Courtyard House: A Leisurely and Contented Life

Yang Jianye knew he had offered too low a price, but that's the point of bargaining—it's only interesting when you go back and forth. He didn't leave himself any room for negotiation: thirty-five yuan and eight jiao? He'd take it if he included a radio ticket.

"Business is about give and take." He shoved the cigarette back into the other person's hand, struck a famous match, and said, "Give me a fair price, and I'll buy it sincerely." He tilted his head, lit his cigarette, and then lit the other person's cigarette as well.

The other party wasn't in a hurry. After a moment's thought, they said, "Alright, I'll consider this a friendly gesture. Thirty-three, you can take it."

Yang Jianye took a breath, lowered his head and pretended to hesitate for a long time before raising his eyes: "Since we're making friends, you can't let me suffer a loss, right? Thirty, I'll pay right now." There are few tickets for women, and few people buy them. He didn't believe that the other party would be willing to let go of cash.

Seeing him pull out three ten-yuan bills, the other party's eyes lit up: "Alright, I'll consider you a friend." He then unbuttoned his cotton-padded coat, rummaged around inside for a while, and pulled out a bill, handing it to Yang Jianye. It was a Permanent 275, women's model, marked "lightweight." No large front bumper, light weight—that was the mark of a women's model. Money for goods, one hand for the other. Yang Jianye took the bill, got up, and left. The other party pocketed the money and went to find another place. As for making friends, that would have to wait until the next business transaction; otherwise, they were just strangers passing by on the street.

"You bought it?" Yingzi's eyes lit up when she saw him come back smiling.

"Got it, let's go." Yang Jianye patted his pockets, pushed the bike, and led her out. Once outside the market, they rode straight to the supply and marketing cooperative. They arrived twenty or thirty minutes before closing time, but there was no one inside. The sweeper at the entrance waved them over, saying, "We're closed today. Come early tomorrow!"

Yang Jianye was somewhat helpless; the service attitude these days was really quite casual. But this didn't stump Li Ying. She stepped forward, took the other woman's arm, and smiled gently, "Sister, I'm Old Li's daughter. I brought my husband to look at cars today."

After a few words, her stern face broke into a wide smile: "This is your man? He looks quite dashing." She glanced at Yang Jianye, then pulled Yingzi inside, "Come on, let me show you around."

Upon reaching the bicycle area, she held out her hand: "Let me see your ticket." Yang Jianye handed the ticket to Yingzi, who then placed it in her palm. "Oh, you want to buy the women's version?" The older woman's eyes lit up at Yang Jianye. This man was truly rare! Where did her daughter find such a treasure? She must have accumulated good karma for several lifetimes. She couldn't help but feel envious. Why hadn't she met such a good man?

"Permanent 275, one hundred and seventy-five yuan and two jiao." After paying the ticket and money, the other party issued the ticket, then looked at the clock on the wall: "It's a bit late to go now, but just tell the master my name, and it'll be fine."

"Sister, is this appropriate?" Yingzi asked, a little embarrassed. Her older sister raised an eyebrow and said readily, "What's inappropriate about it? It's just stamping a seal." Yingzi was relieved. "Then I'll really go. Thank you, sister. Otherwise, I'd have to make two trips." "No trouble at all. Go ahead. I should get off work now."

Pushing the bike out the door, Yingzi said goodbye to her older sister. After watching her close the door and walk away, Yingzi finally propped up the bike and lovingly touched and patted it here and there. It was a new Forever brand bike, and she bought it for herself! She was so happy that she didn't care about anything else.

"Alright, stop touching it, it'll be too late if we don't get it stamped soon." Yang Jianye's reminder made Yingzi remember the important matter, and she hurriedly ran to get the official seal stamped. Mentioning her older sister's name really worked; when she came out, both the certificate and the seal were ready, and Yingzi smiled with her eyes crinkling.

"Let's go for a spin." The two weren't in a hurry to go home, so they rode their bikes side-by-side towards Houhai Lake. The tea stalls hadn't closed yet, but they didn't order tea. They found an open space, leaned on the railing, and watched the ducks swim by in the lake, chuckling to themselves. Marrying the right person makes life as sweet as honey; they don't even need to do anything, just looking at each other can bring them joy for ages.

They rode their bikes all over the streets, attracting attention wherever they went, especially Yingzi's brightly colored women's bike, which was quite rare and a rare sight. Once the streets were less crowded, the two headed back, each pushing a bike into the yard, where they ran into Aunt Liu. "Jianye, bought Yingzi a bike?" Aunt Liu chuckled in a low voice; if she had shouted, the whole yard would have come running to see what was going on, which was annoying.

"Yes, we bought it." Yang Jianye said with a smile. "Yingzi also needs to go to work, so having a car will be convenient." Aunt Liu nodded enviously, "That's right, that's right." After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two pushed the cart into the central courtyard.

Aunt Liu went back into the house, and as soon as she opened the door, she started chattering to the man on the kang (a heated brick bed): "Jianye has finally made something of himself this time; he's even a loving husband. Yingzi is going to have a good life with him from now on!"

Da Liu lay slumped on the kang (a heated brick bed) without saying a word. Da Liu's aunt turned her head and realized there was a barb in his words. Just as she was about to say something to smooth things over, she saw the man raise his head: "Our family's life will definitely move forward." He stared at the roof beam, his tone slow but firm, "I see more and more people buying cars. I'll go learn how to repair cars tomorrow."

Aunt Liu's eyes welled up with tears: "That's the best thing to say. Let's just stay home and make cardboard boxes."

"It's alright." Da Liu smirked. "I'll ask Jianye to make a plank for me, put four wheels underneath, and I'll lie on top and push it by hand. I won't go far, I'll just squat at the alley entrance and change chains and fix tires for people, that should work."

Back in their room, the newlyweds spent some more time cuddling together.

I was still half asleep when a shout suddenly erupted in the yard: "Wow! That car is really cool!"

"What car? Where is it?"

"Wow, a permanent brand! That must have cost a lot of money!"

"If a family were to have a daughter ride in one of these at her wedding, that would be incredibly prestigious!"

A group of people were peering out the window, making a racket and completely waking him up. Yang Jianye opened his eyes and got up. He saw that Yingzi had already started cooking porridge. He got dressed and went to the stove to tease her, making Yingzi's ears turn bright red. He threw the towel into the basin, took the water and went out, bumping into the old and young men gathered in the yard.

Qin Huairu came out of the kitchen carrying a basin of noodles, stirring the dough with one hand. Her peach-like eyes were fixed on the car, her charm tinged with an indescribable resentment. This car, this person, this life... why isn't it mine?

That Forever 275 was truly eye-catching: its bright yellow body was dazzling, it had a woven basket in the front, and without the large crossbar, you could easily step on it. The back seat was wide enough to carry two half-grown children.

"Jianye, is this a new one for Yingzi?" Sha Zhu, brushing his teeth by the sink, spat out the toothpaste foam and grinned from ear to ear. He was secretly pleased. He had explained things to the old man as he had suggested, and the old man immediately offered to introduce him to a potential partner, pressing him for his requirements. Sha Zhu had only mentioned two things: pretty and with a city household registration. As for a virgin, honest, and with a good family background? Aren't those basic requirements? What family goes on blind dates specifically for a capitalist's daughter? If the old man really found him a burden with a bad family background, he would definitely cause a scene again! However, the old man's enthusiasm in rushing to give him his grain ration book yesterday reassured him. The old man was eager to have a grandson, in a frenzy, urging him to get married first before discussing the rules of living together. What would people think if word got out that he needed the grain ration book now?

"Ah, I bought it yesterday," Yang Jianye nodded.

"This ticket must be hard to get, right?" The old man leaned towards the front of the car, wanting to touch it but then pulled his hand back, thinking the yellow color was too bright. "It would be such a waste if I got it dirty."

"It was really hard work getting it from a friend," Yang Jianye replied casually. The steel stamp under the seat clearly indicated it was a legitimate product, and he wasn't afraid of being questioned.

"Silly Zhu, why are you so happy about someone buying a car?" Xu Damao said sarcastically from inside the doorway, a toothbrush dangling from his mouth.

Sha Zhu suddenly turned around, grabbed a water-filled enamel mug, and smashed it. With a loud crash, the mug rolled a considerable distance across the brick floor, splashing water everywhere. Xu Damao, who had retreated into the backyard, shouted over the wall, "Sha Zhu, are you crazy?"

"You're the fucking crazy one!" Sha Zhu roared, raising his head. "If you ever call me 'Sha Zhu' again, I'll kill you!"

"Hey, you're really pushing your luck!" Xu Damao jumped out of the doorway again, neck stiff and bluffing, "You want to kill me? Come on, you..."

Sha Zhu grabbed the washbasin from the counter, held it in his hand, and rushed over. Xu Damao turned pale with fright, shouted in a panic, "You son of a bitch, are you serious?" and ran away.

"Coward!" Sha Zhu, holding a washbasin, shouted coldly towards the backyard, "Xu Damao, if I hear you spouting nonsense again... just try it!" He was saying this to Xu Damao, but also to everyone in the yard. He was no longer willing to be called "Sha Zhu," and no one could be.

"From now on, if you feel comfortable calling me 'Zhu Zi,' call me that; if not, a nod or an 'uh-huh' will do." Silly Zhu casually put the iron basin on his hip, striking a pose. "Anyone who calls me 'Silly Zhu' will get me in trouble!"

How could the men, young and old, in the courtyard dare to refuse? They all nodded, "Of course, of course..."

Inside the old man's house, hearing the commotion outside, Yi Zhonghai felt very comforted.

Reputation is incredibly important. Before, no one reminded him, and that carefree rascal, Sha Zhu, didn't care about nicknames at all. But now that I'm doing this for him, how can I let people still call him "Sha Zhu"? Are I crazy? First, I'll change that nickname, then help him build up his reputation. Once his reputation spreads, finding him a wife will be easier.

He's a skilled worker of the eighth grade, with wide connections and considerable influence; everyone in this circle knows him. Finding a wife for Sha Zhu? What kind of nonsense is that?

The hustle and bustle in the courtyard dissipated quickly. Today was Monday, and those who needed to go to work went to work, and those who needed to go to school went to school. Li Ying and I had a hearty breakfast: eggs, sliced ​​meat, and steamed buns made from a mixture of wheat and vegetables. We heated up the leftover mutton soup, and the two of us locked the door, pushed the cart, and went out, completely satisfied. Passing by the Jia family's house, we heard Bang Geng yelling at the top of his lungs, "I don't want to go to school! I don't want to go!" Yi Zhonghai felt a sense of relief. This child was clever from a young age; even at such a small age, he already knew how hard school was.

At the alley entrance, everyone got on their bikes and headed to their workplaces. They pushed their bikes into the bike shed, and the lock clicked shut. The shed was crammed with two or three hundred bicycles; a quick glance from the entrance revealed a considerable number. But this was a large factory with thousands of employees, high wages, and good benefits, yet there were only so many bikes—a testament to how precious bicycles were. Ninety percent of them were off-brand; even brands like Forever, Phoenix, and Flying Pigeon, if placed among the pile, would attract attention. Let alone now, even twenty years from now, an ordinary family owning a Phoenix would earn them a second glance.

"Jianye, you're here!"

"Didn't you spend a couple of days with your new wife? Haha..."

"Jianye, your legs weren't too weak this morning, were they? Look at your face, you don't look well. Did your back hurt?"

His coworkers winked and teased him, to which Yang Jianye waved his hand and laughed, "Go away, you're just bored."

Upon entering the workshop, the atmosphere changed abruptly; everyone wore a tense expression, and Yang Jianye immediately sensed that there was work to be done again.

Sure enough, Director Ma rushed over to him as soon as he saw him: "Jianye, we have a mission!"

"Come on, Director. We're old hands here." Seeing that he still had the energy to joke around, Director Ma's tense face relaxed a little. "This mission wasn't easy, and it's all your fault."

Yang Jianye was taken aback: I'm busy with my wedding, and I haven't even shown up yet. How come I'm being blamed for the factory's problems?

"The boiler." Director Ma mentioned it, and he immediately understood. "A new order? Just do it! I know that boiler inside and out. The workshop is full of experienced workers; they'll explain things clearly, it'll be quick!"

"If only it were that simple. This is an improved version; the blueprints will be delivered in a bit."

"An improved version?" Yang Jianye pondered, rubbing his chin. Suddenly, a tickle on his fingertip brought him back to his senses. He rubbed his chin with his fingertip; his beard had grown too long and needed shaving.

"Master Yang, is Master Yang here?"

Instead of receiving the blueprints, someone came looking for me.

"Hey!" Yang Jianye called out, looking outside. It was the same person who had relayed the message to the factory director last time, saying that Director Yang wanted him to go to his office now. Others thought it was about a new task, but only Yang Jianye knew the real reason: it was probably related to the matter of Deputy Director Li, and this time he was going to be implicated.

Upon arriving at the door, I indeed saw Director Yang sitting behind the table with a sullen face.

"Factory Manager." Yang Jianye knocked on the door and stepped inside.

Factory Director Yang glanced up at him and said in a deep voice, "Close the door."

Yang Jianye closed the door and sat down, then took out a cigarette and handed it to him: "Factory Manager, what's up?"

"You're asking me?" Director Yang took a couple of puffs of his cigarette, his gaze sweeping over him. "Jianye, this 'surprise' of yours is far too big."

That day, when Yang Jianye invited him to dinner, Director Yang remembered what he said: either go with Deputy Director Li and have a friendly drink, or make an excuse and don't go. He'd even wondered at the time: was this guy trying to curry favor with Deputy Director Li? Now he realized it was to clear himself of suspicion. If he'd been there that day, no matter what, he wouldn't have been able to escape responsibility for what happened with Deputy Director Li. As a leader, when things go wrong below, how can you not take responsibility? Even great leaders publish articles reflecting on their actions, let alone trying to profit from such an incident. Yesterday, the big boss had several drinks and kept saying, "This Yang Jianye is my lucky star!"

"Isn't this a good thing?" Yang Jianye exhaled smoke. "I just want to honestly guard my own little plot of land and contribute to the factory."

"Your own?" Factory Director Yang chuckled, "This steel rolling mill belongs to the state. How did it become your own?"

Yang Jianye retorted with his neck stiff: "The people are the masters of the country, so the country belongs to the people. How can it not belong to us? I'm happy to create wealth for myself!" His pride was just like that of a naive teenager.

Factory Director Yang laughed even harder: "You, you..."

Joking aside, let's get down to business. Deputy Factory Director Li has fallen this time, but his life is spared. The people behind him pulled strings; they couldn't let those who followed him down, so he had to keep him alive. How many years will he be in jail? Who knows? As for Yang Jianye, he received a public reprimand and was fined half a month's salary.

Before grinding sildenafil into powder and intending to "add something" to it for Deputy Factory Director Li, Yang Jianye knew he would have to take the blame.

Why? Who organized this banquet? Who invited Deputy Factory Director Li? Who's to blame for the incident? Who persuaded him to drink? Where did the disturbance happen, and who organized it? If you trace it all back to Yang Jianye, the root of the problem lies with him.

Yes, he's not a bad person at heart. A wedding is a joyous occasion, and he received a reward, thinking about how hard everyone works, so he wanted to throw a celebratory feast. It shows a sense of community, and there's nothing wrong with that. But then this unpleasant thing happened at the feast. Shouldn't he take some responsibility? Of course he should.

It's like someone running a red light and suddenly darts out and hits the front of your car. You're not legally responsible, but out of consideration for the victim, you'd have to pay some medical expenses as a gesture of goodwill. Yang Jianye's situation is pretty much like that.

As for where he got the sildenafil, it was naturally from "checking in". Not all the check-in rewards are obvious; some are shady, like this drug, and the "job upgrade card" he got before, all mixed together.

"I accept the criticism and abide by the factory's punishment," Yang Jianye answered readily, fully acknowledging the situation. A public reprimand, plus a half-month's salary deduction—well, factory manager, you'll have to make it up to me later, won't you? I'm doing this for you; you can't let your brother down!

Seeing his sly grin, Director Yang chuckled and pointed a few times with his index finger: "You rascal, you were born in the Year of the Monkey." He paused, then made his point clear: "Next week, come with me to the big boss's house."

Now Yang Jianye had made his name known to the big boss, and they'd have to talk to him in person. He was beaming with pride, but in his heart, he was calculating: The big boss must have a lot of good stuff, right? Maybe he could snag a couple of new things. What he wanted most was, of course, a television, but these days televisions were precious, and even the boss might not have one. As a last resort, a radio would do.

Just as he was pondering this, Factory Director Yang waved his hand impatiently: "Go, go, go, get to work!" Mentioning work reminded him of the task the factory had just received, and his tone changed: "Jianye..."

Yang Jianye, who had just gotten up, sat back down, grinning, "Boss, your mood changes faster than turning the pages of a book. You only need me in front of people when you need me, and you don't need me behind my back. Just now you were complaining that I was in your way!"

Factory Director Yang pretended not to hear and continued, "The task is important, you have to do a good job, and it's related to your future career..." He stopped there, giving a wink, "Got it? In short, it has to be done perfectly."

Yang Jianye stood up straight and said, "I guarantee I'll complete it!" But as soon as he finished speaking, his back slumped, and he grinned as he picked up a cigarette from the table, then lit it with a match from the factory manager's desk. "Factory manager, please come and visit the workshop more often when you have time. I'm heading back now," he said, and quickly slipped away.

Yang Jianye stood up straight and said, "I guarantee I'll complete it!" But as soon as he finished speaking, his back slumped, and he grinned as he picked up a cigarette from the table, then lit it with a match from the factory manager's desk. "Factory manager, please come and visit the workshop more often when you have time. I'm heading back now," he said, and quickly slipped away.

Factory Director Yang was at his wits' end with his son's temper. He was calm and capable outside, but as soon as he came home, he became incredibly mischievous. But then he thought, isn't this how it should be at this age? His parents were long gone, leaving him all alone. If he didn't shoulder the burden, how would he survive? He gazed out the window, the smoke rings slowly dissipating, his eyes drifting far away: Whose life doesn't have its share of hardships and setbacks? If everything were smooth sailing, what would be the point of living?

As I walked from the office towards the workshop, the loudspeaker was blaring, and Li Hong's voice came through: "Fellow workers, I have an announcement to make regarding Deputy Factory Director Li..."

Actually, rumors about this had been circulating privately for a while, but no one dared to speak out because it wasn't confirmed. Now that it's been broadcast over the loudspeaker, it's a done deal: dismissal, expulsion from the Party, a large factory meeting for public self-criticism, and a focus on ideological and moral education to raise workers' awareness.

"Furthermore, given the negative impact this incident has had on Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, the factory leadership has decided to issue a public reprimand and deduct half a month's salary from Comrade Yang Jianye as a warning. Remember, everyone here represents Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill..."

The buzzing of voices around him said he was in for trouble. Yang Jianye smirked and walked toward the workshop as if nothing had happened.

When Yi Zhonghai heard the broadcast, he was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. Serves him right! He didn't know how to respect his elders, and he was bound to suffer the consequences sooner or later. This time he really suffered! He felt as comfortable as if he had drunk ice-cold soda on a hot summer day.