Siheyuan: Buyers get rich from hunting

Chapter 785 Young People's Ambition 10

Amid the intricate, bustling alleyways of Beijing, Courtyard No. 95 stands like a pearl sculpted by time, bearing witness to countless neighborhood joys and sorrows. However, recently, this once tranquil and peaceful courtyard has become like a lake tossed with a boulder, rife with ripples of conflict. And every detail and ripple of these disputes is captured by Liu Ping'an's keen eyes.

Looking back, Liu Ping'an has been in this world for nearly three years. For him, these three years have been like a magnificent epic of struggle. When he first arrived, he was penniless, his home bare, and his dilapidated house seemed to silently speak of life's hardships and helplessness. But Liu Ping'an's indomitable spirit, like an ever-burning flame, fueled his courageous progress through adversity.

He was fortunate to possess a magical system, a secret weapon in his journey through another world, providing him with countless opportunities and possibilities. With the system's help, coupled with his own tireless efforts day and night, Liu Ping'an grew at an astonishing rate, like a bamboo shoot emerging from the ground.

Furthermore, Liu Ping'an's space also contained generous rewards bestowed by the system. It was like an inexhaustible treasure trove, overflowing with a wide variety of supplies. From sweet and delicious fruits and nutritious grains to exquisite snacks and high-quality clothing, everything was available. With these rewards, his family's life was carefree, enjoying abundant meals and comfortable clothing every day. Their days were truly fulfilling.

Liu Ping'an is now the head of the purchasing department at the steel mill. This position carries immense weight within the factory, placing him in charge of all purchasing decisions. However, as his position rose, Liu Ping'an gradually learned to let go. He understands that a single person's energy is limited, and only by leveraging the strengths of a team can one achieve greater success. Therefore, he has largely delegated all matters within the purchasing department to his subordinates. This leaves Liu Ping'an with ample free time.

In his free time, Liu Ping'an's life was rich and colorful. His favorite thing to do was to go to his close friends Chen Xueru, Xu Huizhen, and Qin Huairu, and talk with them about everything, consolidating the deep feelings between them. Chen Xueru was a charming and intelligent woman, and her every frown and smile seemed to have a unique charm that made people fall in love with her; Xu Huizhen was gentle, virtuous, and considerate. When he was with her, Liu Ping'an always felt a warmth like a spring breeze; and Qin Huairu was inextricably linked to Liu Ping'an, and her cute and lovely appearance often appeared in Liu Ping'an's mind.

Liu Pingan learned most of the things that happened in the courtyard from Qin Huairu. On this day, the sun shone through the cracks in the window and sprinkled into the warm house. Liu Pingan and Qin Huairu were hugging each other, enjoying this moment of tranquility and warmth. Qin Huairu leaned in Liu Pingan's arms, her face flushed, like a ripe apple. She raised her head slightly, her eyes flashing with excitement, and said coquettishly: "Pingan, you don't know how lively our courtyard has been in the past six months! It was really chaotic and full of situations. There were new things happening every day. It was more exciting than the play on the stage!"

Since the abolition of the long-standing system of "daye" (great uncle) in the courtyard, which played an important role in mediating between neighbors, this small courtyard has been like a calm lake with a stone thrown into it, causing unexpected ripples. And the three great uncles in the courtyard have really put in a lot of effort in this new situation, and their efforts are amazing!

Let’s talk about Liu Haizhong first. He has a spirit of not admitting defeat and always wants to prove himself in front of everyone. As soon as the uncle system was abolished, he saw the opportunity in the workshop. With the majesty accumulated over the years in the yard, coupled with his willingness to work hard to study the business, he successfully became the workshop team leader. After becoming the team leader, Liu Haizhong’s walking posture was different. His back was straight and his steps became sonorous and powerful, as if announcing his new identity to the world. He came to the workshop early every day to arrange the work of the team members and check the production progress. His serious and responsible appearance made many people look at him with admiration. Moreover, he would organize a small meeting with the team members from time to time to share work experience and encourage everyone to work together to improve production efficiency. Under his leadership, their team’s performance soared and became a model team in the workshop. Liu Haizhong also won unanimous praise from leaders and colleagues.

Take Uncle Yi, a technophile with a lifelong obsession. Before the "uncle" system, while he possessed considerable technical prowess, he focused most of his energy on mediating neighborhood disputes, failing to fully utilize his technical talents. Now that the "uncle" system has been abolished, he can finally devote himself fully to technical research. He spends days and nights in the workshop laboratory, repeatedly studying and testing the complex machines and blueprints. Hard work pays off, and after countless days and nights of arduous effort, he finally achieved a major technological breakthrough. He developed a new production process that significantly improved product quality and efficiency, saving the company significant costs. This achievement captured the attention of factory management, who promoted Uncle Yi to the position of technical consultant. His position as consultant did not lead to complacency, but rather to a more humble and cautious attitude. He frequently visited the production line, helping workers solve technical problems and sharing his experience and techniques, becoming a respected technical authority on the workshop floor.

And there is the third uncle, who has always been shrewd and worldly-wise, and is best at handling interpersonal relationships. After the uncle system was abolished, he set his sights on the school. He used his connections and eloquence in the courtyard to actively build relationships with teachers and leaders in the school. He often went to the school to help with things within his ability, such as organizing student activities, maintaining order on campus, etc. He also gave the teachers some fresh vegetables and snacks he grew himself from time to time to express his gratitude. Gradually, he won the favor and trust of everyone in the school and became very prestigious. It is said that the school leaders are considering promoting him to be the head of the grade. If he really becomes the head of the grade, the third uncle will be very proud, and he will have more confidence to speak in the courtyard in the future.

Liu Ping'an sat aside, quietly listening to Qin Huairu's description of the changes in the three uncles. He nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips, and then responded gently: "I do know some of these things. Judging from the current situation, our courtyard is thriving and developing in a good direction. The three uncles have made progress in their respective fields, which has set an example for others in the courtyard and inspired everyone to work hard."

"There are more than three uncles!" Qin Huairu's eyes sparkled, as if she had discovered a new world, and she said excitedly, "Xu Damao is also quite popular in the Transportation Department. My uncle works in the Transportation Department, and he told me that Xu Damao is very good at dealing with people. He is always smiling and polite to everyone. When he sees that his colleagues are in trouble, he always takes the initiative to lend a hand. He also often organizes everyone to go out for dinner and entertainment, which enhances the relationship between colleagues. Therefore, everyone in the Transportation Department likes him very much, and thinks of him when there is something good. My uncle also said that if he continues like this, Xu Damao will definitely be able to make a good living in the Transportation Department in the future."

"Not to mention He Yuzhu," Qin Huairu continued, her face beaming with pride. "He's still the head chef at our factory, and his cooking skills are undeniable. The food he cooks is beautiful, fragrant, and delicious, leaving people with an endless aftertaste. The factory leaders and employees particularly like his cooking and speak highly of him. Moreover, he often innovates dishes and brings new surprises to everyone. Now that the canteen director is old and will be retiring soon, he will basically be the next canteen director. When that time comes, He Yuzhu will be the head of the canteen, and his status will be completely different."

Liu Ping'an gently stroked Qin Huairu's hair, and the soft touch made him feel peaceful. However, a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes. He frowned slightly and said slowly: "Everyone in this courtyard seems to be moving in a good direction. Everyone has their own goals and pursuits, and they are working hard for them. It is said that such a situation should be happy and harmonious. So where did this dispute come from? Is there any unknown contradiction and conflict hidden under this seemingly beautiful appearance?" Thinking of this, Liu Ping'an couldn't help but feel a little confused and worried. He decided to find an opportunity to find out what had happened in this courtyard recently.

Qin Huairu was originally leaning lazily beside Liu Ping'an, enjoying this moment of tranquility and warmth. However, when she thought of the recent headaches in the courtyard, she could no longer sit still, and suddenly sat up straight. Her originally rosy face now looked a little serious, and her eyes revealed a hint of worry. "Ping'an, let me tell you, the problem is that everyone is making progress, but resources are so limited. Just like housing, the houses in our courtyard are all left by our ancestors. There are only a few of them, and the number is very fixed. In the past, everyone lived a tight life, and they didn't have so many requirements for housing conditions. It was good to have a place to shelter from the wind and rain. But now it's different. Everyone's life is getting better and better, and they have some savings in their hands. Naturally, they all want to improve their living conditions and make themselves and their families live more comfortably."

Qin Huairu paused for a moment before continuing, "Take Liu Haizhong's family, for example. They have a large family, and as their children have grown up, their small house is becoming increasingly crowded. Liu Haizhong and his wife feel bad every time they see the children struggling to turn around in the cramped space. So, they've set their sights on the small, always empty room next door. It's not big, but if they clean it up, they can create a separate room for the children, giving them their own little world. But Third Uncle disagreed. He said he'd had plans for the small room for a while. Third Uncle was quite prestigious at school, and the school had awarded him a lot of books and materials, but he'd always worried about where to put them. He thought the small room would be perfect for storing them. He also planned to set up a study corner in the yard for the children once he had more materials, giving them a quiet place to study. Liu Haizhong's family and Third Uncle each held their own opinion over the small room, refusing to give in, and that's how the conflict arose."

Liu Ping'an frowned slightly, a hint of doubt in his eyes. He said softly, "Is this the only reason you're arguing about this? It doesn't sound like a big deal. We're all neighbors living in the same courtyard. We see each other every day. Why can't we just discuss it properly instead of making it so unpleasant?"

Qin Huairu sighed softly, and that sigh seemed to contain endless helplessness. "This is just one of the things, Ping An. Now that everyone has more money, they are no longer satisfied with just improving their living conditions. They want to do some small construction in the yard to make it more beautiful and more practical. Uncle Yi has been kind-hearted all his life. When he saw that other yards were beautiful, he thought that our yard should not lag behind. So he proposed to build a flower bed in the middle of the yard and plant all kinds of flowers and plants. Just think about it, in spring, when all the flowers are in full bloom, the colorful flowers are competing for beauty, and the fragrance is fragrant. How beautiful our yard will be, and everyone will feel comfortable living there. Moreover, planting some flowers and plants can purify the air, which is also good for everyone's health."

"But Xu Damao doesn't think so." Qin Huairu shook her head helplessly and continued, "Xu Damao works in the transportation department. He often uses various tools, such as wrenches, pliers, ropes, etc. These things have no place to be put, and are always messy. He thinks that building a flower bed takes up space and costs a lot of money and energy to maintain. He thought of building a shed in the corner of the yard and putting all his transportation tools in it. This way, it would be tidy and easy to use. Uncle Yi thinks Xu Damao's idea is too selfish. He only considers his own convenience and ignores the overall beauty of the yard. Xu Damao thinks Uncle Yi is unrealistic and that building a flower bed is a waste of resources. The two have argued about this several times. Every time they get red in the face and neither of them is willing to give in. The conflict is getting deeper and deeper."

Liu Ping'an's lips curled up slightly, revealing a playful smile. He crossed his arms across his chest and said slowly, "This really proves the saying that where there are people, there are rivers and lakes. This small courtyard is like a miniature society. Everyone has their own ideas and needs. When these ideas and needs conflict, disputes are inevitable. However, this is not an unsolvable knot. We are all neighbors in the same courtyard and have been friends for many years. There is no need to quarrel over such a small matter. Let's sit down and have a good discussion. With mutual understanding and tolerance, we can always find a solution that has the best of both worlds. For example, regarding the housing issue, Liu Haizhong's family can use the small house temporarily. After the third uncle finds another suitable place to store books and materials, the house can be vacated. As for the matter of building a flower bed and erecting a shed, the yard can be replanned. We can build a beautiful flower bed and build a shed for Xu Damao in a suitable place. This way, everyone will be satisfied."

After hearing what Liu Ping'an said, Qin Huairu's eyes flashed with hope. She gently leaned on Liu Ping'an's shoulder and said, "Ping'an, you are right. I will find an opportunity to gather everyone and tell them your ideas. I hope they can listen to you, and this dispute can be settled soon, and our courtyard can return to its former harmony and tranquility."

Qin Huairu shook her head helplessly. "It would be great if we could discuss this properly. Now everyone thinks they're right and no one wants to give in. Besides, it seems like someone is fanning the flames behind the scenes."

Liu Ping'an's eyes flashed, "Oh? Someone else is fanning the flames? Who is it?"

Qin Huairu leaned closer to Liu Ping'an and said in a low voice, "I heard that it was a new family that moved into the courtyard. They looked kind, but they like to do some small things behind the scenes. They seem to want to take advantage of the quarrels and make some money from it."

Liu Pingan sneered, "So they're the new troublemakers. But they underestimate the people in this courtyard. Although we have some minor conflicts now, we have lived together for so many years and still have feelings for each other. It won't be easy for them to destroy the harmony of this courtyard."