Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

Cheng Jianjun's little trick probably really hit Han Chunming's weak spot—seeing that Su Meng was actually willing to cooperate with him in this "jealousy drama," this kid really has his heart set on her.

Su Man didn't mention the incident at the social gathering at all. The two chatted about physics problems and chemical equations all the way back, their steps light and quick, as if they were walking to the rhythm of a textbook.

As soon as Xiao Yao stepped into his courtyard, he rolled up his sleeves and started cooking. The spatula flew across the pot, and in no time he brought out two steaming hot dishes: stir-fried pork kidneys with soy sauce and peanuts with scallion oil. The oil was still sizzling, and he was just waiting for Han Chunming to push the door open and come in.

Han Chunming stepped across the threshold carrying two bottles of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), his face expressionless, but his eyes were heavy. He downed three glasses in silence before finally letting out a breath, his voice a little hoarse: "Xiao Yao, tell me... am I particularly useless? I got this job thanks to you; and Cheng Jianjun? He has a secure job, and the moment his fingers touch the piano keys, the tinkling sounds make people's hearts tremble."

He lowered his eyes, his brows furrowed.

Xiao Yao didn't reply, but instead picked up his wine glass and swirled it: "Chunming, Liu Bang was a village head before he conquered the world, and Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't even get a bowl of spoiled porridge when he was begging for food—do you think they felt worthy when they looked in the mirror back then?"

"Forget it! How could I dare compare myself to the Emperor?" Han Chunming said with a wry smile. "I just want to hear the truth from you—do you think I'm up to the task?"

"Your father passed away early, and your mother single-handedly supported five people, sewing shoe soles on winter nights until her fingers cracked and bled; Cheng Jianjun's parents are alive and well, and he grew up in a warm home with hot soup and a heated kang—their starting points were never the same. And you? You're straightforward, righteous, and always the first to rush to your friends' aid when they're in trouble. Cheng Jianjun will never be able to warm that kind of heart. But you also have to admit that you have no self-control, always saying 'ouch' or 'oh dear,' offending people without even realizing it. As for Cheng Jianjun? He's crooked-minded and doesn't follow the right path. He's not on the same train as you at all, and we'll never even reach the same stop."

"Don't worry about Su Meng's situation—even a blind man could see that she only has eyes for you. You're just feeling jealous because you saw him playing the piano and making her laugh. Piano? If you really want to learn, you can play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' in three days. Want to perform on stage? I'll practice with you, teach you step by step, and I don't believe you can't play the tune."

"Stop dwelling on the words 'whether we're a good match.' What does Su Meng want right now? Nothing more than a partner with a prestigious workplace, who dresses well, and who can walk with his head held high. Once we're married and the baby is born, what she'll be hoping for soon will be that you earn more money, work less overtime, and the baby has fewer hospital visits—a woman's mind always moves forward with the passing days."

"From now on, when you go on dates, button your shirt all the way up, polish your shoes, and comb your hair. I still have a few cloth coupons here, so don't always wear that faded blue blouse. What girl doesn't want to walk down the street hand-in-hand with a striking man? Who doesn't hope that their partner will make people want to take a second look the moment they see them?"

"You've been with me since we were kids, raiding bird nests, stealing watermelons, and watching operas in the alley. How could I not know you? You have a stubborn streak, you just haven't hit that door yet. Now, do you understand?"

Han Chunming stared at the shimmering light in his wine glass for a long while before finally looking up: "Then... why did she agree to Cheng Jianjun's request and even sing for him?"

Xiao Yao smiled: "What if I told you that her song was actually sung for you? — She wanted everyone to know: Han Chunming's girlfriend has such a bright voice, such a steady temperament, and is so lovable, do you believe it or not?"

"You speak so passionately on stage, she's worried that with so many friends, you might be easily distracted by other girls. Is it wrong for her to show you her talents and prove how good she is?"

Before she could finish speaking, the courtyard gate creaked open—Su Meng stood at the door, carrying half a bag of apples, her ears already bright red, but her eyes shining with an astonishing light. It turned out she had returned and stumbled upon this scene, secretly listening intently by the door for a long time, her heart growing hotter with each listen. Especially the line, "Which girl doesn't want to be with a dazzling man?"—it was like a thin thread, instantly tugging at the softest spot in her heart.

She strode in, placed the apple on the table, and looked directly at Han Chunming: "Chunming, I'm sorry... I really didn't expect that singing a song would hurt you so much. From now on, no matter how big or small the matter is, I'll ask for your opinion first, okay? Don't keep it to yourself."

Han Chunming scratched the back of his head, his ears burning: "I'm the one who should apologize... I was too petty and overthink things."

He suddenly understood—Xiao Yao hadn't guessed wrong. Su Meng's heart had always been filled only with him, unrelated to the music, the payslip, or anything external.

"Are you still going to drink? If you don't raise your glass soon, my good food will get cold and become a feast for dogs." Xiao Yao laughed as he raised his glass.

The two were taken aback. Han Chunming scratched his head: "Huh... dog food?"

"Ahem, I'll argue with you next time." Xiao Yao waved his hand. "Take this bottle to your master."

A potential conflict was resolved with just a few words from Xiao Yao. The two exchanged a smile, all misunderstandings vanished.

Now Han Chunming works as an officer in the logistics department, with a stable and officially registered position. After changing into clean clothes and getting a neat short haircut, he immediately exudes a sharp and efficient aura, much better than before.

After this incident, Cheng Jianjun and Han Chunming completely severed ties. When they met on the street, one would look down at the tips of his shoes, and the other would turn his head to look at the sky, like two clouds brushing past each other, not even letting their shadows overlap.

Han Chunming frequently visited the ragpicker Hou, though he still couldn't buy a single antique. But looking at the blue and white porcelain, old bronze mirrors, and sandalwood boxes through the glass cabinet made him feel at ease. Over time, he and this old connoisseur became close friends despite their age difference, sharing many teas and engaging in many pleasant conversations.

The Han family held an "emergency meeting" that day.

"Wu Zi went to work at Yili Food Factory, and later transferred to a garment factory. He's been there for about half a year. But why is there never any money left? He's always broke, and he's even borrowed from the neighbors twice..." Han's mother rubbed the corner of her apron, her brows furrowed tightly. "I'm afraid he'll get involved with something he shouldn't..."

He had only spoken halfway when a creaking sound came from outside the gate—Han Chunming pushed his bicycle into the yard.

"No one is allowed to cover for him later!" The eldest brother, Han Chunsong, slammed his hand on the table. "We have to get to the bottom of this today!"

As soon as Han Chunming parked the car against the wall and stepped into the house, he saw all six pairs of eyes staring at him like six searchlights.

"Hey, did the sun rise in the west today?" He grinned and tried to sit on the bench.

No one spoke up.

"Come here." Han Chunsong raised his chin.

Han Chunming had only taken half a step.

"Say that standing up," Han Chunsong said sternly. "Where did you spend all your salary?"

"It's all here!" He shrugged, looking completely nonchalant. "Eating, drinking, relieving myself, and sleeping—it's all here."

"I heard you earn thirty-eight yuan and fifty cents a month? How much is the monthly food allowance for our family of seven? You start spending money as soon as you open your mouth?" Han Chunsong frowned.

"Mom—look at the way my brother is acting!" Han Chunming immediately turned to ask for help.

"No one can save you today." Han Chunsong pretended to roll up his sleeves.

The eldest sister, Han Chunxue, grabbed his arm: "We agreed not to hit him!"

"Not take action? With his stubborn attitude, do you think you can get even a single truth out of him without taking action?" Han Chunsong glared at his younger brother.

Han Chunming cleared his throat, straightened his back, and spoke in a steady voice, as if reading a radio script: "Because... I'm dating. Cai Xiaoli from the food factory, Su Meng's classmate, we met at the factory last month."

Cai Xiaoli was sitting at the factory gate eating an ice pop, completely unaware that she had been unfairly blamed for someone else's misdeeds.

"Oh right, Mom," Han Chunming suddenly slapped his forehead, "I almost forgot—we're meeting Cai Xiaoli today at Zhongshan Cinema for the 2 PM showing of 'Heroes and Daughters'!"

Upon hearing the words "has a boyfriend," Han's mother immediately raised her eyebrows and smiled, her lips curving upwards to her ears: "Go quickly! Don't leave the girl waiting there."

"Mom—my older brother is blocking my way and questioning me!" Han Chunming drawled, his lips pouting so much they could hang an oil bottle on them.

"Nothing is more important than this!" Mother Han said firmly, without even blinking.

Han Chunming seemed to spring to his feet, turning and dashing out the door. Su Meng happened to lift the curtain and come in, calling his name twice, but he didn't even turn around. He grabbed his bicycle and sped towards the courtyard gate. Su Meng gave chase, her skirt billowing in the wind.

Inside the Han family's house, the three women had already huddled together and started whispering.

"Mom, could it be the girl Chunming stole bread for last time?" the second sister, Han Chunyan, asked in a low voice.

"It's pretty close. When are we going to bring him back so we can get to know him properly?" Mother Han smiled, her eyes crinkling with fine lines, while she held half a freshly steamed jujube cake in her hand.

"Leave it to me!" Han Chunxue slapped her thigh, decisive and efficient.

"I'll accept anyone, as long as they're not from this courtyard. If we really get together, spending that little bit of money is perfectly reasonable," Han Chunsong said slowly, a toothpick dangling from his mouth.

"As long as the person isn't crooked, that's better than anything else." Mother Han sighed softly, broke the jujube cake in half, and handed it to Chunyan.

Hutong entrance

"Chunming, why are you in such a hurry?" Su Meng asked as she caught up with him before she could catch her breath.

"Hey! My older brother was staring at my payslip so intently his eyes were practically popping out, so I just made up an excuse and slipped away." Han Chunming laughed as he wiped his sweat.

"I came clean with my dad—you're a full-fledged staff member now, and a promotion is a sure thing! My parents didn't say anything, which means they agreed; only my grandma is a bit stubborn, but don't worry, I'll coax her slowly." Su Meng's eyes sparkled, and her words were filled with an undeniable sweetness.

Han Chunming's identity really gave Su Meng a strong back: he had a government job, a promising future, and a powerful voice, making him much more secure than most of his peers in the alley.

"Huh? Where did you get this outfit?" Su Meng suddenly stopped and looked him up and down—his Zhongshan suit was crisp, his Dacron shirt was dazzlingly white, and his shiny black leather shoes were polished so well that you could see your reflection in them. He looked as energetic as if he had just stepped out of a magazine.