Courtyard House: Drunk and tipsy, the whole courtyard exposed at the start.

"Yes. It's a good thing. Building our motherland is our inescapable duty."

"But the premise is that you are willing and have a choice, rather than being morally coerced and 'forced' to choose a place without even knowing where it is."

He suppressed his smile, his expression becoming more serious than ever before.

"I, Zhang Dabiao, do not want you to be 'kidnapped' in any way. Your future must be in your own hands."

"You're still studying and haven't graduated yet. If you really can't avoid it, and someone forces you to make a commitment, just verbally agree. Say that once you graduate and get your diploma and degree, you will definitely respond to the call and go to the place where the motherland needs you most."

"The strategy is to delay. Delay as long as possible."

"I'll make arrangements in advance during this period. For example, 'Qinjiatun' or 'Zhangjiatun' are both fine. Anyway, we'll have our own choices and a way out when the time comes."

Mu Wanqing was completely confused. There were many things she didn't understand. "Qinjiatun" was the hometown of Qin Jingru and Qin Huairu. Da Biao was the last disciple of the secretary of Qinjiatun. He knew many people there, so it was safe. It was also close to Beijing.

"Zhangjiatun" is Da Biao's hometown. He has relatives there, so it's safe for him.

But isn't Da Biao being overly cautious?

But she could sense the seriousness in Zhang Dabiao's words and his deep concern for her. A warmth filled her heart, and all her unease and confusion were replaced by a feeling of being cared for. Although she didn't fully understand Zhang Dabiao's profound intentions, she chose to trust him unconditionally.

"I understand. I'll do whatever you say," she replied softly, her tone firm.

Zhang Dabiao looked at her; Mu Wanqing's trust was his greatest motivation. In this era, such trust was invaluable. He restarted the motorcycle, the roar of the engine breaking the silence once more. The two continued along Chang'an Avenue; the cold wind was still biting, but their hearts drew closer through their honest conversation.

------------

When they returned to the courtyard, the east wing was already brightly lit and bustling with activity. Sha Zhu's culinary skills were indeed well-deserved; the courtyard was filled with the enticing aroma of meat and wine. Zhang Dabiao parked his motorcycle in Yan Jiecheng's courtyard, locked the fence, and then led Mu Wanqing into the east wing, where the lively atmosphere immediately greeted them.

Inside the stable, Sha Zhu had already taken off his apron and was sitting around a round table with Xu Damao, Liu Guangqi, Yan Jiecheng, and their three assistants. The table was laden with a sumptuous feast: braised pork with vermicelli, braised beef, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and several plates of peanuts and pig's head meat. The air was filled with the aroma of wine, and laughter echoed throughout.

As soon as Mu Wanqing entered the room, He Yushui, Qin Jingru, You Hongjuan (Guangqi's wife), and Yu Li pulled her to a table, where the girls went to whisper among themselves.

As soon as Zhang Dabiao sat down, Xu Damao immediately poured him a full glass of wine.

"Da Biao, you're finally back! Everyone's been waiting for you!" Xu Damao said with a big smile, his tone carrying a sincere compliment.

Liu Guangqi also raised his glass: "Congratulations, Da Biao! This cadre treatment, and this motorcycle, are the first of their kind in our compound!"

Yan Jiecheng fawned over him, saying, "Da Biao, you've really brought honor to our compound this time! From now on, our compound will be counting on you!"

Zhang Dabiao simply smiled, raised his glass, and downed it in one gulp. He didn't say anything more. What could he say? That this sidecar was even worse than the electric delivery scooters of later generations? That it didn't feel good? That the shock absorption was inadequate?

The laughter and aroma of wine here stand in stark contrast to the desolation of the central courtyard.

Every time Jia Zhangshi and Banggeng ate, they would return to the west wing of the middle courtyard, and after they finished eating, they would go back to the main hall in the front courtyard, treating the west wing as their Jia family's kitchen.

The girls were starving, their stomachs practically sticking to their backs. Xiao Dang was carried away by Qin Jingru to eat first as a sign of respect. They had originally thought that Zhang Dabiao, having received such a great commendation and reward, would definitely throw a grand feast in the courtyard, inviting everyone to celebrate. So they had been holding back from cooking, waiting to be invited to the "big meal." But to their surprise, all they heard was bursts of laughter and the enticing aroma of food wafting from the east courtyard.

The aroma of meat, wine, and laughter pierced Jia Zhangshi and Bang Geng's hearts like needles.

Jia Zhangshi's stomach rumbled loudly, and anger burned fiercely in her chest.

"That damned Zhang Dabiao! He doesn't even know how to host a banquet for such a big event! I'm his aunt! He'll choke on his food sooner or later!" she cursed, slamming her hand on the table with a loud bang.

"That fool Zhu is a fool too, doesn't he know to leave a bowl of meat for our Jia family first!"

Bang Geng's face was grim, his fists clenched tightly. He smelled the aroma of meat wafting from the east courtyard, his mouth watering uncontrollably. He imagined the taste of the braised pork, the chewy texture of the soy-braised beef, and jealousy flickered in his eyes. Why, why did Zhang Dabiao always get the best things? Why did the Jia family always have to endure hunger (they had food, but they always wanted to eat well without spending money)?

The stick-shaped pheasant could only rage helplessly.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate. It was Yan Bugui. He carried his enamel teacup, a smug smile on his face, and strolled over leisurely. He walked all the way to the east wing gate, and was about to say something polite when Xu Damao, who had gone into the kitchen to get cups and chopsticks, swiftly stopped him.

Xu Damao wore a polite smile, but his tone left no room for argument: "Third Uncle, is there something you need?"

Yan Bugui was somewhat displeased at being stopped, but seeing that Xu Damao was accompanied by several of Zhang Dabiao's assistants, all of whom were cadres, Yan Bugui dared not show any anger. He forced a smile, rubbed his hands together, and glanced longingly towards the side courtyard.

"Hehe, it's nothing serious. I just heard some commotion in the yard and came to check it out. Da Biao has really made our yard proud; we should celebrate!"

"This is a big deal, he's been promoted to a cadre position, he's been allocated housing and a car, he should be treated to a feast, right?" He tried to steer the conversation toward "treating guests".

Xu Damao said with a sly smile, "Third Uncle, you're not right about that." He raised his voice, as if he were speaking to everyone in the courtyard.

"Although Da Biao was specially approved by the ministry to enjoy cadre treatment, in the end, he has not yet graduated and is not a real cadre."

"Think about it, what's the situation in our country right now? Everywhere we're advocating thrift, opposing extravagance and waste, and opposing special privileges."

"If Da Biao really throws a big party in the courtyard, inviting guests and having meals, wouldn't that cause trouble for the leaders? Wouldn't that give them leverage to say that Zhang Da Biao is getting carried away and engaging in bourgeois decadence?"

"Besides, if he weren't an official now, we could understand. But if he really is an official, then we absolutely cannot hold lavish parties! Shouldn't he be even more obligated to lead by example in practicing thrift and frugality?"

"So, we'll just have a few close friends, the young folks will bring their own food and drinks, and we won't be treating anyone."

"I think everyone can understand, right?"

"Just like you said before, Uncle San, weddings and baby showers require a banquet; it's an old custom in Beijing, and we accept it!"

"But getting cadre-level benefits doesn't mean you're actually a cadre. Treating people to a meal for this—that's not a custom in Beijing, is it?"