Siheyuan: A Family of Loyal and Brave People

On the weekend morning, Cheng Hao prepared breakfast for his wife and then rode his bicycle to keep an appointment.

The meeting place was set at Qinfang Teahouse on the inner second ring road.

This teahouse has been in the old city for some time. The faded plaques on the gate bear the traces of time. Walking into it, there is a spacious hall filled with neatly arranged square tables.

At the end of the hall is a high platform with a desk on it. A storyteller holding a folding fan is telling incessant stories of heroic legends of the past.

The guests in the audience listened attentively, occasionally sipping tea to moisten their throats, and breaking off a small piece of dessert to put into their mouths to taste carefully.

Cheng Hao walked through the hall, went up to the second floor along the stairs on both sides of the platform, and entered a private room.

The box on the second floor has a great view and more spacious space. The quietness in the room blends with the noise outside, giving a feeling of being independent from the world.

Lou Zhenhua sat quietly, his attention seemingly not on the storyteller downstairs.

As soon as Cheng Hao opened the door, he immediately stood up and greeted him.

The two of them sat down, Cheng Hao looked downstairs and smiled slightly, "Boss Lou is in a good mood, it's really wonderful to have a chat here."

A teahouse is a multifunctional place for drinking tea. It is a tea culture with a strong civic flavor and is full of the mood of traditional culture.

Mr. Shu once wrote a play called "Teahouse", which used a teahouse as the stage to depict the changes in the world over half a century. It has a profound meaning and is still remembered by people today.

“When I was young, I often came here to drink tea.

It’s just that I’ve been busy with work since I took over the family business, so I don’t come here often.”

Lou Zhenhua glanced at the guests below the stage, and a hint of sadness flashed in his eyes.

The restructuring of the steel mill was put on the agenda, and the delivery date was getting closer. Lou Zhenhua was having a very torturous time during this period.

When he thought about leaving the company where he had worked for most of his life, he felt empty inside and always wanted to find something to fill the gap.

"Once the steel mill is restructured, Mr. Lou will be able to take some time off from his busy work. He can come here every day to drink tea and listen to books, enjoying life to the fullest. Isn't that wonderful?"

Cheng Hao took a sip of tea, still smiling.

"Director Cheng is right."

Lou Zhenhua smiled bitterly and sighed inwardly.

After the steel mill is delivered, he won't have time to go out for tea or watch a show, let alone stay at home.

"It's just that the factory is still undecided about personnel matters, and I would like to ask the director for help."

There are limited jobs in the steel rolling mill, so some useless people have to be kicked out before new people can be brought in.

Lou Zhenhua is trying to curry favor with Cheng Hao today.

If Cheng Hao has relatives or friends who need a job, Lou Zhenhua can arrange for them to work in the factory during the last period of time.

Once the steel mill is nationalized, those people will have stable jobs.

"I don't know much about what goes on in a steel mill, so I'd better forget about giving any suggestions."

Cheng Hao waved his hand to reject Lou Zhenhua's kindness.

Firstly, Cheng Hao had no one to arrange to work in the factory, and secondly, he didn't want to owe Lou Zhenhua any more favors.

"Most of the employees of the steel mill are residents of the nearby area. Director Cheng is the local leader and should know something about them.

The factory is preparing to fire some employees with bad behavior, and I hope you can help and give some valuable advice. "

Since there is no way to make Cheng Hao continue to owe us favors, then let him repay the favor.

Favors are mutual. If you fail to repay some favors and keep them in your heart, they will turn into hatred.

Lou Zhenhua hopes to establish a long-term, stable and friendly relationship with Cheng Hao, but does not want to create any enmity.

"This is easy. Director Lou can just ask someone in the various institutes to find out." Cheng Hao said casually.

"Thank you Director Cheng for clearing up my doubts. I will do as you say when I get back."

During sensitive periods, the attitudes of local officials will have a direct impact on big capitalists like Lou Zhenhua.

Cheng Hao showed no ill intentions, which was undoubtedly a good thing for Lou Zhenhua.

“Don’t be too nervous, Mr. Lou.

Although the state dealt with a number of capitalists in the past few years, it was all because they were stubborn and recalcitrant, and they brought this upon themselves.

People like Mr. Lou who actively cooperate and support policies will not be held accountable by their superiors.

As long as you don't make too much noise on weekdays, nothing will happen in the next few years." Cheng Hao comforted calmly.

"Yes, I understand."

Lou Zhenhua nodded as if relieved, and felt much more at ease.

He was unwilling to accept this, but he was even more afraid that some people would abandon him after he had done his job.

In today's situation, it would be great if I could be a rich man and live a stable life.

"By the way, does Director Lou know Xu Fugui?"

Cheng Hao paused and suddenly asked.

When seeing Lou Zhenhua, Cheng Hao couldn't help but think of Lou Xiaoe.

This famous rich daughter in the courtyard actually fell into the hands of the villain Xu Damao, which was like a flower stuck in cow dung.

Later, it was Xu Damao's report that led to Lou Zhenhua and his wife being sent to prison, and the Lou family was almost doomed.

No matter what, Lou Zhenhua was helping Cheng Hao and had to give him a few reminders to prevent him from falling into a trap.

"Xu Fugui?"

Lou Zhenhua pondered for a moment, memories flooding back into his mind.

“I remember now, Xu Fugui is the husband of a maid in my family.

What happened to him?

"Xu Fugui's son Xu Damao used to live in the same courtyard with me.

He has bad conduct and flirts with other women all day long. He is definitely not a good match for women. You should be careful about him," Cheng Hao said seriously.

Lou Zhenhua was stunned for a moment, not fully understanding what Cheng Hao meant.

However, since Cheng Hao was unhappy with Xu Damao, he would just go back and deal with him.

"I will definitely pay attention to this. Thank you Director Cheng for reminding me."

Xu Damao, who was still lying in the courtyard, would never have imagined that a huge disaster was about to fall from the sky.

And all this was because of a word from Cheng Hao.

Having finished talking about the business, the two of them stopped talking and became quiet, sipping tea and listening to books.

The storyteller on the stage spoke vividly and Cheng Hao was listening attentively. He decided to bring his wife over to sit with him if she was feeling well in the afternoon.

There is not much entertainment in this era, and it’s boring to stay at home all the time.

……

In the courtyard, Xu Damao, who had slept until the afternoon, woke up with his stomach growling. He slowly lifted the quilt and the cold air blowing in his face made him shiver.

When I turned around, I found that the brazier in the room had gone out. No wonder the room was like an ice cave.

Dragging his tired body out of bed, Xu Damao felt itchy in his heart and cursed Liu Haizhong and He Yuzhu fiercely.

If it weren't for these two bastards, he wouldn't be so miserable.

I got beaten up and had to pay so much money. It was really a huge loss.

Xu Damao slowly lit the stove and roasted his hands and feet for a while. Just as he was about to prepare food, there was a knock on the door.

Xu Damao went out to take a look and exclaimed, "Dad, why are you here?"

"This is my house, can't I come back and take a look?"

Xu Fugui curled his lips and said something dissatisfied.

Xu Damao hurriedly greeted him with a smile, "How could that be possible? You came back unexpectedly, and I am afraid that I will not be able to entertain you well enough."

When he was a projectionist, Xu Damao was able to hook up with so many young girls and wives. It must be that he was quite good at talking.