Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

That evening, when he walked out of the factory gate, he suddenly felt a little hungry. He remembered that he had been busy researching new technologies recently, and even eating became hasty, and he had not rewarded himself properly. Thinking of this, he had a long-lost idea in his mind: why not buy some delicious food and relax himself.

"It's time to have a good meal and recharge myself." A smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He walked on the way back to the courtyard. The surrounding streets were brightly lit and the roadside shops exuded the aroma of various foods. Wang Qiang usually didn't pay much attention to food, but today he wanted to reward himself, so he decided to find a restaurant with a good reputation. Wang Qiang suddenly remembered an old restaurant his father often took him to when he was a child. Although there were not many dishes there, each dish was very authentic. In his memory, the restaurant had a signature braised pork, which was fat but not greasy and melted in the mouth. He always ate it with relish when he was a child, and his father would often pick up a piece for him, watching him wolf it down with a smile on his face.

"I haven't eaten the braised pork in that restaurant for many years." Wang Qiang couldn't help swallowing his saliva when he recalled the taste. He quickened his pace to see if the restaurant was still there.

After walking through several streets and alleys, Wang Qiang finally found the restaurant at the end of an old street. The restaurant's signboard was a little faded, but it still showed its former charm. When he opened the door, a familiar fragrance hit him. The furnishings in the store were still simple, and the wooden tables and chairs were a little old, but they exuded a homely warmth.

The boss was still the old man. When he saw Wang Qiang come in, he smiled and nodded. "Young man, what would you like to eat?"

Wang Qiang also smiled and said, "Uncle, give me a portion of your signature braised pork and some green vegetables."

The old man nodded and instructed the kitchen to prepare the dishes. Wang Qiang found a seat by the window and sat down. The street lights outside the window were dim, but the store was in a different tranquil atmosphere. Soon, the steaming hot braised pork was served on the table. The rich aroma filled the air, and Wang Qiang felt his appetite was whetted.

He picked up a piece of braised pork with chopsticks, and the moment he put it in his mouth, the long-lost taste seemed to awaken his childhood memories. That was the scene when his father brought him here to eat. At that time, he was still in school, and he often came here with his father after school to have a simple but satisfying dinner. Now, he sat in the same position, tasted the same taste, but his heart had a more complicated feeling.

"This taste is exactly the same as when I was a kid." Wang Qiang sighed in his heart, chewing the braised pork, and his thoughts unconsciously returned to those simple days. At that time, he didn't have too many worries, he just needed to focus on studying and occasionally helping his father with small things. Now, he has become independent in the factory, but he also bears more responsibilities and pressures.

While eating braised pork, he thought about recent events. Although the new process has made some progress, he knows that there will be many difficulties. But at this moment, he feels that none of this is so important. Perhaps, enjoying the little happiness in life is the source of motivation to keep moving forward.

"More?" The old man came over and asked with a smile. "Another serving of braised pork, I want to have a good meal today." There was a sense of ease in his tone, as if he had found a long-lost peace from these simple delicacies.

The old man turned to the kitchen. Wang Qiang looked at the familiar environment in the restaurant and felt a warm feeling in his heart. The customers coming and going in the restaurant seemed to be like him, looking for a simple sense of satisfaction. This feeling reminded him of the life in the courtyard, the daily gossip with neighbors, and the patience and meticulousness of his father when he taught him locksmithing.

When the second plate of braised pork was served, Wang Qiang did not wolf it down like he had done before, but savored every bite. He slowed down his pace, letting the taste of each piece of meat stay in his mouth longer. As the warmth of the food melted on his tongue, he seemed to feel a connection with the past, the carefree childhood, the simple but real happiness.

After finishing his meal, Wang Qiang walked out of the restaurant. The street was already shrouded in darkness. He felt full and happy. He walked slowly towards the courtyard on the road dotted with lights. On the way, he heard the laughter of passers-by and the small vendors in the distance were still hawking their wares. It seemed that everything was flowing quietly, yet so harmoniously.

When he reached the gate of the courtyard, Wang Qiang stopped and looked up at the sky. The stars were sparse and the moon was hanging in the sky, covering everything in the courtyard with a layer of silver halo. He suddenly felt lucky to have such a place, where he could keep his own tranquility in the bustling city. This courtyard has carried his growth, witnessed his efforts, and allowed him to always find a sense of peace in his busy life.

When he pushed open the gate, the lights were still on in the yard. His father was sitting on a rattan chair in the middle of the yard, as if he was used to waiting for him to come back. His father raised his head and smiled slightly: "Are you back after dinner?"

"Yeah, some of the old flavors." Wang Qiang responded and walked over to sit next to his father.

"The old taste is good, right? I remember you especially liked their braised pork when you were a kid." There was some nostalgia in my father's voice.

"Yeah, I suddenly thought of it today, and the taste is still the same as before, really good." Wang Qiang said with a satisfied smile on his face.

My father nodded and said softly, "Although work is important, people also have to take care of themselves. You usually work too hard. Sometimes you should relax a little. It is not only good for your health, but also helpful for your work."

Wang Qiang felt warm at heart when he heard his father's words. He understood that his father had always cared about him and silently supported him every step of the way. He thought of the days when he had been working hard in the factory over the years. Although it was hard, every time he achieved a little success, there was always a force in his heart that pushed him to move forward, and a large part of that force came from the man in front of him.

"Dad, you're right. I'll pay attention." Wang Qiang replied softly.

The two of them sat quietly in the yard, the night breeze blew gently, the flowers and plants in the yard swayed in the wind, and it was so quiet that only the sound of each other's breathing could be heard. This kind of tranquility was exactly what Wang Qiang needed most at the moment.

"Qiangzi, you can talk to me more about some things. We have been father and son for so many years, there is nothing we can't talk about." The father suddenly spoke, with a hint of concern in his voice. Then he nodded. "Dad, I will. I have encountered some challenges in the factory recently. Maybe I think too much."