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

Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Mom and Dad, don't worry, I will definitely treat Jingjing well."

On this day, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing were filled with happiness and touched. The blessings and support from both sides of their parents made them more confident about the future.

Back in the courtyard, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing sat in the yard and talked about their future life. Li Jingjing asked, "Zhang Liang, do you have any plans for our future?"

Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Jingjing, I hope we can continue to be happy like this. I will work hard to give you and our family a stable life."

Li Jingjing nodded and said, "Zhang Liang, I will continue to work hard, support you, and take care of our family."

Zhang Liang looked at her tenderly: "Jingjing, let's work together to create a happy family."

Li Jingjing was moved and said, "Zhang Liang, I believe we will be happy."

As time flies, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing's feelings grow deeper and deeper. They face the challenges and difficulties in life together, support each other, and gradually move towards a happy future.

One day, Zhang Liang was busy at the factory when he suddenly received a call from Li Jingjing. Her voice was filled with joy: "Zhang Liang, I have good news for you."

Zhang Liang asked curiously, "What good news?"

Li Jingjing smiled and said, "Zhang Liang, we have a baby!"

The winter in the old city was always particularly cold. Zhang Liang walked out of the old wooden door of his house, took a deep breath of the cool air, and walked towards the center of the compound while wrapping himself tightly in his thick cotton coat.

"Although the courtyards are crowded, they are also lively," Zhang Liang thought. He signed up for the Nanluoguxiang benchwork competition because he heard that the prize money was very high, which was enough to improve his family's life.

He walked to the well and saw Qin Huairu carrying a load of water. Qin Huairu was a famous beauty in the compound. Although life was difficult, she always managed to keep herself and her children clean. Zhang Liang looked at her and couldn't help but smile.

"Good morning, Sister Qin." Zhang Liang greeted.

"Good morning, Zhang Liang." Qin Huairu smiled slightly, "Are you going to work in the factory again today?"

"Yes, I recently signed up for a machinist skills competition, so I have to find time to practice more." Zhang Liang replied.

Qin Huairu's eyes flashed with surprise, "I heard that the prize money for that competition is quite high, you must try your best!"

"Thank you, sister. Please let me know if you need any help." Zhang Liang patted his chest and said confidently.

At this moment, Yan Bugui came over from the side, holding a pipe in his hand, looking relaxed and contented. He saw Zhang Liang and Qin Huairu and came over with a smile.

"Zhang Liang, I heard that you are going to participate in a benchwork competition. That's a good thing!" Yan Bugui muttered to himself while smoking his pipe, a shrewd light flashing in his eyes.

Zhang Liang nodded, "Yes, Uncle Yan, who in our courtyard doesn't want to make more money and live a good life?"

Yan Bugui nodded and said, "That makes sense, but you have to be careful. In a competition, it's inevitable that someone will trip you up."

Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Don't worry, Uncle Yan, I'm prepared."

At this time, Liu Haizhong and Jia Dongxu also came over. Liu Haizhong always had a stern face, but he was actually kind-hearted. Jia Dongxu was a warm-hearted young man who always liked to help.

"Brother Zhang Liang, we heard that you are going to participate in the competition. We are your fans!" Jia Dongxu said excitedly.

"Yes, you will definitely win!" Liu Haizhong also echoed.

Zhang Liang smiled and nodded, "Thank you for your support. With you here, I will definitely do my best!"

Not far away, Banggeng, Liu Guangtian, and Liu Guangfu were playing, their laughter and shouting filled the whole yard. The deaf old lady sat in the corner basking in the sun, with a kind smile on her face.

Zhang Liang felt that although such a life was difficult, it was also full of warmth and hope.

Time flies. Zhang Liang is busy in the factory every day, and he has to take time to practice his locksmith skills after returning home. He knows that this competition is not only for the prize money, but also to prove himself.

Finally, the day of the competition arrived. Nanluoguxiang was packed with people, and the workers who participated in the competition were ready to show their skills. Zhang Liang quietly adjusted his mentality in the corner. He knew that this competition was related to the future of him and his family.

The host began to introduce the contestants. When Zhang Liang came on stage, the audience burst into warm applause. He looked around and saw that all the neighbors in the compound had come, including Qin Huairu, Yan Bugui, Liu Haizhong, Jia Dongxu, and the deaf old lady. They were all cheering for him.

The competition started, and the contestants were busy at their respective workbenches. Zhang Liang was focused and attentive in every step of the operation. His technique was skillful and his movements were smooth, as if every piece of metal was glowing with new life in his hands.

The competition was extremely intense, and Zhang Liang's opponents were also very strong, but he remained calm. Time passed by minute by minute, and after completing the last step, he took a deep breath and handed his work to the judges.

The judges carefully examined each piece of work and finally announced the results of the competition. Zhang Liang won first place! The audience burst into thunderous applause, and Qin Huairu and Yan Bugui led the cheers.

"Zhang Liang, you're awesome!" Jia Dongxu excitedly ran up to the stage and gave Zhang Liang a big hug.

Zhang Liang smiled brightly, "Thank you all for your support. This competition is not only a victory for me, but also a victory for our entire compound!"

After the competition, Zhang Liang returned to the compound with his prize money. Everyone held a small celebration for him, and the whole compound was filled with laughter and joy.

Zhang Liang knows that this is just the beginning. There are still many challenges waiting for him in the future, but with the support of these neighbors, he believes that he can go further.

As everyone was celebrating, a figure quietly approached Zhang Liang. Zhang Liang turned around and saw that it was Yi Zhonghai. Yi Zhonghai was an old worker in the compound, experienced, but usually not talkative.

"Master Yi, you are here too!" Zhang Liang said in surprise.

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said with a smile: "Zhang Liang, you did a great job. I have seen your work, it is really outstanding."

"Thank you, Master Yi." Zhang Liang scratched his head shyly, "Actually, I still have a lot to learn from you."

Yi Zhonghai patted him on the shoulder and said, "It's a good thing that young people are motivated. If you have any questions in the future, just come to me."

Zhang Liang nodded solemnly, "I will, thank you for your advice!"

At this time, Jia Zhang came over from the side and pulled Jia Dongxu, "Dongxu, come back and help serve the dishes!"

Jia Dongxu responded and winked at Zhang Liang, "Brother Zhang Liang, come and help as well. This is your home court today!"

Zhang Liang smiled and nodded, and helped to serve the dishes with Jia Dongxu. Everyone sat together, eating hot meals and chatting about all sorts of topics.

At night, Zhang Liang returned to his hut, looking at the trophy in his hand, his heart full of hope. He knew that the road ahead was still long, but as long as he persisted in working hard, he would definitely have a better life.

As the days passed, Zhang Liang worked harder in the factory. He not only had to support himself, but also take care of his family. His craftsmanship became more and more sophisticated, and the leaders of the factory also looked at him with admiration.

By chance, Zhang Liang met a stranger in the factory. This person claimed to be a recruitment manager of a large company, who was specifically looking for talented workers. After a conversation, Zhang Liang learned that the company offered generous treatment and a good working environment.

"Zhang Liang, our company is in need of capable people like you. If you are willing, you can come to our company for development." The manager said sincerely.

Zhang Liang was a little hesitant. He didn't want to leave the compound and his neighbors. But he also knew that such an opportunity was rare. If he went to the new company, not only would he get a higher salary, but the working environment would also be better.

He told Qin Huairu and Yan Bugui the news.

"Zhang Liang, you should think about it carefully. This is a good opportunity." Qin Huairu said.

"Yes, young people should be enterprising." Yan Bugui also nodded in support.

Zhang Liang fell into deep thought. He decided to try the new company, but he still couldn't let go of his neighbors.

"Sister Qin, Uncle Yan, I decided to give it a try, but I will come back no matter what." Zhang Liang said firmly.

"We believe in you and will support you no matter what decision you make," Qin Huairu said gently.

With this trust and expectation, Zhang Liang embarked on a new work journey. The new company was just as the manager said, with a superior environment and generous benefits. Zhang Liang felt like a fish in water here and his work went very smoothly.

But he never forgot his neighbors in the compound, and every time he got his salary, he would buy some things and go back to visit them. Qin Huairu, Yan Bugui, and Jia Dongxu always welcomed him warmly.

As time went by, Zhang Liang gradually gained a firm foothold in the new company and made more new friends. There was a young female engineer named Li Fang in the company. She was a smart and capable girl. She and Zhang Liang shared the same ideals and worked together.

The winter wind in the old city was biting cold, but Zhang Liang still got out of his warm bed early, lit the kerosene lamp in the dark, and started a new day of busy life. He simply ate a few bites of the dry food left over from last night, put on a heavy cotton coat, and walked out of the courtyard. Zhang Liang's goal was the old, creaking machine tool in the factory. He needed to practice a few more times before dawn to prepare for the upcoming benchwork skills competition.

Zhang Liang walked to the well and saw Qin Huairu struggling to carry a load of water with a determined look on her face. Zhang Liang quickly stepped forward to help: "Sister Qin, the water is so heavy, let me help you."

Qin Huairu smiled gratefully, "Zhang Liang, you are such a kind person. Getting up so early every day to practice benchwork is really hard work."

Zhang Liang chuckled, "I have no choice. The prize money for this benchwork competition is high, so I have to fight for it."