Siheyuan: Relieve stress and relieve worries

Chapter 1079 Life Mentor
As Wang Zhan recalled and recounted his experiences, he poured out his heart to his teacher, Xie Yun, without reservation.

From the cozy little home deep in the mountains to the birth of his younger sister; from two years of fleeing famine to Uncle Li's arrangements for him; from Yan Laokou's scheming to steal his furniture to Uncle Li introducing Qi Dasheng to his home as his master; from being cheated by his master and tricked by Blind Chen to returning from the southeast region; from Uncle Li's departure to facing the greedy people of Nanluoguxiang alone; from traveling to the grasslands to deciding to attend a vocational school.

As Wang Zhan recounted his story, Professor Xie Yun gained a deeper understanding of his beloved student, and only then did he realize where the problem lay.

This time, Wang Zhan truly gave a thorough recollection and account. After listening to Wang Zhan's story, Professor Xie Yun suddenly picked up a cigarette from the table, took one out, and lit it for himself. Wang Zhan was surprised, but also lit one for himself. Professor Xie Yun pointed to the window and said, "Go open the window and let some air in."

Wang Zhan stood up, walked to the window, opened it, and returned. Neither of them spoke; they were both quietly thinking.

After a cigarette, Professor Xie Yun spoke up. He looked at Wang Zhan and said, "I finally understand why you have such a strong sense of self-preservation. It's related to your experiences."

"Your Master Chen and Master Wang really screwed you over. They scribbled all over a perfectly good blank sheet of paper. During those two years of traveling around, weren't you ripped off, cheated, and schemed against countless times?" Professor Xie Yun asked.

Wang Zhan nodded and said, "Yes, those two years were tough, but I also learned a lot."

"Bullshit. Only useful things that help you are good things. What's the point of learning all that nonsense? It's this experience that has made you wary of everyone and never communicate sincerely with anyone, isn't it?" Xie Yun asked.

Wang Zhan thought about it carefully and realized that the professor was right. Even his master, Qi Dasheng, was someone he had to be wary of from time to time, to avoid being tricked by him.

Wang Zhan nodded, and Professor Xie continued, "Wang Zhan, we are human beings living in this world. Humans don't live alone; they live in groups. You have your life, and your sister has hers, as does your master. Have you thought about your sister's future? Everyone goes through birth, growth, and then forms their own values ​​and walks their own path in life. That's what makes an independent person. You can't always protect your sister like this. She has her own life; she has to experience her own joys and sorrows. You also have your own life. If you always hug your sister and wrap yourself up in a space, hiding from everyone, what fun will there be in your life and your sister's life?"

"Life is a mix of joys and sorrows; you have to experience some things. But as long as you maintain a kind heart, treat others with sincerity, and have your own dreams, that's what makes life wonderful. Think about it some more, and we'll talk again later. I'm going to the restroom." After saying this, Professor Xie Yun stood up and left the office.

Wang Zhan also stood up, lit a cigarette, walked to the window, and looked out the window.

After a while, Professor Xie Yun returned and sat back in his original seat, and Wang Zhan also returned to his seat.

Xie Yun took a sip of tea and said, "Xiao Zhan, think about that question slowly when you get back. Now for my next question: What is your dream?" Wang Zhan thought for a moment and said, "To travel the world with my sister. That's what I've always wanted to do."

“That’s your dream, I’m talking about ideals. Why are you alive? Is it just for your sister? What’s the difference between you and someone who’s already dead? People need to have faith and ideals to live, and to fight for them. Otherwise, what’s the point of your life?” Professor Xie Yun was a little angry and almost shouted at Wang Zhan.

Wang Zhan was also stunned. He had never thought about this question. He just accompanied his sister as she grew up, taking it one day at a time. He never thought about what kind of achievements he had to achieve. He would just glance at the inspirational stories of craftsmen and scientists in the books and never thought about being like them.

After a long while, Wang Zhan asked, "Teacher, what is your ideal?"

Xie Yun didn't hesitate and said directly, "Your teacher's ideal is to make our country's industrial technology stand at the top of the world. Maybe I'm not capable enough, but I will train more technical talents and give them better learning opportunities. Maybe one day they will realize my ideal."

Wang Zhan suddenly saw a spirited Xie Yun, and at that moment he understood why teachers were always so rigorous and strict in their professional instruction. Wang Zhan also fell into reflection, as he had never thought about these issues before.

It was almost noon, and there were very few students outside anymore. Those who were going to leave had already left. Xie Yun didn't want to waste any more of his time, so he stood up and said, "Alright, think about these questions when you get back. I think you're a smart kid, and you'll figure them out yourself. Your internship is at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, the one near your home. Chief Engineer Liu Yun from the Technical Department is my senior colleague. I've already made arrangements. Go report for duty next Monday."

After speaking, Professor Xie Yun handed a file folder to Wang Zhan. Wang Zhan stood up and took it. Professor Xie Yun patted him on the shoulder and said, "You don't have any of the vigor and fighting spirit of a young person. You're thinking too much. What is life? It's about eating when you should eat, drinking when you should drink, and fighting bravely when you should fight. What kind of good young man is someone who hides and runs away?"

Wang Zhan left Xie Yun's office with a head full of questions. Sunlight streamed onto the playground, and groups of students walked towards the school gate, laughing and joking. Wang Zhan carried his things toward the parking shed.

At that moment, an old man was watching Wang Zhan's back from a window on the third floor of the office building. He was smiling and talking to himself, saying, "I don't believe I can't correct your values."

Wang Zhan hadn't eaten lunch yet. He rode his bicycle absentmindedly down the street. Perhaps it was a habit from the past two years, but before he knew it, he had arrived at Wu Ergou's courtyard. When he stopped, he realized that business had long since ceased. Looking at the gate with two brass locks, Wang Zhan shook his head. He wondered how Wu Ergou was doing now.

Wang Zhan didn't eat out. He rode his bike straight home. His younger sister was still in school. He closed the gate, went to the kitchen, cooked himself a bowl of noodles, and brought it to the yard to eat heartily.

After finishing his noodles, Wang Zhan put the bowl on the table without cleaning it up. He lit a cigarette and started spacing out, his mind filled with his conversation with Professor Xie Yun. Wang Zhan couldn't quite process what he had said. He also felt that there was something wrong with his personality, but Professor Xie Yun had said a lot without explicitly stating anything, only hinting at a few things. What exactly was the problem?
(End of this chapter)