Siheyuan: If you ruin the reputation of the whole courtyard, I will move out

That night, Zhang Yu came home from get off work and told He Yushui about his decision to lend money to help Liu Xianjin buy a house. At first, he thought He Yushui would not object, but the change in her expression was surprising.

"It's not that I'm unwilling to help Master buy the house. There's actually someone else living in the house," He Yushui explained.

After understanding the reason, Zhang Yu became even more confused: "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" He was confused about why he had not received any notification.

"I had planned for them to leave after six months, and you happened to be coming back to visit at that time, so I didn't mention it." He Yushui seemed a little apologetic about this.

Zhang Yu asked: "But they haven't left yet?"

He Yushui said frankly: "Although I urged them many times, they just didn't want to move, it's really..." There was a hint of complaint in her tone, "Hey, look who's here! Zhang Yu!" She found that Zhang Yu had returned, and shouted to him loudly, showing her usual enthusiasm.

When the neighbors saw Zhang Yu, they greeted him warmly. It was obvious that they had heard the news of his promotion, so they showed unprecedented intimacy towards them.

Zhang Yu did not treat this polite and warm hospitality with arrogance. After responding to the neighbors one by one, he sent Li Shufen back home. Since she was sent to kindergarten, Li Shufen did not like staying in the small space of the courtyard and often ran to the large compound. No matter how Zhang Yu dissuaded her, she insisted on her own opinion.

Fortunately, He Yuzhu's family also lived in the compound and could help take care of the children sometimes. So Zhang Yu found Yan Bugui, the boss of the compound, to discuss the house rental.

Seeing Zhang Yu coming, Yan Bugui looked a little embarrassed: "Have you finished lunch? It's a good opportunity for you to come over." He responded to Zhang Yu like this because he had just finished lunch.

Life after retirement allowed them to live a leisurely life. Although they did not have a good sleep quality at night, they still stayed in bed and enjoyed the lazy time during the day. Yan Bugui calculated the time and found that they did not get up until 10 o'clock in the morning. They had breakfast and lunch together, which greatly reduced their daily expenses.

Therefore, after 10 o'clock in the afternoon is their nap time, and it is obviously not appropriate for Zhang Yu to come at this time. However, his arrival has attracted the attention of Yan Bugui's wife, and she put down the empty tableware in her hand and prepared to welcome the guest.

Noticing Yan Bugui's complicated eye contact, the three aunts picked up the dishes and started cleaning. Yan Bugui smiled and explained to Zhang Yu: "We just had dinner and are tidying up the table."

Although he understood Yan Bugui's intention, Zhang Yu did not express any special opinion and sat down to talk: "Uncle Yan, I heard that our performance in disaster relief was recognized. What brought you home today?" After saying that, he sat down but did not mention the matter of making tea.

Zhang Yu continued, "The company is considerate and has given me two days off to go home and recuperate. I will go back to work next Monday."

Yan Bugui nodded in agreement: "You have indeed made a lot of efforts during this period. You should be familiar with the experience in the disaster area. It is reasonable to take a two-day break." The topic suddenly changed, "However, I am going home mainly to reclaim the house."

Hearing this, Yan Bugui's face immediately became nervous. "Xiao Zhang, you know my family's situation. In the past, seven or eight people squeezed into one room and it was not enough. Now that the children are living here, the space is getting tighter. Can we stay here for a while?" His tone was full of earnestness.

Regarding the fact that Yan Bugui had no house, Zhang Yu asked in confusion: "Has Jiecheng not allocated a new house to you yet?" His curiosity led to questions.

When this was mentioned, Yan Bugui flashed a bitter smile on his face: "There is a shortage of housing now, and it is not easy to allocate it. For ordinary families like us, life is even more difficult. Alas, I have received kindness from others in the past, and now I want to rely on this benefit and not leave. I feel ashamed."

Even though he knew that Cheng and Jiefang had the support of their families, the master was like a lonely boat in the old city, with no relatives or friends to rely on. This was particularly serious in Zhang Yu's eyes.

Yan Bugui blushed slightly, knowing that Zhang Yu's words made sense, but he was conflicted about giving up the house he had obtained. He recalled that he had arrogantly expanded the illegal building to occupy the Zhang family's territory, forcing Liu Haizhongzhong and his family to retreat to the old house. At this moment, Zhang Yu intervened and broke the situation. Yan Bugui no longer dared to start the construction without authorization. The Zhang family decided to leave, and the extra vacant houses became a topic of discussion, but he did not immediately consider illegal construction to make up for the loss. Subconsciously, Zhang Yu's existence seemed to be the root of all difficulties.

When it comes to moving, Zhang Yu gave a deadline: "Uncle, if you need help packing, please let me know and I'll ask my friends to help." After that, he stood up, seemingly calm but determined: unless he takes the initiative to move, the community will intervene. With the property certificate in hand, the ownership of the property clearly leans towards the Zhang family, and the Yan family is at a disadvantage in this game. It is obviously not Zhang Yu's side that has lost face. "Well, I'll wait for Jie Cheng to come back and pack the luggage." Helplessly, Yan Bugui reluctantly agreed.

Full of satisfaction, Zhang Yu left the Yan family. He could hear Aunt San's criticism of him again. He was used to it. As he approached the gate, he heard a cry for help: "Hurry up, the old man has fainted!" He stopped as soon as he heard the cry, turned around and looked in the direction where the cry came from, and saw the old people rushing to Yi Zhonghai's residence.

Li Shufen, who was also resting at home, was also awakened by the commotion and hurried out. Several people helped Yi Zhonghai out of the door and gently placed him on the ground. Most of the young and middle-aged people were outside, and only a few elderly people, women and children were left. Yan Bugui called out anxiously: "Who can find a flatbed truck to take him to the hospital?"

The crowd looked at each other in bewilderment, and no one stepped forward. Yi Zhonghai had no children, and no one was willing to take responsibility. Sending him to hospital might mean sharing the high medical expenses, and it was unknown whether there would be any return. All eyes immediately focused on Li Shufen.

Faced with the choice, Li Shufen struggled for a long time, then took a deep breath, turned to Zhang Yu and said firmly: "Son, you go push the flatbed truck." It was their joint efforts that escorted Yi Zhonghai to the hospital, and the medical expenses were temporarily borne by Li Shufen.

After a while, a doctor walked out of the operating room and asked in a slightly depressed voice: "Who is the patient's family member?" His face was full of helplessness, and he shook his head and said: "We have tried our best." Hearing this, Li Shufen seemed to be swept away by the storm and leaned weakly on Zhang Yu. Although her marriage had long since cooled, her years of affection made her unable to ignore her husband's fate: "Doctor, what disease does he have? Is there really no hope at all?" There was a hint of trembling in her words.

"The problem is not the disease," the doctor explained patiently. "The old man's body is basically exhausted, and existing medicine can't reverse it." Li Shufen could hardly believe the result. She had to endure such a blow just after turning 60.

"The old man's long-term malnutrition and heavy work have caused his body to be overloaded, and his organ functions have gradually failed. It is a miracle that he can survive until now." The doctor said regretfully. Looking back over the years, Yi Zhonghai's life has been ups and downs. Not only has he lost his job, but even his pension has been cut. He has been working hard in a small factory just to survive. It is a miracle that he can survive in difficult times.

After calming down a little, Li Shufen asked, "Can I go visit him?" With the doctor's permission, they went into the emergency room together. The doctor left quietly to give the patient and his family some space.

As soon as they entered the ward, Li Shufen walked towards the bed, while Zhang Yu stood at a distance. Yi Zhonghai on the bed had a pale face and empty eyes, but when his wife approached, a little life flashed in his eyes. "Shufen." He called out weakly.

Seeing her husband dying, Li Shufen's hatred disappeared. "Zhonghai." She held his hand tightly and whispered to comfort him: "Hold on, you will get through this." He responded: "I already knew the situation, but I never expected that you would be by my side at the end of my life." His voice was low and tears flashed in the corners of his eyes.

"Xiao Fen, I have made a big mistake, which makes me extremely regretful. I really regret it." Tears fell as Yi Zhonghai spoke. Li Shufen burst into tears: "Let the past fade away. You have endured too much for me over the years." At this point, she was already sobbing.

"Yes, all the mistakes of the past have been made up." Seeing his wife's pain, Yi Zhonghai's emotions slowly calmed down, and his face revealed a sense of tranquility. "Yu'er, do you know why I have stayed in this city for so many years? I am atonement in other ways, not only for myself, but also for my deep guilt towards you." Yi Zhonghai said.

At this moment, Zhang Yu understood why Yi Zhonghai stayed here. It was because he felt deeply guilty towards his wife. It was a way of atonement, and also for her.

"I have saved a little money over the years and buried it in the old place near my home. If I die, you can use it to treat yourself well." Yi Zhonghai whispered about the inheritance arrangements. "There is also the house left for you in the yard. I will ask the street director to hand it over to you." After saying this, he closed his eyes slightly, and his gentle words hovered in the air like a whisper, gradually disappearing into the silence.

Lying on Yi Zhonghai, Li Shufen burst into tears. Her pain was so deep that Zhang Yu was worried about her health. He hurried forward to comfort her: "Godmother, your body is weak, don't be too sad."

After a short breath, Li Shufen's mood eased a little and she began to prepare for the funeral. Zhang Yu understood that although the funeral was simple and plain on the surface, it actually contained the unspeakable pain and sorrow in Li Shufen's heart. Because during the ten years when Yi Zhonghai was easily annoying, the neighbors almost cut off contact with him.

At the funeral, He Yuzhu revealed that he had previously proposed to take care of Yi Zhonghai for the rest of his life, but was politely declined. Yi Zhonghai chose to make amends with practical actions and resolutely refused to allow outside help to intervene. This was the path of redemption he found for his past mistakes.

Of course, Yi Zhonghai’s untimely death is not unrelated to Zhang Yu. In the play, he was in his seventies or eighties, and had no problem surviving, making a living by picking up trash. But the end of his life was that he deeply realized the need to take on his past responsibilities.

Zhang Yu deeply regretted the accidental death of Yi Zhonghai and Qin Huairu. He did make a mistake. Yi Zhonghai's death accelerated Li Shufen's aging. After the funeral, her health deteriorated sharply. Her existing illness and heart disease exacerbated her decline. Zhang Yu and He Yushui accompanied her to see a doctor. The doctor declared that she could not be treated and only recommended that she go home and recuperate quietly.

Returning to the small courtyard of her home, she was not particularly averse to this lifestyle. Perhaps the death of Yi Zhonghai also provided a rational explanation for her return to this land.

In order to comfort and console Li Shufen, Zhang Yu encouraged the children to spend more time with their mother so that she could enjoy the warmth of family affection. After the college entrance examination was resumed in 1977, the enthusiasm of the whole nation surged. Even He Yushui, who was always busy, was unable to sign up under the care of Li Shufen and the children.

Ran Qiuye signed up actively, but unfortunately failed to be selected. She had devoted herself to her family and children for many years, and her studies had long been neglected. The situation was irreversible.

Zhang Yu, who failed to take the college entrance examination, knew his level very well. Going back would only be a waste of time. It was unrealistic for a man who was nearly 40 to go back to college.

After finishing his college entrance examination preparations, Zhang Yu realized that the capital city was undergoing subtle changes. The quiet streets were revitalized, and mobile vendors emerged one after another, becoming a new way to make a living.

The once restricted bird and sparrow market has been liberalized, allowing street vendors to trade freely and do a prosperous business.

Zhao Zihao visited again, hoping to start a new project with Zhang Yu. After careful consideration, Zhang Yu happily accepted this time, on the premise that all transactions must comply with legal regulations. His interest in business has not diminished at all.

With 10,000 yuan, Zhang Yu went to Daxing to buy 500 tons of fresh pears. With the help of space ability, he transported the pears back to Beijing for sale. He did not need to keep it secret, but handed the pears directly to Zhao Zihao. The goods were quickly sold out, and even the surrounding towns were affected.

Although the profits from such large-scale sales were meager, it indicated that the national policy was being relaxed and private trade was gradually becoming popular. Zhang Yu took this opportunity to reap a profit of about 5,000 yuan.

Such encouragement made Zhao Zihao more daring and aggressive. He strongly persuaded Zhang Yu to go south to buy rare agricultural products and sell them through existing channels. Faced with , Zhang Yu, driven by palpitations, took ten days off and went straight to Guangzhou City to pursue.

The train journey lasted almost two days and two nights, and finally, Zhang Yu stood on the land of Guangzhou. The moment he walked out of the station, he felt the characteristics of this city: full of noise, orderly, with a wide range of daily necessities, food and clothing, and a rich but orderly market. Even the management inside the station is quite relaxed, ensuring basic pedestrian circulation and avoiding congestion.

In this place, you can deeply feel the atmosphere of openness. When the train arrives, it seems as if you have traveled back to the style of the 70s.

Zhang Yu called a rickshaw and headed straight to the bustling market in the city. Perhaps the driver took a long detour, but when he arrived, the one yuan fare he paid was not a small sum at the time, but it was an easy burden for him, a well-off traveler.

As expected, the rickshaw driver brought him to a large market, where there were dozens of clothing stores. While strolling around, Zhang Yu was pleasantly surprised to find that the market was full of high-quality goods, especially clothing, which was far more diverse than the capital, and had left behind the monotonous blue-shirted workers. Although it seemed relatively conservative, it led a new clothing trend in the local area.