Siheyuan: Rebirth of Liu Ergou

Deep in the heart of Beijing, the courtyard of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang stands quietly, with years leaving mottled marks on its walls. On this day, a group of young people wearing red armbands broke into this quiet courtyard, their hurried and powerful steps breaking the tranquility here.

"Where is Liu Yi's home?" asked a young man in the lead, with unquestionable authority in his voice.

Someone pointed to a room in the courtyard, and the young men rushed over without hesitation. Soon, Liu Yi was dragged out of the room and tied up tightly.

"You are suspected of reselling supplies, come with us!" one of the young men announced loudly, his voice echoing in the yard.

Liu Yi struggled and tried to explain, but the young men ignored his struggle and shouted and dragged him out of the yard. His wife Wang Fang heard the noise and rushed out of the house. She was stunned when she saw this scene.

"What rights do you have to arrest him? He didn't do anything wrong!" Wang Fang shouted loudly, but her voice sounded so weak amid the noise of those young people.

Liu Yi was taken away, paraded through the streets, and criticized. His face was filled with helplessness and despair, but more of it was confusion and anger towards the world.

Wang Fang, who was already nine months pregnant, stood in the yard, watching Liu Yi's back as he walked away, tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't understand why a good person suddenly became a "criminal".

At night, Wang Fang sat by the bed, looking at the things Liu Yi used every day, with mixed feelings in her heart. She remembered their sweet time, and Liu Yi's care and love for her, but all this has become the past.

"Let's get a divorce." Wang Fang said suddenly, with determination in her voice.

Liu Yi didn't say anything, just looked at Wang Fang silently. He knew that he could no longer bring her happiness and security. So he nodded and agreed to the divorce.

The next day, they went to the street office to handle the divorce procedures. On the way back, Wang Fang and her family began to pack her personal belongings and prepare to leave this sad place. Liu Yi stood aside silently, watching Wang Fang's busy figure, his heart full of guilt and helplessness.

"This is the last thing I can give you." Wang Fang took out 30 yuan from her pocket and handed it to Liu Yi. Her tone was like alms, as if the 30 yuan was her last mercy and alms to Liu Yi.

"From now on... we will never have any contact with each other again." After saying this, Wang Fang turned and left.

Liu Yi looked at the 30 yuan in his hand, feeling mixed emotions. He knew that this 30 yuan was Wang Fang's final farewell to him and the last connection between them.

Back home, Liu Yi sat alone in the dim light, looking at the empty room, his heart filled with loneliness and despair. He thought of his former dreams and pursuits, and the good times he had spent with Wang Fang, but all of this has become a thing of the past.

He stood up silently, walked to the window, and looked at the night sky outside. The moonlight shone on his face, reflecting his tired and weathered face. He took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. He knew that no matter how difficult and bumpy the road ahead was, he had to face it bravely and endure it.

Time flies, day after day, month after month, Liu Yi's life gradually returns to peace and tranquility. His heart, once shrouded in gloom, is now filled with warm sunshine.

He no longer indulges in the pain and confusion of the past, but actively embarks on a journey to find a new direction and goal in life. Just like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, it tries to spread its colorful wings and is ready to welcome a brand new world. Whether it is new knowledge, a field that has never been explored, or unfamiliar interpersonal communication, he tries to accept it with an open mind. Although the shadow of the past follows him like a shadow and still ripples in his heart from time to time, Liu Yi, who has experienced the baptism of time, has already known how to fight against it and how to transform it into a source of motivation on the road ahead.

A few years later, on a sunny day, the thread of fate once again led Liu Yi to the famous Nanluoguxiang in Beijing. In the bustling crowd, he inadvertently glimpsed a familiar yet slightly unfamiliar figure - Wang Fang. She was accompanied by a lovely little girl, whose beautiful face was blooming with a bright and happy smile like a spring flower. Liu Yi gazed at the warm mother and daughter, and an indescribable feeling of emotion and relief surged in his heart. Without any verbal communication, he knew that the woman in front of him, who had been inextricably linked with him, had found the happiness and peace that truly belonged to her and the destination of her soul.

The moment their eyes met, it seemed as if time and space had frozen. However, just a moment later, the two chose to remain silent and passed each other. Liu Yi did not stop, but walked forward with a firm step. Because he knew clearly that the ups and downs of their story had come to an end. But the curtain of life has not yet fallen, and their lives are still continuing in the world. No matter what difficulties and obstacles or beautiful visions are waiting ahead, they must muster up the courage to face the unknown future and strive to pursue their own bright happiness and the shining light of dreams. …

The third uncle Yan Bugui looked at Liu Yi squatting in a corner smoking alone, sighed, walked over and comforted him.

"Liu Yi, don't be too sad. We still have to live our lives, right?" Yan Bugui patted Liu Yi on the shoulder and said softly.

Liu Yi raised his head and glanced at Yan Bugui, his eyes full of pain and helplessness. He took a deep puff of cigarette, slowly exhaled a smoke ring, and said, "Uncle, I know, but I feel bad."

Yan Bugui understood Liu Yi's feelings, and he also knew that Liu Yi had encountered many difficulties recently. He thought for a moment and said, "Liu Yi, why don't you tell me what happened? Maybe I can give you some advice."

Liu Yi hesitated for a moment, but still told Yan Bugui about his experience. It turned out that the deaf old lady was ill recently and needed a large sum of money for treatment. However, Liu Yi's family was rich, but his ex-wife Wang Fang took it away after the divorce. Although Liu Yi had a lot of money hidden in his space, he didn't dare to use it at all, because everyone knew that Liu Yi couldn't afford so much money now. He borrowed money everywhere, but no one was willing to lend it to him. He felt very desperate and didn't know what to do.

Yan Bugui felt sympathy for Liu Yi after hearing his words. He thought for a moment and said, "Liu Yi, I don't have much money, but I can help you think of a solution. You can ask the factory leaders to see if they can help you. Or you can ask the street office to see if there are any relief policies."

After hearing what Yan Bugui said, Liu Yi felt a glimmer of hope. He looked at Yan Bugui gratefully and said, "Thank you, Uncle San. I will give it a try."

Yan Bugui nodded and said, "You're welcome. We are all neighbors and should help each other. Don't worry too much. There will always be a way to solve the problem."

Liu Yi stood up, threw the cigarette butt on the ground and stamped it out. He took a deep breath and said, "Uncle, I understand. I will be strong."

Yan Bugui looked at Liu Yi's back and silently blessed him in his heart. He knew that Liu Yi was a hardworking and kind person, and he would definitely get through this difficult time.