Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

A grass-green Red Star car, bathed in the golden glow of the sunset, came to a steady stop at the entrance of the alley where Yu Li's house was located. Compared to the orderly courtyard layout of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, this area was a typical "community communal living" area, with low and crowded houses, narrow alleys, and power lines crisscrossing overhead like a spider web. The arrival of the car immediately attracted curious glances from the neighbors and excited looks from the children.

"Sister Yu Li, Hai Tang, we've arrived." Sha Zhu parked the car and turned off the engine. His movements were much more composed than when he set off in the morning, but he still couldn't hide the little bit of nervousness and pride in his heart. He got out of the car first, went around to the back, and wanted to open the car door for Yu Li. His movements were a little stiff, but his heart was full of sincerity.

Yu Li blushed slightly, whispered "thank you," and got out of the car. Yu Haitang also jumped out and made a face at the children watching.

"Brother He, Yushui, would you like to come in and sit for a while? Have some water?" Yu Li invited politely, her voice gentle. According to etiquette, when you escort someone to their doorstep, you should invite them in, especially given the special circumstances today.

Sha Zhu was more than willing, eager to go in and meet his future "father-in-law and mother-in-law," but glancing at the darkening sky and noticing the neighbors peeking in the yard, he shook his head, trying to appear more composed: "No, no, it's too late today, I won't disturb your rest, Uncle and Aunt. You've had a long day, go home and get some rest. Um... Comrade Yu Li, Haitang, did you have a good time today?"

"Happy! So happy! Thank you, Brother He, thank you, Yu Shui!" Yu Haitang answered first, and then winked at He Yu Shui.

Yu Li smiled and nodded, "I'm very happy, thank you for your hospitality, Brother He, the food was especially delicious. Thank you also for the rain."

"Hey, of course, whatever makes you happy." Sha Zhu rubbed his hands together, chuckling, his gaze lingering on Yu Li's face for a moment before quickly looking away. "Well... then you guys go in quickly. Be careful on the road. Yu Shui, we're heading back too."

"Sister Yu Li, Haitang, let's go! See you later!" He Yushui waved with a smile.

The Yu sisters watched the grass-green car slowly turn around, drive out of the alley, and disappear into the twilight before turning to walk home. Behind them, they could faintly hear the whispers of their neighbors:

"Old Yu's two daughters came back in a car? Whose car was it?"

"That young man driving looks quite energetic, is he your girlfriend?"

"Yu Li has a boyfriend? And he drives a car? That's incredible!"

"Yu Li, that girl, is usually so quiet, but she's found a good family!"

Yu Li blushed and quickened her pace, head down. Yu Haitang, however, stood tall and proud, her face beaming with pride, as if she wanted to tell the whole world that it was her future brother-in-law who drove them back!

Pushing open the peeling wooden door, a whiff of aroma mixed with the smell of food and a faint musty odor wafted out. The Yu family lived in only two small rooms: the outer room served as both kitchen and dining room, while the inner room was the parents' bedroom. The sisters, Yu Li and Yu Haitang, had a small space separated from the inner room by a curtain. Although cramped, it was kept fairly tidy.

Father Yu Jianguo had not yet finished get off work (he worked as a warehouse keeper at a textile factory and often worked overtime), and Mother Li Yumei was busy at the stove preparing dinner.

Li Yumei wiped her hands, turned around, and smiled kindly and concernedly: "You're back? How was your trip? Um... Comrade He Yuzhu, how is he?" She had already heard the general outline from Yu Haitang and had been thinking about it ever since.

"Mom, don't tell me yet, let's wait until Dad gets back!" Yu Haitang said quickly, then lowered her voice mysteriously, "You'll be very surprised!"

As they were talking, a cough and heavy footsteps came from outside the door, and Yu Jianguo pushed the door open and came in. He was in his forties, not very tall, and somewhat hunched over, the result of years of hard work. His face was tired, but his eyes were still gentle. He had worked in the textile factory warehouse for more than ten years; he was an honest, unassuming, and taciturn man.

"Dad, you're back!" Yu Haitang greeted him cheerfully and took the old canvas bag from her father's hand.

"Hmm." Yu Jianguo nodded, his gaze sweeping over his wife and two daughters before finally settling on the basket on the table. "I heard... you went out today? By car?"

"Old Yu, wash your hands, eat first, we can talk while we eat," Li Yumei called out, bringing the last dish—stir-fried cabbage—to the table. Dinner was simple: cornbread, cornmeal porridge, pickled vegetables, stir-fried cabbage, and a small dish of leftover stir-fried tofu from lunch. The Yu family lived a very frugal life.

The family sat around a small square table, eating dinner under the dim light (a 15-watt bulb, to save electricity).

Yu Li picked up a piece of braised beef with her chopsticks and put it in her father's bowl. "Dad, try this. It's... it was made by Brother He himself."

Yu Jianguo stared at the glistening, tempting braised beef in the bowl, momentarily stunned. These days, meat was a rare commodity, let alone braised beef this authentically. He picked up a slice, put it in his mouth, and slowly chewed. The beef was salty, fragrant, and tender, incredibly flavorful. He nodded, saying nothing, but his eyes revealed admiration. The skill was indeed excellent.

Li Yumei also tried a piece and exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, this meat is so well braised! It tastes even better than the ones sold in the grocery stores on the street! Comrade He Yuzhu's cooking skills are truly excellent."

"That's right!" Yu Haitang perked up immediately when her parents spoke up. She put down her chopsticks and began to vividly recount her day's experiences. "Dad, Mom, you have no idea how wonderful Brother He is! He drives incredibly smoothly, not wobbly at all! The car he drives is a Red Star brand, grass green, brand new. It's one of the cars sold internally by their factory, and he has the right to use it! It's so comfortable to ride in, a hundred times better than a public bus!"

"We went to Badaling and found a really beautiful spot with groves of trees and a stream—it was so cool and refreshing! Brother He prepared so much delicious food!" Yu Haitang counted on her fingers, "Braised beef, pig's head meat, preserved eggs, smashed cucumber, and sesame seed cakes! They smelled so good! My sister and I have never had such a delicious picnic before! Brother He even brought his camera and took so many pictures of us! With the Great Wall as the backdrop, it was so impressive!"

Yu Li lowered her head, sipping her porridge, but her ears were perked up as she listened to her sister's description, a sweet feeling welling up inside her. The delicious food, the cool stream, the majestic Great Wall, and that clumsy but sincere man... scenes flashed before her eyes.

Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and a hint of relief in each other's eyes. It seemed He Yuzhu's conditions were even better than their daughter had described. He had a car, could cook, was willing to spend money (preparing so much delicious food), and even had a sense of romance (knowing to go to scenic spots for picnics and photos). Among potential partners, he was practically a top-tier catch.

"Haitang, stop talking about food and fun." Li Yumei, being a mother, was more concerned with practical matters. "Tell me more, what kind of person is this Comrade He Yuzhu? His personality, his manner of speaking, his family situation. And what about what that girl Yushui told you, is it reliable?"

Yu Haitang calmed down a bit, sat up straighter, glanced at her sister, and seeing Yu Li nod slightly, cleared her throat and said seriously, "Dad, Mom, I think Brother He is a very honest person. He doesn't talk much, but every word he says makes sense. He's not slick or boastful. He told us about his past, admitting that he has a straightforward temper, easily offends people, and has been deceived before. But he said he understands now and just wants to find someone to settle down with. He's especially good to Yushui; he's a responsible older brother. As for the conditions, what Yushui said is true!"

She counted on her fingers and repeated He Yushui's "four essentials": "He's the canteen director at the Red Star General Factory, a cadre position! His monthly salary is seventy-five yuan! He lives in a courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, with two main rooms facing south! And that car, you've all seen it! Moreover, he's the cook, so there's never a shortage of good food at home! Yushui said that if her brother gets married, his salary will definitely be managed by his wife!"

Seventy-five yuan! Two main rooms! A car! A cadre! These words struck Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei like a hammer blow. Yu Jianguo had worked in a textile factory for half his life, still a warehouse keeper, earning less than forty yuan a month. His family of five squeezed into these two small, dilapidated rooms. His son was growing up day by day, and it seemed they would soon have nowhere to live. His daughter, Yu Li, a high school graduate, could only work as a temporary worker at a street printing factory, earning a dozen yuan a month, with no end in sight. A car? That was something they couldn't even dream of. A cadre position? That was a symbol of a secure job and status.

Li Yumei's hands were trembling slightly. She looked at her eldest daughter, who had been silent all along, and said, "Lili, what do you think? Tell Mom the truth."

For a moment, all eyes were on Yu Li. Under the dim light, a blush crept onto Yu Li's fair cheeks. She put down her chopsticks, placed her hands on her knees, and unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes. The room was quiet.

Yu Li raised her head, her gaze slowly sweeping across her parents' and sister's faces, finally settling on her father's weathered, expectant face, before turning to her mother's concerned eyes. She took a deep breath, her voice soft but exceptionally clear:

"Dad, Mom, I think... Comrade He Yuzhu is a really good person."

She paused, as if considering how to phrase it: "He's a bit... simple-minded, not good at sweet talk. During the picnic, he talked to me, and he was very honest. He said he's uneducated, just a cook, straightforward, and has made some mistakes in the past. But he also said he's genuine with people, and he's good to those who are good to him. Now he just wants to settle down and live a good life."

"You all tried his cooking, and it was really good. He was also very thoughtful. He prepared everything for the picnic perfectly, even bringing hand towels and cushions. I... I felt a little dizzy in his car, and he drove very slowly and steadily, even asking if I felt unwell." Yu Li's voice lowered further, tinged with barely perceptible shyness. "On the way back, it was a bit chilly, and he... he even put his jacket on me."

Yu Jianguo and Li Yumei listened quietly without interrupting. Yu Li's description was more specific, more realistic, and more touching than Yu Haitang's exaggerated embellishment. A man who was capable (high salary, skilled), had a solid financial foundation (house, car), was honest, caring (thoughtful, offering a coat), and wanted to live a good life—this seemed to possess almost all the qualities of an ideal partner for a girl from an ordinary working-class family, worried about her job and future.

"Then... in his family, is it just him and his sister? His father..." Li Yumei asked one of the most crucial questions. She had also heard rumors that He Daqing had run off with a widow.

Yu Li nodded: "Yes, it's him and Yu Shui. His father... Uncle He, went to Baoding many years ago, and after getting married, he basically doesn't come back. Yu Shui said that there were some misunderstandings in the past, but they've cleared them up now. Brother He grew up relying on his sister, so he dotes on Yu Shui and is also a responsible person. He said that after he gets married, he will also be good to his family."

"That courtyard..." Yu Jianguo finally spoke, his voice a little hoarse, "That girl Yushui said there used to be some messy... cough, some complicated people in the courtyard?"

Mentioning this, Yu Li's expression turned serious. She glanced at Yu Haitang, who understood and took over the conversation, recounting in detail the "beastly past" she had heard from He Yushui about how Yi Zhonghai, the Jia family, and Xu Damao had conspired to sabotage Sha Zhu's blind date. However, she emphasized that the situation was different now: Yi Zhonghai had adopted children and didn't care anymore; Jia Dongxu had become successful and Qin Huairu was no longer bothering him; Xu Damao was busy getting married; the only one to be wary of was Jia Zhangshi, that "old hag," but she wasn't very capable, just a gossip.

"Such a thing is true?" Li Yumei frowned deeply. "How can the people in this courtyard be so wicked? Isn't this just causing trouble for people?"

Yu Jianguo remained silent, taking a drag on his rolled cigarette. The smoke swirled around him, and his brow furrowed even more deeply. He was an experienced man, knowing the fickleness of human relationships and the coldness of the world. Living in the same courtyard, it was normal for relationships to be somewhat complicated, but for several people to conspire to sabotage a young man's marriage, as He Yushui had described, was beyond his comprehension. This suggested that things in that courtyard might be very complicated. Would his daughter suffer if she married into that family?

"Dad, Mom," Yu Li said softly but firmly, noticing her parents' worry, "Yu Shui told me everything. Brother He has also come to his senses and no longer associates with those people. Besides, he's now the canteen manager, a cadre, with a salary, a house, and a car. Those people would have to think twice before trying to cause trouble. Furthermore, I'm not going to live with those people; I'm going to live with Brother He. Brother He said that after we get married, we'll live our own lives behind closed doors and not get involved in all the messy things in the compound."

"Sister's right!" Yu Haitang chimed in. "Brother He's got guts now! You didn't see it, but when we came back today, that Xu Damao in the courtyard, the one who's getting married soon and shows movies, was being all sarcastic, but Brother He shut him down with just one sentence! Brother He said he's not afraid of anyone now!"

Yu Jianguo smoked, remaining silent. He was weighing his options. His daughter was right. He Yuzhu's circumstances were indeed too good, so good that ordinary families like theirs felt they were "marrying up." But precisely because of his good fortune, they needed to be even more cautious. That courtyard sounded unsafe; his daughter was gentle by nature—would she be bullied? He Yuzhu was honest and straightforward, but was he a bit "foolish" and unable to protect his wife? And what about his father, who had run off with someone else? Would he cause trouble in the future?

"Old Yu, look..." Li Yumei looked at her husband, her eyes filled with inquiry and a hint of expectation. As a mother, she naturally hoped her daughter would marry well and live a life free from financial worries. He Yuzhu's conditions seemed like a windfall. But was this windfall a little too good to pass up?

Yu Jianguo stubbed out his cigarette on the chipped rim of the ceramic bowl, exhaled a long puff of smoke, and looked at his eldest daughter: "Lili, are you really sure about this? It's not just because he's well-off. Do you really think this person is reliable and will treat you well for the rest of your life?"

The question was direct and heavy. Yu Li met her father's gaze without flinching. She recalled the nervous yet sincere look in Sha Zhu's eyes when he spoke those words today; the clumsy movements of him picking food for her; the focused profile of his face as he drove; the warmth of his fingers as he casually touched her when he draped his coat over her shoulders; even his somewhat "silly" actions and words. Yes, he wasn't perfect, and even had many flaws. But this sincerity, this sense of responsibility, this feeling of security and warmth she experienced were things she had never felt from other suitors or introduced partners. At the printing factory, it wasn't that no young man had expressed interest in her, but they were either fellow temporary workers with bleak futures, or they had several brothers and no housing, or they were arrogant and looked down on her for not having a stable job. Someone like He Yu Zhu, with good qualities, who didn't look down on her, and was willing to be honest with her, was almost nonexistent.

"Dad, I've made up my mind." Yu Li's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unprecedented firmness. "I think he's reliable. Not only is he well-off, but he's also kind-hearted. I feel at ease with him. As for those people in the compound... as long as Brother He stays firm in his stance, we can just live our own lives and ignore them. After all, we're living behind closed doors; they can't force their way in, can they?"

Yu Jianguo looked into the light shining in his daughter's eyes—a light that was a mixture of shyness, sweetness, anticipation, and determination. He knew that his daughter was serious and had fallen in love. As a father, he felt both gratified and bittersweet. He was gratified that his daughter had found what seemed like a good match; he was bittersweet because his daughter was growing up, about to leave home, and about to face a potentially challenging environment.

He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Since you've thought it through and think he's reliable, then... your mother and I have no objections. Comrade He Yuzhu's qualifications are unquestionable. And his feelings for you seem genuine."

He paused, his tone becoming serious: "However, there are a few things Dad has to say first. First, once you're married, you're an adult. You need to be sensible, filial to your elders (even though he doesn't have a mother), and get along well with your sister-in-law (He Yushui). Second, his neighborhood is full of gossips. When you go there, speak less, do more, and don't get involved in things you shouldn't, especially those messy conflicts—stay away from them. Third, and most importantly, a couple needs to understand and support each other. He's straightforward, you're gentle, so talk things out calmly and don't keep things bottled up. He's busy with work and has many social engagements, so be understanding. But if he dares to act recklessly or treat you badly, don't tolerate it. Come home, and Dad will stand up for you!"

These words, simple yet weighty, carried the deepest love and most practical advice a father could give his daughter. Yu Li's eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded vigorously, "Dad, I understand. Don't worry."

Li Yumei wiped her eyes and took her daughter's hand: "Lili, your father is right. Life is what you live, what others say or think is not important, what's important is that you two are of one mind. As for He Yuzhu, since he is sincere, we should also show sincerity. Later, invite him to our house for a meal and meet him formally. There are some things that parents need to ask him face to face to clarify."

"Yes!" Yu Li smiled through her tears.

"Great! Sis, does that mean I can ride in the car more often? And eat braised beef more often?" Yu Haitang clapped her hands happily.

"Eat, eat, all you ever do is eat!" Yu Li laughed through her tears and gently poked Yu Haitang's forehead.

The somewhat somber atmosphere in the room was instantly dispelled by joy and anticipation. The dim light seemed to brighten and warm up. A simple dinner had taken on a different flavor because of an important decision. The aroma of braised beef still seemed to linger, and the vision of their future life slowly unfolded in the hearts of Yu Li and everyone in the Yu family, along with this decision. That vision included a spacious house, a stable income, convenient transportation, delicious meals, and, most importantly, a simple yet sincere husband, and a new home that, though complex, they could face together. Anxiety remained, especially about the unfamiliar courtyard, but at this moment, there was more of a joy at climbing a social ladder and a longing for a stable future. The night was long, and the lights in the Yu family's house remained on for a long time, from which came low whispers filled with hope and calculation. Meanwhile, in the distance, at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, under the light of the east wing of the central courtyard, Sha Zhu was facing his younger sister He Yushui, reliving every detail of the day, grinning foolishly for most of the night.