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

The next day, just as dawn was breaking and the morning light had not yet completely dispelled the coolness of the night, the sun quietly rose.

Without disturbing his mother and grandmother who were still fast asleep, he quietly washed up and changed into a clean and neat half-new school uniform.

The courtyard house was still asleep in the early morning, with only a few scattered birdsongs breaking the silence.

Yang Guangming walked leisurely, enjoying the rare tranquility of a morning in old Beijing.

After passing through two alleys, Yang Guangming could see from afar that a snack stall had been set up in front of a restaurant.

An elderly chef in his fifties, wearing a white apron, was busy at the stove. A large iron pot was steaming, and next to it was a coal stove made from an old tin bucket, on which sat a huge aluminum kettle, its spout hissing out white steam.

A few customers had already gathered at the stall, mostly workers rushing to their early shifts. They all had their heads down, focused on the food in their bowls, and few people were talking. The atmosphere was quiet but slightly hurried.

"Comrade, what would you like to eat?" The old chef saw Yang Guangming stop, raised his face which was red from the steam, and greeted him in a thick Beijing accent, while wiping the bowls and chopsticks without stopping.

Yang Guangming took a few steps closer and looked at the simple price list on the stall. The price list was a small blackboard, and the writing on it in chalk was a little blurry, but still legible:

One-third of a bowl of soy milk

Five cents a fried dough stick

Eight-tenths of a sugar-coated fried dough stick

Fried liver, one cent a bowl

One steamed bun for one cent

The variety wasn't extensive, but it was considered a "luxury" in those days, especially the meat buns. Ordinary families might only get to eat them twice a month.

"Master, a bowl of soy milk, two fried dough sticks, and a sugar-coated fried pancake, please." Yang Guangming hesitated for a moment before ordering.

"Alright! A bowl of soy milk, two fried dough sticks, and a sugar-coated fried pancake!" the master chef called out crisply into the room.

He deftly picked up a large, rough porcelain bowl, scooped out a spoonful of milky white soy milk from a large insulated bucket next to him, and poured it steadily into the bowl with fluid movements, without spilling a single drop.

Yang Guangming paid the money and the food coupons, picked up the steaming bowl of soy milk, and sat down on a bench by the side.

The soy milk was thick, with a thin layer of "skin" on the surface, and a rich aroma of soybeans wafted out, making it exceptionally tempting.

He carefully blew on it, took a small sip, and the warm liquid slid down his throat, the warmth instantly spreading from his stomach to his limbs.

At this moment, a waitress wearing a floral apron came over carrying a basket containing two freshly fried, golden-brown, fluffy, and crispy fried dough sticks, and a palm-sized sugar-coated fried pancake with a crispy outer layer and glistening sugar granules on the surface.

The rich, oily aroma of fried dough sticks and the sweet scent of sugar-coated fried cakes blend together to create another irresistible temptation.

He broke the fried dough sticks into small pieces and soaked them in soy milk. The fried dough stick pieces, soaked in soy milk, were soft on the outside and chewy on the inside, with both the aroma of noodles and the rich flavor of soy products, creating a rich and layered taste.

He took another bite of the sugar-coated pancake. The crispy outer layer crackled slightly between his teeth, while the inside was soft dough mixed with melted brown sugar. It was sweet but not cloying, greatly satisfying his body's craving for sugar and oil.

He ate slowly, savoring what could be considered a "sumptuous" breakfast by today's standards.

He ate while discreetly observing his surroundings.

At the next table, a middle-aged man in overalls with a dark complexion ordered only a bowl of fried liver and ate it with two cornbread buns he had brought with him. He was sweating profusely as he ate, indicating that he was a manual laborer who needed enough food to sustain him through a morning's work.

On the other side, a young man wearing glasses, who looked like a government clerk, ordered only a bowl of soy milk and a fried dough stick, eating politely and quickly.

Looking at these people struggling to make a living and trying their best to satisfy their basic needs under limited conditions, Yang Guangming felt a deep sense of emotion.

If it weren't for his magical refrigerator space as a backup, he would probably be like most people right now, having to carefully budget every meal and every grain ration coupon, experiencing that deep-seated sense of scarcity.

After finishing the last bite of the fried dough stick and drinking the remaining soy milk in the bowl, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. His stomach felt warm, and he seemed to have more energy.

"Comrade, are you done eating?" the old chef asked casually as he saw him get up.

"I've finished eating, Master. It tastes really good." Yang Guangming replied with a smile, his tone sincere.

"Come again next time!" The old master craftsman smiled sincerely.

With a nod of his head, Yang Guangming left the bustling little stall and strode toward the Wangfujing Department Store.

On the streets in the early morning, the flow of people going to work has not yet formed a large scale; there are only some elderly people who get up early to exercise and housewives rushing to the vegetable market to buy groceries.

Upon arriving at the department store, although it was still early, there were already quite a few customers inside. He went straight to the electrical appliance counter.

Several brand-new bicycles were displayed in the counter, including major brands such as Forever, Phoenix, and Flying Pigeon. The black frames were shiny, and the electroplated handlebars and rims gleamed under the lights, attracting the attention of every passerby.

The saleswoman, a woman in her forties, greeted Yang Guangming warmly when she saw him stop in front of the counter: "Comrade, looking for bicycles? We just got a batch of 'Forever' Model 13 bicycles, the heavy-duty version, which are especially sturdy and durable. They can easily carry two or three hundred pounds of goods."

Yang Guangming nodded; he did indeed need a sturdy and durable vehicle. The "Forever" Model 13 was a classic model, renowned for its quality.

"Excuse me, I'd like this 'Forever' Type 13."

The saleswoman's smile widened: "Great! You have excellent taste, sir. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with this car."

She skillfully filled out the payment slip, saying, "Take this slip to the cashier over there to pay, and then come back to pick up your vehicle and goods."

Yang Guangming paid the money as instructed and returned to the counter with the stamped delivery slip.

The saleswoman handed him the delivery slip and a cardboard sign with a number on it: "Sir, take this to the warehouse on the east side of the building to pick up your car. There will be a technician to help you with the setup."

The process of picking up the bike went smoothly. The experienced mechanic at the warehouse carefully inspected the new bike's valves, brakes, and chain, and applied oil to all the parts that needed lubrication to ensure the bike was in optimal condition.

As Yang Guangming pushed the brand-new "Forever" brand bicycle, feeling its weight and the unique cold touch of metal, he felt a sense of peace and joy.

The first step in buying a new bicycle is to register it at the local police station. This is a very important step and cannot be skipped.

Next, following the address he had found out, he located the designated camera equipment store. Cameras were a luxury item in those days, and few could afford them; compared to the bustling department store, the store was much quieter.

Several cameras were displayed in the shop window, the most eye-catching of which was the "Seagull" brand. He entered the store, where he was greeted by a middle-aged male clerk who wore glasses and looked quite refined.

"Comrade, I'd like to buy a Seagull brand camera," Yang Guangming stated his purpose directly.

The salesperson glanced at him, seemingly surprised by his youth, but still professionally introduced the product: "'Seagull' has several models, 4A, 4B, 4C, which one do you need?"
The 4A is a twin-lens reflex camera, with the most features, but also the highest price, at 180 yuan. The 4B and 4C are relatively cheaper and have simpler structures.

Yang Guangming had already done his homework and knew that the 4A model was a copy of the classic German Rolleiflex model, and its image quality and performance were among the best in domestic cameras.

"I'll go with the 4A model." He made his choice without hesitation.

Seeing his prompt response, the salesperson became even more attentive and retrieved a brand-new Seagull 4A camera from the counter. Its black leather body, metal lens ring, and focus knob gave it an elegant and professional look.

The shop assistant patiently explained to him the basic operating steps of the camera: how to load film, how to adjust the aperture and shutter speed, and how to frame and focus.

Yang Guangming listened attentively, and although he was familiar with these topics, he still showed the attitude that a beginner should have.

He also bought a few rolls of 120 black and white film, which weren't cheap.

Carefully placing the camera and film into his shoulder bag, Yang Guangming pushed his new cart and left the camera equipment store.

I checked my watch; it wasn't even eleven o'clock yet. I had to hurry back.

He deliberately went back at this time in the hope of avoiding most of his neighbors who were at work, so that his new car wouldn't attract too much attention, although he knew it was difficult to completely avoid.

Sure enough, when he pushed his brand-new "Forever" brand bicycle through the courtyard gate, he immediately attracted the attention of the people left behind in the courtyard.

By the pond in the front yard, Aunt Ma, who was washing clothes, looked up and her eyes fell on the new car, unable to look away.

Aunt Tong, who was picking vegetables in front of her house, squinted and looked at him carefully. A look of admiration appeared on her face, and she nodded at him.

Several teenagers who had been chasing and playing in the yard stopped and curiously gathered around, pointing at the new car and chattering away.

"Guangming, you bought a new car?" Aunt Han, who lives in the east wing of the courtyard, was taking out the trash with a dustpan. When she saw Guangming and his new car, she greeted him with a smile, her eyes filled with envy.

"Yes, Aunt Han, I just bought it. It's very convenient to use at home." Yang Guangming replied politely, without stopping, pushing the cart straight through the front and middle yards, heading towards the moon gate of the east wing.

He could feel the gazes behind him, some filled with simple envy, others with complex scrutiny, and still others with silent astonishment.

He knew in his heart that his family had not lived here for long. First, they bought a sewing machine, a radio, and a clock. His mother started wearing a watch, and now they had added a brand-new bicycle. In such a short time, they had managed to collect all four major items: a sewing machine, a radio, and a watch.

In an era of scarcity and when every household was struggling to make ends meet, such "generosity" was bound to attract attention.

Fortunately, the father's status acted as an invisible protective shield, making most neighbors, even if they felt a little envious, dare not say anything harsh. Instead, they thought, "That's how a leader's family should be."

Back in the east courtyard, it was quiet. Grandma was sitting on a small stool by the door of the main room, mending an old garment.

Younger sister Yang Shanshan sat on a small stool, keeping her grandmother company as she talked.

Hearing the noise, the two of them looked up at the same time.

"Brother! You're back!" Yang Shanshan was the first to jump up, rushing over like a joyful little bird.

Immediately, her gaze was drawn to the brand-new bicycle. "Wow! A new bicycle! It's so beautiful!"

She circled the bicycle, wanting to reach out and touch the shiny handlebars, yet hesitant, her little face filled with excitement and curiosity.

The old woman put down her needlework, stood up, walked to the bicycle, and examined it carefully. She stretched out her calloused hands and gently touched the smooth seat and cool frame, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. She said:

"Having a car is good. It will save your mother a lot of effort when buying grain and vegetables. She won't have to carry them on her shoulders or in her hands anymore."

"Grandma, money is meant to be spent, and it should be used where it's needed." Yang Guangming smiled as he parked the car, then patted his handbag mysteriously, "There's something even better."

"What else?" Yang Shanshan asked impatiently, her eyes wide open.

Yang Guangming carefully took the Seagull 4A camera out of his bag.

The black leather body and exquisite metal parts give it a high-end look.

"Is this... a camera?" the old lady asked uncertainly. She had lived most of her life and had never seen such a small and exquisite camera.

“Yes, a camera.” Yang Guangming nodded affirmatively, adjusting the knob on the camera. “From now on, our family can take our own pictures, and we won’t need to go to a photo studio anymore.”

"Really? We can take pictures ourselves?" Yang Shanshan clapped her hands excitedly and jumped up and down. "Brother, take a picture of me! Take a picture of me!"

"Don't rush, don't rush." ​​Yang Guangming was infected by his sister's happiness, and his face was full of smiles. "The film is loaded, we can take the picture in a minute. Grandma, Shanshan, go change into some clean and tidy clothes, and we'll take a picture in the yard."

Upon hearing that they were really going to have their picture taken, both the old lady and Yang Shanshan became nervous.

The old lady quickly put down what she was doing, muttering, "You have to dress presentably for a photo..."

She turned and went into the house to search for her dark blue khaki summer shirt, which she only wore when going out and kept at the bottom of her trunk.

Yang Shanshan also screamed and ran back into the house, rummaging through her favorite red floral shirt.

Taking advantage of this break, Yang Guangming carefully studied the camera's operation. He chose a good position, adjusted the aperture and shutter speed, and estimated the approximate focal length.

After a while, Grandma changed her clothes and carefully combed her hair. Although she was still plain, she looked much more energetic.

Yang Shanshan also changed into a red floral shirt, her braids were retied, and her face was flushed with excitement.

"Come on, Shanshan, stand next to the pomegranate tree. Yes, turn slightly to the side, look at your brother, and smile..."

Yang Guangming directed his younger sister to carefully focus on the inverted image through the viewfinder above the camera.

Yang Shanshan was a little nervous, her body stiffened, and her smile seemed unnatural.

"Relax, just like usual," Yang Guangming patiently guided, pressing the shutter.

With a soft "click," the camera's internal mechanical structure completed an exposure.

“Okay!” Yang Guangming said.

"Finished taking pictures? That's it?" Yang Shanshan ran over, curious to see what she saw in the camera. "What do I look like? Do I look good?"

"You can't see it now; you'll only see it after the film is developed," Yang Guangming explained.

Then, he took a separate picture of his grandmother.

The old lady sat on a chair at the entrance of the main room, with a clean eight-immortal table and walls in the background. She placed her hands on her knees, stood up straight, and had a reserved yet expectant smile on her face.

"Grandma, smile naturally, just like you would when you're sunbathing," Yang Guangming said while focusing the camera.

"Okay, okay." The old lady tried her best to relax her expression.

With another "click," Grandma's image was captured on film.

Finally, Yang Guangming had Grandma and her younger sister stand together, with the main house of gray bricks and tiles as a backdrop, and took a group photo of them. Grandma sat down, and Shanshan stood beside her, her little hand on Grandma's shoulder. Both of them looked at the camera, their faces beaming with happy smiles.

After the photo was taken, the two were still excited and kept asking the camera all sorts of questions.

Yang Guangming patiently explained the basic principles of cameras to them. Although they only vaguely understood, their interest remained undiminished.

Around noon, Tian Yufen returned home from get off work.

She walked through the moon gate and immediately saw the brand-new bicycle parked in the middle of the courtyard, and paused for a moment.

"Mom, you're back!" Yang Guangming greeted her.

"This...this is what we bought?" Tian Yufen pointed to the bicycle, her face full of surprise.

She walked to the car, reached out and touched the handlebars, feeling their newness and sturdiness. "It's so nice, so nice... It will be so much more convenient to go shopping from now on."

"Not only that, Mom, my brother also bought a camera!" Yang Shanshan couldn't wait to show off, pulling her mother's hand and walking towards the main room. "My brother just took pictures of me and Grandma!"

"A camera?" Tian Yufen was very excited; he had never seen a camera before.

Yang Guangming took out the camera and handed it to his mother: "This is a Seagull brand camera. We can take pictures ourselves anytime in the future and keep more memories."

Tian Yufen took the camera and held it carefully. Looking at the camera's exquisite workmanship, she felt both happy and a little reluctant to spend the money.

But when she thought of her son's words about "keeping a memento," and then of the box full of bezoars she saw yesterday, she swallowed back the words she was about to say, turning them into a soft sigh and a barely concealed smile.

"I'll just buy it... I should keep something to look forward to." She stroked the camera's cool metal casing, her tone filled with anticipation for the future.

"Mom, let me take a picture of you too," Yang Guangming said, taking the camera.

Tian Yufen quickly tidied herself up, smoothed her hair at her temples, and put on a slightly reserved yet gratified smile. Standing in the yard, she had her son take her first solo photo in her new home.

Then, Yang Guangming asked his grandmother and younger sister to come over, and the three generations stood together, taking a group photo with the old pomegranate tree as the backdrop.

The atmosphere was especially lively at lunchtime because of the two new items we had purchased for the family.

Tian Yufen sliced ​​some cured pork, stir-fried some greens, and the staple food was steamed buns. Although it wasn't a particularly lavish meal, the family sat together, talking about the new car and camera, filled with laughter and joy.

Looking at the new watch on her wrist, then at the new bicycle parked in the yard, and the camera on the octagonal table, Tian Yufen felt a dreamlike sense of unreality.

Just over a month ago, she was still worrying about making a living in the countryside and about her son's tuition fees. In the blink of an eye, she not only came to Kyoto and lived in such a nice house, but also got a decent job, and even had all the "three turns and one sound" (a traditional Chinese household appliance) at home.

All these changes stemmed from the calm and opinionated son beside her.

She placed a slice of cured meat on her son's plate, her eyes filled with love and dependence.

Meanwhile, the news that Yang Guangming's family had bought a new bicycle spread like wildfire throughout the courtyard.

At lunchtime, the conversation at the dinner table almost always revolved around this matter.

"Wow, amazing! The bicycle is a brand new 'Forever' brand! The frame and the rim are so shiny!" In the east wing of the front yard, Aunt Tong, while shoveling vegetables into her bowl, said to her husband with admiration.

"How could Chief Yang's family be poor? I think they've only just settled in; there's much better to come." Tong Daye was quite optimistic.

"That's true, but it's too fast... sewing machine, radio, watch, bicycle... all in just a few days?" The son, who was eating with him, muttered.

"What do you know!" Grandpa Tong glared at his son. "They're capable! Guangming, don't let his young age fool you, he's very experienced. His mother is a government official now. It's only natural for a family like that to acquire some possessions. Stop gossiping behind their backs."

The main building of the Intermediate People's Court is the home of Deputy Director Li.

As his wife continued talking about this, Deputy Director Li took a bite of rice and said calmly, "Chief Yang's family is well-off. It's normal for him to buy things for his child to settle down."

"Having such a family move into our courtyard is quite an honor. With them here to keep things in order, people like the Ma family will have to think twice before they get involved."

His wife nodded: "Yes, I think Guangming is a very sensible kid. He's polite to people and doesn't show off. He bought a new car today, but he didn't show it off in the yard. He just pushed it back to the other side of the yard."

However, the atmosphere was somewhat different in the west wing of the Ma family's house in the front yard.

Ma Youcai silently drank his watery corn porridge, so thin you could see your reflection in it, while listening to his two sons, Ma Daguo and Ma Erguo, discussing the Yang family's new car and "four major items" with faces full of envy and jealousy. He felt a surge of irritation.

"What are you yelling about! What's there to yell about!"

He slammed his chopsticks on the table, glared at his two good-for-nothing sons with his cloudy eyes, and said, "Others can buy mountains of gold and silver, that's their ability! Envious? If you're envious, go and earn it yourselves!"

Ma Daguo pursed his lips and muttered, "We don't have that kind of luck..."

"Nonsense!" Ma Youcai interrupted him sharply. "I'm telling you two, keep your eyes peeled! Especially towards the Yang family in the east courtyard, be polite to them and give them a wide berth! Do you hear me?"

He lowered his voice, his tone unusually stern:
"Don't assume that just because someone seems friendly, they're easy to bully."

Let me tell you, families like this, with their powerful connections, have incredibly deep backing!
"If you two dare to get involved with the Yang family's petty theft, and they get caught, not only will I be unable to protect you, but our whole family will be finished! We won't even know how we died!"

Ma Daguo and Ma Erguo were startled by their father's unusually stern attitude. They exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of fear in each other's eyes, and dared not speak again.

Looking at his two sons' cowardly behavior, Ma Youcai sighed inwardly.

He himself is a reckless and unruly person, but he also knows how to treat people differently based on their status.

The Yang family was not a family that ordinary people like them could afford to mess with. He only hoped that his two foolish sons would heed his warnings and not bring a terrible disaster upon the family.

(The next chapter still needs some revisions and may be a little late.) (End of this chapter)