Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

Construction on Sha Zhu's new house progressed rapidly, thanks to the skilled craftsmen of the Hongxing Factory's infrastructure department and the almost obsessive attention to detail in the blueprints provided by Wang Huanbo. The foundation was compacted, the walls were raised, the precast concrete slabs for the second floor were steadily erected, and the roof tiles began to be laid. The eye-catching, south-facing terrace was already taking shape, attracting passersby who would always look up and marvel, expressing either envy or jealousy.

Sha Zhu's heart soared higher and higher with each passing day, mirroring the ever-growing height of the house. But besides his daily, unwavering "supervising" of the construction, he carried a weight on his mind—to formally visit the Yu family, meet his future in-laws, finalize the wedding date, and discuss the wedding details. No matter how beautiful the house was, if he couldn't get past his future in-laws, or if Yu Li changed her mind, it would all be castles in the air. Although Yu Li's parents had tacitly agreed before, it wasn't officially settled, and a weight always hung over Sha Zhu's heart.

On his day off, Sha Zhu got up very early. First, he went to Wang Huanbo's west courtyard (where he and Yu Shui were temporarily staying), and carefully groomed himself in front of the dressing mirror with mercury glass that he had borrowed from Lou Xiao'e. He combed his hair with water again and again, barely managing to tame his unruly, stiff hair. He soaped his face and shaved it clean, not even leaving behind his ears. He wore the navy blue Zhongshan suit he had bought at the department store last time; the fabric was crisp, and the top button was fastened. On his feet were a pair of shiny black leather shoes. Looking at himself in the mirror from left to right, he felt that although the person in the mirror was energetic, his dark face and the premature fine lines at the corners of his eyes still revealed a sense of vicissitude and maturity that was not commensurate with his age.

"Sigh," Sha Zhu sighed at the mirror, muttering to himself, "This face... does look a bit old. But can I blame myself?" He remembered how, after He Daqing ran away with the widow Bai, he was only sixteen or seventeen when he shouldered the burden of supporting his family. He started from the dirtiest and most tiring jobs in the steel mill canteen, enduring smoke and flames, while also taking care of the young Yu Shui. He had to stretch every penny, haggle with vegetable vendors, and outwit those who were always trying to take advantage of him in the yard... All the nights he stayed up, the exhaustion he endured, and the worries he had all etched themselves onto his face. Later, although life got better and he became a cook with more greasy food, the canteen kitchen was ultimately not a place to nourish oneself. Every day, he was surrounded by blazing stoves, sweating profusely, and even the best skin couldn't withstand such torment.

"But Yu Li shouldn't mind, right?" Sha Zhu puffed out his chest again, forcing what he thought was his most amiable and reliable smile in the mirror. "Huanbo said a man's worth lies in his ability and responsibility, not his looks. I, Sha Zhu, may not have much else, but I'm good to my wife, I'm strong, I have a skill, and I can give her a good life! Besides, my mature appearance makes me seem steady and reliable!" After encouraging himself, he carefully checked the things he needed to bring: two bottles of Xifeng liquor, a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes, two bags of pastries, and a rather nice piece of Hangzhou silk that Wang Huanbo had specially rummaged through his house to make a dress for his future mother-in-law, since he had heard he was coming. The items weren't particularly extraordinary, but in those days, it was a very respectable gift for a visit.

Driving his grass-green Red Star car, Sha Zhu took a few deep breaths to calm his wildly beating heart before starting the car and heading towards Yu Li's house. Along the way, his mind raced, considering what to say when they met, how much the dowry should be, when the house would be ready, and when the wedding would be set… The more he thought about it, the more nervous he became, his palms even sweating slightly.

When they arrived at the entrance of the alley where Yu Li lived, Sha Zhu parked the car, carrying the gifts, and walked with somewhat stiff steps to the familiar courtyard gate. He took a deep breath and raised his hand to knock on the door.

Yu Li opened the door. She seemed to have dressed up specially today, wearing a floral shirt, blue pants, and her hair was styled into two shiny braids that hung down in front of her chest. When she saw Sha Zhu, her eyes lit up, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she said in a low voice, "You're here? Come in quickly, my parents are waiting."

Sha Zhu nodded quickly and followed Yu Li into the house. Yu Li's parents were both home, as was Yu Haitang, who was sitting at the table, seemingly waiting for him. Yu's father, Yu Jianguo, was a middle-aged man with a simple face and a stocky build. He worked as a fitter in a machine tool factory, his hands calloused. He was currently smoking a pipe, taking occasional puffs. When he saw Sha Zhu come in, he nodded without much expression. Yu's mother, Li Yumei, was a neat and clean middle-aged woman who worked as a temporary worker in a small factory in the neighborhood. She had a smile on her face, but her eyes also revealed a scrutinizing look. Yu Haitang, on the other hand, curiously sized up her future brother-in-law, her eyes sparkling.

"Uncle, Aunt, Sister Haitang, hello." Shazhu tried to make his voice sound as steady as possible as he placed the gift on the table. "It's just a small token of my appreciation."

"You're here, no need to bring anything," Mrs. Yu said politely, getting up to pour Sha Zhu a glass of water. Mr. Yu tapped his pipe and spoke, his voice a little hoarse: "Sit down, Zhu."

Sha Zhu sat upright on the stool, only half of his bottom on it. Yu Li sat down next to her mother and quietly gave Sha Zhu an encouraging look.

The conversation began with some casual remarks, asking about the factory, the rainfall, and the progress of the house renovation. Sha Zhu answered each question respectfully and honestly, and he clearly perked up when the topic turned to the house.

"Uncle, Aunt," Sha Zhu leaned forward slightly, his tone filled with barely suppressed excitement and a hint of flattery, "My house is being renovated! We hired the best construction team from the factory, and my childhood friend Wang Huanbo, who's also the factory's chief engineer, personally drew up the plans! After the renovations, it'll be bright and airy upstairs and downstairs! Most importantly," he emphasized, "they've installed a separate toilet inside! A flush toilet, a shower, and a water heater! From now on, Yu Li... ah, Comrade Yu Li can use the toilet at home, and take a hot shower in winter, without having to go to public toilets or squeeze into bathhouses!"

Upon hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Yu exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and interest in each other's eyes. They had spent their lives living in crowded alleyways and courtyards, accustomed to public toilets and public bathhouses, enduring the freezing winters and pungent summer smells—it was all too familiar. To be able to use the toilet and bathe comfortably and cleanly in their own home was a dream come true! This simple-minded man, Sha Zhu, had truly gone to great lengths and put in a lot of effort to marry their daughter.

The smile on Yu's mother's face became more genuine as she asked, "So... when will the house be ready?"

"It'll be soon!" Sha Zhu said quickly. "The construction team said to hurry up and finish by mid-September. After airing it out and letting it ventilate, we can definitely move in by the end of September! I plan to get our marriage certificate with Yu Li as soon as the house is all set up!" As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Yu Li. Yu Li had her head down, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes, and the tips of her ears were red.

Mr. Yu took a drag of his cigarette, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Zhu Zi, what's the situation at your home now? We've heard some things from Lily, but we'd like to hear what you have to say."

Sha Zhu thought to himself, "Here comes the real issue." He sat up straight, his expression becoming serious and sincere: "Uncle, Aunt, my family situation is simple. My father, He Daqing, went to Baoding a few years ago... for some reasons, where he started a family and got a job, and he generally doesn't come back. On my side, it's just me and my younger sister, He Yushui. Yushui graduated from junior high this summer and got into high school, starting her first year this semester. She's obedient and studies hard; she'll definitely have a bright future. As for my father, he made it clear that he's doing well in Baoding and won't come back to live with me. He also said I don't need to worry about his retirement; he has his own plans. So, when I married Yuli, it was just the two of us, plus Yushui, the three of us. Yushui likes Yuli, and Yuli is good to Yushui; they get along like sisters."

He paused, looked into Yu's parents' eyes, and continued, "You know my job, Uncle and Aunt. I'm the canteen manager at the Red Star United Industrial Corporation's main factory, a cadre position, with a monthly salary of 75 yuan, not including subsidies. Supporting Yu Li and Yu Shui is absolutely no problem. I'm not particularly skilled, just a cook, but I can guarantee with my hand on my heart that I'll do my utmost for my wife and family, not even a fraction of what I can! I will absolutely not let Yu Li suffer any injustice!"

Mr. Yu listened, nodding silently. Sha Zhu's family was simple; there were no difficult in-laws, only a younger sister who was about to enter high school and seemed very sensible, which made things much easier. Although his father's early departure was somewhat dishonorable, Sha Zhu's ability to raise his sister independently and even become a cadre showed that the boy was responsible and hardworking. As for looking older than his age… Mr. Yu looked at Sha Zhu's dark but sincere face and felt a pang of pity. This boy must have suffered a lot since childhood, working in the cafeteria's smoke and fire; how could he not look old? But that only showed he was reliable and hardworking, not some slick, unreliable person.

Mother Yu had a different perspective. Without a mother-in-law, her daughter could manage the household immediately after marriage, reducing potential conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law! Her sister-in-law was getting older and wouldn't live there for many more years; she'd move out once she went to university or got a job. Sha Zhu had a high salary, was honest, and treated her daughter well. Most importantly, he was willing to invest so much in renovating the house and installing a flush toilet for her! What did that show? It showed he genuinely wanted to marry her and build a good life together! As for the father-in-law who ran away, it was better he didn't come back; it would save so much trouble.

"Well," Mother Yu glanced at Father Yu, and after receiving a slight nod from her husband, she asked, "What are your plans for your marriage? The date, the dowry, and so on..."

Sha Zhu's heart leaped into his throat; he knew the crucial moment had arrived. He glanced at Yu Li, who was also looking at him, her eyes filled with encouragement and a hint of shyness. Sha Zhu composed himself and said, "Uncle, Aunt, regarding the date, I'm thinking that once the house is finished, at the end of September, we can pick an auspicious day to get the marriage certificate and get things done. What do you two think?"

Yu's parents exchanged a glance, and Yu's father said, "September... the autumn air is crisp and clear, it's a good time. Okay, let's do it your way, you young people. You decide on the date yourselves, and just let us know when you've decided."

Sha Zhu felt a huge weight lifted from his heart and quickly added, "Then... what are your requirements regarding the bride price, Uncle and Aunt? Please feel free to name your suggestions, and I'll do my best to fulfill them!"

Mr. Yu put down his pipe and exchanged a glance with Mrs. Yu. Mrs. Yu then said, "Zhuzi, in our Yu family, marrying off a daughter isn't about selling her. We want you to be a good person, to treat Lili well, and for you two to have a prosperous life together. As for the bride price..." She paused, seemingly choosing her words carefully.

Sha Zhu's heart pounded again, his palms sweating. Although he had some savings, after buying a car and building a house, he wasn't exactly flush with cash. What if the bride price was high…

Mother Yu said slowly, "Just give me ten yuan. It's just a formality, to bring good luck and celebration."

"Ten...ten yuan?" Sha Zhu thought he had misheard and repeated it incredulously. These days, although thrift is encouraged, in the city, a bride price usually costs several tens of yuan, plus the "three turns and one sound" (a traditional Chinese accessory for a house, watch, and radio), bringing the total to at least one or two hundred yuan. Ten yuan? What's the difference between that and giving it away for free?

"Yes, just ten yuan," Mr. Yu replied firmly. "We don't want any more. Keep your money and live a good life with Lili, get the house settled. That's more important than anything else. We're old, we have a salary, you don't need to worry about us. As long as you treat Lili well, that's better than giving us mountains of gold and silver."

Sha Zhu was stunned. Looking at the simple, even somewhat thin, working-class couple before him, a surge of warmth welled up in his heart, his nose stung, and his eyes instantly reddened. He wasn't unfamiliar with families who used the occasion of a daughter's wedding to demand exorbitant sums, practically emptying the groom's savings. But Yu Li's parents… they were genuinely thinking of their daughter, thinking of their future!

"Uncle, Aunt..." Sha Zhu's voice choked with emotion. He stood up and bowed deeply to Mr. and Mrs. Yu. "Thank you! Thank you both! I, He Yuzhu, swear that I will treat Yu Li well for the rest of my life! I will never let her suffer any injustice! I will definitely live a good life and take good care of you both!"

Yu Li, standing to the side, was also moved to tears. Yu Haitang blinked her big eyes, looking at Sha Zhu, and thought that this "old-looking" brother-in-law didn't seem so bad after all, and was actually quite loyal and righteous.

Yu's mother quickly got up to help him up: "Child, get up, get up! From now on, we're family, no need for formalities."

The atmosphere instantly became incredibly harmonious and warm. The slight inferiority complex that Sha Zhu had felt because of his mature appearance vanished completely. His parents valued him as a person, his responsibility and sincerity, not just his looks.

With the marriage basically settled, Sha Zhu finally let go of his last lingering concerns. His mother invited him to stay for dinner, and this time Sha Zhu didn't refuse; he was eager to make a good impression.

"Auntie, please sit down and rest. I'll cook today!" Sha Zhu rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular arms, full of confidence. "So that you two and Haitang can taste my cooking!"

Yu's mother didn't want the guest to cook, but Yu Li smiled and pushed her mother to sit down: "Mom, just let him show off his skills, he's a great cook." Yu's father also nodded with interest: "Okay, then let's try Zhu Zi's cooking."

As if receiving a command, Sha Zhu strode confidently into the Yu family's small but impeccably clean kitchen. Yu Li helped him, washing vegetables and handing him things. Sha Zhu glanced at the ingredients the Yu family had prepared: ordinary cabbage, potatoes, a piece of pork belly, a few eggs, and some vermicelli. Very ordinary home-cooked food, but enough.

Sha Zhu's hands moved swiftly and skillfully, slicing meat into even slices and shredding potatoes into hair-thin shreds. The hot pan and cold oil sizzled, releasing a burst of aroma. Yu Li watched, finding Sha Zhu's focused wok-tossing incredibly captivating. Inside, Yu's parents listened to the rhythmic sounds of chopping and stir-frying from the kitchen, inhaling the increasingly rich fragrance, their faces beaming with satisfaction. This future son-in-law, aside from everything else, his cooking skills and diligence were undeniable. With their daughter with him, at least she wouldn't go hungry, and would certainly eat well.

Before long, four dishes and a soup were served: a plate of braised pork belly, glossy red and rich but not greasy; a plate of stir-fried shredded potatoes with vinegar, tangy and spicy; a plate of golden and tender scrambled eggs with scallions; a plate of stewed cabbage and glass noodles with pork; and a bowl of seaweed and egg drop soup sprinkled with cilantro. Ordinary ingredients were transformed into something magical in Sha Zhu's hands, resulting in a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, a table full of dishes that made one's mouth water just looking at them.

"Uncle, Aunt, Sister Haitang, we only have a limited budget, so I just made a few dishes. Please try them and see if they suit your taste," Shazhu said somewhat embarrassedly, taking off his apron.

Mr. Yu first picked up a piece of braised pork with his chopsticks. It melted in his mouth, perfectly balanced between salty and sweet, fragrant but not greasy. He nodded without saying a word, but the approval in his eyes was unmistakable. Mrs. Yu tasted the stir-fried shredded potatoes with vinegar; they were tangy, spicy, and crisp, cooked to perfection, and she also praised them repeatedly. Yu Haitang ate without even looking up, mumbling, "Brother-in-law, your cooking is so delicious! Even better than in restaurants!"

Sha Zhu felt incredibly happy, sweeter than if he had eaten honey. That "brother-in-law" made him feel completely at ease.

Since Sha Zhu had driven there, neither Yu's father nor Yu Li mentioned drinking. They ate soup instead of wine, chatting as they ate, and the atmosphere became increasingly lively. The topic naturally circled back to the specific details of the wedding.

Yu Li put down her chopsticks and said softly to Sha Zhu, "Zhu Zi, about that... 'three turns and one sound' (referring to a bicycle, a turn of the wheel, a turn of the saddle, and a sound), I think we should forget about the bicycle."

"Huh? Why?" Sha Zhu was taken aback.

"Look," Yu Li said, counting on her fingers, "you have a car now, even though it's just a right to use it, it's practically your own. You're the canteen manager, so you don't have to be on time like the workers. Later... after we get married, you can take me to work first, then take Yushui to school, and then you can go to the factory yourself. You'll have plenty of time. I won't use the bicycle much, it'll just be a waste. We can buy a radio and a watch if we need them, but let's save money on the bicycle. We're newly married, there are so many things we need. The house is built, but adding things to it and living together will cost money."

Yu Li's words were perfectly reasonable, stemming entirely from a practical perspective of daily life and the well-being of their future family, without a trace of vanity or competitiveness. Sha Zhu felt a warmth in his heart; Yu Li wasn't even married yet, and she was already meticulously planning for their future home. A wife like that was hard to find even with a lantern!

The father and mother nodded approvingly. Their daughter was sensible and considerate, which made them, as parents, very happy.

Sha Zhu was so moved he didn't know what to say, but he also had his own plans. He took Yu Li's hand (this was the first time in front of her parents, and both of them blushed), and said earnestly, "Lili, I understand your feelings. But we still have to buy this bicycle."

He looked at Mr. and Mrs. Yu and explained, “Uncle, Aunt, I’m not trying to save face. Here’s the thing: First, for us Beijing men getting married, ‘three turns and one sound’ (referring to a bicycle, a sewing machine, a watch, and a radio) are basic requirements. It’s not about saving face, but I can’t let Yu Li marry me and people gossip behind her back, saying she married a stingy guy who can’t even afford a bicycle. Second, bicycles are expensive, but it’s really not a problem for our family. I earn 75 yuan a month, and if I save up for three months, I’ll have enough for a Forever or Phoenix bicycle. As for the ration coupons, I’ll go to Deputy Factory Director Li; he should be able to solve that. Third, like Lili said, it’s convenient for me to have a bike. But Yushui will be starting high school soon, and the school is far away. Having a bicycle would make it much easier for her to go to and from school; she wouldn’t have to squeeze onto the bus, and it would be safer. So this bike is mainly for Yushui’s use; it won’t be a waste.”

At this point, Sha Zhu's opinion of Li Huaide had subtly changed. Previously, he had looked down on Li Huaide, a leader with questionable lifestyle and a knack for scheming, and kept his distance. He always felt Li Huaide wasn't of the right path and wasn't on his side. But since Wang Huanbo returned and frequently advised him that one shouldn't judge people and things in black and white, and after becoming the canteen manager and interacting more with Li Huaide, he realized that this man did indeed have his abilities.

Li Huaide was very skilled at managing the factory's production and logistics, able to smooth out complex relationships and ensure the factory's smooth operation. He was generous and gave opportunities to his subordinates who were truly capable and hardworking. Sha Zhu himself was a prime example. Although he hadn't given Li Huaide face several times (for instance, not providing him with special meals for "special guests"), Li Huaide never made things difficult for him. Later, because of his good cooking skills and his connection with Wang Huanbo, he was promoted to canteen manager. Moreover, Wang Huanbo had privately told him that Li Huaide's relationships with those women were consensual; Li Huaide was generous, never forced, and even provided benefits afterward—in those days, it was almost like a "mutual benefit" arrangement. Although Sha Zhu still didn't approve of this approach, he felt that Li Huaide might not be as bad as he had previously thought. At least, he had his own methods for handling affairs and personnel matters, and he adhered to some "rules of the game." Getting a bicycle ticket from him shouldn't be a problem.

Yu Li felt a warmth in her heart after hearing Sha Zhu's explanation, especially when he mentioned considering using the money for Yu Shui's schooling. This man, though rough around the edges, was thoughtful and kind to her, to her younger sister, and showed responsibility and planning for their future family. She stopped insisting and gently nodded, "Then... I'll listen to you."

Father Yu also spoke up, "Zhu Zi has considered everything thoroughly. The car is mainly for rainwater transport, which is good. It's a favor that you two can pick up and drop off Lily at work, but it's always convenient to have a car at home. You two can discuss and decide on this."

The meal was a resounding success, with everyone enjoying themselves. Sha Zhu's culinary skills completely won over the Yu family, and his honesty, responsibility, and genuine affection for Yu Li deeply moved Yu's parents. All the details of the wedding were finalized in this warm and harmonious atmosphere. The bride price was ten yuan, the wedding date would be set after the house was ready, the "three turns and one sound" (a traditional Chinese house renovation project) would be purchased as usual, and the bicycle would primarily be for rainwater use.

After finishing the meal, Sha Zhu insisted on washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen spotless before saying goodbye. Yu Li saw him off at the door.

By the time they reached the courtyard gate, it was already getting dark. The alley was quiet, with hardly anyone around. Yu Li stopped, head down, fingers twirling the end of her braid, her voice barely audible: "Drive carefully on the road."

"Yeah, I know." Sha Zhu looked at her flushed profile under the lamplight, his heart pounding like a rabbit's. He had so much to say, but he didn't know where to begin.

Yu Li suddenly looked up quickly, and taking advantage of Sha Zhu's inattention, tiptoed and gently touched his cheek. Then, like a startled deer, she turned and ran back to the yard, leaving behind only the words, "Go back quickly!"

Sha Zhu stood frozen in place, feeling as if Yu Li's kiss had been branded with a hot iron, the warm, moist touch instantly spreading throughout his body, leaving him numb. He subconsciously touched his face, and then an uncontrollable, silly smile spread from his heart to his face, widening his mouth to reveal two rows of white teeth that gleamed in the dim light.

He walked to the car in a daze, started the engine in a daze, and drove off for a long distance, the silly grin still on his face. The glow of the streetlights flowed across the car window, and the evening breeze, carrying the coolness of early autumn, blew on his face, but it couldn't dispel the burning passion in his heart.

It's done! It really is done! Yu Li's parents approve of him! The marriage is arranged! Yu Li even kissed him! Sha Zhu felt a surge of energy coursing through his body, and the streetlights in front of him transformed into leaping, festive red lanterns. He could almost see October, him leading Yu Li, draped in a red veil, into that brand-new, bright house, beginning their beautiful life together.

The car drove into Nanluoguxiang. At the gate of No. 95 courtyard, the lights were still on in their house, which was under construction; workers were probably rushing to finish. That was no longer just an ordinary house; it was his and Yu Li's future home, the starting point of all their happiness. Sha Zhu parked the car but didn't go in immediately. Instead, he stood outside the gate, gazing at the brightly lit, already clearly visible, new house for a long, long time. His face wore a simple, content smile, full of boundless anticipation for the future.

As night deepened, the courtyard returned to tranquility. But in the house in the central courtyard, where new life was being conceived, light and hope mingled. And in the west wing, under the light in Wang Huanbo's room, the blueprint for a network connecting the future was gradually becoming clearer, stroke by stroke. This night was filled with sweet anticipation for many.