Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

Now, every family in the village lives in a two-story house with white walls and blue tiles; every television screen is no longer filled with static; boys and girls of school age simply carry their schoolbags and head to school. Everyone knows full well that Lou Xiao'e deserves the greatest credit for this life. On her first visit, she brought cotton shoes to barefoot children and thick curtains to drafty houses; on her second visit, she brought a recruitment team to the village, getting over three hundred young men into factories and young women into food processing plant assembly lines—life truly brightened from that day on.

In the hearts of the people of Sujia Village, Lou Xiao'e is not an outsider, but a benefactor who is even closer than their own aunt.

Gu Ting sat alone in the factory manager's office, quietly wiping her eyes with a tissue. Lou Xiao'e's image filled her mind: the time she ruined the paint job on the entire batch of furniture, Lou Xiao'e hadn't said a harsh word. Instead, she brewed a pot of tea, pulled Gu Ting to sit down, and said while pouring water, "Making mistakes isn't scary; what's scary is not daring to look up next time." The sentence she remembered most vividly was, "Falling ninety-nine times isn't scary; what's scary is the hundredth time, when you don't even dare to tie your shoelaces tightly."

Upon hearing that Lou Xiao'e was no longer serving as the factory director, dozens of furniture factory workers spontaneously went to the county committee to petition. Lou Xiao'e herself went to the factory gate and spoke to everyone, causing them to disperse silently. The next day, they clocked in on time for work.

As the train traveled through the lush mountains and fields, Lou Xiao'e watched the fleeting green shadows outside the window, a smile slowly spreading across her lips.

She said softly, "The people here are truly warm-hearted and sincere. Being able to help them brighten their lives makes me feel at ease and happy."

He Yuzhu: "People from the countryside are honest and straightforward. If we've done our best and put in the effort, and we can be at peace with ourselves, then we're content."

Lou Xiao'e nodded gently, a warm light shining in her eyes: "I really can't bear to part with these children—they're so young yet so capable, and after two years, they're as close as my own."

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Everyone grows up eventually. What's scary isn't falling down, but that no one dares to let them take their first steps. They fall down once, then fall down again, and their bones harden, and they become familiar with the path."

Lou Xiao'e turned her head and asked him, "Zhu Zi, what are you planning to do now that you're back?"

He Yuzhu waved his hand: "Do you expect me to beg for food? The kids have grown up and they have to climb the mountains ahead on their own. As for us, we'll just water the flowers, prune the branches, and live a peaceful life."

Lou Xiao'e laughed out loud: "I can't sit still! Xiao Si is so busy at the Imperial Banquet Palace, I'd like to go over and lend a hand, manage the accounts and people, it's better than being idle."

He Yuzhu was speechless, shaking his head inwardly—he only focused on the big picture and set the direction, while everyone else did their own job; how could he possibly oversee the trivial matters? He simply closed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, and pretended to be asleep, no longer responding.

……

As soon as the train came to a stop and the platform gates opened, He Yushui and seven or eight people were already waiting outside the exit, greeting them with smiles.

"Sister-in-law, get in the car quickly! You must be exhausted from the bumpy ride!"

The sons rushed forward to take the suitcases, and He Yubing and Lou Yue each took one arm of He Yuzhu's, escorting him out.

As He Yubing walked, he explained: The He Group has only been established for a year, but it has already expanded from Kyoto to Dongli County, establishing a foothold in every city with purchasing power—Oriental Shopping Plazas are springing up everywhere; right now, he is discussing film and television cooperation with his grandfather, and cinemas in various plazas have been built, just waiting for the signing of the contract so that Hong Kong films can be released simultaneously; the clothes worn by the stars in the movies and the small items they use are all provided by the He Group, which can be considered a vivid "product placement"; conversely, films made in mainland China can also be distributed overseas through Hong Kong Island cinemas.

Lou Mancang and Lou Yue have finalized their plans to study in Hong Kong this year, and will also gradually take over their grandparents' business. Lou's father has mentioned this more than once, frankly stating that age is catching up with everyone, and he's hoping that He Yuzhu and his wife will come back to see them. Tomorrow morning, they will take the train south to Guangdong Province; their grandfather has already arranged for people to wait for them at the station.

They chatted and laughed all the way into the Tianfu Imperial Banquet Palace, heading straight for the most magnificent Peony Hall—a room full of familiar faces. Hearing that Zhu Zi and his wife had returned, they all came to join in the fun, catch up, and warm each other's hearts.

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai walked over, holding Yi Jiye's hand.

He Yuzhu asked with a smile, "Jiye, how's work going?"

Yi Jiye is currently interning at the R&D department of Dongfeng Motor, learning and working alongside senior professors from his university. He has gotten a bit tanned, but his eyes are surprisingly bright.

Yi Zhonghai patted his son on the shoulder: "Thanks to Zhuzi for thinking of us! Jiye is getting married at the end of this month, and the wedding banquet will be held here. I'll have to trouble you to help with the arrangements."

Jiye quickly chimed in, "Brother, there's a lot going on, we really need you to steer the ship."

He Yuzhu waved his hand: "We're brothers, why are you saying all this? Where's Fangfang?"

"Working as Yubing's assistant, I studied finance books with more enthusiasm than I did steamed buns—I would still be buried in textbooks after get off work, and I didn't even rest on weekends."

Everyone sat down and chatted for a while. This time, they weren't leaving. There were plenty of days ahead, enough time to talk and discuss things slowly and carefully.

Looking at the brightly lit and bustling Royal Banquet Palace in front of him, He Yuzhu felt a surge of warmth in his heart: Who would have thought that his son could build ten eight-story hotels, covering an area of ​​more than 60,000 square meters, dazzlingly magnificent.

Even the Tan Family Private Kitchen, which was once called "Royal Kitchen", has now been rebranded as "Royal Kitchen" and has opened more than ten branches, building up its reputation.

Qiao Weimin waved from afar: "Xiao He, come sit over here!"

The round table was too big, with nearly fifty people sitting around it, and the two of them were far apart. Qiao Weimin's wife then smiled and got up, moving to sit next to Lou Xiao'e, and He Yuzhu took the opportunity to change seats.

Qiao Weimin raised his glass: "Xiao He, the logistics department of Dongfeng Factory just happens to have two openings. You and Xiao'e can go there and report for duty. The work is easy, but it's also for the benefit of the people! You've worked in the steel mill before, so you're familiar with the procedures. Take a couple of days off and you can start work."

He Yuzhu raised his glass and said sincerely, "Thank you for your trouble, Elder Leader. I'd like to toast you."

Qiao Weimin waved his hand: "We've known each other for decades, let's not get into formalities—doing a good job is the best you can do for me."

The dinner party was lively and bustling until the night was deep, and everyone reluctantly parted ways. This was the first time that the old friends had gathered so neatly, in groups of three or five, arm in arm, slowly making their way to the door.

Qiao Weimin was getting old and couldn't stay up late, so his secretary helped him leave early; Zhang Huaqiang's brother-in-law was also getting on in years, and the couple also said goodbye early.

After the last figure disappeared outside the door, only He Yuzhu's family remained in the hall, sitting around the lamp, their conversation still unfinished.

Lou Xiao'e gently patted the backs of the fourth and fifth brothers, one in each hand, and said softly, "I'll take you to Guangdong Province tomorrow morning and watch you get on the bus myself." He Yuzhu, on the other hand, planned to stay for a few days to visit his old neighbors and coworkers one by one.

He was chatting with He Yubing: "Third brother, where do you plan to go next?"

He Yubing's eyes lit up: "A car! My grandfather has already hired three engine experts in Hong Kong to lead the research and development team; we also plan to collaborate with universities to recruit a group of recent graduates into the R&D team, and strive to launch a domestically produced civilian car within three years."

He Yuzhu nodded, saying nothing more, but he took those words to heart.

He was increasingly moved as he listened—his daughter had made a shrewd and far-sighted move: first, she built a reputation in film and television and catering, and then ventured into real estate; now she had built a toy factory in a county town on the outskirts of Beijing, specializing in trendy toys and traditional Chinese clothing, with a clear goal: to bring Chinese design into the rooms of children all over the world.

Three days later, the Dongfeng Shopping Plaza Cinema officially opened. Snack stalls were set up next to the ticket window, their aromas filling the air; inside the cinema, the tiered seats gleamed like new, and the screen was so wide it could hold the entire sea—all the equipment was imported directly from Hong Kong Island.

The departing crowd looked on in astonishment, marveling at the sights; inside the mall, people thronged, carrying large and small bags, everyone giving a thumbs up: rare and novel items, trendy goods, it's all here! Hungry? Just around the corner is a steaming hot food stall, eat your fill and continue shopping, or rest and have a cup of tea when you're tired.

He Yuzhu's life suddenly became much easier: he would clock in every day, hand over his work properly, and then stroll into the park with his birdcage to play a couple of games with his old chess friends; or he would lie in the rattan chair in the courtyard, squint his eyes, and let the sunlight slowly climb up to his knees.

A month later, the logistics department leader handed me my retirement certificate directly, without even having to visit his office again.

In the blink of an eye, the 1990s had quietly begun. The retirement team expanded from one person to three—Lou's parents had completely laid down their burdens and returned to Beijing to enjoy their golden years; the business there was already being helmed by their fourth and fifth children. A newly minted tycoon in Hong Kong, not yet thirty, was enjoying unparalleled success. The foundation and connections that Old Master Lou had built in Hong Kong back then meant that Lou Mancang's every move could shake office buildings in Central; his net worth of nearly 50 billion pounds was enough to make people gasp.

He Aijun and her husband settled down in the grassroots, only returning to Beijing once a year for the Spring Festival. Their two children were cared for by Lou Xiao'e. Lou Xiao'e is now a kindergarten principal, taking care of her own children, relatives' children, and neighborhood children. He Yuzhu gave her a suggestion: why not open a kindergarten and hire a few quick and efficient nannies to play with the children—no need to teach them pinyin or arithmetic, just let them eat, run around, nap, and then continue their antics.

Parents in the neighborhood are scrambling to send their children there, not for early education, but to build connections from a young age. The children, of course, are oblivious to the adults' ulterior motives.

He Aidang and Ma Lian both work at the He Group, with He serving as the director of the R&D department; both of their children are enrolled in Lou Xiao'e's kindergarten. Only He Yubing's child is cared for by her mother-in-law, but the old lady goes straight to the kindergarten every day without fail, carrying her granddaughter—the more lively the children are, the more friends they make, the better.

Lou Mancang is married with only one son, who was sent back to the capital just after his one-month birthday; his fifth son, however, is still single at twenty-four, constantly being pressured by Lou Xiao'e to get married, who asks every few days, "Where are you? Where's your boyfriend? Where are you booking the wedding banquet?"

That day, Lou Xiao'e had just opened the door, holding her infant grandson, when she saw He Yuzhu still sprawled on the rocking chair in the yard. She immediately called out, "Stop lying there like a corpse! Have you gone limp after lying like that for over ten years? Get up and lend a hand, the child needs to go out!"