In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Before the joy of buying a house could be fully savored, a barrage of mundane tasks began to follow.

Painting, repairing, and decorating a new home are all demanding tasks.

Unfortunately, he can no longer do these things himself. How to dispose of the old furniture, how to add new household items... these processes that were originally worth careful consideration and full of anticipation, he has to miss.

As the calendar pages on the wall were torn away one by one, only a few days remained until he was to register at Tsinghua University.

The miscellaneous tasks of the renovation had to be entirely entrusted to my parents.

The mother, Zhang Xiuying, was very enthusiastic about it, and could even be described as eager to try.

She patted her chest and reassured her son in a loud voice, "Go and study, don't worry about things at home! Painting the walls and tidying up the house, your dad and I are good at those things! I guarantee that when you come back for vacation, you'll see a bright and tidy new home!"

She now has boundless enthusiasm for this house that truly belongs to her, as if all her energy has found a purpose. She has repeatedly planned in her mind how to tidy it up, what to put in which corner, and which wall needs special repair. She knows it all.

The father, Yang Yongkang, didn't say much. He just silently smoked a cigarette, then nodded steadily, indicating that he would keep an eye on the project and that his son didn't need to worry.

Knowing that her parents were always reliable, Yang Guang solemnly entrusted them with the relevant matters and some money, and then began to focus on preparing for her trip north. Clothing and bedding had to be kept simple, but books and notes were essential, as well as various other daily necessities, all of which needed to be packed up.

Two nights before his departure, as darkness fell and the distant barking of dogs could be heard, Xie Feiyang rushed to his door.

His footsteps were hurried and loud; before he even reached the door, his voice rang out: "Guangming! Is Guangming home?"

When the door opened, Xie Feiyang had a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead, and his face was beaming with a look of brilliance that hadn't been seen in a long time.

"Guangming! The day after tomorrow at noon, Yuebinlou, to see you off! We've notified all the brothers, you have to come!" Xie Feiyang's tone was decisive and left no room for refusal, and he slapped Yang Guangming's arm heavily with one hand.

Yuebinlou is a long-established restaurant in Shanghai. With its carved beams and painted rafters and its prominent signboard, it was considered a respectable and upscale place at that time. Ordinary people would only patronize it during festivals or important banquets.

Yang Guangming instinctively wanted to decline, feeling it was too extravagant and troublesome; this meal would probably cost a lot of money.

But when his gaze fell upon the undeniable sincerity in Xie Feiyang's eyes, and considering that his journey to Kyoto would be long and arduous, and that he truly needed a proper farewell to these old classmates and friends he had grown up with, he swallowed back the polite words that were on the tip of his tongue and nodded in agreement: "Okay, thank you for your expense. I will definitely be there on time."

"This is right!"

Xie Feiyang's face broke into a smile, and he patted his shoulder hard again, "After several years of graduate school, you're probably going to soar to new heights! It'll be even harder for us to get together like this again in the future!"

His tone carried his usual teasing, but upon closer examination, a subtle hint of melancholy was also hidden beneath the teasing.

On Sunday noon, under a clear autumn sky, Yang Ming changed into a clean Zhongshan suit and arrived at Yuebinlou on time.

The antique-style signboard gleamed with a dark golden luster in the sunlight, and the aroma of food wafted from the hall, accompanied by the faint sound of clinking cups and plates.

The environment was indeed much more upscale and quieter than the few lively little restaurants they usually frequented.

Guided by the waiter, he pushed open the door to the private room. Several people were already seated inside, and the noise, laughter, and the smell of tobacco wafted over him.

"Light! It's here! It's here!"

"Hey, the main character has arrived! We've been waiting for you!"

Upon seeing him enter, everyone stood up to greet him, their faces beaming with the joy of a long-awaited reunion, and all eyes focused on him.

Yang Guangming responded with a smile, his gaze quickly sweeping across the entire room.

Chu Dahu, Yan Jun, Lin Shunan, Wu Hongtao, and Wu Kai have all arrived.

With the addition of him and Xie Feiyang, who organized this gathering, all seven people who used to get together often were present, except for Feng Xianghong, who finally got into university this year and went to study in Nanjing.

The small private room suddenly felt a bit crowded because of this long-awaited reunion, but it was also full of life.

Several years have passed like flowing water; time passes silently, yet it has left clear marks on everyone.

Chu Dahu was still as burly and robust as a sturdy little mountain, but his brows now held a hint of the steadiness that comes with the struggles of life, and his eyes were no longer as pure and bright as they had been in his youth.

Yan Jun was still as gentle as ever, but the shyness and introversion he once had were gone. He always spoke slowly and deliberately, but his eyes now held a fatherly kindness and contentment, a soft glow that came from being immersed in family life.

Lin Shunan has changed the most.

He was no longer the timid and frail boy who seemed to be blown away by the wind at any moment in the pavilion. Although he was still not very strong, his back was much straighter, and although his clothes were simple, they were clean and tidy.

However, there seemed to be a faint layer of weariness between his brows, a weariness that came from the constant wear and tear of life.

Sitting next to him was a little girl, about three or four years old, with two pigtails, presumably the child his wife had brought.

Wu Hongtao still has that loud voice and boisterous manner, and his movements are very exaggerated, but his face has lost some of the carefree and unruly spirit of yesteryear, and gained more of the shrewdness and caution that comes with being honed by society.

Wu Kai, on the other hand, appeared even more shrewd and capable. He wore a brand-new "Dacron" shirt, which was ironed perfectly, and his hair was combed meticulously and slicked back, giving him the typical air of a well-informed purchasing agent.

Xie Feiyang, as the organizer, was the busiest, enthusiastically serving tea and cigarettes, trying his best to liven up the atmosphere, and his laughter was particularly loud.

But Yang Guangming keenly sensed that behind his seemingly bright smile lay a sense of disappointment.

"Sit down, everyone! Don't stand, order whatever you like!" Xie Feiyang pressed Yang Guangming into a chair next to the head of the table, then sat down beside him. He then gestured to the waiter, "Everyone's here, we can serve the food now!"

He turned around and said loudly to everyone at the table, "Today, we brothers will drink until we drop! First, to send off our graduate students, the future top students of Tsinghua University, Guangming! Second, it's been a long time since we old classmates have all gathered together, so we must have a good time and catch up!"

The waiters began serving the dishes, working quickly and efficiently, demonstrating their good training.

The braised pork hock, glistening with a deep reddish-brown sauce, trembled slightly as it steamed; the stir-fried shrimp, translucent and temptingly pink and white; the sizzling eel, still crackling when served, released an irresistible aroma of garlic; and the eight-treasure duck belly was plump and full…

A dazzling array of main dishes were laid out on the table, their aromas filling the air, demonstrating Xie Feiyang's generosity and the importance he placed on this gathering.

The liquor is Qibao Daqu, a well-known local brand. As soon as the bottle was opened, a strong aroma of liquor immediately filled the private room.

After filling everyone's glasses, Xie Feiyang thoughtfully ordered a bottle of "Zheng Guanghe" orange soda, inserted a straw, and placed it in front of the little girl brought by Lin Shunan.

Xiao Juan glanced timidly at Lin Shunan, and after receiving an encouraging look from her father, she carefully picked up the bottle and began to sip.

Lin Shunan took the opportunity to explain, "Xiao Juan's mother is away on a business trip these past two days. I was worried about leaving Xiao Juan at home, so I brought her along."

Everyone, of course, didn't take it to heart and expressed their fondness for Xiao Juan.

Everyone filled their glasses with wine; the clear liquid rippled in the white porcelain cups. They all raised their glasses in unison.

"Come on, the first drink!" Xie Feiyang proposed loudly, his voice drowning out the noise in the private room. "May Guangming have a bright future, achieve academic success at Tsinghua University, and become a pillar of the nation in the future!"

"cheers!"

"May there be light!"

A crisp, clear sound rang out, like a string of melodious musical notes.

The strong liquor went down his throat, a warm current flowing from his throat straight down to his lower abdomen, then spreading throughout his body. The atmosphere was instantly ignited, becoming lively.

After a few drinks, blood flowed faster, and the conversation flowed freely. Everyone talked about the changes they had experienced over the past few years, the troubles at work, and the trivialities of life, as if they had endless things to say.

Yang Guangming was naturally the focus of everyone's attention. Being admitted to Tsinghua University for graduate studies was, in the eyes of all his old classmates, a remarkable achievement, something that would bring glory to his family and even make them, his friends, feel proud.

"Guangming, I'm truly impressed!" Wu Hongtao mumbled, chewing on a piece of tender pork hock. Oil dripped from the corner of his mouth, which he wiped with his sleeve. "You took the exam without hesitation, and you even got a master's degree! You went straight to Tsinghua University! Tsk tsk, how did you get into this world? Did you secretly take some supplements? Share your experience with us!"

"Luck, although I did try my best, luck definitely played a bigger part." Yang Guangming maintained his usual humility, smiled and waved his hand, then casually placed a piece of boneless steamed sea bass on the little girl brought by Lin Shunan beside him, and said softly, "Eat slowly, be careful not to burn yourself."

Xiao Juan looked up at him, whispered "Thank you, Uncle," and then lowered her head to eat in small bites.

"This isn't luck, it's real ability!" Wu Kai chimed in, his tone filled with undisguised envy and an almost proud feeling. "Among our group of old classmates, you and Feng... uh, you've gone the furthest and are the most successful!"

He was about to speak when he seemed to suddenly realize something, abruptly changing his mind and swallowing back the name that had almost slipped out.

The atmosphere in the private room paused subtly for a moment.

Everyone understood that he originally wanted to say "Feng Xianghong", but out of consideration for Xie Feiyang's feelings, he didn't say it.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, with only the clatter of bowls and chopsticks and the faint sounds of the marketplace coming from outside the window.

Xie Feiyang's smile remained unchanged, as if he were completely unaware. He picked up his wine glass and took a sip. The spicy liquid slid down his throat, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

Yang Guangming timely changed the subject, turning his gaze to Yan Jun, who had a gentle expression across from him, and asked, "Yan Jun, time flies. It feels like your wedding was just yesterday, but now you're already the father of two children."

Yan Jun's face immediately broke into a gentle and happy smile, a kind of heartfelt satisfaction nurtured by family life.

He nodded, his tone softening slightly: "Yes, my eldest daughter, Yaya, is two and a half years old, and she's at the naughtiest age. My younger daughter, Nannan, just turned one. The two little girls are making a ruckus at home every day, and even their mother finds them noisy."

His tone carried a seemingly complaining yet indulgent quality, and his eyes were as soft as a pool of spring water.

"Wow, Yan Jun! He's managed to settle all these important life events so quietly!" Chu Dahu said in a deep voice, his tone filled with undisguised envy.

He is still single, and finding a partner is his biggest worry and most real obstacle in life.

“Yan Jun is still more efficient. Shu Nan needs to work harder. It’s time to have a child of your own.” Yang Guangming turned his gaze to Lin Shu Nan, who seemed somewhat silent beside him, and spoke in a gentle tone with encouragement.

Lin Shunan looked up and smiled somewhat embarrassedly, a smile that carried a hint of awkwardness, but also a touch of warmth from receiving attention.

He reached out and gently touched Xiao Juan's head beside him, his movements tender: "Yes, in the blink of an eye, I've been married for almost two years. When we first got married, Xiao Juan was just a little one, and now she's all grown up."

His gaze fell on Xiao Juan, his eyes filled with complex emotions, a father's love mixed with a hint of helplessness as a stepfather.

Xiao Juan timidly raised her dark eyes again, glanced at Yang Guangming, and then immediately lowered her head to concentrate on the fish in her bowl.

Wu Hongtao, being straightforward, took the lead and spoke in a loud voice: "Shunan is the third among us to get married, second only to Yan Jun."

When I heard he was getting married, I was quite surprised. I didn't expect him to act so quickly, settling down on such a major life event so quietly!

He paused, seemingly realizing he was speaking too loudly, and subconsciously lowered his voice, continuing with a touch of emotion:

"We all know about Shu Nan's situation. His family's social status is a huge hurdle in the marriage market, like a stumbling block."

At first, I thought he'd have to wait in line with me to find a partner... but fate brought us together quite early, and we ended up being among the first to get married. It was a stroke of good luck after all.

Lin Shunan's smile became somewhat forced.

He picked up his glass and silently took a big gulp. The spicy taste made him frown slightly, but he didn't say anything. He just stared blankly at the liquid swirling in the glass.

Yang Guangming knew a great deal about Lin Shunan's situation.

His friend's personal circumstances are actually not bad.

He has a stable job; the small room is a bit cramped, but at least he has a home, a shelter from the wind and rain; he is also good-looking and has a good temper.

But the huge label of "bad family background" was like an invisible but incredibly heavy mountain, pressing down on him and causing him to repeatedly fail when it came to finding a partner.

Upon hearing his sincerity, the matchmaker would often look troubled, wave her hand repeatedly, and say nothing more. His successful marriage was indeed a matter of chance, but also a result of weighing practical considerations.

Through a distant relative's introduction, Lin Shunan met his current wife, a young widow with a daughter.

The woman was a vocational school graduate from the countryside who had passed the entrance exam years ago. She had a formal cadre status and worked as an accountant in a unit in the district. Her job was respectable and stable, and she was also pretty and dignified.

Lin Shunan was very satisfied after meeting him; in fact, he was overjoyed.

However, the woman and her family had many concerns about Lin Shunan's sincerity, repeatedly questioning him and hesitating.

In this era where politics takes precedence and a strong sense of political lineage is paramount, this is almost a fatal flaw, far more discouraging than poor economic conditions or not owning a house.

The woman herself is quite well-off. Although she is a widow raising a child, she has a job and no burdens. It is not entirely impossible for her to find a sincere, honest, and equally or even better partner.

Therefore, she deliberated and weighed the pros and cons repeatedly for nearly half a year, during which she almost refused several times and could not make up her mind.

Ultimately, more realistic considerations prevailed.

Although Lin Shunan has a bad reputation, he is honest and upright, has a stable job and place to live, and most importantly, he clearly stated that he would treat Xiao Juan well and was willing to raise the child with her.

After repeated comparisons, the woman reluctantly agreed to the marriage, but her attitude always carried a sense of grievance and helplessness in "marrying down."

Two years ago, when Lin Shunan got married, Yang Guangming specially prepared a generous gift to send to him. It was not only a sincere blessing for his friend's marriage, but also a way to quietly help his friend who had been struggling and having a hard time in life.

After marriage, according to occasional news and snippets of conversation from Lin Shunan himself, his life did not seem to be as happy and fulfilling as expected.

He didn't have a high status at home, his wife had a strong and stubborn personality, and he was "marrying up" to a woman who had no family burdens and a proper job. He also had a shameful background, so he inevitably felt inferior and couldn't hold his head up in front of his wife and her family.

Gradually, he attended fewer and fewer gatherings with his friends, and it was extremely rare for him to bring his child along like today.

"Marriage is a personal experience, like drinking water; only the person experiencing it knows whether it's hot or cold." Seeing this, Wu Kai skillfully smoothed things over, raising his glass, "Come on, no matter what, Shunan has finally settled down and started a family; it's a happy occasion! Let's toast to Shunan!"

"Yes, yes, cheers! Wishing Shunan a happy family!" Everyone understood and raised their glasses in agreement. The crisp sound of glasses clinking rang out again, temporarily bringing this slightly sensitive and heavy topic to a close.

The conversation naturally turned to the few people who were not yet married.

Chu Dahu, Wu Hongtao, Wu Kai, and Xie Feiyang are all still single.

Wu Hongtao, nonchalant and waving his half-eaten duck leg, said, "I'm all set, no one else is hungry! How carefree! I can come home whenever I want, drink whenever I want. Find a partner? What's the rush? No rush! I'll wait for fate!"

He spoke so casually, but only he himself knew whether there was truly no hope deep in his eyes.

Wu Kai, adopting an air of shrewd calculation and deep thought, lightly tapped the table with his chopsticks: "The situation changes so fast these days, every day is different. It's always good to look around and be selective. Finding someone you like, someone with a compatible temperament, someone you can live with isn't easy. Better to have none than something bad." As for Xie Feiyang, everyone present knew his situation perfectly well.

His relationship with Feng Xianghong, which was once the envy of many but ended without a trace and forced them to separate, dealt him a heavy blow.

On the surface, he seems to have gradually recovered, going to get off work and socializing as usual, and his demeanor seems to have returned to its former carefree and unrestrained state.

But those who know him well can vaguely sense that the deep wound in his heart has not truly healed; it has only been covered by a thin veil of time, and if he is not careful, it will crack open again and ooze out hidden pain.

Sure enough, after a few drinks, under the influence of alcohol, Xie Feiyang brought up the name that everyone was deliberately avoiding.

"Xiang Hong...she took the train to Nanjing last week to report for duty."

Xie Feiyang's voice was not loud, but carried a complex mix of emotions, including sincere blessings as well as undisguised disappointment and melancholy. "She didn't pass the exam last year, but she was determined and gritted her teeth to take it again this year. She studied from dawn till dusk and lost a lot of weight... Finally, her hard work paid off, and she passed. It's Jinling Normal University, Chinese Literature Department."

He pronounced "Jinling Normal University" and "Department of Chinese Language and Literature" slowly and clearly, as if he wanted to savor the hardships and glories contained within them, which were unrelated to himself.

The private room fell silent for a moment.

Only the faint sounds of drinking games coming from the next private room and the clanging of buses passing by on the street outside the window seemed exceptionally clear.

Everyone was genuinely happy for Feng Xianghong that she was able to get into university.

She experienced a major family upheaval and was forced to break up with Xie Feiyang, with whom she shared a deep affection. Despite the double pressure, she persevered in her studies and never gave up on her dreams. Ultimately, she realized her dream of attending university through sheer willpower. Everyone present could imagine the hardships, resilience, and difficulties she faced, and they were all deeply moved by her story.

"Xiang Hong... she really had it tough, so tough." Yan Jun sighed softly, his tone full of admiration and sympathy. "She's finally finally reaping the rewards of her hard work."

"Yes, she's always been very determined. Once she's made up her mind, nothing can change it. She'll definitely do well at the Normal University and become a great teacher in the future."

Yang Guangming nodded in agreement, his tone certain, as Feng Xianghong's bright and determined eyes came to mind.

"Come on! Let's do it together." Xie Feiyang suddenly raised his voice, raised his glass again, trying to dispel the somber atmosphere with a loud voice, as if to cheer himself up, "And I also wish Xiang Hong all the best in university, academic progress, and the beginning of a new chapter in her life!"

He tilted his head back and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, his action conveying a sense of resolute determination.

"Wishing you continued success!"

Wishing her a bright future!

The glasses clinked together again, but the sound wasn't as crisp and clear as the first time; it was somewhat muffled.

Everyone felt a complex mix of emotions as they drank this glass of wine.

I am sincerely happy for Feng Xianghong to break free from her shackles and soar to new heights, and I also feel deep regret for her and Xie Feiyang, the lovers, who were forced to separate and live far apart. I am also filled with endless emotion for the passage of time, the changes in the world, and the impermanence of things.

This glass of wine has a myriad of flavors.

After drinking the glass of wine, Xie Feiyang wiped the remaining wine stains from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, gave a self-deprecating laugh, a laugh tinged with obvious bitterness:
"I just couldn't do it. I wasn't giving up this year, so I took the exam again, but... I still failed."

It seems I'm truly not cut out for academics; I'm completely destined to never go to university.

His tone seemed relaxed and open-minded, but the sadness and disappointment in his eyes could not be hidden.

Failing the college entrance exam twice in a row was a huge blow to him, a person who had always had a smooth life and was proud and arrogant.

Especially now that Feng Xianghong, who had once walked alongside him and even relied on him to some extent, has been admitted to university, the distance between the two, both in reality and in spirit, seems to be growing further and further apart. This contrast only amplifies his sense of frustration and powerlessness.

"Feiyang, don't say that."

Yang Guangming reached out and patted his arm hard, conveying silent support. "There are many paths to Rome. Going to university isn't the only way out. You can work steadily in a government agency, do your job well, and you'll still have a bright future and contribute to the country. Who knows, we might even need you in the future."

"Exactly! Being a cadre is so great! You're protected from the wind and rain, and the benefits are great! We want to get in but can't!" Wu Hongtao shouted at the top of his lungs, trying to dispel the dullness with an exaggerated tone.

Wu Kai chimed in, "That's right, Feiyang. Countless people envy your current job. Gaining experience and building connections in society, your future is limitless. You're definitely much better off than us!"

Chu Dahu also comforted him in a muffled voice, "Yeah, don't think too much about it, let's drink!"

Xie Feiyang smiled and didn't continue the topic that frustrated him. Instead, he picked up the wine bottle, poured wine for everyone, and warmly invited them to eat: "Come on, try this braised eel in hot oil. It's best eaten while it's hot! The eight-treasure duck is also good. The glutinous rice inside has absorbed all the broth, making it very flavorful!"

Last year, encouraged by Yang Guangming, Wu Hongtao, Wu Kai, and Chu Dahu also mustered up their courage and, with a try-it-out mentality, signed up for the preliminary college entrance examination.

But reality is cruel. They have been out of school for many years, and the knowledge they learned before has long been forgotten. Their foundation is too weak. After starting work, they are busy making a living and find it difficult to concentrate on reviewing. As a result, they cannot even cross the most basic threshold of the preliminary exam.

From then on, they came to a complete understanding of reality, realizing that they were not cut out for college, and settled down to work in their respective positions, no longer pursuing that unrealistic "college dream".

Therefore, they genuinely admired Yang Guangming and Feng Xianghong for being able to get into university and even graduate school, and at the same time felt a sense of "being far behind".

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the bottles of Qibao Daqu liquor were gradually emptied. The atmosphere in the private room grew increasingly lively, filled with smoke and the aroma of alcohol.

Everyone reminisced about funny things that happened during their school days: who got caught reading novels in class and was punished by standing in the corner, who fell hard while playing ball on the playground, who passed a note to a girl but ended up passing it to the wrong person...

They chatted about their work experiences, interesting things that happened in the factory, gossip from their workplaces, and the eccentric bosses and clients they encountered...

Laughter, sighs, and arguments rose and fell, as if we had returned to a few years ago, to that small but warm attic room in Lin Shunan's house, where we sat around that creaking old square table, sharing simple food, drinking cheap draft beer, and talking unrestrainedly about our hopes for the future. Those dreams, though vague, were full of burning passion.

However, beneath the waves of laughter, everyone knew in their hearts that those times were gone forever.

The pressures of work, the ties of family, and the different experiences in life have quietly changed the mindset of each of them, and also quietly changed the relationships between them.

Some barriers, some distances, are not intentional, but they are real, like the smoke filling the private room—visible, intangible, yet impossible to ignore.

This heartfelt farewell banquet lasted until 2 p.m. Several bottles of Qibao Daqu liquor were completely emptied, leaving the table in disarray with leftovers and cold food piled up.

Xie Feiyang's face was clearly flushed with alcohol, and the whites of his eyes were red, but his movements were still relatively steady.

He pulled out his bulging leather wallet and paid the bill generously. Although the amount was not small, he didn't even blink.

As the group walked out of Yuebinlou, the afternoon autumn sun shone down on them, bringing a touch of warmth but also a bit of glare.

Standing on the steps at the restaurant entrance, a gust of wind blew, and the effects of the alcohol rose in everyone, each with a slightly tipsy state.

They patted each other on the shoulder, shook hands, and said goodbye with phrases like "Let's keep in touch," "Write to each other when you have time," and "Take care of yourself." They promised to get together again next time, and then dispersed in twos and threes, heading in different directions.

Yang Guangming and Chu Dahu lived in the same direction, so they naturally headed to the nearby bus stop together.

The afternoon sun was blazing, shining brightly on the bustling street, making people feel slightly dizzy, and the exposed skin could feel a slightly hot warmth.

The leaves of the plane trees lining the road are beginning to turn yellow, and a few fall with a rustling sound when the wind blows.

The two walked side by side on the sidewalk, neither speaking for a moment, seemingly still immersed in the afterglow of the lively party, or perhaps each preoccupied with their own thoughts.

Chu Dahu's brows were slightly furrowed, like two small hills, his lips were tightly pressed together, and he occasionally let out a heavy sigh from his nose.

"Dahu, what's wrong? You've seemed preoccupied since we started eating. What's troubling you?" Yang Guangming slowed his pace and asked gently.

Chu Dahu hesitated for a moment, his voice filled with barely concealed anxiety, and said in a muffled voice, "Guangming, to be honest, I'm very anxious, like there's a fire burning inside me."

He kicked a small pebble away, and the pebble rolled into the roadside ditch with a crisp sound.

“Look, Yan Jun and Shu Nan are both married. Yan Jun even has a child, a wife and kids, a warm bed. Xie Feiyang and Wu Kai, although they're not married, Xie Feiyang comes from a well-off family and has many connections, and Wu Kai is quick-witted and knows how to get things done, so finding a partner won't be difficult for them. As for me…”

He sighed heavily, a sigh filled with helplessness and anxiety. "I still haven't found a partner, it's like a thorn in my side. You know how cramped my house is, it's like a sardine can, you can barely turn around."

Housing in our factory is too tight; the waiting list for housing is so long it could take forever.

The family owns such a small plot of land, what girl would want to marry into such a family and suffer in a cramped, cramped space? There's not even a place to whisper sweet nothings.

His voice trailed off, carrying the awkwardness and helplessness of an adult man facing the pressure of starting a family and building a career.

Yang Guangming nodded in understanding.

Housing is the most real and acute pain imprinted on countless young people in this era, and one of the biggest obstacles on the road to marriage.

Many lovers have been torn apart because of this small house.

"I want to be like you and buy my own house!"

Chu Dahu suddenly raised his head and looked at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with envy and a do-or-die determination. "You bought that detached Shikumen house. Although it's a bit old, it's spacious and comfortable. It really gave me a wake-up call and pointed me in the right direction!"

Hoping for housing from one's work unit is like waiting for a monkey to fly by; it might take until one's hair turns white!
I can't wait any longer! If I wait any longer, all the good girls will be taken!

His tone was urgent, carrying the air of someone who had been forced into a corner and was now fighting back.

Looking at his friend's eyes, which were reddened with anxiety, Yang Guangming calmly asked, "Your mother's medication has cost a lot of money over the years. How's your financial situation regarding buying a house? Is it enough?"

Chu Dahu looked around warily, then leaned closer to Yang Guangming and lowered his voice, almost whispering:

“That’s enough! Over the years, by following you in dealing with those… rhinoceros horn slices and sea cucumbers, after deducting my mother’s money for medicine and household expenses, I have gradually saved up this amount.”

He held up three thick fingers and waved them in front of the sunlight, meaning three thousand yuan.

This was indeed a huge sum of money, far exceeding the limit he could accumulate with his nominal salary.

“But,” Chu Dahu said, his face showing difficulty and worry, his thick eyebrows furrowing, “you know where this money comes from, it’s hard to say, it can’t be exposed. If I suddenly use my meager salary to buy a detached house like yours, it will definitely arouse suspicion, and if an investigation comes, it will be a big problem.”

His concerns are not unfounded; in this day and age, having a huge amount of wealth with an unclear source is an extremely serious problem.

After a moment of contemplation, Yang Guangming calmly analyzed, "That's right, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. Given your current situation, you really can't buy a house that's too conspicuous or too nice. That would be like playing with fire."

After a moment's thought, he continued, "I think you should be more practical and buy a small room in the front building, or a similar single room. It's about twenty square meters, not big, but if you clean it up, it'll be enough for you two to stay temporarily and enjoy your time together."

With your official salary, buying a house like this might make others envious, but it's acceptable and won't attract too much attention or cause unnecessary trouble.

Having received Yang Guangming's affirmation and specific suggestions, Chu Dahu seemed to have finally made up his mind, and slapped his thigh forcefully:
"Yes! That's what I think too! As long as I have my own house, even if it's small or run-down, I can hold my head high and date with dignity!"
No more feeling inferior, no more worrying about being looked down upon by the woman's family for not having a house!
With my current circumstances, once I solve the biggest problem of housing, finding a girl who is similar in all aspects and can settle down shouldn't be too difficult!

He seemed to have already seen a bright future; the gloom and anxiety on his face instantly dissipated, replaced by a hopeful glow.

“Buying a house is a big deal, you can’t rush it,” Yang Guangming advised solemnly. “Look around and ask around, find the right properties, and also ask around among your neighbors. Most importantly, the property rights must be clear and the paperwork must be complete, so as not to leave any future problems. I was in a hurry to go to Kyoto, so I made a hasty decision. You have plenty of time, take your time to choose carefully, and don’t rush to make a decision.”

"Yes! I know! Don't worry, Guangming, I will be careful!"

Chu Dahu patted Yang Guangming's arm heavily. "Guangming, you've been helping me all these years... earning those extra bucks. Without that money, buying a house would be a pipe dream. I could only stare blankly and wait for my work unit to allocate housing, not knowing when that would be."

Chu Dahu drank a bit too much today, and his emotions were showing a little too openly.

Yang Guangming smiled and said frankly, "It's only natural for friends to help each other out, so let's not stand on ceremony between us."

Just then, the bus they were supposed to take swayed and pulled into the station with a heavy sigh.

The two boarded the train with the sparse crowd. There weren't many people in the carriage, and there were empty seats, so they found a seat next to each other and sat down.

The bus slowly started moving, and the street scene outside the window began to move backward.

Looking out the window, Yang Guangming was overwhelmed with emotion, which surged like a tide.

This gathering, seemingly lively and joyful, filled with the happiness of reuniting after a long separation and sincere blessings, was actually a stark reminder that an invisible barrier had gradually grown between him and his old classmates and friends under the pressures of life.

Although it is not obvious, it really exists.

He is about to head to Kyoto to study at one of the country's top universities, where his life trajectory, the topics he focuses on, and his future vision will all change dramatically.

People will have less and less in common, meeting up will become increasingly difficult, and communication may gradually decrease from frequent to infrequent.

This farewell banquet, filled with affection, was, in a way, a grand farewell to the end of youth, a ceremony marking the conclusion of a shared stage of life.

When they arrived at the station, the two got off the train with the flow of people disembarking and stood once again in the bright autumn sunlight.

“Guangming, then I’ll take your advice. I’ll only buy one room, preferably in the front building. I’ll look for listings and ask around.” Chu Dahu’s tone was firm, his dark face filled with anticipation and drive for the future, as if he could already see his own little house.

"Okay, don't worry, there will be more and more housing available in the future, and I'm sure you'll be able to buy your dream house."

"Once you have your own house, you'll definitely be able to find a good partner. I hope you can invite me to your wedding next time I come back," Yang Guangming sincerely wished, extending his hand.

Chu Dahu gripped Yang Guangming's hand tightly and shook it vigorously: "Have a safe journey with you! Study hard at Tsinghua University and make a name for yourself! Bring honor to our group of brothers! Then, when we talk about it, we'll be proud of ourselves!"

His words were simple, yet they carried the most sincere wishes.

Then, Chu Dahu let go of her hand, turned around, and strode into the bustling crowd on the street with firm but slightly hurried steps. Her burly figure quickly became blurred in the crowd and eventually disappeared around the street corner.

Yang Guangming stood there, gazing in the direction where Chu Dahu had disappeared, a complex and indescribable emotion welling up inside him.

He knew that at each stage of life, different people would accompany him.

Some people are destined to accompany you for only a part of the journey. At a certain crossroads, you will wave goodbye and go your separate ways to different places.

He and these friends, whom he has known since childhood, who have shared petty thefts, dreamed of the future together, and supported each other through hardships, may find their paths crossing less and less in the future, and their social circles gradually diverge.

But the pure and sincere friendship we once shared, those moments under the dim light in the cramped pavilion, beside the dappled ping-pong table on campus, and the evening breeze that blew when we parted at the entrance of the alley on summer nights…

All these vivid, warm fragments of memory, imbued with the unique spirit of this era, will be forever treasured in the softest corner of his heart, shining brightly and warming his future path, which may be lonely or arduous. (End of Chapter)