Siheyuan: Rebirth of Liu Ergou

Liu Yi stood in the spacious living room, his eyes fell on the Filipino maid in front of him, and an inexplicable discomfort surged in his heart. The Filipino maid was wearing a neat uniform, smiling, and well-behaved, but in Liu Yi's eyes, she always seemed a little out of place. He was not against outsiders, but in this new home in a foreign country, he wanted to feel the warmth and familiarity that belonged to China.

"Father-in-law," Liu Yi finally couldn't help but said to Lou Bancheng who was sitting on the sofa, "I think we should give some more consideration to the arrangement of servants at home."

Lou Bancheng raised his eyes, a bit puzzled: "Why, aren't these Filipino maids carefully selected? They are hardworking and obedient, and should be able to meet your needs."

"That being said, but..." Liu Yi hesitated for a moment, but decided to be honest, "I always feel that we should have some of our own people at home. For example, the people who work in the kitchen and serve the children must be Chinese. In this way, the children can better understand our culture and learn our language."

Lou Bancheng frowned when he heard this: "Yier, you and I both know that Filipino maids are common here. They are professional, experienced, and reasonably priced. Why do you insist on using Chinese maids?"

"Father-in-law, think about it," Liu Yi said anxiously, "When the children go abroad, it will be very impressive if they speak authentic London accent. But this is not just a language issue, it is also a cultural issue. Our Chinese culture is broad and profound. How can we let the children lose this part in the process of growing up?"

Lou Bancheng was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Yier, I understand what you mean. But you also know that I have been here for so many years and I am used to this way of life. Filipino maids are like a part of life for the wealthy in Hong Kong. And they do a really good job."

"Father-in-law, I am not totally against Filipino maids." Liu Yi explained, "Of course, we can use Filipino maids for ordinary servants. But I really think that the ones who work in the kitchen and serve the children must be Chinese. We can hire a Chinese teacher to teach the children Chinese culture, so that they will know where their roots are from an early age."

Lou Bancheng's eyes became stern: "Yier, are you challenging my lifestyle? I have been here for so many years, and I have always done it this way. Why do you want to change it?"

"Father-in-law, I don't mean to challenge you." Liu Yi's voice was also a little excited. "I just think that we should cherish our own culture more. Children are our future. They must understand their roots in order to go further."

"Enough!" Lou Bancheng slapped the armrest of the sofa. "You are being stubborn! Do you think that by doing this you can help the children better understand Chinese culture? Do you think that by doing this you can help them go further? You are too naive!"

Liu Yi's face also turned pale: "Father-in-law, I'm not naive. I just think that we should stick to our own principles. Our culture, our language, these are our roots. If we give up even these, then what kind of Chinese are we?"

"You..." Lou Bancheng was so angry that he couldn't speak. He just pointed at Liu Yi with his finger trembling slightly.

At this time, Liu Ying came over and gently held Liu Yi's hand: "Brother Yi, don't be like this. Dad is also doing this for our own good. He has been here for so many years, and his way of doing things makes sense."

Liu Yi turned to look at Liu Ying, a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes: "Ying'er, I know. But I just think that we should stick to our own principles. Our culture cannot be forgotten like this."

Liu Ying sighed softly: "Brother Yi, I know what you mean. But maybe we can find a compromise? For example, we can ask some Chinese to come to the kitchen and serve the children, but at the same time keep some Filipino maids. In this way, we can meet your needs and make Dad feel comfortable."

Liu Yi was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly: "Okay, maybe this is indeed a compromise. I will try to communicate with my father-in-law."

This fierce verbal conflict came to an end temporarily. But Liu Yi's heart remained firm in his belief: no matter where they are, they must not forget their roots and culture. He believed that only in this way could they truly gain a foothold in this foreign land and forge their own path.

"Dad, since you and my son Xiaoyi have different ideas, we will move out after Xiaoyi buys a house."

After hearing this, Lou Xiao'e's father was so angry that he trembled all over. He widened his eyes and glared at his daughter, "You, what did you say? You want to move out? You unfilial daughter!"

Lou Xiao'e had no intention of backing down. She held up her big belly and looked at her father firmly, "Dad, Xiaoyi and I have already discussed it. When he buys a house, we will move out. We don't want to live with you anymore. We want to live our own lives."

"You, you..." Lou Xiao'e's father was so angry that he couldn't speak. He pointed at his daughter's nose and said, "You are such a heartless thing. I worked so hard to raise you, and this is how you repay me?"

Lou Xiao'e's tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried hard not to let them fall. "Dad, I know you're good to me, but Xiaoyi and I have grown up. We have our own ideas and ways of life. We don't want to be bound by you anymore. We want freedom."

After saying that, Lou Xiao'e turned and walked into the room, leaving her father alone in the living room in a daze. He couldn't understand why his daughter became like this? He felt his heart was broken.