Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

In 1958, during the transition from summer to autumn, the heatwave in Beijing had not yet completely subsided. A new wave, a mixture of steel, rubber, and the smell of burning gasoline, was sweeping through every corner of the Red Star United Industrial Corporation with unprecedented momentum. Inevitably, it permeated every crevice of life around it, including the ancient Nanluoguxiang, with its blue bricks and gray tiles, and the now "famous" No. 95 courtyard in the alley.

At the heart of this "new trend" was the four-wheeled Red Star brand car. When Cui Dake drove his conspicuous red car away from the courtyard, when Sha Zhu returned smugly in his grass-green vehicle, when Yi Zhonghai silently drove away in his gray car, and when Liu Haizhong finally managed to squeeze his black sedan into the already congested alleyway, a silent yet intense competition had already begun to permeate the air of this courtyard. And the latest focus of this competition, unsurprisingly, fell on two people—He Yuzhu and Xu Damao.

Xu Damao has indeed been feeling a bit "shaky" lately. This shrug stems primarily from the brand-new, sky-blue Red Star brand car he drives. But the deeper source of his confidence lies in a small promotion—he was personally handpicked by Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide and promoted to head of the Red Star Factory's film projection team. Although it's just a team leader, the title "team leader" carries a golden edge in Xu Damao's mind. His salary jumped from thirty-seven yuan and fifty yuan to a full fifty yuan! In an era when ordinary workers earned only twenty or thirty yuan a month, this was enough for him to stand tall and walk with a swagger.

More importantly, there was the compensation. As a crucial propaganda unit, the film projection team frequently needed to travel to rural areas, and the factory provided them with transportation. Previously, they used two old, worn-out Flying Pigeon bicycles, hauling heavy projection equipment and film reels, traversing mountains and rivers—a truly arduous journey. Now, things were different! The Hongxing Automobile Factory's latest product—the "Hongxing Guardian" sidecar motorcycle, reverse-engineered and optimized based on the BMW R60/2 motorcycle—was prioritized for allocation to the projection team in its first batch. This "Hongxing Guardian" boasted ample horsepower, a wide sidecar to carry equipment, and a powerful, imposing presence when running—far superior to bicycles. Moreover, the factory reimbursed them for gasoline used in rural trips! This meant that Xu Damao could not only ride his electric scooter, kicking up dust on the rural dirt roads, but also conveniently use the factory's fuel for personal errands (like a trip to Qinjiacun). The convenience and prestige greatly satisfied Xu Damao's vanity.

Every time he went to the countryside to show a movie, he would polish his "Red Star Guardian" motorcycle until it gleamed, put on his helmet properly, hop on, twist the accelerator, and speed away amidst the envious gazes of everyone in the factory area. Once in the village, he was surrounded by villagers like a "cadre," offered cigarettes and water—he was quite the star. He felt that his life had finally entered the fast lane.

However, his good mood didn't last long before it was shattered by Sha Zhu's grass-green Red Star car.

That day, Xu Damao rode his "Red Star Guardian" motorcycle back to the hospital and saw from afar Sha Zhu and his sister He Yushui busily working on a brand-new grass-green car. Sha Zhu was bent over, carefully wiping the hood with a brand-new, snow-white towel, his expression a hundred times more devout than when he was wiping his beloved frying pan. He Yushui carried a small tin bucket filled with water, occasionally changing the rag for Sha Zhu. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the gleaming paint, reflecting a dazzling light and illuminating Sha Zhu's smug grin that stretched almost to his ears.

Xu Damao's heart skipped a beat. The sense of superiority he had just felt from his promotion and raise, which had brought him an electric scooter, instantly crumbled, hissing and leaking out. He parked the scooter, took off his helmet, and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: "Hey, Sha Zhu, not bad! You... you're already riding one?"

Sha Zhu straightened up, draped the towel over his shoulder, and sneered at Xu Damao, especially at the imposing but ultimately three-wheeled "Red Star Guardian" behind him. He snorted, "What's wrong, Xu Damao? You're allowed to ride your beat-up sidecar around showing off, but I, your old master Zhu, can't drive a four-wheeler and improve my life?"

"Master Zhu?" Xu Damao's face darkened. "Calling you 'Silly Zhu' is an honor! You stinking cook, the one who just tends the stove, you think you're qualified to drive?"

"Hey! You little brat!" Sha Zhu got excited, throwing down the towel. "So what if I'm a cook? Cooks earn their living with their skills, honestly and squarely! It's factory policy: if you contribute, you can buy it! I'm a level six cook, the canteen director, a cadre! This is my monthly salary!" He held out his palm, flipped it over, and added a "five" gesture. "Seventy-five yuan! For the right to use a car, what's wrong with that? The factory approved it! You're just a movie projectionist, what are you showing off for? If you're so capable, why don't you drive one yourself and let me see?"

These words really hit Xu Damao where it hurt. He was enraged by the words "stinky cook," and even more furious at Sha Zhu's blatant boasting and income comparison. Fifty yuan versus seventy-five yuan, a motorcycle with a sidecar versus a car… This round, a complete defeat!

"Shazhu! You...you wait!" Xu Damao pointed at Shazhu's nose, his finger trembling. "So what if you have a car? Look how capable you are! You just wait and see!" After saying that, he angrily pushed his motorcycle into the yard, the fire in his heart making him restless.

Why? Why should that simpleton Sha Zhu, who only knows how to grab the ladle and has a single-minded brain, be allowed to drive a car? I, Xu Damao, the head of the propaganda team at the Red Star Factory, a proper propaganda officer, a favorite of the leaders, and known as "Xu the Filmmaker" and "Cadre Xu" by the villagers, only deserve to ride a beat-up tricycle? No way! Absolutely not! I must win this battle back! What Sha Zhu has, I, Xu Damao, must have! What Sha Zhu doesn't have, I, Xu Damao, must have!

Once the thought arose, it grew wildly in Xu Damao's mind like weeds. He lost his appetite, couldn't sleep soundly, and even when he went to the countryside to show movies, seeing the towering figures of heroes on the screen made him feel mocked for being outshone by a cook. No, he had to buy a car! A car! Just like Sha Zhu's, no, a car in a color even better than his grass green!

He could buy the car (right to use it) for 500 yuan. Xu Damao's own savings, plus his savings after the salary increase, could barely scrape together the money, but taking out so much at once was painful. More importantly, he needed to find a "legitimate" reason to get the factory to approve it. Was it necessary for the projectionist's work? But the factory already had "Red Star Guardians" (motorcycles), so applying for a car seemed a bit unreasonable.

Xu Damao's eyes lit up, and he set his sights on his father, Xu Fugui.

The Xu family is considered a well-off family in Nanluoguxiang and even in the entire Dongcheng District. This foundation comes from the "glorious" experience of Xu Fugui and his wife Xu Weishi (whom the people in the courtyard call "Old Mrs. Xu" behind her back).

Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xu Fugui was the personal driver for Lou Zhenhua, a wealthy family in Beijing known as "Half of the City Lou." Xu Weishi worked as a maid in the Lou household, serving Mrs. Lou. The couple, one at the wheel, close to the boss; the other in the inner quarters, close to the mistress of the house, were both considered "close advisors." Lou Zhenhua and his wife were generally generous and lenient with their servants. Whether Xu Fugui and his wife were truly "clean" is debatable, but in those years they certainly gained a great deal from the Lou family—not to mention gold, silver, antiques, and paintings, they certainly amassed silver dollars, silk fabrics, trendy items, and even scarce commodities. Xu Damao, as a child, was someone who had seen and experienced much, far more extravagant than other children in the alley.

Later, as the political situation changed, Xu Fugui, being shrewd, keenly sensed that things were not going his way. He felt that the Lou family, such a large capitalist family, probably wouldn't last long. So, he used the excuse of "being old and frail, with failing eyesight, and afraid of hindering the master's affairs" to "gracefully" resign from his job at the Lou family. Immediately afterwards, he used the connections he had accumulated at the Lou family to smoothly enter the Lou family's steel rolling mill, which was still a Lou family business at the time (later a joint public-private enterprise), and resumed his old profession—projectionist. This job was easy, required technical skills, allowed him to travel around, broaden his horizons, and earn extra money. Xu Wei followed suit, using the excuse that her youngest daughter, Xu Xiaoling (Xu Damao's sister), was too young to be left alone, and also resigned from her job at the Lou family to become a full-time housewife, actually managing the family fortune she had accumulated over the years.

Later, the steel rolling mill became a joint state-private enterprise, transforming into the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill (later upgraded to the Hongxing United Industrial Corporation). Xu Fugui thrived in the factory, possessing extensive connections and adept at networking. When Xu Damao came of age and needed to find work, Xu Fugui once again executed a clever "father-son succession" maneuver—he applied for early retirement citing "poor health" (in reality, he was only in his early fifties), formally handing over his "golden job" as projectionist to his son, Xu Damao. He himself, leveraging his excellent skills and accumulated connections, quickly moved to the better-equipped and better-paid "Hongxing Cinema," continuing his old profession as a projectionist.

In this way, the Xu family now had two people making a living from "movie projection," father and son working together. This income already far exceeded that of ordinary working-class families. Moreover, the "hidden benefits" of this line of work were astonishing. When Xu Damao went to the countryside to show movies, it was common for the villagers to give him mountain produce, local products, eggs, and old hens as a token of their gratitude. While Xu Fugui's "gray income" at the cinema wasn't as direct as going to the countryside, in those days, movie tickets were scarce. His ability to get tickets and secure good seats was a form of capital, which could be exchanged for various favors and benefits. Therefore, the Xu family lived quite comfortably. Five hundred yuan might be a huge sum for other families, but for the Xu family, it wasn't a significant financial blow.

When Xu Damao returned home, he told his parents about his desire to buy the right to use a car. Xu Wei's first reaction was a pang of regret: "Five hundred yuan? That's so expensive! Damao, don't you already have a motorcycle provided by the factory? That car is so cool, and you don't even have to pay for the gas..."

"Mom! What do you know!" Xu Damao exclaimed anxiously. "Can a motorcycle compare to a car? Three wheels and four wheels, are they the same thing? Exposed to wind, sun, and rain, how can it compare to the comfort and prestige of a car? Besides, didn't you see that idiot Zhu from the Central Court? Even that stinking cook has one! If I didn't have one, how could I ever hold my head up in front of him again? Where would the Xu family's reputation stand?"

Xu Fugui sat in his armchair, squinting, puffing on his pipe, saying nothing. He was thinking more deeply than his son. A car wasn't just about status; it was a symbol of identity, a direct reflection of being successful. He, Xu Fugui, had driven for Lou Bancheng back in the day—a car! The prestige, the feeling—he still vividly remembered it. Later, although he himself had achieved considerable success, he was ultimately either a "rider" or a "passenger," not a "driver." Now that his son had the opportunity to drive their own car (even if it was just the right to use it), this feeling stirred within him, a heart that had been dormant for many years, belonging to the "old driver." He also wanted to touch the steering wheel again, smell the familiar gasoline, and experience the thrill of driving a machine of steel.

"Dad! Say something!" Xu Damao became even more anxious when his father remained silent. "Five hundred yuan is nothing to our family. Back when you were Lou Bancheng's driver, you handled far more money and goods! Besides, if I had a car, it would be much easier to show movies in the countryside, carry more equipment, go further, and contribute more to the factory, wouldn't it? The leaders would be happy, and maybe they could even promote me in the future!"

"Alright, stop yelling." Xu Fugui finally spoke, tapping his pipe. "Buy it! Why not? My son, Xu Fugui's son, can't be inferior to He Daqing's son!" He paused, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes. "However, once we buy the car, you can't be the only one driving it. I need to check it out for you first, and get a taste of it myself. Back in the day, when I was driving that American 'Stipunk,' He Daqing was still fighting over the ladle in the kitchen!"

Xu Damao was overjoyed: "Dad! You agreed? That's great! I knew you were the most reasonable one! When the car comes back, you drive it first! I'll learn from you!"

Thus, the Xu family father and son quickly formed a united front. The next day, Xu Damao wrote an application with a seemingly legitimate reason: to better complete the rural film screening missions, expand the scope of publicity, improve work efficiency, and facilitate the transportation and maintenance of valuable screening equipment, he applied to purchase the right to use a factory car. The application was submitted, and with some past favors from Xu Fugui, plus Xu Damao now being promoted to screening team leader by Li Huaide, Deputy Factory Director Li naturally welcomed this application of "actively seeking advancement" and "better serving the factory," and approved it with a stroke of his pen.

The day they picked up the car became a "moment of glory" for the Xu family father and son. Other workers or junior cadres who bought cars had to obediently go to the factory's vehicle fleet for driving training, pass the test, and then they could even touch the steering wheel; their driver's licenses had to be processed by the factory. But Xu Damao didn't have to! His father was an experienced driver, and had even driven for Lou Bancheng! This was "family tradition."

Xu Fugui had specially changed into a well-worn Zhongshan suit, his hair neatly combed, and with his hands behind his back and head held high, he walked into the Hongxing Factory motorcade compound with Xu Damao. Along the way, many familiar faces greeted him.

"Hey! Old Xu! What a rare guest! What brings you back to the factory today?"

"Brother Fugui! You look great! Are you... accompanying your son to pick up his car?"

"Master Xu! You're a senior colleague! Are you here to give us some guidance?"

Xu Fugui, with a reserved smile, cupped his hands in response to each of them: "Hey, Old Zhang! Long time no see!" "Brother Li, not bad, not bad, just dropping by with the kids." "Captain Wang, please don't embarrass me, I'm just a retired old man, here to join in the fun."

Xu Damao followed behind his father, watching his old man's effortless, home-field-of-spot demeanor, feeling both envious and proud. Look at that! That's real connections! Sha Zhu's father, He Daqing, has vanished without a trace, but my dad's still around! And he gets respect wherever he goes!

After completing the formalities at the fleet office and paying the thick stack of five hundred yuan wrapped in kraft paper, Xu Fugui received the usage right certificate stamped with a red seal and a temporary license plate. His fingers trembled slightly as he took the heavy brass key, which carried the distinctive smell of a new car. He walked to the sky-blue Red Star sedan, gleaming in the sunlight, and gently touched the smooth hood as if caressing a long-lost friend. Then, he took a deep breath, opened the car door, and sat in the driver's seat.

A familiar yet strange feeling instantly enveloped him. The dashboard was simpler, the steering wheel smaller, and the seats weren't as wide and soft as in his old Studebaker, but that sense of control, that dignity and superiority of being a "driver," returned instantly. He skillfully started the engine, which emitted a deep, smooth roar. He shifted gears, released the clutch, and gently pressed the accelerator, and the car smoothly drove out of the courtyard. Xu Damao quickly opened the passenger door and got in, his face full of excitement.

"Watch closely, Da Mao." Xu Fugui explained to his son as he drove, "This car is different from the old man's old car; it's lighter, but the principle is similar. Release the clutch slowly, apply the accelerator gently, and shift gears according to the RPM... Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep your eyes on the road ahead..."

Xu Damao nodded repeatedly. He was quick-witted and had previous experience riding the "Red Star Guardian" motorcycle (motorcycles also require operating the clutch, throttle, and shifting gears), so he wasn't unfamiliar with mechanical operation. Xu Fugui drove the motorcycle to a sparsely populated dirt road in the suburbs, and Xu Damao took over. Xu Damao was a little nervous at first, his hand-eye coordination was poor, and the motorcycle jerked. Xu Fugui patiently guided him, scolding him less and teaching him more. After all, he was his own son, and it concerned the safety of their new motorcycle. Under his father's guidance, Xu Damao quickly got the hang of it, and the motorcycle became more and more stable and smoother to drive.

"Hmm, not bad, you've got a bit of my old-fashioned quick wit." Xu Fugui rarely praised him, a satisfied smile on his face. "But you still need more practice. Here's what we're doing, aren't you going to Qin Family Village to show a movie in a couple of days? I'll go with you. You drive, I'll sit and give you some pointers. By the way, I'll also finalize things with your father-in-law about you and the Qin family girl."

Xu Damao's eyes lit up: "Dad, you mean...we'll drive there?"

"Nonsense! How can we show off if we don't drive?" Xu Fugui narrowed his eyes, looking shrewd and calculating. "Riding a motorcycle is not the same as driving a car. We need to show the people of Qin Family Village what kind of person the Xu family's son is! And let your future father-in-law put his mind at ease!"

A few days later, the Xu father and son drove their brand-new sky-blue Red Star sedan back to Qin Family Village. This time, the trunk was crammed with projection equipment, and the back seat held a festive "four-color gift" prepared by the Wei family—a box of pastries, bottled wine, canned goods, and fruit candies, all wrapped in red paper. Xu Fugui drove the first leg of the journey out of town, but once they reached the suburbs, Xu Damao took over. Xu Fugui sat in the passenger seat, acting like a driving instructor, frequently reminding them: "Shift gears!" "Watch the road!" "Slow down!"

When this gleaming "little tortoise shell" (a rural nickname for a car) bumped its way onto the dirt road in Qinjiacun, it caused a far greater commotion than the previous "Red Star Guardian" motorcycle.

"Look! What's that? A car?"

"My goodness! It's a car! Whose family has a high-ranking official visiting?"

"That looks familiar... Oh! Isn't that the projectionist, Mr. Xu, who showed movies last time? The one who drove the car!"

"That older guy in the passenger seat, is that his dad? Wow, the Xu family's got a car now!"

"Did Qin Laoshuan's family have some incredible luck? His daughter has married into a wealthy family!"

"Who said that projectionist Xu was just fooling Jingru? Look, he even drove over! Even a betrothal gift wouldn't be this extravagant!"

The villagers dropped what they were doing and poured out from the ridges of the fields, from the courtyards, and from under the trees, surrounding the car like it was a spectacle, pointing and whispering amongst themselves. The children excitedly chased after the car, making "beep beep" sounds to imitate a car horn. The women who had previously gossiped behind Qin Jingru's back, saying she was "rushing to get what she wanted" and "throwing good money after bad," all fell silent, their faces turning pale and then red with envy. The young men who had previously harbored feelings for Qin Jingru or mocked Xu Damao as a "city hoodlum" stared wide-eyed, filled with a mixture of envy and jealousy.

Qin Laoshuan and his wife had already received the news and were waiting at the gate of the courtyard. Seeing the car come to a smooth stop, Xu Damao got out of the driver's seat with a smug look on his face, then ran to the other side to open the door for his father. Qin Laoshuan's old face, etched with wrinkles by time and the earth, instantly blossomed into a wide smile. He rubbed his hands together, a little awkwardly, yet with barely suppressed pride, as he greeted Xu Fugui: "In-law! Brother Xu! Look at you, coming all this way, and driving such an expensive car! This…this road is so bumpy!"

Xu Fugui laughed heartily, grasped Qin Laoshuan's hand and shook it vigorously: "Brother Laoshuan, don't be so formal, we're family from now on! Da Mao's factory provided him with a car, it's convenient! Today is mainly for Da Mao to practice driving, and by the way, let's also discuss the marriage arrangements for our two children."

Hearing the noise, Qin Jingru ran out of the house. When she saw the beautiful car and Xu Damao's spirited appearance, her face immediately turned red and her eyes sparkled. She shyly called out "Uncle Xu" and "Brother Damao" before hiding behind her mother, but her eyes couldn't help but dart towards Xu Damao and the car.

This "negotiation" went ten times smoother than the last. Xu Fugui's aura and Xu Damao's "strength" (the car being the best proof) completely dispelled Qin Laoshuan's worries, leaving him only with joy and a desire to curry favor. The marriage was quickly settled: the wedding would take place on National Day! The Xu family would send a car (of course, this sky-blue Red Star) to pick up the bride, and the banquet would be held in the city—a grand and respectable affair!

On the way back, Xu Damao drove, feeling as if the trees along the roadside were nodding to him and the wind was singing for him. He could almost see himself on National Day, driving his little car adorned with red ribbons, picking up Qin Jingru, dressed in a red coat, and bringing her back to the courtyard house. Amidst the envious and jealous gazes of Sha Zhu and everyone else in the courtyard, they would hold their wedding ceremony. Just thinking about it made him feel wonderful!

As evening fell, Xu Damao drove his satisfied father back to Nanluoguxiang. In the distance, he saw again the figure he both hated and desperately wanted to surpass—Shazhu, leading He Yushui, outside the courtyard gate, diligently giving his grass-green car a "full-body makeover." A bucket of water, a few rags—the brother and sister were working quite enthusiastically.

Xu Damao's eyes lit up, and a brilliant idea (at least he thought it was brilliant) popped into his head. He deliberately drove slower, then parked steadily not far from Sha Zhu's car, but not in the way. He opened the door, got out, and deliberately adopted a "cadre's" air. He dusted off the unkempt hem of his shirt, put his hands behind his back, and strolled towards Sha Zhu.

Sha Zhu had already heard the car's sound. When he looked up and saw a sky-blue car, he guessed what it was. Seeing Xu Damao's smug look, he got angry. He pretended not to see it and continued wiping the car, even splashing water a little high, almost getting it on Xu Damao's shiny leather shoes.

"Hey! Master Zhu, busy?" Xu Damao said in a high-pitched, sarcastic tone.

Sha Zhu didn't even look up: "Speak your mind, or shut up. Can't you see I'm tending to my ride? This vehicle is like a wife; you have to pamper it, love it, and keep it sparkling clean every day. It's pleasing to the eye. Unlike some people who treat a broken tricycle like a treasure."

Xu Damao was momentarily speechless, but thinking of his "good news," he immediately regained his arrogance. He took two steps closer, a fake smile plastered on his face, and deliberately raised his voice to ensure everyone inside and outside the courtyard could hear: "Uncle Zhu, I have something to report to you. Your Uncle Mao is going to hold an event during the National Day holiday! I'd like to ask you, the head of the canteen, to be the head chef! You'd better show us your best skills so that my wife, the whole courtyard, and everyone else can benefit from your presence!"

"National Day?" Sha Zhu abruptly stopped wiping the car, looked up, and his face visibly shifted from smugness to astonishment, then turned a deep shade of liverish red. "You...you're getting married?!"

"That's right!" Xu Damao watched Sha Zhu's dramatic change of expression, his heart brimming with joy, but his face remained perfectly serious. "Qin Jingru from Qin Family Village, I mentioned it to you last time. The date is set, National Day, a day of universal celebration! You absolutely have to come and help out, Uncle Zhu! If you don't come, my wedding banquet will be so tasteless!" He emphasized the words "Uncle Zhu" with particular emphasis, his tone full of mockery.

Sha Zhu felt a surge of heat rush to his head. That bastard Xu Damao not only bought a car, but he's getting married? And on National Day? He even asked me to cook? Isn't this blatant bragging and a slap in the face? He could almost picture Xu Damao in his groom's clothes, looking all high and mighty as he escorted his new bride through the entire compound, while he himself was still a bachelor, having to cook for him… This was unbearable!

"Xu Damao! You..." Sha Zhu was so angry that he could barely speak.

"What did I do wrong? I invited you to my wedding banquet, is that a mistake?" Xu Damao looked innocent, then waved his hand, "Alright, I won't keep you from washing the car any longer, take your time, wash it well! I'm going home to tell my parents the good news! See you later!" After saying that, Xu Damao couldn't hold back any longer, his mouth stretched to his ears, and with an uncontrollable laugh, he turned around and swaggered back to his own house in the backyard with an air of arrogance. Leaving Shazhu alone, facing the bucket of dirty water and the half-dry rag in his hands, the car washing activity that had just felt so prestigious and comfortable now became boring and even a little ridiculous.

"Brother, brother?" He Yushui cautiously tugged at Sha Zhu's sleeve. She had witnessed the whole scene and was worried for her brother. "Don't pay attention to Xu Damao, he's just like that, a petty person who's gotten his way!"

Sha Zhu snapped out of his daze. Looking at his sister's concerned eyes, then at his half-finished car, and then at Xu Damao's tightly closed door, an unprecedented surge of emotion—a mixture of anger, resentment, and a sense of urgency—grasped him. That bastard Xu Damao, he's pushing him relentlessly! He bought a car, and now he wants to get married! And he wants me to cook for the wedding? Isn't he making a fool of me, He Yuzhu?

No way! Absolutely not! I, He Yuzhu, am the canteen director of the Red Star Industrial Complex! A level six cook! A cadre! My monthly salary is seventy-five yuan! Two main rooms! And now I even have a grass-green Red Star brand car! In Beijing, with these qualifications, I'd be one in a million, if not one in ten thousand, then one in a thousand—a truly eligible bachelor! Why should Xu Damao, that long-faced movie theater guy, get married first? What's wrong with me, He Yuzhu?

Previously, he was tricked by Yi Zhonghai into helping the Jia family and had some ambiguous feelings for Qin Huairu. Later, his blind date was sabotaged by Xu Damao, Qin Huairu, Jia Zhangshi and their gang... Now, since Yi Zhonghai adopted his niece and nephew, he has explained things to Shazhu and handed over the withheld letter and money to him. Without this money, Shazhu would not have been able to buy the right to use the Red Star brand car. The Jia family has also calmed down, and Xu Damao is busy marrying his village girl. Now, who can stop Shazhu from finding a partner?

Yes! I need to find a partner! I absolutely must! And I need to find one faster, better, and prettier than Xu Damao! It has to be before National Day, no, the sooner the better! When that happens, I, Sha Zhu, will be driving my little car, with my beautiful wife in tow, and I'll drive around Xu Damao three times! I'll make that bastard furious!

"Rain!" Sha Zhu suddenly grabbed his sister's shoulders, his eyes wide. "Tell me, with my looks and circumstances, is it difficult for me to find a girlfriend?"

He Yushui was startled by him, but then she understood and, suppressing a laugh, said, "Brother, you think your conditions aren't good enough? There are plenty of young women and aunties in and around the compound who have their eyes on you! It's just that you didn't pay attention before!"

"Wasn't I held back by some trivial matters before?!" Sha Zhu said anxiously. "Now I'm really serious! Yu Shui, my dear sister, please help me think of someone suitable. In your school, among your classmates, do you have any older sisters, cousins, aunts, or anything like that... basically, any woman who is unmarried, good-looking, and has a good temper, please introduce me to someone!"

Seeing her brother's flushed face, He Yushui felt a mix of amusement and a pang of sadness. She knew he was genuinely provoked by Xu Damao and truly anxious about his marriage. She tilted her head, thought for a moment, and then her eyes suddenly lit up: "Hey, brother, you know what, there really is one!"

"Who? Tell me quickly!" Sha Zhu's eyes lit up.

"I have a classmate named Yu Haitang, have you heard of her? She's the one at our school who's quite lively and sings really well," He Yushui said.

"Yu Haitang? I seem to remember her... What happened to her?"

"Yu Haitang has an older sister named Yu Li!" He Yushui lowered her voice, a hint of mystery and excitement in it. "She's two years older than Haitang, a high school graduate, and currently works as a temporary worker at a local printing factory. I heard she's looking for a permanent job. She's incredibly beautiful—fair skin, big eyes, and tall. Most importantly, she has a good temper, speaks gently, and can even sew! Haitang always raves about her sister to me. I've met her a few times; she's really lovely!"

"Yu Li..." Sha Zhu murmured the name, his mind starting to conjure up the image of a fair-skinned, big-eyed, gentle and charming girl. The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. "Really? Then... will it work out?"

"Give it a try!" He Yushui encouraged her brother. "Look, bro, you're the cafeteria manager now, a cadre! High salary! You own a house! And now you even have a car! You'd be hard-pressed to find someone like you! Yu Li's job is temporary now, but she's a high school graduate, educated! I think you're a good match! It's summer vacation now, I'm free, and Haitang is free too. How about... I invite Haitang and her sister, and we find some time to go out together? Let's go to the countryside, have a picnic or something! You can drive us, it'll be so convenient and impressive! Yu Li will definitely be tempted when she sees your conditions!"

Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu rubbed his hands excitedly: "Great idea! Yu Shui, you're truly my good sister! Let's do it! Hurry up and make the arrangements, the sooner the better! I'll find the place, and I'll prepare the food and drinks! Make sure it's a decent affair! This time, I'll find you a sister-in-law no matter what! We absolutely can't let that bastard Xu Damao lose out!"

Seeing her brother's renewed fighting spirit, He Yushui smiled. She sincerely hoped that her brother could find a good wife, settle down, and live a good life. As for competing with Xu Damao... if it could help her brother's happiness, then competing wouldn't hurt.

As night fell, lights gradually illuminated each house in courtyard number 95. In the middle courtyard, Sha Zhu was still diligently polishing his grass-green car under the lamplight, as if trying to polish it into a flower, ready for his upcoming "blind date trip." In the back courtyard, the faint sounds of Xu Damao's smug voice and Xu Fugui and Xu Weishi's happy laughter drifted from their home, seemingly discussing the details of their National Day wedding. In the west courtyard, Wang Huanbo's study light remained bright; he was perhaps busy with blueprints or documents, offering a knowing yet slightly wistful smile to the bustling "race" in the courtyard, sparked by the rolling wheels of cars. And throughout Nanluoguxiang, and even further afield, stories and topics about the Red Star Factory, cars, new houses, and a thriving new life continued to multiply and spread, becoming the most vibrant and evocative bright spot in Beijing during this transition from summer to autumn. The wheels of a car have not only changed the way we travel, but they have also subtly influenced people's spirits, their faces, and all their hopes for the future. But where do these hopes end, and who will be the winner of the race? At this moment, they sway gently in the autumn night breeze.