Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Sunday, early morning.

As dawn broke, No. 95 courtyard was still basking in the lazy sleepiness typical of a summer weekend. Only the He family in the middle courtyard was already brightly lit and bustling with activity.

Sha Zhu barely slept a wink all night. He got up before dawn and, facing the blurry mirror in his home, combed his stubble-like short hair repeatedly with water, trying to tame the stubborn tufts of hair sticking up. He changed into his old white shirt—a prize from the factory last year when he was named an "Advanced Worker"—a little faded from washing, but ironed impeccably. He wore dark blue polyester trousers with perfectly straight creases. On his feet were a pair of brand-new canvas shoes, the laces tied meticulously. He looked more than twice as energetic as usual. Although his honest and stubborn nature remained, the deliberate effort to groom him gave him a touch of neatness and…restraint.

"Brother, aren't you hot wearing so much?" He Yushui rubbed her sleepy eyes as she came out of the inner room. Seeing Sha Zhu's "fancy attire," she couldn't help but chuckle. She herself had also changed into her best floral dress, and her hair was styled into two neat braids, making her look youthful and pretty.

"What do you know? It's our first meeting, we need to be formal!" Sha Zhu said with a straight face, straightening his collar in front of the mirror, feeling that something was off. "Yu Shui, look at me... is it alright? Doesn't it make me look too silly?"

"Not stupid, not stupid, I'm full of energy!" He Yushui suppressed a laugh and quickly changed the subject, "How's the food preparation going? Don't mess it up at the crucial moment."

"Don't worry! Everything's ready!" At this, Sha Zhu immediately perked up, straightening his back as if he were back in his home turf—the kitchen. He pointed to several large and small, tightly covered lunchboxes and baskets on the table, listing them off with obvious familiarity: "See this? Pig's head meat, freshly braised yesterday, so flavorful! Braised beef, my secret recipe, sliced ​​and brought along. Century eggs, peeled and tossed with sesame oil and vinegar. Smashed cucumber, toss it just before we leave, otherwise it'll collapse. The staple food is sesame flatbread, the first batch from Old Liu's at the alley entrance this morning, crispy and fragrant! I also brought a few tomatoes, to stave off hunger and quench thirst. The kettle is filled with cooled boiled water, with some orange peel soaking in it—it'll add flavor!"

He Yushui leaned over and smelled each one; the aroma was delightful. She nodded in satisfaction, "Not bad, not bad at all. As expected of the cafeteria director! So... when do we set off? We arranged to meet Sister Haitang and the others at the alley entrance at eight o'clock."

Sha Zhu raised his hand to look at his old Shanghai watch—one of the few "legacy" left by He Daqing. He wiped it clean and cleaned it, treating it like a precious treasure. "Seven-thirty! Let's go a little earlier, wipe the car again, and check it. It's the first time we're driving with someone, so we can't afford any mistakes."

At 7:15, the brother and sister left home carrying large bags and bundles. Sha Zhu had deliberately covered his grass-green Red Star car completely with a clean, old bed sheet, partly to keep it dust-free, and partly for a touch of "unveiling" ceremony. He carefully lifted the cover and wiped the car body, windows, mirrors, and even the rims with a soft, dry cloth. In the dim morning light, the grass-green car body gleamed with a soft sheen; its smooth lines and gleaming finish were truly eye-catching.

At this time, some people in the courtyard were already up and moving around. Uncle Yan Bugui, the third uncle, was tending to his few half-dead potted plants at the door when he saw Shazhu's preparations. He pushed up his glasses and said sourly, "Oh, Shazhu, all dressed up so early in the morning, are you going out? Driving a car, is this... a blind date?"

Sha Zhu's heart skipped a beat, but he pretended to be nonchalant: "Third Uncle, what are you saying? Does going out have to be a blind date? Can't I take my sister to the countryside for a stroll and enjoy the spring scenery?"

"Sure, sure, why not?" Yan Bugui chuckled, his gaze shifting between Sha Zhu's white shirt and the gleaming car. "A spring outing is good, a spring outing is good. Young people should get out more. This car... it's really shiny." He thought to himself, this Sha Zhu is probably about to have some luck with women; judging by the looks of it, it's pretty much a done deal.

Just then, Xu Damao, shuffling out in his slippers and carrying an enamel mug, came out to brush his teeth. Seeing Sha Zhu and the car, a flicker of jealousy crossed his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of superiority, a feeling of "I'm ahead." He gargled, glanced sideways at Sha Zhu, and said in a mocking tone, "Hey! Uncle Zhu, did the sun rise in the west today? All dressed up like a proper man, where are you going to show off? Don't forget, I'm getting married on National Day, you'll have to be there to cook. My grand entrance depends on you!"

Sha Zhu was furious when he heard "getting married on National Day," but remembering that he had more important things to do today, he forced himself to suppress his anger and snorted, "Xu Damao, put your mind at ease. I, Zhu Ye, never go back on my word! As for you, don't just gloat. You'll be in big trouble if you can't bring your bride back!"

"You!" Xu Damao was speechless for a moment. Just as he was about to retort, Sha Zhu was too lazy to pay attention to him. He opened the car door, carefully put the picnic basket inside, and then gestured for He Yushui to get in the car.

"Rain, get in! We won't stoop to their level!" Sha Zhu deliberately slammed the car door shut and started the car. The engine emitted a deep roar, particularly clear in the alleyway in the early morning. He skillfully shifted gears, released the clutch, and the grass-green car smoothly drove out of the courtyard gate, leaving behind a wisp of exhaust fumes and Xu Damao standing there staring blankly.

"You idiot! Just you wait! Wait till my wedding day, and see how cocky you are!" Xu Damao waved his fist at the taillights and spat angrily.

The car drove out of Nanluoguxiang and merged into the streets of Beijing, which were gradually waking up in the early morning. There weren't many pedestrians and bicycles on the road yet, with the occasional early-morning handcart and bus passing by. He Yushui sat in the passenger seat, excitedly looking left and right. Sha Zhu, on the other hand, gripped the steering wheel with complete concentration. Although he had learned from Xu Fugui before and had secretly practiced a few times, he was still a little nervous, especially since he was driving his sister and going to take care of her "life-changing event." His palms were slightly sweaty.

"Brother, drive slower and more carefully," He Yushui reminded him.

"I know, your brother's a great driver!" Sha Zhu retorted stubbornly, but he did slow down a bit. A cool morning breeze blew in through the half-rolled-down window, carrying the scent of grass and earth from the edge of the city, instantly invigorating them. The car radio was tuned to a music channel, playing the rousing "We Are Walking on the Road," and the brother and sister hummed along, their spirits lifted.

Upon reaching the agreed-upon alleyway entrance, he could see Yu Haitang standing with a girl in a light blue floral blouse and a black long skirt. The girl was tall and slender with fair skin, and two black braids hung down her chest. She was slightly tilting her head, talking to Yu Haitang, the morning light casting a soft glow on her profile. Sha Zhu's heart skipped a beat.

"Haitang! Over here!" He Yushui leaned out of the car window and waved.

Yu Haitang also saw them and excitedly ran over with her sister. The car came to a smooth stop, and Sha Zhu took a deep breath, opened the car door and got out, his movements a little stiff from nervousness.

"Yushui! Brother He... Brother He!" Yu Haitang greeted with a smile, then pulled her sister over, "Sister, this is Yushui's brother, He Yuzhu, Brother He. Brother, this is my sister, Yu Li."

"Comrade Yu... Yu Li, hello." Sha Zhu tried to make his smile seem natural and extended his hand. He noticed that Yu Li's hands were very white, with slender fingers and neatly trimmed nails.

"Brother He, hello." Yu Li's voice was soft, with a slight southern accent, very pleasant to hear. She quickly glanced at Sha Zhu, then quickly lowered her head, two blushes rising on her cheeks. The man in front of her was taller than she had imagined. Although he did look a bit "premature," appearing a few years older than his actual age, he was very well-groomed. His white shirt was faded but clean, and his eyes were bright, radiating a genuine energy. Most importantly, he really did drive a car... a light green one, very new and beautiful.

"Hurry up and get in the car, it's hot outside," He Yushui greeted warmly. "Sister Yuli, you sit in the back, it's spacious. Haitang, you sit in the back with Sister Yuli, I'll sit in the front and give directions to my brother."

Yu Li nodded, and with Yu Haitang's help, she sat somewhat awkwardly in the back seat. The car interior was more spacious than she had imagined. The seats were dark green faux leather; although not very soft, they were very clean and had a faint, fresh scent—a mixture of leather, engine oil, and the soapy smell of Sha Zhu. The windows were bright, offering a wide view. This was her first time riding in a car, and she felt both excited and nervous, placing her hands neatly on her knees.

"Sister Yu Li, Hai Tang, hold on tight, let's go!" Sha Zhu restarted the car, this time with much smoother movements. The car drove off smoothly, heading towards Deshengmen.

On the way, He Yushui kept the atmosphere lively, chattering about funny things that happened at school, and Yu Haitang laughed and chimed in. Yu Li didn't say much, mostly listening quietly, occasionally smiling, but her gaze would occasionally drift to the broad back of the person in the driver's seat, and his large, well-defined hands on the steering wheel. Those hands, clearly from years of hard work, were strong yet dexterous. She could imagine those hands wielding a spatula at the stove.

"Brother He, you drive so smoothly," Yu Haitang praised.

"Hey, I haven't been driving for long, so I'm driving slowly and trying to be careful." Sha Zhu glanced quickly in the rearview mirror, his eyes meeting Yu Li's. Both of them looked away as if they'd been electrocuted. Sha Zhu felt his ears burning and quickly tried to make conversation: "Um... Comrade Yu Li, you work at the printing factory, is it tiring?"

"It's alright, just a bit tedious," Yu Li replied softly. "It mainly involves picking out words and formatting, and sometimes I also help print some simple flyers."

"It's good to be educated," Sha Zhu said sincerely. "Someone like me, a roughneck, all I know how to do is hold a big ladle."

"Brother He, you're too modest. Yu Shui said you're the cafeteria manager, overseeing many people, and your cooking skills are top-notch!" Yu Haitang gave a thumbs up. "We're in for a treat today!"

"Yes, yes, my brother is a great cook! Sister Yu Li, you'll see when you try it!" He Yushui quickly chimed in.

Yu Li smiled slightly, without saying anything, but her anticipation for the picnic grew even stronger.

As the car drove out of the city, the road gradually widened, flanked by vast fields and lush trees. The summer fields were vibrant and full of life. The air became fresher, carrying the fragrance of plants and earth. The radio switched to the soothing "Night on the Prairie," its melodious strains echoing through the car. Yu Li gradually relaxed, rolling down the window to let the cool breeze caress her face. Watching the scenery rush past, her mood, like the speeding car, lightened.

"Where should we go for a picnic?" Yu Haitang asked.

"Go to Badaling. I know a place not far from the Great Wall. There's a small grove of trees and a stream nearby. It's quite cool and there aren't many people there," Sha Zhu replied. This was a "feng shui treasure" he had found out from the truck drivers who worked at the factory.

"The Great Wall! I've never climbed the Great Wall before!" Yu Haitang said excitedly.

"Today is mainly for a picnic; climbing the Great Wall is too tiring and too sunny. If you're interested, you can just look at it from afar and take a picture," Sha Zhu said, taking a box from beside his seat. "I borrowed a Seagull camera; I'll take pictures of you in a bit!"

"Really? There's even a camera?" Yu Haitang and He Yushui cheered. Yu Li's eyes also lit up; taking photos was a luxury and a fashionable thing in this era.

Amidst laughter and conversation, the car wound its way along the road, gradually rising in elevation. In the distance, the outline of the rolling Yanshan Mountains became clear, with its most majestic section, like a gray dragon, stretching across the mountain peaks—the Badaling Great Wall. After driving for about half an hour, Sha Zhu turned off the main road and onto a bumpy dirt road. After a jolting ride, the car stopped beside a shady grove of trees.

"We're here, this is it!"

Everyone stepped off the vehicle, immediately feeling the cool air. The grove wasn't large, but its dense foliage blocked the scorching sun. Sure enough, a clear stream flowed nearby, its gentle murmur bringing a refreshing breeze. In the distance, the Great Wall appeared a heavy, bluish-gray under the sunlight, winding along the mountain ridge with imposing grandeur. Closer by, gentle slopes were covered in lush green grass, dotted with unidentified wildflowers.

"This place is really nice!" Yu Haitang exclaimed.

"It's cool and the scenery is beautiful," Yu Li echoed softly, her gaze drawn to the Great Wall in the distance, her eyes filled with admiration.

Sha Zhu chuckled, quite pleased with himself. He opened the trunk and, together with He Yushui, unloaded the picnic supplies. A red and white checkered coarse cloth sheet was laid out on the grass under the shade of a tree, serving as a picnic blanket. Several lunchboxes, water bottles, and baskets were then laid out. Sha Zhu then magically produced several clean enamel mugs.

"The conditions are basic, please make do." Sha Zhu rubbed his hands, a little embarrassed.

"This is shabby? It's wonderful!" Yu Haitang couldn't wait to sit down. Yu Li also gracefully knelt down and helped He Yushui set out the tableware.

The picnic officially began. When Sha Zhu opened the lids of the lunchboxes, a fragrant aroma immediately filled the air, making everyone's mouths water. The deep reddish-brown pork head meat, sliced ​​thinly and evenly, trembled slightly, its aroma of braising filling the air. The dark brown braised beef, with its distinct marbling, clearly showed how well-seasoned it was. On a blue-and-white porcelain plate sat sliced ​​preserved eggs, their translucent egg whites and dark green, runny yolks drizzled with sesame oil and vinegar, garnished with minced ginger and cilantro. The smashed cucumber was bright green and crisp, with a rich garlic flavor. The sesame flatbread was baked to a golden brown, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with layers of flaky pastry.

"My God, Brother He, your skills are amazing!" Yu Haitang's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but swallow.

Yu Li was also amazed by the delicious and visually appealing dishes. She had eaten at the printing factory canteen before, but those large-batch dishes were nothing compared to the carefully prepared food before her. This He Yuzhu really was capable; he wasn't just boasting.

"Quick, eat it while it's hot, it won't taste good when it's cold." Sha Zhu urged, using clean chopsticks to pick up a piece of braised beef for Yu Li, and then a piece for He Yushui and Yu Haitang, "Try it and see if you like it."

Yu Li thanked her, carefully picked up a piece of beef, and put it in her mouth. The beef was braised to perfection, tender and flavorful, with a savory aroma and a hint of sweetness. The spices were perfectly balanced, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it. Her eyes lit up slightly, and she couldn't help but nod, "Mmm, it's delicious."

"Right, right! My brother's braised pork is absolutely amazing!" He Yushui said with pride, and started eating heartily herself.

Sha Zhu was overjoyed to see that Yu Li liked it, and he busied himself putting braised pork head meat and preserved egg on her plate: "This is delicious too, you should try this... Be careful, it's a bit greasy, eat it with cucumber and sesame flatbread."

Yu Li was a little embarrassed by his enthusiasm and kept saying, "That's enough, that's enough, I can do it myself," but her heart was warmed. This man may not be as eloquent as some cultured people, but his kindness is real and evident in his actions and in every meal.

The four sat around a picnic blanket, enjoying a sumptuous and unique lunch amidst the cool sound of the stream and the distant mountain scenery. Sha Zhu was initially a little reserved, but after a few bites of sesame seed cake, he gradually opened up. He told stories of amusing incidents in the factory canteen, the difference between cooking in a large pot and cooking in a small kitchen, and how he once served "boiled cabbage in clear broth" to foreign guests, leaving them completely astonished. He spoke with a thick Beijing accent, his tone lively, gesturing animatedly, making Yu Haitang laugh heartily, and even Yu Li covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

He Yushui watched from the side, secretly pleased. Her silly brother, usually clumsy with words, became animated and radiated confidence and charm when it came to cooking. It seemed that showcasing his talent was the right move.

After finishing their meal and clearing away the dishes, He Yushui suggested going to the stream to play in the water and take some photos. Sha Zhu took out the borrowed Seagull camera and clumsily fiddled with it. Yu Haitang volunteered to be the "photographer," directing Sha Zhu and Yu Li to stand together with the Great Wall as a backdrop.

"Brother He, stand closer! Yes, even closer! Sister Yu Li, don't be so nervous, smile! Yes, just like that, okay, don't move!" Yu Haitang squatted down with an air of seriousness, adjusting the angle.

Sha Zhu and Yu Li stood side by side, about a person's distance between them. Sha Zhu stood straight, hands behind his back, his expression serious as if he were attending an important meeting. Yu Li, on the other hand, had her head slightly lowered, twisting the hem of her clothes in her hands, her cheeks flushed. In the distance, the vast Great Wall stood silently, witnessing countless battles and the passage of time, and at this moment, it seemed to be silently watching this somewhat awkward yet inexplicably harmonious couple.

"Click!" The shutter was pressed, freezing this moment.

Next, I took a few more pictures of He Yushui and Yu Haitang, and also took "solo" and "group" photos of the grass-green Red Star car. The camera was a rare treat for the Li sisters, and they had a wonderful time taking pictures, striking various poses, their silvery laughter echoing through the mountains. Although Shazhu wasn't very good at posing, seeing their happiness, he smiled sheepishly and patiently took one picture after another.

Tired from playing, the four returned to the shade of a tree to rest. He Yushui and Yu Haitang ran upstream to catch small fish and shrimp, leaving the space to Shazhu and Yu Li.

The atmosphere suddenly quieted down, leaving only the sounds of wind, water, and the faint chirping of cicadas. Sha Zhu, somewhat flustered, scratched his head and tried to make conversation: "Um... Comrade Yu Li, do you think this place is alright? No mosquitoes, right?"

"It's nice, very cool, and the scenery is beautiful," Yu Li replied softly, her gaze falling on the babbling brook. "Thank you, Brother He, for preparing so much delicious food and bringing us to such a beautiful place."

"Hey, it's nothing, it's nothing." Sha Zhu waved his hand, then realized that his words weren't quite right, and quickly added, "I mean, I'm really happy that you guys could come. I'm not good with words, I used to be..."

He paused, as if he wanted to say something, but hesitated. Yu Li looked up at him, her clear eyes waiting for him to continue.

Sha Zhu took a deep breath, as if he had made a great decision, and his tone became solemn: "Comrade Yu Li, there are some things that Yu Shui may have told you. I also want to talk to you about them in person. I'm not very educated, just a cook, and I have a straightforward temper. Sometimes I speak without thinking and easily offend people. In the past, I've done a lot of foolish things, been fooled by others, and made some mistakes. It's just Yu Shui and me in my family. My father... passed away early."

He spoke slowly and earnestly, without evasion or exaggeration, as if stating a fact that concerned him and that the other person needed to know.

"But," he changed his tone, his gaze hardening, "I'm honest and kind, I have no ill intentions. I remember those who are good to me and I'll be even better to them in return. I also remember those who scheme against me or cheat me, and I'll stay away from them in the future. I'm the cafeteria manager now, my salary is decent, you know about my house, and you've seen my car... I don't seek great wealth or status, I just want to find someone I can settle down with, someone I can be of one mind with, someone to make a good life for us, someone to take care of us, and maybe... have a child or two, then I'll be content."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Yu Li nervously, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists, his palms sweaty. He had been preparing these words in his mind for a long time, and although he spoke them somewhat haltingly, they were sincere enough.

Yu Li listened quietly, her heart churning. The man before her wasn't handsome, romantic, or even a bit rustic. But he was honest, reliable, possessed a skill, had a means to make a living, a place to shelter from the wind and rain, and the means to improve his life (a car). Most importantly, he was willing to lay bare his innermost thoughts, even his less-than-honorable past. This was far more genuine than those who boasted and made empty promises. Her sister's "beastly past," from another perspective, also showed that he was a loyal and trusting person, only that he had been unlucky in love before. Now he understood, he was more cautious, and it meant he would cherish those who were truly good to him even more.

Moreover, he's a really good cook. Yu Li recalled the taste of that meal, and a warm feeling welled up inside her. For a girl who had experienced hunger and had an instinctive appreciation for food, a man who could cook such delicious meals and was willing to prepare them so carefully was incredibly attractive. It wasn't just about satisfying her appetite; it was about a sense of security, a reassuring feeling that "with him, I'll never go hungry."

And then there's this car, a "luxury item" that many people dream of, which he uses so naturally to take them on trips. There's no showing off, only "convenience." This unintentional display of "strength" carries far more weight than deliberate boasting.

In the distance, the faint sounds of He Yushui and Yu Haitang's laughter could be heard. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns that fell on Sha Zhu's tense yet expectant face, and on Yu Li's slightly heaving chest.

Time seemed to slow down. Yu Li raised her head, her gaze sweeping past Sha Zhu and landing on the majestic Great Wall in the distance. That dragon-like figure, weathered by wind and rain, stood firm, silent yet resolute. She remembered the old folks saying that the Great Wall was a guardian, a reliance. Then, would this man before her, like the Great Wall—though not refined, even somewhat rough—offer her a solid, reliable sense of security?

She withdrew her gaze and looked back at Sha Zhu, a faint yet incredibly beautiful blush rising on her face. Her voice was as soft as a feather, yet it clearly reached Sha Zhu's ears:

"Brother He, I think... you're a really good person."

There were no flowery words, no vows of eternal love, just this simple sentence. Sha Zhu was stunned at first, then a tremendous, indescribable joy erupted from his heart like a volcanic eruption, rushing straight to his head, leaving him somewhat dazed, his ears ringing, only able to grin foolishly, finally managing to stammer out:

"Really...really? Comrade Yu Li, you...you don't think I'm stupid, you don't think I'm rough?"

Looking at his silly expression, Yu Li couldn't help but burst out laughing. Her laughter, like spring flowers blooming, brightened the entire shady area. "Fools sometimes have their luck. Being practical is better than all that empty talk."

Sha Zhu finally understood, his heart leaping with joy. He rubbed his hands together, repeatedly saying, "Okay, okay, Comrade Yu Li, don't worry, I... I'll definitely be good to you! Good to Yu Shui! Good to... good to our family!"

"Who said we're family..." Yu Li lowered her head shyly, her voice barely audible, but her blushing ears and slightly upturned lips betrayed the sweetness in her heart.

Just then, He Yushui and Yu Haitang ran back hand in hand. Their trouser legs were wet, and they were holding several large lotus leaves with a few transparent little fish and a few pretty pebbles inside.

"Brother! Sister Yu Li! What are you talking about?" He Yushui winked mischievously.

"No...we didn't talk about anything!" Sha Zhu quickly denied, his face as red as a cloth.

Yu Li also stood up in a panic and took the lotus leaf from Yu Haitang's hand: "Slow down, look at you, your clothes are all wet."

Yu Haitang glanced at Sha Zhu, then at her sister, and immediately understood what was going on from their awkward expressions and the subtle atmosphere in the air. She winked at He Yushui, and the two exchanged a knowing smile.

"Oh dear, the sun is getting a bit strong, shouldn't we head back?" He Yushui said deliberately.

"Yes, yes, we should go back now. There will be a lot of traffic if we go back late." Sha Zhu quickly agreed and began packing his things with much more speed and efficiency than when he came.

On the way home, the atmosphere was noticeably different. Sha Zhu drove more smoothly, a barely suppressed smile playing on his lips, occasionally stealing a glance at Yu Li in the rearview mirror. Yu Li sat quietly in the back seat, watching the scenery rushing past the window, a gentle smile always on her face. He Yushui and Yu Haitang whispered among themselves in the back, occasionally letting out giggles.

As the sun sets, the sky is ablaze with vibrant sunset colors. A grass-green Red Star car, carrying a carload of carefree joy and budding emotions, drives towards the twilight of Beijing, towards No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, towards a future that may be full of everyday life and unknowns, but is now illuminated by hope.

The Great Wall receded into the distance, silent as a mountain. But perhaps it remembered that on that ordinary summer day, a simple, honest cook, with his sincerity, his delicious cooking, and that grass-green car symbolizing a new life, opened a young woman's heart. The tire tracks etched not only a dirt road in the countryside, but also the tracks of two hearts, cautious yet bravely drawn together, embarking on a new journey in life. As for the potential troubles in the yard, at that moment, they seemed less important. After all, the steering wheel was in their own hands.