Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 416 Marriage, Love

In the courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, a festive atmosphere gradually grew stronger.

With He Yaozong and Lu Shuyi's wedding date approaching, Chen Lanxiang and Wang Cuiping, along with the women of their families, began busily decorating the new house, preparing betrothal gifts and dowry, and drafting a guest list.

The big red "double happiness" characters have been cut out, and the brand-new bedding has been prepared. We're just waiting for the auspicious day to arrive.

During a break from his busy work, He Yaozong was also pulled aside to try on his newly made wedding attire and check the wedding schedule.

Lu Shuyi was given a leave of absence and returned to her parents' home to await marriage.

On the eve of the wedding, He Yaozong was pulled aside by his younger sister, He Ningxue.

"Second brother, you've finally managed to sell yourself!" He Ningxue teased with a smile.

"Stop being so cheeky, what about you? Has Mom been nagging you lately?" He Yaozong asked.

"Why didn't she urge me?" He Ningxue shrugged. "Now when I go home, my mom looks at me with a hook in her eyes. But I'm very busy right now and don't have time to think about these things. Several big projects in the south are starting at the same time, and I wish I could split myself in two."

He Yaozong patted his sister on the shoulder: "You should slow down a bit. Career is important, but life is important too."

"Okay!" He Ningxue waved her hand. "You should worry about your own tomorrow first. Don't mess up on stage."

"How could that be? When have you ever walked with the same foot forward as someone else?"

"Hehe, you'll find out tomorrow."

On the wedding day, No. 95 Nanluoguxiang was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations.

He Yuzhu and Chen Lanxiang, dressed in brand-new Chinese-style formal attire, stood at the door to greet the guests.

Old Fang and Old Zhao arrived early and sat at the main table in the courtyard drinking tea.

"Old He, congratulations!" Old Fang cupped his hands in greeting. "Now that Yaozong has started a family, you have one less thing to worry about."

He Daqing grinned from ear to ear: "Congratulations to you too!"

As the auspicious hour approached, the groom, He Yaozong, dressed in a custom-made wedding suit with a large red flower pinned to his chest, stood before the makeshift wedding stage, looking like a top scholar who had just passed the imperial examination.

When he saw Lu Shuyi, dressed in the same wedding gown, slowly walking towards him with her father's support, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but more so, delight. She was so beautiful.

Then he almost lost his footing, making He Ningxue below laugh so hard her eyes disappeared.

The wedding ceremony followed traditional customs, so no one would say anything about feudal superstition anymore.

After exchanging rings, He Yaozong looked at Lu Shuyi and said earnestly, "Shuyi, please guide me for the rest of my life."

Lu Shuyi's cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes sparkled with happiness.

After the wedding banquet began, He Yuzhu, holding a wine glass, led the newlyweds to toast each table.

When it was Lao Fang and Lao Zhao's turn, the two elderly men stood up.

"Yaozong, Shuyi, I wish you a long and happy life together." Old Zhao said, taking out two red envelopes from his pocket. "This is a small token of our appreciation from your Grandpa Fang."

He Yaozong quickly declined, "Grandpa Zhao, this is impossible..."

"Take it!" Old Fang stuffed the red envelope into his hand. "We two old men don't have much to spend money on, so this is to bring you some joy."

Not long after He Yaozong's marriage, He Ningxue went south to Shanghai.

On her second day in Shanghai, He Ningxue frowned slightly as she stood in front of a plot of land awaiting development for a new project.

This piece of land, located next to a historic district, is in an excellent location, but she is undecided about how to balance commercial value with the preservation of cultural heritage.

"Mr. He, would you like to meet with a local design team?" The assistant handed over a document. "There's a studio called Gu Zhixing that has a lot of ideas about urban renewal."

Three days later, He Ningxue met Gu Zhixing at the studio.

He wore a simple white shirt and thin-rimmed glasses, giving him a scholarly air.

"Mr. He, why don't we go to the site first?" Gu Zhixing didn't rush to present the plan, but instead led her into the crisscrossing alleyways.

Pointing to the mottled gable walls and shikumen gates, he explained in detail: "The most precious thing about this neighborhood is its living fabric. Forcibly demolishing and rebuilding it is like taking away its soul."

He Ningxue raised an eyebrow: "You mean to keep it?"

“Gradual renewal.” Gu Zhixing stopped at the entrance of an alleyway. “Preserve the architectural style, improve the internal facilities, and introduce suitable new business formats. Let the old residents stay and let the new businesses thrive.”

This approach was completely different from the fast-turnover model that He Ningxue was familiar with. She pondered for a moment: "Let's make a preliminary plan and see."

During the discussion meeting, the conflict quickly became apparent. He Ningxue's team proposed a plan that prioritized floor area ratio and suggested demolishing some old buildings. Gu Zhixing directly rejected this, saying, "This would destroy the urban fabric."

“Engineer Gu, commercial projects need to consider profitability,” He Ningxue couldn’t help but say.

Gu Zhixing looked at her calmly: "President He, a good commercial project should become a part of the city's memory. I'm not against making a profit, but I am against short-sightedness."

After the meeting, He Ningxue kept him behind: "Do you think businessmen are only after profit?"

Gu Zhixing smiled and said, "My father worked in a planning and design institute his whole life. He often said that architecture is frozen history. I just hope that this project will still be remembered decades from now."

These words startled He Ningxue.

The two had frequent contact during the project's progress.

He Ningxue discovered that this seemingly gentle architect had an uncompromising dedication to his profession.

Once, in order to preserve an old locust tree, he revised the plan overnight and managed to carve out space in a prime piece of land.

"This tree has witnessed the growth of several generations, and it deserves recognition," he said.

He Ningxue was gradually moved by this sentiment.

She began to understand why Gu Zhixing gave up his lucrative opportunities abroad to return to China—some things he insisted on really had nothing to do with money.

He Ningxue rarely stayed in one place for so long, and this unusual behavior immediately caught Xiaoman's attention, which led Xiaoman to learn about Gu Zhixing.

Then came a background check.

Gu Zhixing, 30 years old, comes from a family of architects in Beijing. His grandfather was a well-known architect and his father worked at the city's planning and design institute.

He graduated from the Department of Architecture at Tsinghua University and then went to the United States to pursue a master's degree in urban planning. After graduating, he worked for two years at a well-known American firm, where he participated in the planning of large-scale communities.

In 91, he was invited by a special economic zone in the south to return to China to serve as a consultant for the city planning bureau. However, due to the conflict between his advanced ideas and the local realities, he resigned after six months.

I partnered with friends to establish a design studio focused on the renovation of existing neighborhoods and sustainable building practices.

After the document was delivered to Xiaoman, she took it and went to find He Yuzhu.

After reading it, He Yuzhu said directly, "I won't get involved in my wife's matter. I'm afraid it will turn out like Yushui's, and then my daughter will hate me to death."

"Heh, so there's a time when you're afraid?"

"Yes, I'm really worried that my little girl will be exposed to the wind."

"Alright, I'll have someone check out this person's character."

"Don't make it too obvious, our daughter is very shrewd."

"I know."

He Yuzhu gave Xiaoman an idea: the renovation project of the courtyard houses in Huangchenggen. It would be much more practical to invite people to come and meet them and talk to them than to ask around.

When He Ningxue received her mother's request to renovate the courtyard house, Gu Zhixing was indeed the first person she thought of.

She only mentioned on the phone that it was a private residence belonging to an elder in her family, and that she had high standards, so he should put his heart into it.

Gu Zhixing arrived at the agreed place with a ruler and a camera, where he was met by Xiaoman, Wang Cuiping, Wang Hongxia, and several others.

The scrutinizing gazes of the group made Gu Zhixing a little uneasy, especially Xiaoman, whose presence involuntarily brought He Ningxue's image to his mind.

"Hello, Auntie! Hello, Grandma and Grandpa!" Gu Zhixing said. "Little Gu, right? Let's take a look at this house first," Xiaoman said with a smile.

"Ah, okay!" Gu Zhixing didn't dare to look Xiaoman in the eye.

Once inside, Xiaoman didn't introduce anything and let Gu Zhixing see for himself.

This is a super courtyard house with five courtyards, which has been simply renovated.

Gu Zhixing nodded after examining the building closely. He took photos of the architectural structure, the painted eaves, and the interior construction, and even measured the dimensions of the column bases with a ruler.

After reading it, Gu Zhixing started talking at length, and when he got to his professional field, he completely forgot what nervousness was.

Wang Hongxia nodded repeatedly as she listened. She had been in charge of housing, especially old houses like this. The No. 66 courtyard where she now lived was renovated under her supervision.

Xiaoman and Wang Cuiping raised several questions from different perspectives, though not all of them concerned the house.

Xiaoman spoke first, her tone calm yet carrying an unyielding scrutiny: "Xiao Gu, Ningxue mentioned that you worked at an overseas firm and participated in large-scale community planning. What made you decide to come back?"

Gu Zhixing pondered for a moment and replied, “Auntie, there are some merits to foreign experiences, but many concepts need to be combined with local realities. Community planning there focuses more on functional zoning and private space, while our neighborhoods, such as hutongs and alleyways, emphasize neighborly relations and the continuity of public life. I feel that coming back will allow me to do something more down-to-earth and meaningful.”

Wang Cuiping picked up the conversation, her question direct and specific: "Studying and working abroad, the environment there is complex. How did you manage yourself? Did you encounter any particularly difficult situations?"

Gu Zhixing sensed the concern in her voice and replied earnestly, "Grandma Wang, I spend most of my time studying and working on projects. There are indeed various temptations abroad, but I know I'm there to learn skills. If I encounter an inappropriate occasion or invitation, I make excuses to decline and try to avoid unnecessary social interactions. On matters of principle, I dare not be ambiguous."

Wang Hongxia, however, was more interested in the roots. She asked with a smile, but her eyes were sharp: "Xiao Gu, judging from your accent, you're a local? Which area did your family used to live in? Did your ancestors do this kind of work?"

Gu Zhixing felt a little sweat on his back, but still maintained his politeness: "Yes, Grandma Wang, my family has lived in the west of the city for generations. My grandfather and father were both architects and planners, so it's a family tradition. I grew up in the hutongs and courtyards, so I have a special affection for these old buildings and old neighborhoods."

Xiaoman nodded, then steered the conversation back to her professional field, but with a hidden meaning: "This courtyard is large and the structure is old. What's the biggest concern when renovating it? What's your view on the contradiction between 'restoring the old as it was' and meeting the needs of modern living?"

Gu Zhixing pondered for a moment and replied, "What I fear most is blindly taking action and destroying the original charm and structure. 'Restoring the old as it was' is not about blindly going back to the past, but about respecting historical traces while cleverly integrating modern facilities. For example, concealing wiring, optimizing lighting and ventilation, and improving living comfort while preserving the layout. The key is to find that balance point so that the old house can retain its soul while also conforming to modern life."

Wang Hongxia added, "What about the materials? Now, many new materials don't match the old ones."

"Try to find old craftsmen and use traditional techniques and materials with similar textures. For example, bricks and tiles can be found at old kilns or custom-made antique-style ones. Wooden components should be repaired if possible, and if they cannot be repaired, old materials with similar textures and colors should be selected for replacement. We cannot be careless about the details." Gu Zhixing answered fluently, which showed that he had thought it through carefully.

After a series of questions and answers, Gu Zhixing responded appropriately, demonstrating both professional competence and indirectly addressing the concerns of the elders.

Xiaoman exchanged a glance with Wang Cuiping and Wang Hongxia, and said nothing more, only asking him to come up with a preliminary plan first.

After Gu Zhixing left, Xiaoman, Wang Cuiping, and Wang Hongxia returned to the main room and sat down.

Wang Hongxia spoke first: "This child seems quite down-to-earth, unlike some students who have returned from studying abroad and are arrogant. His speech and behavior are also proper. I seem to have some impression of his family situation. They are the Gu family in the west of the city. I heard Old Li, who is in charge of housing at our unit, mention it before. They are a proper scholarly family with good family traditions."

Wang Cuiping nodded and added from a police officer's perspective, "When asked about his time abroad, he answered frankly, and his eyes didn't dart away, so he didn't seem to be lying. But we still need to observe him further; young people can sometimes put on an act."

Xiaoman gently stroked the warm teacup and pondered, "He has the ability; he's good at all the points I just mentioned. He also has ideas; he's not just a craftsman who can only draw. I just don't know what his temperament is like. Ningxue is a strong-willed girl; if we find someone too opinionated, we're afraid we'll argue in the future."

Wang Hongxia put down her teacup and smiled, "I think having some persistence isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's better than those who have no opinions and blindly follow Ningxue. Life is full of bumps and stumbles; the key is whether you're reasonable or not."

Wang Cuiping laughed too: "Sister Xia is right. With Ningxue's temper, she wouldn't even look at someone as dull as dough. The way this kid talked about his profession just now was somewhat similar to how Ningxue talks about business."

Xiaoman listened to their conversation and nodded slightly: "Ningxue contacted the person herself, and we're just helping to get a general idea. She comes from a respectable family, has a legitimate business, and no bad habits, so we can't find any major problems. As for the specifics, they'll have to get to know each other better."

She paused, then said, "Let's leave this matter here for now. I'll go back and talk to Brother Zhu and see what he thinks. Also, let's not let our guard down with Ningxue yet, or I'm afraid she might be resistant."

“That makes sense.” Wang Hongxia and Wang Cuiping both nodded in agreement.

The three chatted for a while longer before getting up.

Xiaoman returned to courtyard number 95 and told He Yuzhu about the situation. He Yuzhu thought about it and decided to meet the kid in person next time.

A few days later, Gu Zhixing called to say that the design draft was ready.

He Yuzhu originally planned to meet Gu Zhixing alone, but somehow the news leaked to Lao Fang and Lao Zhao.

The two old men waited outside He Yuzhu's house early the next morning.

"Zhu Zi, you're trying to hide something this big from us?" Old Fang glared at him.

Old Zhao chimed in from the side, "How can we two old folks not keep an eye on Ningxue's boyfriends?"

He Yuzhu was both amused and exasperated: "Uncle Fang, Uncle Zhao, I'm just going to make contact and get a feel for the situation. Ningxue's situation is still very uncertain, and you two are making such a big fuss, you might scare the young man away."

"Scared?" Old Fang waved his hand. "If you can't even handle this little bit of trouble, then you don't deserve our Ningxue. Stop talking nonsense, when are you going? We'll go with you."

He Yuzhu had no choice but to agree, knowing he couldn't go against the two of them.

He Yuzhu, accompanied by his elders Lao Fang and Lao Zhao, arrived once again at the courtyard house awaiting renovation. Gu Zhixing was already waiting at the entrance, holding a thick stack of blueprints. Upon seeing the two distinguished-looking, piercing-eyed elders following behind He Yuzhu, he was visibly taken aback for a moment, then quickly composed himself, stepped forward, and respectfully greeted them: "Hello, Uncle He, hello, these two gentlemen."

Old Fang looked him up and down a few times, but didn't say anything, only grunted in response. Old Zhao nodded with a smile: "Young man, you look energetic. We are Ningxue's elders, and we came with Zhuzi to take a look."

Gu Zhixing felt even more nervous, but he tried his best to remain calm: "Please come in, gentlemen. I will give you a detailed report on the preliminary plan."

Upon entering the main room, Gu Zhixing spread out the blueprints on the octagonal table and began his explanation. He was very well prepared, providing detailed explanations of everything from the overall plan to the specific details, from structural reinforcement to the renovation of water, electricity, heating, and ventilation systems. He especially emphasized how to combine preserving the original appearance with the use of modern materials.

During his explanation, He Yuzhu would occasionally interject with a few professional questions, such as the specific methods of a certain traditional craft or the durability of a certain new material.

Gu Zhixing was able to answer all the questions, demonstrating his solid foundation.

Old Fang listened for a while with his arms crossed, then suddenly spoke up, but the question took a roundabout turn: "Little Gu, I heard you gave up a pretty good job abroad and came back? Why? Was the salary there not high?"

Gu Zhixing felt a chill run down his spine. He answered frankly, "Professor Fang, the salaries abroad are indeed quite good. But I feel that what I've learned can play a greater role in my own country, and I can find a greater sense of belonging there. The sense of accomplishment is different when I see the projects I helped design being built on familiar land."

Lao Fang remained noncommittal, then pressed further: "So, do you think foreign design concepts are more advanced, or are our own better?"

Gu Zhixing pondered for a moment before cautiously replying, “Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Foreign countries are very mature in terms of technical standardization and functional refinement; but we have our own cultural heritage and spatial philosophy, such as emphasizing artistic conception and following nature. Good design should take the best from the best and make up for the worst, finding the most suitable way for this land and its people.”

Old Zhao listened from the side, nodded slightly, and then asked, "In your line of work, you come into contact with all sorts of clients. If you encounter someone with unreasonable ideas who insists you change them, how do you handle it?"

Gu Zhixing thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Zhao, I will try my best to communicate and persuade them with my professional knowledge and practical experience. If the client insists, and the changes will indeed seriously affect the building's safety or core value, I will clearly explain the risks. If it is truly impossible to reach an agreement, we may have no choice but to abandon the project. There are some bottom lines that cannot be crossed." He spoke with a firm tone at the end.

Looking at Gu Zhixing, He Yuzhu could sense that this young man had his own principles and was not someone who blindly flattered others.

This actually made him feel a bit more favorably toward the person.

He Yuzhu then spoke, steer the conversation towards a more professional topic: "Xiao Gu, I'm very interested in the 'restoring the old as it was' principle you mentioned last time. Specifically, what mature ideas do you have regarding structural reinforcement and materials? For example, how do you resolve the contradiction between preserving the original appearance of the wooden structure and meeting modern earthquake resistance and fire prevention requirements?"

When the topic turned to his profession, Gu Zhixing's eyes lit up, and his nervousness subsided considerably. He quoted extensively from classical texts, discussing everything from the architectural styles of the Tang and Song dynasties to the ingenious application of modern structural mechanics. He proposed several concealed reinforcement solutions and elaborated on how to select and process alternative timber materials, as well as how to integrate them with modern fire protection systems.

He Yuzhu listened attentively, nodding frequently and occasionally interjecting to ask for details, the two of them seemingly discussing academic matters.

Old Fang and Old Zhao listened from the side. Although they didn't quite understand some of the technical terms, they saw that Gu Zhixing was logical and articulate, and their expressions softened considerably.

The Q&A session continued for a while, during which Lao Fang and Lao Zhao started asking more tricky questions, even asking about his plans for his future family life.

Although Gu Zhixing was sweating, he remained composed and dignified throughout.

Finally, He Yuzhu told him that the house was not intended for living, but to be transformed into a private museum, and that it would need to be redesigned. Gu Zhixing was not surprised, because the He family had the capability to do so.

He said he would try his best to restore the classical beauty of the house, and he would also find more professional people to design the interior.

After seeing Gu Zhixing off, Lao Fang put his hands behind his back and said to He Yuzhu, "The kid is alright. He's not a spineless coward. He's got some knowledge and is a decent person. It's just that he's a bit of a scholar's arrogance. I wonder if he'll suffer for it in the future."

Old Zhao laughed and said, "It's good to have some principles. With Ningxue's personality, it wouldn't be good for her to find someone who's too smooth. I think this child has clear eyes; she's not the kind of person with wicked thoughts."

He Yuzhu nodded: "His abilities and character seem to be up to par on the surface. But ultimately, it depends on his and Ningxue's fate. As elders, we can only give him a heads-up; we can't force it."

"That's true." Old Fang sighed. "The debts of children are endless."

"Alright, go back now. Your family is waiting for news."

“Come on, now that things are looking promising, Zhu Zi, you’re treating us to dinner today. Your Uncle Fang and I have done our part, so you should at least show your appreciation,” Old Fang said.

“Yes, I’ll go back and call Hongxia and Cuiping. Zhuzi, you’d better bring out some good wine.” Old Zhao said.

"no problem."

(End of this chapter)