Courtyard House: Passing through the Silly Pillar, Activating the Blessed Cave Heaven

52

"Brother Zhu, you've already given Second Uncle some advice, so why don't you give me some pointers too? I want to improve as well!" Xu Damao seized the opportunity to make his request.

"Da Mao, didn't I tell you? Focus on doing your job well first, then let the section chief see your strengths. In time, opportunities will naturally come."

"Brother Zhu, I understand this principle, but I don't know how to make the section chief think more highly of me."

I'm the only projectionist in the propaganda department. No one can compare to me, whether I do a good job or a bad one, so it's really hard to get ahead.

"Brother Zhu, can you help me think of a way to get some recognition in front of the section chief?" Xu Damao said bluntly.

"Da Mao, this has stumped me. I know absolutely nothing about the job of a projectionist."

"Here's what we'll do. You go back first, I'll think about it for a few days, and I'll come back to you when I come up with a solution." He Yuzhu didn't have any ideas for the moment, so he had no choice but to send him away first.

"Okay, Brother Zhu, I'm counting on you, don't forget!" Xu Damao repeatedly reminded him before leaving.

"Don't worry, I won't forget," He Yuzhu replied.

After Xu Damao left, He Yuzhu couldn't help but recall the story about Xu Damao that he had accidentally seen in his previous life in the TV series "Full House of Love".

To be fair, he felt that Xu Damao was the one who lived the most carefree life in the drama.

In his youth, he married Lou Xiao'e, the daughter of the wealthy businessman Lou Bancheng, and lived a life that countless men envied. Taking advantage of the opportunity to show movies in the countryside, he helped countless beautiful young widows. Later, he not only stole Qin Jingru, the blind date of Sha Zhu, but also ended his marriage with Lou Xiao'e. When the movement began, he climbed the social ladder by stepping on the Lou family, and later even won over Yu Haitang, the beauty of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. It is said that he also had a secret past with Qin Huairu.

In contrast, the character Sha Zhu in the drama has a much more tragic fate.

He lost his mother at a young age, and his father left with a widow when he was a teenager. In his youth, he was tricked and entangled with Qin Huairu. He finally got together with Xu Damao's ex-wife, but due to the outbreak of the movement, the Lou family moved to Hong Kong and he was unable to stay with Lou Xiao'e. Later, he wanted to be with Qin Huairu, but he was interfered with by Bang Geng and wasted ten years of his life. His situation in his later years was even more unbearable.

Throughout his life, He Yuzhu was only slightly better than Xu Damao—he had a child; in every other aspect, he was inferior to him.

Xu Damao's only regret was that he had no children, but he lived a carefree and happy life.

Although he is a complete villain in the drama, if someone else were to experience his life and be bullied like that by Sha Zhu, they would probably also become a vengeful person.

Now that He Yuzhu and Xu Damao have no old grudges, he feels comfortable befriending them.

After all, a true villain is better than a hypocrite. As long as the other party can taste the benefits and the situation is handled properly, a villain is less likely to betray you.

Moreover, He Yuzhu was confident that he could keep Xu Damao in his position. Once he took the top position at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, he needed a true villain like Xu Damao to fight for him and deal with those who didn't obey him.

Pulling his thoughts back, He Yuzhu picked up the documents he had put down when Xu Damao interrupted him and continued to read them.

As He Yuzhu was leaving get off work, pushing his bicycle home, he had just unlocked it when Xu Damao suddenly appeared from nowhere: "Director He, are you going home?"

He Yuzhu looked him up and down: "Da Mao, where were you hiding just now? I didn't even see you. You suddenly popped out like that. Anyone with a weak heart would be scared out of their wits."

"Hey, I'm standing right over there, you just didn't notice me."

"Look, my bicycle is still over there!" Xu Damao said with a smile, pointing to the bicycle not far away.

He Yuzhu looked in the direction Xu Damao pointed and indeed found his bicycle. It seemed that he had indeed been careless just now.

However, He Yuzhu also understood that Xu Damao was waiting for him here simply because he wanted to get advice on improving his work performance as soon as possible.

"Let's go back to the courtyard house together."

Da Mao, don't be too anxious. I've been thinking about your matter.

Besides, this can't be rushed. You just became a projectionist this year. Without a few years of experience, even if you want to move up, you won't meet the requirements.

"Director He is right. I just want to lay a solid foundation as soon as possible so that when the opportunity comes, everything will fall into place naturally," Xu Damao replied as he pushed his cart.

Upon hearing the phrase "things will fall into place naturally," He Yuzhu suddenly had a flash of inspiration and asked, "Da Mao, what you just said reminded me of something."

How were your Chinese grades when you were in school? How well did you write essays?

"The article is alright, what's wrong with it? Why are you suddenly asking this?" Xu Damao asked, looking puzzled.

"Da Mao, isn't your publicity department all about publicity? Publicity work can't be done without good articles."

If you want your section chief to look at you differently, the easiest way is to develop excellent writing skills.

If you can write excellent articles, you're guaranteed to be the most outstanding worker in the publicity department!

"But I've never written a promotional article before. I only wrote regular essays in school," Xu Damao said, somewhat worried.

"What's so difficult about this? If you can't write it at first, you can learn."

You insist on reading newspaper articles every day, and then, in conjunction with important events in our factory, try to imitate them in writing.

With enough effort, you can definitely write decent promotional materials.

"Brother Da Mao, keep up the good work, I believe in you!" He Yuzhu encouraged him.

Xu Damao asked with skepticism, "Director He, can your method really work?"

He Yuzhu was full of confidence: "Of course it will work! Think about it, newspaper editors are all experts, and their articles are of high quality."

Learn their writing style first, and gradually accumulate experience.

There are a lot of interesting things happening in our factory. If you write these down, they'll be ready-made promotional materials. If you have time, you can also visit some universities in Beijing and chat with Chinese literature students.

They understand literature and might be able to offer you some pointers.

If you continue like this, your writing skills will definitely improve.

"Da Mao, I've come up with a plan for you. Whether it works or not depends on whether you're willing to put in the effort."

Xu Damao nodded after listening, agreeing with He Yuzhu's reasoning.

Perhaps if we try his method, we can actually write some good promotional articles.

He secretly decided that he would start working hard from now on.

He Yuzhu noticed that Xu Damao's expression had softened, realizing that he was gradually accepting his proposal.

He grinned: "Da Mao, have some confidence! Once you've actually finished that promotional article, remember to treat me to a meal!"

Before he finished speaking, He Yuzhu had already jumped onto the bicycle, and with a push of his feet, the wheels shot off like a wild horse.

Seeing this, Xu Damao hurriedly pedaled his bicycle to chase after them. The two bicycles sped off one after the other and stopped in front of the courtyard house at No. 95 in the blink of an eye.

He Yuzhu braked the car, and Xu Damao also stopped the car immediately.

"Brother Zhu, thank you so much for your guidance today!" Xu Damao rubbed his hands and thanked him repeatedly.

"Stop with the nonsense, hurry up and go home." He Yuzhu waved his hand and pushed the cart into the courtyard.

As they crossed the front yard, He Yuzhu suddenly turned around and said, "You wait here. I'll bring you the tea I promised you, so you won't gossip about me being stingy." With that, he walked towards his house.

"Director He, even if you don't give it to me, I wouldn't dare utter a single complaint," Xu Damao replied with a grin.

He knew perfectly well that although his old neighbor had become a leader, he was still the same righteous He Yuzhu at heart.

Not long after, He Yuzhu returned to the yard with a paper package in his hand: "Here, that's all that's left. Don't come asking for more after you've finished drinking it."

"If you want to try it again, you'll have to wait until next year's new tea comes on the market." He tossed the paper package to Xu Damao.

Xu Damao took the paper package and took a deep sniff. His eyes lit up immediately: "This aroma alone is authentic! Mr. He, when you buy new tea next year, please be sure to bring me some."

"Okay, I've got it."

"I have to hurry up and cook." He Yuzhu waved his hand, turned around and disappeared behind the curtain.

That evening, at the He family's dinner table.

Wu Xiangyun suddenly put down her chopsticks: "Brother Zhu, school starts next Monday, I'm going back tomorrow."

"Time flies, summer vacation is over in a flash." He Yuzhu smacked his lips. "What's up? Should I give you a ride on my way to work tomorrow morning, or wait until I get off work?"

"No need to trouble yourself, I can take the bus myself. I only have a few clothes." Wu Xiangyun shook her head with a smile.

He Yushui tugged at her clothes: "Sister Xiangyun, will you come back to stay during winter break?" The little girl's eyes were full of reluctance.

"Rain, I'll definitely come stay at your house during winter break. I haven't had enough of Brother Zhu's cooking yet, especially the hot pot lamb in winter. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water." Wu Xiangyun said, swallowing hard.

"Then it's a deal, you can't go back on your word." He Yushui was still a little worried.

"Rain, I, Wu Xiangyun, keep my word. I will never go back on my promise," Wu Xiangyun patted her chest and assured him.

"Alright, since you've made up your mind, I won't say anything more." After He Yuzhu finished speaking, he took out some money from his pocket, counted out fifty yuan, and handed it to Wu Xiangyun. "Xiangyun, I have to go to work tomorrow, so I won't have time to take you."

"Take this money, use it to buy some stationery for the new school year. Consider it a reward for your hard work helping out this summer."

Wu Xiangyun took the money with a smile, her eyes sparkling, and leaned closer, saying, "Brother Zhu, I want to ask you for a favor."

He Yuzhu glanced at her and smiled knowingly: "Don't worry, I won't tell Master and Mistress about this money." He knew she was afraid that Mistress would take it away, so he deliberately reassured her.

Wu Xiangyun immediately beamed with joy: "Brother Zhu, you really understand me! You're the best!" She jumped up happily, wanting to kiss him, but unfortunately, she couldn't reach him.

She pouted and said with annoyance, "Brother Zhu, why are you so tall? I wish I could be a little shorter than you." She gestured to show the height difference between the two of them, looking envious.

He Yuzhu was startled and quickly pressed her head down, saying helplessly, "Xiangyun, how old are you? Why are you acting like a child?"

Wu Xiangyun looked up, her face full of grievance, and said, "What's wrong? Even if I grow up, I'll still be your sister."

"Don't you like me anymore?" She pouted, looking like she was about to cry.

He Yuzhu quickly waved his hand: "Stop fooling around, or I'll really tell your teacher's wife about that fifty yuan!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Xiangyun's expression immediately changed.

She opened her eyes wide and looked at He Yuzhu in a panic: "Brother Zhu, I was just joking, please don't tell my mom."

"You're the best to me, even better than my own brother!" She gently shook He Yuzhu's hand, her eyes full of flattery.

Seeing how scared she was, He Yuzhu softened: "Alright, I won't tell your master's wife."

But you're not allowed to be so naughty anymore.

"Okay, thank you, Brother Zhu." Wu Xiangyun let go of her hand and turned to the three children on the cradle: "Big brother, second brother, third brother, your second aunt is leaving tomorrow. Will you miss me?"

None of the three children responded.

Feeling embarrassed, Wu Xiangyun continued, "You must be keeping quiet because you don't want your second aunt to leave, right? When you grow up, your aunt will buy you lots of candy."

"Brother Zhu, Sister-in-law, I'm sleepy, I'm going back inside." After saying that, she quickly walked out, muttering to herself, "How embarrassing! Yushui is definitely going to laugh at me later."

As soon as I stepped outside, laughter erupted inside.

Wu Xiangyun gritted her teeth: "You little brat He Yushui, just wait and see how I deal with you!" She waved her hands wildly at the air.

Lou Xiao'e smiled and said, "Brother He, Xiangyun is really funny."

"She's been acting crazy since she was little," He Yuzhu laughed.

He Yushui laughed so hard she couldn't stand up straight.

He Yuzhu reminded her, "Keep your voice down. Your sister Xiangyun hasn't gone far yet. You two will still have to sleep in the same room tonight." He pointed to the door as he spoke.

He Yushui quickly stopped laughing, ran to the window and saw Wu Xiangyun gesturing wildly at the air.

She ran back to He Yuzhu in fright and complained, "Big brother, why didn't you say so sooner! She's definitely going to punish me tonight."

"Who told you to laugh the loudest? Your sister-in-law and I didn't make a sound," He Yuzhu said.

"It's all your fault!" He Yushui said, acting like a rogue.

He Yuzhu changed the subject: "Yushui, your sister Xiangyun is starting school soon, and you'll be starting soon too, right?"

"Yes, big brother." He Yushui replied casually, while secretly figuring out how to apologize to Wu Xiangyun in order to appease her anger.

"Rain, do you plan to live at school or at home after school starts?" He Yuzhu asked.

"I want to live at home, but Hongxing Junior High School is a bit far away, and it's too much of a hassle to go back and forth every day," He Yushui said hesitantly.

"Then stay at home for now, and move to school when it gets colder."

"I'll buy you a bicycle then, and it'll be much easier for you to ride to school," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Really? Big brother isn't lying to me, is he?" He Yushui asked, half believing and half doubting.

"I promised you I'd buy you a bicycle when you started junior high, and now it's finally coming in handy."

With a car, you won't have to walk every day.

"But you need a ticket for a bicycle, right? I heard it's really hard to get one. Do we have one?" He Yushui asked, blinking.