The Courtyard House: He Yuzhu Returns with Boundless Hatred for Revenge

On Lunar New Year's Eve, the day when factories pay wages and distribute New Year's goods, the atmosphere at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, a key enterprise in Beijing, was particularly lively. This year, the factory's performance was exceptionally good, and all the planned targets set by the state were completed ahead of schedule. The higher authorities issued a special commendation notice. If it weren't for the recent big news, coupled with a series of companies being labeled as "advanced enterprises" or making mistakes, it would have been a sure thing to be recognized as an advanced enterprise by the ministry.

In those days, in an era that valued collective honor, this was highly valued by the workers, especially since it came with tangible benefits. Those who received the "Advanced Worker" award would receive at least half a pound more meat as part of their New Year's gifts. This infuriated everyone. Half a pound more meat! How much meat could many families eat in a year? That half pound could have added so many dishes to the New Year's Eve dinner, allowing them to enjoy oil and fat for so many more days. And just like that, it was gone. The workers in the workshop looked at Yi Zhonghai with increasing hatred.

Yi Zhonghai was already a pariah at the steel rolling mill, and now, burdened with the stigma of tarnishing the factory's reputation, his days were even more unbearable. From the moment he started work in the morning, the shouts and commands ordering him around were incessant, assigning him the dirtiest and most exhausting tasks, all while being deliberately difficult. Yi Zhonghai's back was practically aching, but he dared not utter a sound, only gritting his teeth and enduring it all. What angered him most was that he received no year-end bonus or New Year's goods, and the factory had even deducted his entire month's salary under the pretext of damaging the collective honor. He didn't know how he was going to explain this to Zhang Guifen when he got home.

Finally, afternoon arrived, and the factory announced an early holiday, distributing wages and New Year's gifts according to rank. This was the real highlight of the day. The workers, beaming with joy, greeted each other and hurried home, heads held high, accepting envious glances from passersby. The Red Star Steel Rolling Mill's annual distribution was among the best in Beijing; even the most ordinary worker received two jin of pork belly, ten jin of flour, and a fish—something unimaginable in many factories, like towel factories or thermos flask factories. Getting even half a jin of meat was considered a blessing.

He Yuzhu went to the logistics department to collect his share. He was now the deputy director of the canteen, the lowest-ranking cadre in the factory, but a cadre is a cadre, and the quality of his New Year's gifts was naturally different from that of the workers. Five catties of high-quality pork belly, ten catties of refined white flour, and a large carp weighing nearly ten catties, as well as some peanuts, melon seeds, and fruit candies, which were also rare items.

He didn't really care about these things. He already had plenty of good stuff in his own space, enough for him and his sister to have a comfortable and prosperous New Year. But when he carried these things into the courtyard, it still caused quite a stir.

For a time, there was a mix of envy, jealousy, hatred, and gnashing teeth. This is what happens when you compare things. Comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing people is infuriating, and comparing goods is disheartening. How come there's such a huge difference between two steel rolling mills? So what if you're a manager? Damn it! As for those who aren't in steel rolling mills, they don't even have the right to hate. These lousy companies stingily give out half a pound of meat and consider that enough. They're all just brooding at home.

He Yushui was already busy at home. The little girl had cleaned the house inside and out spotlessly, and was now waiting to wipe the main window.

"Brother! You're back!" Hearing the noise, he jumped off the stool and happily came to greet him. His eyes lit up even more when he saw what He Yuzhu was carrying. "Wow! So much delicious food! And fish!"

"Yeah, it was given to me by the factory." He Yuzhu put the things down and rubbed his sister's head. "Are you the only one working? Where's Xu Damao? Didn't he leave work early? Why hasn't he come over yet?"

Xu Damao absolutely refused to spend the New Year at his father's new house this year, insisting on spending it at He's house instead. His main reason was that he craved He Yuzhu's cooking. He Yuzhu let him go; after all, it was just one more pair of chopsticks, and he could eat whenever he wanted. If Xu Damao wasn't going to the countryside to show movies, he would have plenty of free time at home. With him looking after the house and the rain, people felt much more at ease.

"Brother Da Mao is here early! He went out to buy things and said he'd be back soon. Look, he brought all the New Year's goods from his factory here." She pointed to a pile of things on the table, then propped herself up on her hands and twirled in front of He Yuzhu. "Brother, do I look good in this outfit today?"

Today, He Yushui was wearing a new floral cotton-padded jacket and new pants. This was one of three new outfits that He Yuzhu had specially bought for his younger sister. He Yushui was overjoyed; the New Year hadn't even arrived yet, and she couldn't wait to wear it.

Seeing his sister's joyful expression, He Yuzhu couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion. This was the first time he had bought so many new clothes for his sister for the New Year since He Daqing had fled. Previously, he would only buy her a new outfit when her clothes were too short and worn to wear anymore. However, he didn't feel guilty. After all, this was all too common in those days; buying three sets at once would be considered a sign of poverty and lack of financial acumen. Only now that he was an official could he avoid being criticized, though others might not dare say it outright.

Thinking back to his younger sister's childhood, that was true happiness. He Daqing would always prepare new clothes for her in advance for the Lunar New Year. And his master's wife loved Yushui so much, almost to the point of adopting her as a goddaughter, and would make her new clothes every year. Later, because of the machinations of Yi Zhonghai and his ilk, he ended up having a complete falling out with his master and mistress, to the point of never speaking to them again.

Thinking of this, a sharp pain shot through my heart. Ultimately, it was my own foolishness in my past life that led me to do something so cruel, causing pain to my loved ones and joy to my enemies. Now, reborn, even with my thick skin, I don't have the courage to face my master and mistress.

"She looks good in everything," he said with a smile, suppressing his emotions.

Just then, Xu Damao came in carrying two bottles of wine, humming a tuneless little tune. "Brother Zhu! Sister Yushui! I'm back! Wow, you have way more New Year's goods than me. It's definitely different now that you're a leader!" He walked to the table, put down the wine, and rubbed his hands together. "Tonight, it's all up to your cooking, Brother Zhu! I didn't go to my dad's for the New Year, just to wait for your cooking!"

He Yuzhu laughed and scolded, "Look at your pathetic self! Fine, you can eat here until you go back to work. Today I'll show you what I can do and let you experience the Tan family cuisine that was once famous in Beijing. Of course, I can only make two dishes for you to try, otherwise the dishes I have on hand will not be enough."

Xu Damao chuckled. He had made up his mind to cling to He Yuzhu's coattails, not just for the food, but also for He Yuzhu's current status and abilities. With He Yuzhu's support, he would have many more advantages in the factory, since he was now part of the propaganda department and had the opportunity to climb the ranks.

Without further delay, the three began preparing the most sumptuous meal of the year—the Lunar New Year's Eve dinner.