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

In the following days, Zhang Liang often organized some cultural activities after work, singing and dancing with his neighbors, and the atmosphere of the courtyard became more harmonious and joyful. Everyone said that Zhang Liang was not only their pride, but also the soul of the courtyard.

One night, Zhang Liang was playing the piano in the yard. "Zhang Liang, I have good news for you. The city has decided to hold a large-scale cultural performance. Our factory has been invited to participate. I hope you can represent our factory to participate."

Zhang Liang was excited. "Director, thank you for your trust. I will do my best to prepare and try to have a good performance in the city's performance."

The factory manager smiled and said, "I believe you can do it. You are the pride of our factory, and everyone has high expectations for you."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Liang was filled with passion and fighting spirit. He knew and had the courage to meet new challenges.

While actively preparing for the city's art performance, he would practice in the yard every night when he got home, and neighbors would often gather together to cheer him up.

One night, Qin Huairu came over with the children and said with a smile, "Zhang Liang, how are you preparing? We are all looking forward to your performance."

Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Sister Huairu, I am working hard to prepare. I hope I can have a good performance in the city's performance."

Liu Haizhong also came over and patted Zhang Liang on the shoulder, "Zhang Liang, we all believe that you can do it. You are our pride, come on!"

"Thank you for your support. I will do my best to live up to your expectations."

The city's art performance finally arrived, and Zhang Liang represented the steel rolling mill to attend the event. On the day of the performance, the city's auditorium was packed, and the audience was looking forward to the wonderful performance.

Zhang Liang walked onto the stage, picked up his guitar, took a deep breath, and began his performance. The moving melody echoed in the auditorium again, and his singing was full of emotion.

After the performance, thunderous applause broke out in the auditorium and the city leaders also spoke highly of his performance.

Zhang Liang achieved great success in the city's art performance. He not only conquered the audience with his music, but also made himself the pride of the steel mill. After the performance, Zhang Liang walked off the stage and excitedly shared his joy with his colleagues in the factory.

At this moment, a familiar voice came from the crowd: "Zhang Liang, is that you?"

Zhang Liang turned around and saw a middle-aged man walking towards him. The man was tall and had a resolute face, but his eyes were shining with excitement. Zhang Liang was stunned for a moment, and then his eyes flashed with incredible surprise: "Xiaolong, is it you?"

The man nodded and walked quickly to Zhang Liang. The two held each other's hands tightly. Zhang Liang's eyes were shining with tears, and his heart was filled with excitement and emotion: "It's been ten years, I didn't expect that we can meet again!"

Xiaolong also said excitedly: "Yes, I haven't seen you for ten years. I didn't expect you to be here and become such an outstanding musician!"

The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of memories and emotion. Ten years ago, they were old classmates who were as close as brothers and spent countless happy times together. Now that they meet again, they are filled with emotion.

Zhang Liang patted Xiaolong on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Let's go find a place to have a good chat."

The two of them came to the small canteen in the factory and found a quiet corner to sit down. Xiaolong asked while drinking tea: "Zhang Liang, when did you come to the steel mill?"

Zhang Liang smiled and replied, "Three years ago. I have been working here and was recently promoted to deputy factory director. This art performance gave me the opportunity to show my talents, which was a pleasant surprise."

Xiaolong nodded, with a glimmer of admiration in his eyes: "You are really versatile. Not only are you excellent at work, but you also have such high attainments in music."

Zhang Liang said modestly, "Actually, I also practice music after work. It's a way for me to relax. By the way, Xiaolong, why are you in the steel mill?"

Xiaolong sighed, his expression a little complicated: "I also came here to work three years ago. I used to work in a factory in the south, but because the factory closed down, I had to come back to find a job. I didn't expect to meet you here, it's really fate."

Zhang Liang nodded, his heart full of emotion: "Yes, we haven't seen each other for ten years, and everyone has their own lives. It is really fate that we can meet here."

The two chatted for a long time, recalling the past and sharing their experiences over the years. Zhang Liang found that although Xiaolong had experienced many setbacks, he still maintained an optimistic and tenacious attitude, which made him feel gratified and admired.

A few days later, Zhang Liang and Xiao Long met again at the factory. Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Xiao Long, are you free today? I want to take you to meet my neighbors. They are all very nice."

Xiaolong smiled and nodded: "Of course I am free. After hearing you talk about your neighbors, I also want to meet them."

Zhang Liang took Xiaolong back to the courtyard, where all the neighbors were. Qin Huairu was washing clothes, Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui were chatting in the yard, and the children were playing nearby.

Zhang Liang stepped forward and introduced them: "Sister Huairu, Brother Haizhong, Brother Yan, this is my old classmate Xiaolong. We haven't seen each other for many years. I specially brought him here to meet you all today."

Qin Huairu put down the clothes in her hands and came forward with a smile: "Xiaolong, welcome! It's really touching to hear Zhang Liang talk about your story."

Liu Haizhong also stood up and said enthusiastically: "Xiaolong, welcome to our courtyard. Although our place is simple, we are all good friends."

Xiaolong said gratefully: "Thank you all for your welcome. I am also very happy to meet you."

Yan Bugui patted Xiaolong on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Xiaolong, come and visit us often in the future. We in the Siheyuan are most concerned about friendship and loyalty. We are all one family."

Xiaolong nodded, feeling warm in his heart. He felt the strong neighborhood friendship in the courtyard, which made him feel cordial and warm.

In the following days, Zhang Liang and Xiaolong became closer and closer. They not only helped each other at work, but also often shared their daily lives. Xiaolong gradually integrated into the big family of the Siheyuan and became good friends with his neighbors.

One night, Zhang Liang and Xiao Long were sitting in the yard chatting. Xiao Long suddenly said, "Zhang Liang, have you ever thought about what the future will be like?"

Zhang Liang was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Future? I just hope to do my job well and continue to pursue my musical dream. As for the rest, let nature take its course."

Xiaolong nodded, with a glimmer of yearning in his eyes: "I also hope to have a stable job and live a peaceful life. I have experienced too many twists and turns over the years, and now I just want to settle down."

Zhang Liang patted Xiaolong on the shoulder and encouraged him: "Xiaolong, we can definitely realize our dreams. As long as we work hard, there will be good results."

Xiaolong nodded gratefully: "Thank you, Zhang Liang. Your words give me confidence."

A few days later, the factory launched a new project and needed to form a technical research team. Zhang Liang and Xiaolong were both selected to participate in this project, and they took on important tasks together.

During the project, Zhang Liang and Xiaolong worked together to solve technical problems one after another. Their outstanding performance was highly praised by the factory leaders, and the entire project was a complete success.

After the project was completed, the factory director praised Zhang Liang and Xiaolong at a factory-wide meeting. “Zhang Liang and Xiaolong performed very well in this project. They not only solved technical problems, but also demonstrated the spirit of teamwork. We decided to give them a special reward.”

Zhang Liang and Xiaolong stood on the stage, their hearts filled with pride and gratitude. Zhang Liang took the microphone and said, "Thank you, Director, and thank you for your support. The success of this project is inseparable from the efforts of the entire team. We will continue to work hard and make greater contributions to the development of the factory."

The workers in the audience applauded and cheered for their excellent performance. Qin Huairu, Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui were also in the audience, feeling proud and happy for Zhang Liang and Xiaolong.

A few days later, Zhang Liang and Xiao Long returned to the courtyard, and the neighbors gathered around to congratulate them. Qin Huairu smiled and said, "Zhang Liang, Xiao Long, you guys did really well this time! We are all proud of you."

Liu Haizhong continued, "Zhang Liang, Xiaolong, you are not only the pride of our factory, but also the pride of Siheyuan. Keep working hard in the future, come on!"

Zhang Liang smiled and nodded, "Thank you for your support. We will continue to work hard and live up to your expectations."

He smiled and said, "Xiaolong, you have also become a star in our courtyard. With you and Zhang Liang here, our courtyard will get better and better."

Xiaolong said gratefully: "Thank you for your support. I will work hard with Zhang Liang to make our lives better and better."

In the following days, Zhang Liang and Xiaolong continued to work hard in the factory, leading the team to overcome difficulties one after another. They not only performed well at work, but also became role models for everyone in life.

The neighbors in the courtyard are also proud of Zhang Liang and Xiaolong's outstanding performance. Everyone supports each other and works together to make the atmosphere of the whole courtyard more harmonious and warm.

One night, Zhang Liang and Xiao Long were sitting in the yard, looking at the stars in the sky. Xiao Long suddenly said, "Zhang Liang, have you ever thought about what else we can do to make our lives better?"

Zhang Liang pondered for a while, then smiled and said, "Xiaolong, there are actually many wonderful things in life. As long as we look carefully, we can find our own happiness."

Xiaolong nodded, with a trace of yearning in his eyes: "You are right, Zhang Liang. As long as we live with our hearts, we will definitely find our own happiness."

They know that no matter how difficult the road ahead is, as long as they support each other and move forward hand in hand, they will be able to overcome all difficulties and realize their dreams.