Courtyard House: A Leisurely and Contented Life

In the quiet workshop, the only sound was Qin Huairu operating the welding torch.

After a long while, he removed the rough mask. Qin Huairu put down the welding torch and said, "Team Leader Yang, it's over."

Yang Jianye nodded calmly and said, "Let's go eat!"

The lack of an answer sank Qin Huairu's heart. She turned and left anyway, but after exiting the workshop, she couldn't help wiping her eyes.

I'm scared, so scared.

Her busy schedule lately had made her forget that her future remained uncertain and unsettled.

After Qin Huairu left, Yang Jianye looked at the crafts she had completed and smiled with satisfaction.

solid!

Yang Jianye could see those two words on the piece of practice steel in front of him. And that was precisely the purpose of this assessment.

When learning something, the worst thing you can do is to be overly ambitious and have unrealistic expectations.

Yang Jianye didn't care how other workshops taught, nor could he control that. But here, you had to follow his rules. Doing whatever you were told was the most basic rule.

Based on his observations over the past few days, very few people were truly dedicated to learning the basics from the other masters. Most of them were just going through the motions, hoping to finish quickly so they could work under Yang Jianye.

This is a classic case of being overly ambitious; trying to fly before even getting started.

But he didn't even consider why they had to learn from other masters. It was to lay the foundation for learning riveting and frame construction!

Just like assembling components, you have to make the parts first. Only when you gather them all can you put together a complete product.

It's missing a piece, it's incomplete. Can it be pieced back together?

You don't even understand the principles and characteristics of component manufacturing. What are you talking about?

Without making a sound, Yang Jianye threw the practice steel back into the raw material pile and went to the canteen for lunch.

For an entire afternoon, he acted as if nothing had happened and continued to direct the work.

Qin Huairu, however, felt as if she were walking on thin ice. Her heart was pounding with anxiety, and she remained unsettled until almost the end of the workday. Only after Yang Jianye had said something to Master Li and left the workshop did she feel a little relieved.

Meanwhile, Yang Jianye left the workshop and went straight to his office. He didn't go to see the factory director, but instead went to the trade union and women's federation office.

As soon as I got to the door, I could hear a small meeting going on inside.

"At that time, Comrade Yang Jianye severely criticized me."

"I was still indignant, but I was quickly rendered speechless by what I heard..."

"This is turning back the clock of history, erasing the efforts and contributions of our women compatriots. I am both angry and anxious, and I regret it so much..."

He raised his hand and slapped himself across the face.

"He deserves to be hit!"

"Wow..." The audience listened, completely captivated. They held Sister Fu in high esteem, admiring her awareness and sense of responsibility. Her willingness to admit and correct her mistakes—no wonder she was appointed director of the Women's Federation office!

"Knock knock, Sister Fu." Taking advantage of a break, Yang Jianye went up and knocked on the door.

Disturbed by the interruption, Sister Fu, who looked up and saw Yang Jianye, instantly beamed with a smile, all the wrinkles on her face crinkling together. She grabbed Yang Jianye's wrist and led him inside.

"I was wondering why there were magpies chirping outside the window this morning; it turns out there's something very auspicious happening."

"Come on, everyone, stand up. This is Comrade Yang Jianye, whom I was talking about."

Pulled to the front of the group by Sister Fu, Yang Jianye stood tall and greeted everyone with a smile. He appeared open and confident, without the slightest bit timid.

Below, several young girls stared with shining eyes. He had a resolute face, bright eyes, thick eyebrows, and a tall stature. He looked strong, yet not bulky.

How come I never noticed this treasure before?

"Master Yang, are you here today to give us a speech?"

"Yes, Master Yang. Sister Fu has mentioned it so many times; everyone's been waiting for you!"

"Master Yang, you have to say a few words, or I won't let you leave."

"A few words aren't enough. We need to talk more. I think we should keep talking until we get off work."

"No, I'll have to work overtime."

"Ha ha……"

Faced with the enthusiasm of these middle-aged women and young women, Yang Jianye couldn't hold back anymore. Having reached middle age, he'd seen it all. They were also quite bold in their speech, and after only a few words, they started teasing him. They said he was handsome, had a good physique, and some were even physically aggressive…

Seeing that something was wrong, Yang Jianye quickly hid behind Sister Fu.

"Big sister, I'm leaving now. I won't dare to come again."

Sister Fu laughed heartily and raised her hand, "Alright, alright, you lot, anyone who didn't know better would think you'd stumbled into a bandit's den."

"Oh dear, are you getting shy now?"

"Master Yang, we're married now, why are you suddenly so shy?"

"Exactly, what are we, a group of women, going to do to you?"

Yang Jianye didn't say it aloud, but he thought to himself, "That's for sure, these days older women are terrifying." Those young ladies, even if they have something going on, they're still reserved. What's really scary is that these older women, with children and grown-up kids, when they start joking around, they could drift at 300 mph and still not catch the taillights.

Tell everyone to calm down and sit back down. Sister Fu turned to face him and asked, "I've invited you so many times and you never came. Why did you finally decide to come today?"

Yang Jianye smiled and said, "That's why I came to see you and maybe we can talk about something!"

Upon hearing that something was wrong, Sister Fu's expression turned serious.

"Okay, that's enough for today, everyone go home!"

Sister Fu's act of chasing people away displeased those below.

"Director, we'd like to hear more from Chef Yang!"

"Exactly, it's a rare opportunity to run into someone like this; we might not have another chance."

"That's right, we can't leave, we have to let Master Yang talk to us."

"Yes, I also want to learn and improve!"

Seeing the crowd's agitated state, Sister Fu could only smile wryly at Yang Jianye. She couldn't control the crowd; their voices were loud and clear.

"Alright, ladies and aunties," Yang Jianye stepped forward, gesturing with his palm.

"I've arranged a time with Sister Fu to have a small meeting. We can discuss things together, and I'll definitely share my thoughts with everyone then, okay?"

Hearing him say that, everyone quieted down. Sister Fu also assured them that she had definitely made an appointment with him. If Yang Jianye didn't come, she would personally go to the workshop to arrest him.

"Alright, we'll be waiting."

After seeing off these older women, Yang Jianye unconsciously raised his hand to wipe his forehead. They'd really scared him. Being a celebrity isn't easy!

"Look at the influence you have in our Women's Federation! Let me tell you, it's only because you're married. Otherwise, they'd be lining up at your doorstep, you'd better just put up with it!"

Yang Jianye nodded repeatedly in agreement, saying, "That's exactly the kind of attitude I'm talking about!"

With the door open, Sister Fu invited him to sit down, then sat behind the table herself and asked, "Tell me, what do you need Sister Fu to do for you?"

Yang Jianye lowered his arm, which was wiping sweat, and smiled, "There is something, it's about Yi Gong's ideological issues at our factory..."

Clang clang...

The bell rang, and a loud, energetic song of encouragement rang out. The factory came alive as workers walked out of the workshops in groups, heading home in a large procession.

Yi Zhonghai was one of them, but his expression wasn't good. Now that he'd finished work, he had to go to the neighborhood office to learn about the reform efforts. After that, he had to sweep the alleys and finish his share of the work. With all that, it would be a miracle if he was in a good mood!

However, Yi Zhonghai was already considering whether to give Granny Jia a few yuan and have her do all the work. After all, he was an eighth-grade worker at the steel rolling mill. How could he be assigned to sweep the streets in an alley with an old woman!

Yi Zhonghai thought it made more and more sense, and decided, "When I run into Granny Jia at the neighborhood office later, I'll mention it to her."

Knowing what was going on, Yi Zhonghai quickened his pace. Little did he know, someone in the workshop was looking for him.

"Yi Gong? He's gone; he's been gone for a while."

Hearing this, Sister Fu realized she was late. However, it didn't matter. He should be at the neighborhood office for training right now; she could go with him and find out more about the situation.

Explore the infinite possibilities of the heavens, all within the category navigation.

If what Jianye said is true, then Yi Zhonghai should seriously study and reform himself. It's not too late for him to start working again once he realizes his mistakes. How can someone ruin a young woman's reputation with such careless words?

They walked quickly, and soon the alley leading to the neighborhood office was just around the corner. Sister Fu heard someone talking ahead.

"That won't do, it has to be at least five dollars."

"Why don't you just rob it?"

"Robbing money is illegal. Are you stupid? Go ahead and get shot if you want."

Yi Zhonghai looked at Granny Jia with a mocking expression and trembled with anger.

He actually got looked down upon by a shrew, I...

"Four pieces? If that's not enough, I'll just go find Yan Bugui."

When Jia Pozi heard that he wanted to find Yan Laokou, she became anxious.

If he really wanted to find Old Man Yan, he would be happy to pay even two yuan, let alone four.

Since he doesn't have to do any work himself, why shouldn't he take the money that's free?

Knowing that four pieces were the seabed line of Yizhong, Granny Jia compromised: "Fine, four pieces it is."

"But it's agreed that if the neighborhood committee asks, each person will sweep half," Yi Zhonghai reminded him, still worried.

Granny Jia spread her hands: "Take out the money, and we'll split it in half."

Yi Zhonghai didn't bother arguing with her, so he quickly took out four yuan and put it in her hand.

Granny Jia's eyes lit up with joy as she happily counted the money, about to speak.

"Well, Yi Zhonghai, you dare to use money to evade labor." Sister Fu came out from behind the wall.

With a stern face and righteous indignation, he said, "You two, come with me to Director Wang and explain yourselves."

"..."

They looked at each other, their old faces instantly crumbling.

Yang Jianye didn't ride his bike home until 8 p.m., after working all night.

Once inside the courtyard, he was stopped by someone.

"Uncle, what's up?" Yang Jianye asked, pushing his cart and looking at Yan Laokou.

The other person glanced enviously at the 28-inch double-bar shoes and said, "Jianye, you're late. Director Wang just came by again."

"Here we go again," Yang Jianye said in surprise.

He never expected this. What did the neighborhood committee have to do with him reporting the problem to Sister Fu?

"Of course, guess what Yi Zhonghai did?" Yan Bugui whispered in his ear.

He whispered and explained the situation to him, then chuckled, "He bribed Granny Jia to evade labor."

"And it just so happens that your factory's Deputy Director ran into it, which is why he got caught in the crossfire..."

Yan Bugui tilted his head and shook it, sighing, "He's really unlucky."

Yang Jianye wholeheartedly agreed; it was indeed incredibly unlucky.

"Director Wang said that he and the labor union would jointly suggest to the factory that Yi Zhonghai be suspended from his duties and required to devote himself to studying all day."

Grandpa Yi was having a great time talking, but Yang Jianye didn't want to listen anymore.

After finishing his overtime work, he just wanted to go home quickly, wash up, and hug his wife.

What are you rambling on about?

What's wrong with Yi Zhonghai? What does it have to do with him?!

"Uncle Yi, if you have nothing else, I'll head back now. Yingzi is waiting for you at home!"

Yang Jianye's interruption made Yan Bugui lose the desire to continue.

He waved his hand and said, "Let's go back, it would be a pity to miss this opportunity."

pity?

I wish there were meetings in the compound, but I always miss them!

It's a pity, but not at all.

If you drive like this again next time, and the times are all staggered, I'll definitely support you sitting in this old man's seat.

"Jianye's back!" He had just gotten rid of Yan Laokou and was about to leave when Aunt Liu called him back.

He could let it go about others, but he couldn't pretend he hadn't seen Aunt Liu: "Auntie, I just came into the yard."

Aunt Liu laughed and said, "The factory has another task coming up, it must be tough, right?"

"It's alright, I'm used to it." Seeing that she seemed to have something to say, Yang Jianye took the initiative to ask, "Auntie, what's wrong? Just tell me."

When he asked that question, Aunt Liu didn't hold back.

"There's something I need your help with, Uncle Liu." Aunt Liu told him all about her husband's thoughts.

Jianye is capable, has sound ideas, and has a wide network of connections.

Whether this matter can be done or not, we'll have to ask him to think it over.

Don't end up losing money and people instead.

Then Aunt Liu's life is truly hopeless.

"Bike repair?"

"Yes, your Uncle Liu has wanted to do this for a long time, but you've been too busy, so I haven't had the heart to tell you."

Da Liu had mentioned this matter to his wife before. However, one thing after another happened in the backyard. Yang Jianye was also busy with his own factory, so it got delayed.

This time, taking advantage of the quiet in the courtyard, she quickly mentioned it to Jianye. Otherwise, she might miss the end of the year. She'd be cycling around visiting relatives, giving gifts, and business would be booming right now!

Nodding, Yang Jianye thought for a moment and said, "Auntie, you go back first and wait for my letter."

Seeing that she hesitated, Yang Jianye explained, "It's not very safe to do it yourself at the alley entrance."

"I have an idea, but I need to ask you first before I can reply."

"Tomorrow, I'll come back to find you, okay?"

After hearing what he said, Aunt Liu had no further questions.

"Thank you, Auntie. Jianye, take this." Aunt Liu raised her hand and placed a small stack of tickets in his hand.

Coal coupons, cloth coupons, and some daily necessities, all sorts of odds and ends.

Yang Jianye hurriedly tried to push it back, but Aunt Liu shoved it into his hand and left, saying, "We don't need this ticket at home, you can keep it."

Seeing Aunt Liu rush into the house in a hurry, and then looking at the stack of tickets in her hand, Yang Jianye didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

So, this is the [Miscellaneous Tickets Gift Pack*Small].

But as it turns out, Yang Jianye underestimated the word "underestimated".

When he got back into the house, he saw Yingzi counting the votes on the table.

Soap, toothbrush, towel, washbasin, rice and noodles...

The quantity isn't large, mostly around one jin (500 grams), with the largest being three jin. But the sheer volume makes up for it; all of these together amount to at least forty or fifty sheets.

"Wife, you stole my father-in-law?" Yang Jianye stared wide-eyed at the tickets on the table.

All of this together, exchanged for money. It should be at least ten or twenty yuan. What's going on?

"Pfft~" Yingzi couldn't help but laugh.

While sorting through the tickets, she glared at him and said, "What do you mean I stole your father-in-law? Isn't that my dad?"

"Yes, you stole your dad?" Yang Jianye nodded.

Yingzi raised her hand to hit him, "You're so annoying."

But when that little fist landed on my arm, it was lighter than a mosquito bite.

Yang Jianye chuckled and said, "Wife, if you want to give me a massage, we'll get on the kang (heated brick bed) later."

"Go away, who wants to give you a massage?" Yingzi retorted, her cheeks slightly flushed. "You're getting more and more unserious."

Seeing that he didn't retort and was just grinning foolishly at her, Yingzi happily said, "These were all given to me by my mother. She said we're just starting out and our savings are meager, so we need to buy everything."

"We have enough money with our salaries, but these tickets are hard to find."

Yingzi shrugged and said, "That's why she gave me all the tickets she had saved up."

Looking at all these things, Yang Jianye laughed and said, "Our mother is really good at saving money. No wonder our lives are getting better and better."

Yingzi smiled smugly, "That's right, once it's in my mother's hands, one point becomes two."

"You don't know, in the past, my family was so poor that every household couldn't even afford to eat."

"My dad's salary wasn't high back then, but my mom managed to feed the whole family and occasionally make us new clothes for the New Year."

"That morning, before dawn, I got up, put on my new clothes, and went around showing them off."