Courtyard House: A Leisurely and Contented Life

Yang Jianye glanced at the five people in front of him and raised his hand: "Alright, it's settled then."

"Go back to the workshop and work hard. Getting to this point means you're capable. As long as you're willing to learn and humble yourself, you'll definitely do well in the future."

I nodded to Master Hao, who then called out, "Let's go. There's no use regretting it here. Remember this lesson next time..."

After Master Hao and his men left, only Zhang Chao and Qin Huairu remained.

Zhang Chao is alright; after all, he's educated and has broadened his horizons. He's aware of his own performance and has confidence in it.

Qin Huairu, on the other hand, had absolutely no confidence. So, she buried herself in her work every day, afraid of falling behind.

But it was this very thought that gave her this opportunity.

...There's still a bit of luck involved!

So, she feels like she's dreaming and can't believe she's awake.

So, I've really become Yang Jianye's apprentice and stayed in the workshop?

And now they want me to be promoted to a permanent position and get a high salary of 27.5 yuan?!

Qin Huairu trembled with excitement; finally, there was hope for the future.

"From now on, you two will officially become my apprentices. I will talk to the factory manager this afternoon and arrange for your formal employment."

"That's it. What to do next, and whether you can stay in the special workshop and learn from me, depends on your own performance."

"Don't think that just because you stayed, everything will be fine and you'll be safe." Yang Jianye gave the two a heads-up, a warning.

This is a common trick that masters use before their apprentices enter the school.

When people relax, they are prone to making mistakes and falling behind.

Therefore, Yang Jianye had to wind them up.

Make that feeling of wanting to relax tighter and tighter.

I just want to relax now, I feel safe.

No way!

This is just the beginning; it's like officially stepping inside from outside.

There's still so much to learn!

"Master, don't worry, I will definitely learn from you properly." Zhang Chao said, bowing solemnly.

Things are different now than before; you used to have to kneel and offer tea to people entering the gate.

But the respect that is due must not be lacking.

Someone taught you a skill, and you've taken it for granted.

That won't do!

Qin Huairu, who was still sleepwalking, woke up with a start when she saw this.

He hurriedly bowed, imitating her, and said, "I will definitely learn well, Master."

"Hmm." Yang Jianye gave a nonchalant hum and led the two men to their workstations.

"Starting today, let's learn to read drawings." Yang Jianye opened the draft drawings they had used before and let the two of them look at them on their own.

Understand as much as you can, and ask questions if you don't understand anything.

Zhang Chao watched with great interest, while Qin Huairu was left feeling helpless.

She was completely bewildered, as if reading a book written in a foreign language; all she could do was clench her fists and fidget.

"Qin Huairu".

"Yes, I'm here, Master Yang."

In her nervousness, Qin Huairu forgot that she had changed her address.

Standing behind him, Zhang Chao pretended to be looking at the picture carefully and said softly, "You're wrong. You should call me Master."

Qin Huairu quickly corrected herself, "Master, I'm here!"

Yang Jianye saw it clearly, but said nothing.

He wanted his two apprentices to help each other out and avoid the dirty tricks and infighting.

Zhang Chao's apprentice has a broad vision.

"To be honest, I originally thought Xu Jiadong was more promising and that he and Zhang Chao would stay."

Yang Jianye's words immediately made Qin Huairu's heart jump into her throat.

He was just one step away from jumping out.

"However, that's all in the past."

"Since you've passed the test, this position is yours."

"But that doesn't mean I have to lower my standards and requirements to accommodate you just because you have a poor foundation."

"You need to spend more time and put in more effort than Zhang Chao to catch up with the pace and make sure you can keep up."

"Let me warn you upfront: if you ever fall behind and get eliminated, don't say I didn't warn you."

Qin Huairu nodded repeatedly, promising him that she would work even harder to keep up and never fall behind.

"Okay, I'll get you two books later. After you get off work, go home and start studying."

Hearing him say that, Qin Huairu was pleased.

Then, he raised his hand and asked, "Master, if there's anything I don't understand, can I ask you?"

Yang Jianye raised an eyebrow: "Let's talk about work during work hours. After work, that's my private time."

If Yang Jianye agrees to live in the same courtyard, will he have a good life in the future? With Qin Huairu's background, he's more or less a tutoring machine.

Seeing that he looked like he was about to get angry, Qin Huairu quickly shut up. She felt a little wronged, though; wasn't she just trying to learn and improve?

"Alright, you two keep an eye on things first. If you have any questions, keep them in mind and we'll talk about them when I get back. I'm going to find the factory manager now and get things settled."

Yang Jianye's apprentices, of course, had to be formally employed, and besides, their skills were up to standard. They had mastered not just one skill, but several.

Upon arriving at the factory manager's office, Yang Jianye glanced at the cigarettes on the table but didn't pick them up to smoke as he used to. He'd switched to drinking tea, for health reasons.

"You little rascal, can't you be a little more polite when you come to my place?" Watching him find a cup and tea leaves and brew himself some hot water, Factory Director Yang didn't know whether to be pleased or exasperated. He wasn't treating him like an outsider, but this was too much of a fuss. The real problem was the wasted tea leaves; this should have lasted two weeks, but it was gone in a week. Factory Director Yang even suspected that his recent frequent visits were just to mooch off his tea leaves.

Yang Jianye closed the lid, gave a thumbs-up, and praised, "You truly are a leader; you noticed that."

"Get lost, you little brat, you're really pushing your luck!" Factory Director Yang scolded with a stern laugh.

Yang Jianye leaned back, picked up his cup, and said, "How could that be? I've never treated you like an outsider!"

After saying that, he paused, realizing that what he said sounded familiar.

"Get to the point, I'm busy!" Yang Jianye stopped worrying about why the name sounded so familiar after being interrupted by Director Yang.

Report their names, and they'll become Yang Jianye's apprentices.

Upon hearing Qin Huairu's name, Factory Director Yang couldn't help but frown and asked, "Is it really her?"

Yang Jianye shrugged, saying helplessly, "I earned it through my own abilities, what can I do?"

Knowing that he was fair and principled, Director Yang didn't try to persuade him further. He noted down both of their names and casually mentioned another matter: "The decision regarding Engineer Yi has been made. He's suspended, undergoing training, and undergoing reform."

Director Yang glanced at him unexpectedly, then nodded and said, "You guessed right. It's just suspension, retraining, and reform. There will be a public reprimand for the entire factory, and that's the end of it."

Factory Director Yang, fearing he might have objections, offered him some words of advice. Little did he know, Yang Jianye wanted this public criticism precisely. Once it was made public and the matter was set in stone, no one could criticize him further. Otherwise, he'd be dragged in for re-education and criticism. "It's already been said that Yi Zhonghai was spreading rumors, and he's been suspended. You're still spreading rumors? Isn't that intentional?" Knowing the law and breaking it is an even more serious offense.

Without Uncle Yi's position, he'll have to go back to sweeping the streets, studying, reforming, and attending meetings every day. I'm sure things will be even quieter in the courtyard now.

Yang Jianye genuinely hoped that his mental illness could be cured. After all, the "reform and rehabilitation" wasn't a lifelong commitment. The root of the problem was his mental state. It's just that these days place too much emphasis on such things. If Yi Zhonghai were to go fifty years from now, he'd see that old-age care and the extinction of the family line wouldn't be a problem. What if someone is alone and has no one to care for them in their old age? Look into organ donation! Professional team, one-stop service, lifetime after-sales support, satisfaction guaranteed. And afterwards, you'll even receive an honor!

After drinking two cups of tea, Yang Jianye put the lid on and stood up: "Factory Director, I'll head back now."

"You're leaving already?" Director Yang looked at the teacup with a pained expression. "Have two more cups." This wasteful thing, only two infusions, what a waste of tea leaves.

Seeing his expression, Yang Jianye picked up the teacup and left. "I'll take it back and drink it, and then I'll have someone bring you the cup."

"Wait a minute, this is the only tea set I have." Factory Director Yang was distressed. How had he ended up raising such a demanding person? Maybe he should give it away? But then he thought, even if he was willing, the higher-ups wouldn't. Well, Factory Director Yang was depressed.

Holding the white printed porcelain teacup, Yang Jianye suddenly thought it was quite pretty. His family had one like this when he was a child, but after he grew up, even the dog disliked it, and it was long ago thrown away somewhere in a drawer.

"Master Yang, what's going on?"

"The factory manager treated me to such good tea, I can't bear to throw it away, I'll take it back to the workshop and have a few more sips."

"Oh my, you're so frugal."

"Master Yang, you're busy!"

"Ah, off to report on work, they're waiting in the workshop!"

"Master Yang..."

They kept agreeing with each other until they finally arrived at the workshop entrance. Suddenly, a man jumped out from inside. "Comrade Yang Jianye, I'd like to interview you."

Yu Haitang, holding a rolled-up notebook as a "microphone," has switched careers to become a reporter.

Yang Jianye held a teacup in one hand and the lid in the other. A reporter stood before him, exuding an air of authority. Unfortunately, it was useless. He was just a worker; he couldn't do the job of a leader.

"Comrade Yu Haitang, there's still work waiting for me." After saying that, Yang Jianye stepped aside and was about to walk inside.

Yu Haitang shifted her feet, only to be stopped again. "Comrade Yang Jianye, this is a task assigned to me by the factory, please cooperate."

Her bright eyes gleamed with smugness; Yu Haitang was certain she had Yang Jianye wrapped around her little finger this time.

"Who gave the order for this mission?" Yang Jianye asked seriously. "The mission here was directly issued by the ministry. If the person who sent you thinks his orders are more effective than those of the ministry's top leaders, then you can do whatever you want with the interviews."

With a quick turn of his toes, Yang Jianye took advantage of Yu Haitang's stunned moment and spun around.

What's with all this fuss, interviewing? Just be a good announcer, stop with all this useless stuff.

However, this plaster is incredibly sticky. If this continues, she'll definitely find a way to get closer to him. Shaking his head, Yang Jianye had a headache. This woman's ambition is really not a good thing. It's only in his case; if it were Xu Damao, she'd already have a child by now.

Speak of the devil, and he appears. Xu Damao suddenly appeared out of nowhere, shamelessly fawning over Yu Haitang. He was secretly in love with Yu Haitang! But she was indifferent to him, her mind solely focused on throwing herself at Yang Jianye.

Xu Damao was utterly exhausted. "You think you can even pounce on her?" he thought. Yang Jianye was so stubborn, his mind was completely focused on his wife. In Xu Damao's eyes, he was just stupid! Such a wonderful girl, practically begging to be with him, and he, like a steel rod, stubbornly pushed her away. If it were him, he'd have found a whole new batch of women.

"Xu Damao, can you please stop following me around like this?" Yu Haitang was already annoyed by Yang Jianye's rejection, and he was still buzzing around like a fly, which was incredibly annoying.

Xu Damao was a little embarrassed, but he endured it so that he could eat some cabbage!

Yingzi turned the fire on the stove down a bit, then turned around and poured a cup of hot water from the tin biscuit box on the table, handing it to Yi Shi.

"Auntie, have some water to warm yourself up."

Ms. Yi took the water glass, holding it tightly in both hands as if it were her only support at that moment. The steam rising from the glass made her eyes sting, and she lowered her head, took a small sip, and her eyes reddened.

"Jianye's wife, you have no idea how much I've suffered..." Yi's voice choked with sobs, sounding particularly helpless in the desolate evening. "Old Yi... he wasn't like this before. Although he liked to put on airs and talk a good game, he wasn't a bad person at heart. Ever since... ever since those things happened in our courtyard, plus my health failing me, he's been like a madman. He always feels that everyone is after his meager retirement money, and that no one can be relied on."

Yingzi moved a small stool over and sat down beside her, listening quietly. She was a smart woman and knew that at this moment, she didn't need to say much; she just needed to be a listener.

"He's afraid of being alone when he's old," Mrs. Yi wiped away her tears. "But the more he schemes like this, the more he pushes people away. Look at this time, how could he talk about Aunt Liu like that? Aunt Liu is such a kind-hearted person; introducing Jianye to a potential partner was an act of kindness. How could he... how could he say such a thing?"

"Auntie, let's not dwell on the past," Yingzi gently advised. "Jianye also said that since Uncle Yi has been punished, let's just put it behind us. As long as Uncle Yi can come to his senses and stop obsessing over things, we can still be neighbors."

"Turning the page... it's not that easy to turn the page." Mrs. Yi shook her head with a wry smile. "The factory has already issued a notice of criticism and suspended him from his duties for self-reflection. In the past, this would have been something she wouldn't have even dared to dream of. He was an eighth-grade worker, that was Old Yi's lifelong reputation, and now he's completely lost it. I can only imagine how much he hates me right now, and he'll definitely take it out on me when he gets back."

At this point, Mrs. Yi glanced at the door with some apprehension, as if afraid that Yi Zhonghai might suddenly push the door open and come in.

Yingzi sighed inwardly. Aunt Yi was a pitiful woman. She never had a son or daughter in her life and devoted all her attention to Yi Zhonghai. As a result, Yi Zhonghai made a mess of the house for the sake of so-called "retirement," which also dragged down Aunt Yi's physical and mental health.

"Auntie, don't take it too hard," Yingzi said after thinking for a moment. "Although the punishment this time is severe, it's also a reminder to Uncle Yi. Think about it, if he continues to make mistakes like this, who knows what other trouble he might cause in the future. Stopping now and reflecting on his actions might not be a bad thing."

"Really?" Mrs. Yi raised her head, her eyes filled with a glimmer of hope, as if she had grasped at a lifeline.

"Of course," Yingzi nodded firmly. "In our courtyard, when someone has a big or small problem, don't we all help each other out? As long as Grandpa Yi is willing to change, no one will keep harping on it. Look at Shazhu, even though he says he doesn't care about Grandpa Yi, if he really sees Grandpa Yi with a headache or fever, wouldn't he lend a hand?"

Mentioning Sha Zhu, Yi's eyes brightened slightly, then dimmed again: "That Sha Zhu kid... it's our old Yi who wronged him. We always thought he would take care of us in our old age, but when things came up... sigh, let's not talk about it."

As they were talking, the sound of a bicycle chain turning came from the courtyard gate, followed by the sound of wheels hitting the stone pavement.

"Clang!"

A man in overalls with a gloomy face pushed a cart in. It was Yi Zhonghai.

He was carrying a net bag containing two bottles of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) and a bag of pig's head meat, which he had obviously bought on his way home from get off work. Usually, he always held his head high, with the air of an "old man," but today, his back was somewhat hunched, and his steps seemed unusually heavy.

Yi Zhonghai pushed his cart to his own door and immediately saw Yi Shi standing at Yang Jianye's door. His brows furrowed and his face darkened. He was about to reprimand her when he met Yingzi's calm gaze.

There was no mockery or gloating in that gaze, only a kind of composure and...pity that stung him.

Yi Zhonghai swallowed the curse that was on the tip of his tongue. He snorted coldly, leaned the car against the wall, and went into the house with his things and a dark face.

"Go back! You're making a fool of yourself!" Yi Zhonghai hissed before entering the house.

Yi trembled, quickly put down her water glass, and gave Yingzi an awkward smile: "Jianye's wife, well... I'll go back now. You should hurry up and cook, don't go hungry."

After saying that, Mrs. Yi hurriedly followed Yi Zhonghai into the house.

Yingzi looked at the tightly closed door and shook her head helplessly. It seemed the Yi family was going to be in for some time to come.

She turned back to the stove, lifted the lid, and a rich aroma of rice porridge wafted out.

Just then, Yang Jianye pushed the door open and came in, holding several blueprints in his hand, clearly having just returned from the workshop.

"Honey, I just saw Aunt Yi leave our room. What happened?" Yang Jianye asked while washing his hands.

Yingzi ladled a bowl of porridge onto the table and sighed, "Uncle Yi is back, and he looks terrible. Aunt Yi just cried and complained to me for a while; she's pitiful too."

Yang Jianye dried his hands and sneered, "There's always a reason why someone is pitiful. If Yi Zhonghai really wants to enjoy his old age in peace, he should be an honest person and stop scheming against this person and that person all day long. This time, the factory is giving him a lesson to wake him up."

"Alright, let's eat. Don't let this nonsense ruin our appetite." Yang Jianye sat down, picked up a piece of pickled vegetables with his chopsticks, and said, "By the way, there's a technical problem-solving meeting in the workshop tomorrow, so I might be back late. You go to sleep first, don't wait for me."

Yingzi nodded and put a steamed bun on Yang Jianye's plate: "I know, don't overwork yourself. The work in the special workshop is important, but your health is important too."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Outside, night was deepening. From inside the Yi family house, the faint sounds of Yi Zhonghai's roars and Yi Shi's sobs could be heard, but this did not disturb the warmth between Yang Jianye and Yingzi. In this turbulent courtyard, living one's own life well was the only true principle.