resident, the king of chefs

Suddenly, Li Xiaomei suggested: "Since today is your engagement party, why don't we have a small ceremony so that everyone can witness your happiness."

Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing looked at each other, smiled and nodded in agreement.

Qin Huairu quickly went to get some red ribbons and red paper and began to decorate the scene, while Yan Bugui prepared some flower petals and incense burners to create a solemn and warm atmosphere.

"Come on, let's help together." Li Xiaomei called to the neighbors.

Soon, a simple and solemn engagement ceremony venue was set up in the center of the yard. Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing stood under the arch woven with red ribbons, holding hands, facing the neighbors.

Qin Huairu acted as the host and said with a smile: "Today, we are here to witness the engagement of Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing. The two of them met, got to know each other, and fell in love. Today they finally decided to spend their lives together. Now, please give each other engagement gifts and express your commitment to each other."

Zhang Liang took out an exquisite ring from his pocket, gently put it on Li Jingjing's finger, and said affectionately: "Jingjing, from today on, I am willing to stand by you through thick and thin and spend my life with you. No matter how many difficulties and challenges lie ahead, I will always be by your side, protecting you and loving you."

Li Jingjing's eyes sparkled with tears. She also took out a ring and put it on Zhang Liang's finger. "Zhang Liang, from today on, I am willing to stay with you and face everything in life together. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will go on with you and never give up."

The couple's vows drew applause and blessings, and neighbors came forward to offer their blessings.

Qin Huairu smiled and said, "Now, please ask the two newlyweds to drink from the cup of wine together to show their eternal love."

Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing took the wedding wine, smiled at each other, and drank it all in one gulp. Everyone cheered again, and the atmosphere reached a climax.

The dinner continued, everyone enjoyed the food and talked about life. Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing also toasted with their neighbors one by one, thanking them for coming and blessing.

Late at night, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing saw off the last guest and returned to the courtyard. They sat side by side on a stone bench in the courtyard, looking up at the starry sky.

Li Jingjing leaned on Zhang Liang's shoulder and whispered, "Zhang Liang, I'm really happy today. It feels like a dream."

Zhang Liang hugged her gently and said softly, "Jingjing, this is not a dream, this is our reality. No matter how big the challenges in the future are, we will face them together."

Li Jingjing nodded with a happy smile on her face, "Well, let's work together to create a happy life that belongs to us."

The next day, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing continued to work. Although there were still some rumors in the factory, Zhang Liang had learned to prove himself with practical actions. He worked hard every day, leading the technical innovation team to continuously achieve new results, and won the recognition of the factory leaders and workers.

That day, Zhang Liang's life ushered in an important turning point. He heard that Nanluoguxiang was about to hold a benchwork skills competition with a very generous prize. For Zhang Liang, this was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity, not only to show his skills, but also to change his family's living conditions.

Zhang Liang talked about this with Qin Huairu in the yard, "Sister Huairu, have you heard? Nanluoguxiang is going to hold a benchwork skills competition, and the prize money is shockingly high!"

Qin Huairu was hanging clothes in the yard. She looked up at Zhang Liang with a hint of surprise and admiration in her eyes. "Really? That's a good opportunity, Zhang Liang. Do you want to try it?"

"I have decided to sign up." Zhang Liang nodded firmly, "I want to take this opportunity to prove myself."

At this time, Yan Bugui passed by and heard their conversation. He stopped and interrupted, "Zhang Liang, you are planning to make a name for yourself. However, there are many masters in Nanluoguxiang. Are you sure?"

Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Master Yan, I believe in my own ability. Besides, how can I know if I don't try it?"

Yan Bugui nodded and smiled approvingly, "You have ambition! That's what young people should be like."

Zhang Liang's decision caused quite a stir in the courtyard, and everyone was talking about it. Some supported it, some questioned it, but most were looking forward to it. After all, such competitions were rare in this era, and Zhang Liang's courage and determination also made everyone look at him with new eyes.

That night, Zhang Liang returned to his room. The lights were dim. He spread out a piece of paper on the table and began to plan his training plan carefully. There was still a month before the competition, and he had to seize every minute. Just as he was thinking hard, there was a light knock on the door.

"Zhang Liang, it's me." It was Yi Zhonghai's voice.

Zhang Liang stood up and opened the door. Yi Zhonghai was a respected old worker in the yard, and he was also a master of locksmithing when he was young. Zhang Liang knew that he came to give him some advice.

"Master Yi, please come in." Zhang Liang respectfully invited Yi Zhonghai into the house.

Yi Zhonghai sat down and looked at Zhang Liang. "Young man, I heard that you decided to participate in the competition. I am very happy that you have this intention. As someone who has been through this, I have some experience that I would like to share with you."

Zhang Liang nodded seriously, "Master Yi, I need your guidance."

Yi Zhonghai smiled and began to tell Zhang Liang about the skills and experience of benchwork, from how to measure accurately to how to complete the work quickly and efficiently. Zhang Liang listened attentively, asking questions from time to time, and Yi Zhonghai patiently answered them.

Time passed quickly, and it was already late at night. Yi Zhonghai stood up and said goodbye, "Zhang Liang, remember, no matter how difficult it is, don't give up."

Zhang Liang nodded and watched Yi Zhonghai leave. His heart was filled with gratitude and determination. That night, he made a vow in his heart to get good results in the competition and live up to everyone's expectations.

In the following days, Zhang Liang worked hard in training. He would get up before dawn and start practicing. Neighbors would often see him busy in the yard, and sometimes they would take the initiative to help.

Liu Haizhong passed by one day and saw Zhang Liang practicing with sweat all over his forehead. He couldn't help but stop and said, "Zhang Liang, take a break. Don't tire yourself out."

Zhang Liang wiped the sweat off his face and said with a smile, "Thank you, Uncle Liu. I will practice for a while longer. This competition is very important to me."

Liu Haizhong nodded and said, "It's a good thing for young people to be energetic, but they should also take care of their health."

Zhang Liang nodded gratefully and continued to devote himself to training. He knew that there was no shortcut to success, only more effort.

As the days passed, the Nanluoguxiang Fitter Skills Competition drew closer. Zhang Liang's efforts paid off, and his skills became more sophisticated, with his speed and accuracy greatly improved.

The day before the competition, Zhang Liang went to visit the deaf old lady. The old lady was a respected elder in the courtyard. Although her hearing was not good, her mind was as clear as a mirror. Zhang Liang hoped to get her blessing.

"Old lady, I'm going to participate in a competition tomorrow, so I came here to pay my respects to you." Zhang Liang stood in front of the deaf old lady and bowed slightly.

Although the deaf old lady couldn't hear clearly, she could see clearly. She smiled and nodded, and gestured to Zhang Liang to come over. When Zhang Liang approached, the deaf old lady patted his hands and muttered something. Although he couldn't hear clearly, Zhang Liang knew it was her blessing.

"Thank you, old lady. I will definitely work hard and live up to your expectations." Zhang Liang said gratefully.

The next day, Zhang Liang arrived at Nanluoguxiang early. Many contestants had already gathered here, all of them were in high spirits and eager to fight. Zhang Liang took a deep breath and silently cheered for himself.

The competition started, and the field was filled with a tense atmosphere. Zhang Liang relied on his solid basic skills and calm mentality to complete the competition items step by step. His movements were quick and accurate, which attracted the admiration of many spectators.

After the game, Zhang Liang stood on the sidelines, waiting for the results to be announced. He was nervous and excited. Suddenly, a familiar voice came, "Zhang Liang, you did a great job!"

Zhang Liang looked back and saw that it was Qin Huairu, Liu Haizhong and other neighbors who had come to cheer him up. Zhang Liang felt warm in his heart and nodded with a smile.

Soon, the results of the competition were announced, and Zhang Liang won the second place. Although not the first place, this result was already quite outstanding. Zhang Liang excitedly went on stage to receive the award, his heart filled with pride and joy.

Back at the courtyard, the neighbors had already prepared a small celebration. Everyone gathered around Zhang Liang and congratulated him. Zhang Liang held the trophy with tears in his eyes, "Thank you everyone, it is your support and encouragement that has brought me to where I am today."

Yi Zhonghai patted Zhang Liang on the shoulder and said, "Young man, well done! But remember, this is just the beginning, there is still a long way to go."

Zhang Liang nodded heavily, "Yes, Master Yi. I will continue to work hard and live up to everyone's expectations."

The celebration lasted until late at night, and the courtyard was filled with laughter. Zhang Liang secretly made up his mind that this competition was just a starting point, and he would continue to work hard to create more glory.

A few days later, Zhang Liang received an unexpected news. The pliers factory in Nanluoguxiang invited him to be a guest technician. This news made Zhang Liang both surprised and excited. This was a higher platform and a new beginning.

With this expectation, Zhang Liang embarked on a new journey. He knew that the road ahead was full of challenges, but he was fearless because he had dreams, hard work, and the support of his neighbors in the courtyard.

During his time at the Nanluoguxiang pliers factory, Zhang Liang made many like-minded friends and learned more knowledge and skills. His efforts and talents were widely recognized and he soon emerged in the industry.

One day, the director of the pliers factory found Zhang Liang and said, "Little Zhang Liang, we have an important project here and we need your participation."

Zhang Liang was slightly startled, "Director, what is the project?"