[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji":3,"chapter-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-998":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Siheyuan: Food, Love, and Family in 1960s Beijing",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2315048,4526,"Chapter 998: Learning a Foreign Language","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-998",998,"\u003Cp>Do young people on the streets of Jingcheng hold grudges after fights?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that’s called a grudge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A grudge won’t end until one side bows down and yields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Li Yuanchao, Zhang Haiyang, Zhong Yuemin, and others were beaten on Dongsi Shisijie—there must be an accounting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Will they go after the guards who beat them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, they won’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone swung a club at you, would you rage at the club itself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those guards were just following orders; the blame falls on whoever gave the order and started the trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The root cause? The troublemakers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they hadn’t gathered here today, would Li Yuanchao have come over to join the commotion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they hadn’t stirred up trouble, would our people have gotten beaten?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Li Yuanchao brought his crew here to dismantle the troublemakers’ turf and smash their scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuanchao will figure out the power behind the big house; if it’s soft, he’ll mess with them a bit, if it’s iron, he’ll pretend the whole thing never happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say the troublemakers are wronged?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t be ridiculous—when Li Yuanchao and Zhong Yuemin stepped onto the stairs, a brawl had already broken out below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhao Laosi hadn’t reported it in time and the guards hadn’t moved swiftly, the entrance would’ve turned into a full-blown riot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Zhang Jianguo—would he miss this chance to jump in?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right here at Jiaodaokou, before the old boss, with all the Jingcheng troublemakers watching, today’s stage was set by the little brats—whoever steps up to perform proves they’ve got real guts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhang Haiyang and his crew charged over, he immediately grabbed a club and went in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young, passionate, and truly ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who’s fought in street brawls knows: the guy who charges ahead gets hurt the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, charging ahead also proves you’re the bravest and most willing to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for left hooks, right hooks, sweeping kicks—you’re imagining things, none of that happens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if you’re fired up, you won’t remember what moves to use; it’s just a crush of bodies, no room to show off your training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what moves do people actually use in gang fights?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple: a punch, a club swing, or a kick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why say it’s always just one move? Because in that short burst of adrenaline, you only have time for one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the scene gets chaotic and both sides collide, you’ll find grabbing and scratching cause more damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone says: isn’t this just like rural women fighting? Too low-class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t brag—you’d do the same if you were up there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gang fights have no winners; if you can stand your ground up front without falling, you’ve got enough to brag about for a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many blows you took or landed? Doesn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the punch you threw probably hit one of your own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the one hitting you? Likely someone charging in from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s bizarre, but that’s reality—those who come in late and pick up the scraps often land the easiest hits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So look around: every street gang has a big guy, thick-waisted, broad-shouldered, able to take on three or four without going down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might not be the boss, but he’s the one the boss can’t bear to abandon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among these Jiaodaokou guys, Zhang Jianguo isn’t tall or bulky, but Yan Shengli has that natural advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, having a massive frame is harder than winning the lottery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shengli’s advantage? His dad was a butcher at the meat station—he ate plenty of fat since childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time they visited the steel mill, they’d all met Li Yuanchao’s crew, but never spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, seeing them again, he didn’t hold back—he was among the fiercest fighters from Jiaodaokou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if Zhao Laosi hadn’t ordered the guards to clear the area, could they have kept fighting? Unlikely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This first wave was impulsive; after it ended, adrenaline dropped fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What followed was the latecomers joining in—that’s when it turned into a full-blown mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they saw Li Yuanchao and his veterans scrambling, fleeing in panic, Zhang Jianguo and the others cheered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Yuan from Donghuamen, Li Zanyuan from Zhen Tou Hui, Gao Jianbing from Bangzi Dui, Li Sida from Dongsi, Wang Dahai from Dazhiqiao—all were among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not as loud or boastful as Zhang Jianguo, they exchanged glances and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today on Dongsi Shisijie, the troublemakers finally reclaimed some ground—restoring their former edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d been crushed by the veterans for too long, simmering with resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if today reignited the hatred between troublemakers and veterans, they felt it was worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t the cause—it was the fuse for long-simmering anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the troublemakers on the scene said: they’d long wanted to beat the crap out of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingcheng’s only so big; the places where kids can roam freely? You can count them on your fingers—and there aren’t enough to go around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The veterans, relying on their old reputation and control over resources, had tormented the alleyway troublemakers for years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone fumed: not angry at the bosses who started it, just furious he didn’t get a chance to land more punches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ask him who he hates—he doesn’t know; he just knows beating those guys feels good, feels like revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others felt the same—they weren’t going after these little brats; they were targeting the big bosses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jianguo, the hottest name today, didn’t need to brag—plenty of people were already spreading his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once his reputation rose, Li Yuanchao and the others would know exactly who to target to crush his pride and reclaim their turf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, out here, you want both survival and gain—how could you fear trouble?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jianguo had decided: to beat Jiaodaokou’s old boss Zhou Changli, he had to be even crueler—otherwise, he’d forever live under Zhou Changli’s shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People love comparisons; once they start, they’ll say: “Back then, little brat X did this, but Zhang Jianguo can’t match him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So today, he came, he fought, he felt truly free—on Zhou Changli’s stage, he flaunted his victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on, he’d fight: for territory, for girls, even dare to like girls from the big compounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below the stairs, after the guards withdrew, the crowd erupted again—noise poured through the gate into the big house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the guards who fought today: Hu Haiyang, younger brother of Da Chun; Zhang Dayong, son of Zhang Wanhe; Zhou Yaoqiang, younger brother of Zhou Ziqiang—all young boys from the Northeast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhao Laosi reported the outcome to Yu Li over the phone and stepped out, he smiled at the guards resting in the entrance hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn fierce—you charged hardest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Zhang Dayong, gave him special praise, then paused and raised an eyebrow: “Aren’t you supposed to be on duty at Dongmen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Er Gazi’s covering for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dayong grinned, his face still flushed with adrenaline, a hint of ferocity lingering at his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Laosi nodded, understanding why Li Chu had brought these men from the Northeast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, tigers descending the mountain—unstoppable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially these young tigers, raised from childhood, kept close for years—when released, they terrify entire regions, swaggering with power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget training—what matters is their willingness to charge and obey orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t say what Yu Li praised you for—figure it out yourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Laosi pulled out cigarettes, smiled, and passed them around. “Smoke mine now; when Yu Li rewards you with smoke and liquor later, we’ll share it together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao si pulled out cigarettes from his pocket and smiled as he passed them around, saying, “Smoke mine for now; when Yu Jie’s tobacco and liquor arrive later, we’ll use those together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dayong bellowed, grinned, and took the cigarette with a hearty laugh. “Fourth Brother, next time there’s a fight like this, call me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dayong, with his loud voice, chuckled and gladly took a cigarette, smiling at Zhao Lao si: “Fourth Brother, next time there’s a scene like this, just call me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Laosi chuckled, looking at him with meaning: “Starting today, we’re officially on the map—no one’s coming to smash our gate for at least three years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, I haven’t even had enough fun yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dayong grinned, all innocent charm—his words nearly made Zhao Laosi laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You think this is playtime? Or just another training drill?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li only approved this because it happened in front of the troublemakers—and they were beating up little brats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For him, this was a simple beginning, a simple end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was excitement, adrenaline—but deeper layers ahead? Beyond the reach of these guards, even him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just look at today’s scene, look at who got beaten—once word spreads, how many members will step forward to retaliate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They don’t care about street squabbles—but anyone who comes to smash the gate or harass club staff? No one gets away with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need for Li Xuewu to show up—if someone dares to push too far, it’s a blow to everyone’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The club’s reputation is built on everyone’s sweat; over these past months, Dongcheng No.1 Courtyard has become more than just a sports club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just look at Wang Zheng running around nonstop—who can say they won’t one day be in the same position?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards smoked their “after-battle cigarettes” in the entrance hall, while Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun arrived, their faces tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards smoked their “after-event cigarettes” in the foyer, while Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, wore vastly different expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai’s face was pale, fingers clenched white with tension. “If only I hadn’t pushed you—we should’ve taken the main road…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai’s face turned pale, his fingers turning bluish from tension; he now berated himself: “If only I hadn’t rushed you—we could’ve taken the main road…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun’s face was grim—he’d been bullied, and now they were coming to harass him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gritted his teeth: “They got off too easy—they should’ve been sent to the police station!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he gritted his teeth and said, “Too light a beating—they should’ve been sent to the Detention Center!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to Zhou Xiaobai, who was wallowing in self-pity, and said, “Even if you didn’t push, we’d still have run into those dogs—it’s unavoidable. Are you planning to hide at home from now on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling responsible for bringing trouble upon herself, Zhou Xiaobai was deeply guilty and terrified that Li Xuewu might despise her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago, they had peered through the door and seen the very people who had blocked the road with bicycles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially that guy with the big mouth and darting eyes—he even glanced back at us as he was running away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Luo Yun had accused her, asking if she knew the other side, why she kept staring at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could Zhou Xiaobai say? She hadn’t meant to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Zuo Jie returned from outside, bringing news that wasn’t all bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The ringleader is Li Yuanchao, the troublemaker is Zhong Yuemin, and the one who got beaten is Zhang Haiyang—all from the compound.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I don’t know any of them…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Zhou Xiaobai paused—she didn’t know the troublemaker, but she recognized Zhang Haiyang, the one who got beaten; he was from the same compound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She just lived in the smaller courtyard inside the compound, while he lived in the main compound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Haiyang was there too?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun fumed, “Just wait—I’m going straight to their house when we get back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie blinked in surprise, glancing at Luo Yun and Zhou Xiaobai. Although he was also raised in the compound, he didn’t recognize any of these people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun waved her hand dramatically. “I’m going to see Aunt Zhou tonight—I’ll check what state Zhang Haiyang’s in!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai tugged at her hand and whispered, “Let it go, don’t stir up trouble—it’ll be so embarrassing if it gets out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun now understood Zhou Xiaobai’s concern—that this incident might damage her reputation if it spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in this era, when young men fight over a girl, people always blame the girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did you go around attracting bees and butterflies?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, those words shouldn’t come from Zhang Haiyang’s family, but once anyone finds out, they’ll say exactly that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this blows up, Luo Yun’s family might not know, but Zhou Xiaobai’s parents would definitely forbid her from going out again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, working at the club, she’s just using Luo Yun as cover—if her father found out…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie understood: Zhang Haiyang must be from the same compound as Luo Yun, and their families knew each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let it go. Since no one got seriously hurt, they’ll remember this lesson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t want Luo Yun to take this so seriously—youth fights have their own unwritten rules; involving parents is a huge loss of face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Luo Yun made a scene now, something serious might actually happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think, except for the troublemaker, Zhang Haiyang and the others weren’t targeting you—if they really knew you, why would they act like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zuo Jie’s analysis, Zhou Xiaobai tugged Luo Yun’s hand, urging her not to act impulsively or escalate things further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun snapped her hand away, glaring at Zuo Jie with irritation. “You’re so easy to take advantage of—you didn’t even help me get revenge for my injuries!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You got hurt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie asked in surprise, then rushed over, examining Luo Yun anxiously. “Where are you hurt? We need to go to the hospital!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun blushed under his gaze but felt touched; she pushed him away playfully. “I fell off my bike—where do you think I got hurt?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your hands? Is that it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie carefully removed her gloves and saw her small hands were red and swollen. He gently held them, worrying: “Does it hurt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A little~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun’s voice had lost its earlier sharpness, now soft and tender, tinged with shy affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing beside them, Zhou Xiaobai had barely heard two sentences before being overwhelmed by their affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d fallen harder than Luo Yun, yet Luo Yun wasn’t acting like this—why was it suddenly her who was hurt?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eww~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Luo Yun’s sudden softness and blush, Zhou Xiaobai felt goosebumps rise on her skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two stay here—I’m leaving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned and hurried down the steps, walking quickly toward the service office—even when Luo Yun called after her, she brushed her off with an excuse of being busy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How cruel! While she was still anxious and miserable, they were putting on a whole romantic show for her!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfair! So unfair!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You think you’re so special because you have a boyfriend?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmph, once Brother Li is done, I’ll make you sick with sweetness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let you see what real love feels like!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie stared after Zhou Xiaobai’s hurried departure, turning to Luo Yun: “Xiao Yun, what’s wrong with her…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing~ Ignore her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun glanced at Zhou Xiaobai’s retreating back, smirked slightly, then sighed. “Princess’s body, Lin Daiyu’s temperament.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie raised an eyebrow, surprised by how precisely and deeply Luo Yun had assessed her friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhao Sige hurrying back from the office, Zuo Jie knew he’d finished his report and was returning to deal with these troublemakers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed Luo Yun’s hands gently and urged her to go check on her friend, not to leave her alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun pouted, knowing Zuo Jie had business to attend to, and whispered, “Don’t get involved in this—I was just venting. Those guys aren’t to be messed with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—I know how I handle things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie smiled, pinching her cheek. “Go on—she’ll cry, and then you’ll have to comfort her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun sighed. “I’m just born to be a mother to her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhao Sige climb the steps, she thanked him sincerely: “Thank you, Fourth Brother—if you hadn’t stepped in today, we’d have been bullied.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mention it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Sige, a master of social grace, glanced at Zuo Jie and smiled at Luo Yun: “You’re one of us at the club—no one gets to bully you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted his chest and added, “Next time you run into these people, just say you’re from the club. If anyone lays a hand on you, tell me—I’ll chop off their arms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Fourth Brother~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun laughed cheerfully, waving toward the service office. “Xiaobai wanted to thank you too, but the office was empty—only I was left. Let us treat you to lunch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be so formal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Sige waved off the offer, nodding at Zuo Jie. “We’re brothers—say that again, and we won’t be able to hang out anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned to Zuo Jie: “Director Li instructed that if this issue flares up again, you’re to handle the coordination—go ahead and act.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie replied calmly. Since it was veterans causing trouble, it was naturally his responsibility to mediate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t need to think twice—he currently managed compound affairs and assisted Director Wang Zheng with the foundation’s work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t underestimate his current duties—over the past month, even the directors and deputy directors who frequently visited the compound now greeted him with smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether they remembered his hard work or wanted to build a connection, he had risen from being just a compound kid to standing on the stage, taking on the responsibilities of a real man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the two talking, Luo Yun bid them farewell and went after Zhou Xiaobai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she herself said, she felt like a mother to Zhou Xiaobai—if she didn’t watch her closely, she’d be crying alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Sige gestured toward the gate and said to Zuo Jie: “I’ll go tell Brother Zhou to disperse the crowd—having them loitering outside looks bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Jie nodded. “If you need help or want anything done, just say the word, Fourth Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good—brothers don’t speak formally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Sige clapped Zuo Jie on the arm and walked out through the side gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout, the main gate of the compound had never opened—Zhao Sige called this “upholding proper energy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The General Manager’s here~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fourth Brother’s out~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fourth Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhao Sige reappeared, the troublemakers outside, who had been waiting for orders from whoever was inside, all turned their eyes toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to his earlier sternness, Zhao Sige now seemed much more approachable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t mind when someone joked by calling him “General Manager”—he smiled, descended the steps, and bowed to everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His calm, magnanimous demeanor now truly resembled a grand steward—seeing this, the troublemakers stepped aside respectfully, no longer joking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, some had mocked Zhao Sige, saying he was weak because he took orders from a female leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning Zhao Sige wasn’t the point—the real aim was to highlight Zhou Changli, criticizing his uncharacteristic lack of courage today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Sige ignored their stares and gossip, walked up to Zhou Changli, pulled out cigarettes, and distributed them to the troublemakers, then said carefully: “Sister Yu says tonight’s dinner is on her—she told you to watch your safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Changli nodded solemnly, listening to the order without joy or excitement—just quiet compliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason, of course, was that this message came through Zhao Lao Si, and what it truly represented, he understood perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, since they were saving his face, publicly pointing it out also carried the implication of a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s actions by the Security Department had nothing to do with these troublemakers; they were handling an emergency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the troublemakers gathering here, it had nothing to do with the club either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhou Changli can’t figure things out for himself, then go back to the troublemaker ranks—if he still knows his own identity, then pay attention to his “safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This “safety” wasn’t just concern for him—it also meant don’t cause trouble for the club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troublemakers had their fools, but also their smart ones; after taking the cigarette, they mostly grasped what Zhao Lao Si meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But none of them spoke—they all stared at Zhou Changli, waiting for his reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Changli felt his face flush, but luckily, his time in the northeast had matured him; his head hadn’t gone hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After accepting the order, he smiled, bowed to the surrounding troublemakers, and said politely: “Brothers, I truly had urgent business and asked for your help—I never expected today to turn out like this. It’s my fault.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After apologizing, he added to everyone: “Our leader, Sister Yu, has taken great care of me. Tonight, I’m borrowing this occasion to offer you all a drink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were very courteous, but they weren’t quite true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some troublemakers looked at Zhou Changli with slight surprise, thinking: Is this still the little brat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Zhang Jianguo, who felt deeply cheated—he’d once looked up to the little brat as his goal, his idol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he’d chosen this himself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many watched Zhou Changli become this way and couldn’t help sighing inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From today on, the nickname “Little Brat” was done with; from now on, he’d only be Zhou Changli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could no longer call himself a troublemaker, nor would the troublemaker circle ever recognize him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, “Little Brat” still existed—only now, it existed in history alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Changli faced the crowd’s pity and skepticism with calm composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a bitter smile, put his arm around Zhang Jianguo’s shoulder, and said to the surrounding troublemaker elders: “Life is short, the Jianghu is long—I’ve reached the end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he smiled at the circle of troublemakers, his expression one of both relief and nostalgia: “It’s not that I’ve lost courage or bravery—it’s that I have more to care about.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Changli pressed his lips together, paused, then said: “Since leaving Jingcheng last year until today’s return, sixty-eight brothers went to the northeast with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have to look after them—I have to make sure they earn money to feed their families. In the future, there will be even more people, more brothers, more families!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted Zhang Jianguo’s shoulder, suppressing his emotions, and looked at everyone: “My burden is too heavy—I can’t afford to act impulsively. I must be a man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added: “I live for myself, but I must also live for them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, everyone fell silent. At the mansion gate, only faint sounds remained; no one chatted or laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes—Zhou Changli spoke from the heart, spoke truthfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were troublemakers, living carefree lives—but were any of them, even the top troublemakers, born from cracks in rocks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone with a family, with parents, hadn’t thought about the future?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how wild or carefree they were, how many years could they play? Only this fleeting moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today, I’m washing my hands of the Jianghu—I’m out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Changli bowed to those around him: “But I’ll always be a Jianghu man, and I’ll never forget the Jianghu’s responsibility!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to himself: “I, Zhou Changli, have no great talents—I can’t offer you fantasies of wealth and power, nor a future of silk robes and jade meals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if you want to eat, make a living, find a wife—if you’re willing to work hard—I can still give you a place and security.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Changli concluded: “If you’re in trouble in Jingcheng, or struggling to survive, or have relatives needing work—come find me, or find Lao Si.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Si stepped forward at the right moment and introduced: “Shipping crew, waiters, dockworkers, warehouse workers—for now, only these. More may come later, but we’ll have to wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a saying—I’m not sure whether I should say it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at the troublemaker elders and said earnestly: “Since Brother Zhou says he’s out of the Jianghu, I’ll also advise you all: troublemakers have no future. Plan ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Zhou Changli: “If you truly want to support your family and work steadily, follow Brother Zhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troublemaker elders watched the two of them; the outer circle of troublemakers remained silent, thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some listened and pondered; others outwardly said nothing, but paid no mind to their words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, troublemakers were all supported by powerful patrons—who lacked spending money? They were always carefree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the future?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fuck—it’s hard enough just surviving now; why think about the future?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drink today’s wine, worry about tomorrow’s troubles tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fourth Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One troublemaker looked at Zhao Lao Si, raised an eyebrow, and asked: “You’re doing pretty well now—do you still have this job?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me? Hehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Si chuckled softly, then shook his head slightly: “I’m just a gatekeeper now—feeding my family? I can barely feed myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for making money—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at the man who asked, earnestly: “You still have to follow Brother Zhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, if you haven’t decided yet, and Brother Zhou leaves now, you can come tell me—I’ll keep your name on record. If he needs someone later, I’ll arrange it for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Si spoke humbly, but no one truly believed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were truly just a gatekeeper, how could he wave his hand and command so many guards to come out and beat people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at Zhao Lao Si’s bearing and presence—he could easily pass for a high-ranking official inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly lay within this deep mansion, the troublemakers didn’t know—but they knew small cars came and went regularly; not just anyone could enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a seventh-rank official is respected at the chancellor’s gate—no matter how powerless Zhao Lao Si was, his current position was right there; no one could help but look up to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since Zhou Changli, today, smoothly washed his hands of the Jianghu and withdrew from the troublemaker world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elegant and precious—he’d gained both substance and face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sister Yu’s warning to him to watch his safety was, in fact, a signal to everyone present—Zhou Changli’s choice directly determined his future identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Zhou Changli was one of the mansion’s people; his safety was naturally protected by the mansion’s power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troublemakers would spread word of today’s events—later, veterans and others would have no reason to attack Zhou Changli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of the Jianghu, no longer part of the Jianghu—if someone truly provoked him, they wouldn’t follow Jianghu rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly had connections, matters would be handled through proper channels: arrest if needed, sentence if needed—who could bear that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, seeing Zhou Changli secure proper futures for himself and his brothers, Zhang Jianguo and others who had claimed territory felt disdain—but also a touch of envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From today on, the Little Brat is gone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jianguo tilted his head slightly, looked at Zhou Changli, and pointed firmly at himself: “From now on, Xinjie Kou is under my control.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the presence of Jingcheng’s troublemaker elders, the power of Xinjie Kou was officially transferred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jianguo clearly and naturally inherited Zhou Changli’s reputation and influence—but also inherited his past debts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This open, legitimate transition made everyone’s hearts yearn for it—if all troublemaker transitions could be this smooth, there’d be no conflict among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jianguo paused, then pointed from himself to Zhou Changli: “But I’ll call you Big Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded slowly, seriously: “Because you’ve given us this path—now, Jingcheng’s troublemakers aren’t ghosts on a dead end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jianguo’s words were bold, yet deeply convincing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Yuan, Li Zhanyuan, and other troublemaker elders from the southern and northern parts of Sijiao Cheng, who had remained silent until now, also nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps now they couldn’t bear to give up their troublemaker identity, or the thrill of Jianghu justice—but who knew if the Jianghu’s winds would always blow this way?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Zhou Changli became their escape route, their place to settle their brothers and sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhou Changli said, there were no perfect jobs—just hard work, real money, enough to eat, a wife, a family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the arrogance of Blackie had been seen by them—Zhou Changli’s caution only proved his words true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jingcheng”—this term originally came from the number of city gates, but it wasn’t always called Jingcheng; it was once called Sijiao Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu—everything else was outside the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In troublemaker parlance, “north and south city” broadly meant south and north of Xidan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know what? This gathering at the club gate, by accident, actually established several rules and events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, Zhou Changli officially withdrew from the Jianghu, proving his identity to all troublemakers: from now on, he spoke only of life, not violence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, the troublemakers gathered without conflict—they united to deal with the intruding brats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gave the troublemakers their first real reason and mindset to stand together against outsiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you laid it out plainly, the conflicts among troublemakers didn’t seem truly irreconcilable, life-or-death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhanyuan and others smiled at each other, feeling the atmosphere was perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone proposed: since everyone was here today, let’s make a pact—whenever we have unresolved issues or conflicts, we’ll ask Brother Zhao to mediate, no more fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The proposal was quickly agreed upon—no one wanted to fight each other; they all felt today’s beating of the brats was far more satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since Zhao Lao Si now had connections and status, and all his people had followed Zhou Changli to the northeast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Si in Jingcheng was truly uniquely positioned—utterly impartial, utterly detached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t do it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Si was both amused and exasperated by the proposal: “I’m just a gatekeeper!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he emphasized this, the troublemaker elders ignored him—you spoke, we spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mansion gate, they agreed: from now on, when they met, they’d call him Fourth Brother; if they had trouble or conflict, they’d come to him first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though spoken in jest, no one present dared treat it lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew their own situation—troublemakers had no connections, no backing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lao Si leaned on a great tree for shade; if he intervened in their disputes, it would be a lasting favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In plain terms, they just wanted to bask in Zhao Lao’s glory and catch some of Yu Li’s Buddhist aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad—Yu Li never showed up the whole time; everyone could only imagine in their minds how formidable she must have been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd dispersed, and the gang leaders walked out together, riding their bikes and gazing at the grand mansion. Someone suggested: “The tough guys in the Four-Nine City should be like the veterans—they need a base.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why it’s said that when three men gather, a mastermind always emerges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third event of the gathering at the club’s entrance was born: the base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all envied this club—having a place to meet, instead of standing outside freezing cold like before, or even today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Sida from Dongsi suggested: “The Zhengye Club across from Guibin Hotel has been taken over—it’s empty now. We can clean it out and make it our base.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This place is perfect!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over a hundred bikes rolled out from Dongsi Shiyi and headed straight for Guibin Hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was inside this club across from Guibin Hotel that Zhang Jianguo and others first felt the grand, heroic spirit of the Eighteen Warlords uniting to overthrow Dong Zhuo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This club had long been abandoned; no one dared occupy it. They got there first—and no one dared interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the prominent tough guys in the Four-Nine City had returned from the Great Northwest; the exact reasons were unspoken, but everyone knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside this club, the juniors gathered firewood, lit the stove, and ordered wine and dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leaders drank baijiu and talked about today’s gathering, the grand mansion, and Zhou Changli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also used today’s unity as a chance to reflect on the lessons learned from last August, when the Four-Nine City tough guys were all wiped out in one sweep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they talked, their words multiplied, and their ideas kept growing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, they agreed and drafted four rules for the Four-Nine City tough guy circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This club had long been neglected; no one had cleaned it for months—not even scrap paper could be found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Li Heping wrote down these four rules on yellow paper used to wrap paicha:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One: Don’t bully good students;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two: In fights, never chase someone home or retaliate against their family;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three: A Buddha must get approval from a tough guy before switching sides;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four: Don’t betray others—even thieves have principles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this moment on, the club across from Guibin Hotel became their “Four-Nine” base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paicha isn’t a stabbing fork—it’s a festive food, deep-fried and commonly made in winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the slang in these four rules, the simple ones were understood; “raising someone” might be a bit vague.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It doesn’t mean carrying someone away—it’s jargon for betraying a friend or snitching to others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From these simple four rules, it’s clear these men still had reservations and a sense of boundaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bullying good students showed they didn’t want to provoke visible figures—and it let them pose as righteous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fights were inevitable, but never targeting families—this proclaimed their loyalty and kept their escape routes open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Buddha switching sides was clearly tied to money—no money meant no way forward; no one wanted to fight over cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With rules limiting the Buddhas’ mobility, they could earn steady income without lifting a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last rule needed no explanation—everyone in this line of work hated traitors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stayed at the club only half a day—he finished his work in the morning and spent time with Wang Xiaoqin and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ate lunch in the cafeteria, saw how Zhou Xiaobai seemed to never run out of things to say, and had to explain he needed to go home to visit his parents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai knew some things about his family and heard him mention his sister-in-law’s childbirth, his father’s return, and his third brother’s homecoming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even though she hadn’t seen him in a week, she still smiled and pretended not to care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu teased the girl, but he truly had no energy, so he wrote her an address.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you want to learn a foreign language or see the outside world, you can come here and take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai naturally wanted to go to the address he gave—but she had no idea what the place was for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu let her see him off from the cafeteria, raising an eyebrow and joking: “International Hotel—where you sleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>",5687,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b4627f2564cdf5cff8f50f14b93bc7ff7936582a0cb4d12080ca5d4277666403","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-999","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-997",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]