Siheyuan: A young man starts a game and ignores the law

In the early 1980s, the policy of reform and opening up led to the modernization of Beijing. Siheyuan was gradually replaced by high-rise buildings, and the old city began to be demolished and rebuilt. Su Ming's family was also involved in this transformation. His former home was facing the fate of being demolished. For Su Ming, this was not just a matter of a house, but also a spiritual impact and challenge of identity.

During this period, Su Ming experienced many difficulties and struggles. He tried to find his own way of survival and tried to adapt to this rapidly developing city. He participated in some small entrepreneurial projects and tried to gain a foothold in emerging industries. However, the cruelty of reality frustrated him repeatedly, and he felt as if he was being crushed by the huge machine of this city.

However, it was in these setbacks and difficulties that Su Ming gradually understood the true meaning of life. He began to re-examine his family, his identity, and his feelings for the city. He found that even though the courtyard was demolished and the city had undergone earth-shaking changes, the deep feelings for his country and family would always exist in his heart.

As time goes by, Beijing develops rapidly. Su Ming has witnessed the transformation of the city from old to new, the continuous improvement of people's living standards, and the rise and fall of an era. Behind all this, he is also trying to find his own value and meaning in life.

Su Ming stood on the crowded and noisy street, looking at the place in front of him that used to be his home, which has now become a busy commercial district. The towering buildings around him blocked the sky so that there was almost no blue sky. There were cars and people coming and going, as if he was the only stranger in this city. He sighed and turned to walk into a small restaurant.

"Brother Ma, what are you busy with?" Su Ming asked with a smile. His friend Ma Hua is the owner of this small restaurant and also his good friend.

Ma Hua was busy running back and forth in front of the counter, holding an account book in his hand, with sweat on his face, "Hey, Brother Su, you're here! I've been very busy with business recently, and I've been busy every day. It's hard to have a moment of leisure."

Su Ming smiled, ordered a signature dish, and helped Ma Hua clean up some dishes and chopsticks. "Your business is getting more and more prosperous. It seems that my friend is becoming more and more skilled."

Ma Hua puffed out his chest proudly, "Of course! It's all thanks to the word of mouth from old customers like you."

The two talked and laughed while busying themselves. Su Ming's eyes inadvertently fell on a photo on the wall. It was a photo of a few friends taken here a few years ago. The atmosphere at that time was so relaxed and happy, and everything seemed so beautiful. But now, each of them is busy running for their own lives.

"How have you been recently?" Su Ming asked, hoping to learn about some changes in the city from Ma Hua.

Ma Hua sighed, stopped what he was doing, and looked a little sad. "Well, it's just so-so. This city changes so fast that sometimes people feel a little unprepared. Although business is booming, the cost of living is getting higher and higher. Sigh, I really don't know what it will be like in the future."

Su Ming nodded silently, and his heart was also filled with worries about the future. The city's rapid development speed caught people off guard. Everyone was running for life, and he was no exception. However, he knew that no matter what, he could not give up his love for this city and his hope for life.

The two were busy for a while, and then a familiar old customer came in with a smile on his face. "Brother Ma, Brother Su, are you busy?" He was a middle-aged man who looked very amiable.

"Acai, you're here! What's the matter?" Ma Hua greeted him warmly.

Ah Cai smiled and shook his head. "Nothing much. I just passed by and came to see you guys. How's business lately?"

"Oh, still the same as usual, busy." Ma Hua replied with a smile.

Su Ming looked at this familiar scene, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. Although life sometimes makes people feel troubled and struggling, having such a group of friends and such a busy city makes him feel that he is not alone.

On a busy evening, Su Ming and Ma Hua sat in a corner of a small restaurant, sipping the steaming hot and sour soup prepared by Ma Hua. The lively atmosphere in the restaurant formed a sharp contrast with the hustle and bustle outside, as if they were in another world.

"Brother Ma, what have you been busy with recently?" Su Ming took a sip of soup and asked Ma Hua who was sitting opposite him.

Ma Hua shook his head and frowned. "Ah, there have been so many things going on recently. You know the demolition project near my home, right? Another group of people came today and said they wanted to verify the information. I was completely confused."

Su Ming frowned, "Demolition project? Your house is going to be demolished too?"

Ma Hua smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, I heard that this area is going to be transformed into a commercial district. I'm afraid our old houses will have to be demolished."

Su Ming showed a worried expression, "What should we do? Where are you going to move to?"

Ma Hua shrugged, "I don't know yet. The government should give some compensation. However, the relocation fee is definitely not enough. Besides, we don't know if the business of our old shops will be affected if we move to a new place."

"This is really a headache." Su Ming sighed, "Demolition is really a troublesome thing."

The topic gradually shifted to the recent demolition dynamics and urban development. The two talked about the changes in the city, lamenting the passage of time and the impermanence of life.

"By the way, Brother Su, what have you been busy with recently?" Ma Hua suddenly changed the subject and asked with concern.

Su Ming smiled and said, "I've been taking some photos of the hutongs recently, hoping to record the changes in this city. Over the years, too many hutongs have been demolished, and the once bustling life scenes have gradually disappeared from memory."

"Oh? That's quite interesting!" Ma Hua said excitedly, "Do you want me to help you find some information about the hutongs? There are quite a few old neighborhoods near my home."

Su Ming's eyes lit up. "That's great! Can you help me find some old photos? I want to record the history of this city and preserve those memories that are about to disappear."

"Of course!" Ma Hua smiled. "I'll go look for it right away. Maybe I can find some treasures."

While they were chatting and laughing, they were both filled with complex emotions about the changes in the city. They may not be able to change the development trajectory of the city, but at least they can leave some precious memories and images, so that the history of this land will last forever.