Siheyuan: Rebirth of Liu Ergou

The cold winter wind was like a sharp blade, cutting every inch of exposed skin. The sky seemed to be torn open, and goose-feather-like snowflakes fluttered and fell endlessly. The whole world was dyed silver-white, pure and lonely.

Yi Zhonghai, an old man who has lived in the compound for decades, pushed open the slightly mottled wooden door, and the scene in front of him made his heart tighten. The snow, like surging waves, almost submerged his knees. He frowned and sighed in his heart that this snow was heavier and more violent than in previous years.

He turned back to the house, picked up the old shovel, and began to clear the snow in front of his house. The snowflakes fell on his hair, eyebrows, and even eyelashes, but he didn't care at all and just worked hard. Although his movements were not fast, every step seemed so firm and powerful.

Soon, the courtyard became lively. Every household opened their doors, and the men, women, and children, with shovels, began to clear the snow in front of their own doors under the guidance of the adults. Their faces were full of determination, as if the heavy snow could not stop them from moving forward.

As time went by, the snow in the courtyard was gradually cleared. But everyone did not stop, but spontaneously organized to start clearing the snow in the courtyard. They had a clear division of labor, some were responsible for shoveling snow, some were responsible for sweeping snow, and some were responsible for piling snow aside. With their joint efforts, the snow in the courtyard was soon cleared.

At this moment, a broadcast broke the tranquility of the compound. A voice came from the radio, with a hint of urgency and tension in it: "Dear residents, please note that since this heavy snow is expected to last for more than three months, in order to ensure that everyone's daily life is not affected, please go to the supply and marketing cooperative near your home as soon as possible to buy daily necessities. Please tell each other and make sure to be fully prepared."

After hearing the broadcast, the people in the compound showed panic. They knew that this heavy snow would bring them unprecedented challenges. But there was no despair or expression of giving up on their faces. On the contrary, their eyes were full of hope and courage. They knew that as long as everyone united as one, they would be able to overcome the difficulties brought by this heavy snow.

So, they put down their tools, put on thick cotton clothes, hats and gloves, and set out on the road to the supply and marketing cooperative. The snow was heavy and the wind was cold, but their steps were extremely firm. Because they knew that behind them was a warm home, united neighbors, and a belief that they would never give up. …

Snowflakes were still flying in the air, as if there was no end. The old man in the second uncle's bangs, who was always energetic, frowned and walked hurriedly. He walked through the snow-covered alley and came to the door of Liu Yi's house.

"Bang, bang, bang!" He knocked on the door vigorously, his heart full of doubts and worries. Why didn't this kid go buy daily necessities? Didn't he know that this heavy snow would last for more than three months?

The door opened, and Liu Yi appeared in front of him. There was a hint of apology on his face, but more of it was determination and calmness. The second uncle glared at him and asked unhappily, "Why don't you go buy daily necessities, kid?"

Liu Yi smiled slightly, and took Second Uncle Liu Haizhong to look at his utility room and storage room, which were full of supplies. He handed the supply book in his hand to Second Uncle. Second Uncle took it and saw a note on the supply book. It recorded the quantity and type of various daily necessities. "Second Uncle, I don't need these things, you go buy them!" He was stunned, and a warm current surged in his heart. This kid was actually prepared long ago!

"Uncle, don't worry. I have already bought everything you need. You can go buy these later." Liu Yi said.

The second uncle looked at Liu Yi, and a touch of emotion flashed in his eyes. He patted Liu Yi on the shoulder and said, "Good boy, you have a promising future! Then you go ahead and do your work. I'll go to the supply and marketing cooperative to take a look."

After saying that, the second uncle turned around and left, hurried back to his home. He discussed with Aunt Zhang Min and decided to go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy things together. Aunt Zhang found a thick cotton coat and put it on, and then put on a hat and gloves. The second uncle picked up a cloth bag and prepared to pack things.

They walked through the snow and arrived at the door of the supply and marketing cooperative. They saw a long queue of people waiting anxiously to buy daily necessities. The second uncle and aunt stood at the back of the queue, waiting patiently.

Finally it was their turn. The second uncle and aunt began to select the items they needed: rice, flour, cooking oil, salt, soy sauce... As they selected, they calculated the prices, fearing that they would exceed their budget.

After buying things, Uncle Er thought about coal again. He knew that the heavy snow would last for a long time, and it would be troublesome if there was not enough coal for heating. So he took out one dollar and asked a familiar young man to call Uncle Wu and ask him to help go to the coal company to bring back a truckload of coal.

Soon, Uncle Wu arrived at the door of the supply and marketing cooperative with his horse-drawn carriage. After Uncle and Auntie loaded the things they had bought onto the carriage, they went to the coal company with Uncle Wu.

At the coal company, they selected a cart of high-quality coal. Uncle Wu skillfully drove the horse-drawn carriage back to the compound. Uncle No. 2 and Auntie began to unload the coal and pile it up.

To thank Liu Yi, the second uncle prepared a meal at home and invited Liu Yi to come over for dinner. The two of them ate and chatted while discussing what to do next.

The second uncle picked up a piece of braised pork for Liu Yi and said, "My child, this time it is really thanks to you. If it weren't for you, I don't know what to do with my old bones." Liu Yi quickly said, "Second uncle, what are you talking about? This is what I should do." ...

Second uncle Liu Haizhong sat on the kang, looking worriedly at the heavy snow outside the window. Liu Yi sat beside him, quietly listening to the warning about heavy snow on the radio.

"If the snow is as heavy as what the radio said, we two must prepare in advance." Liu Haizhong said with a frown.

Liu Yi nodded, "Yes, Second Uncle, I'll listen to you."

The father and son discussed packing up everything in the yard to prevent it from being damaged by the snow, and also preparing enough food and water just in case.

Before he knew it, it was already very late. Liu Yi stood up and said goodbye, "Second Uncle, I'm going back first. You should also go to bed early."

Liu Haizhong nodded, "Okay, be careful on the road."

Liu Yi walked out of the house and looked at the snowflakes flying all over the sky. He couldn't help but feel a little worried. How much impact would this heavy snow have on people? He took a deep breath and quickened his pace, hoping to return to his warm home as soon as possible.