Siheyuan: The Translator's Leisurely Days

Zhang Jianguo, a transmigrator with exceptional foreign-language skills, suddenly arrived in the capital in the 1960s. He had hoped to use his “high-class” job as a translator to enjoy a quiet, leisurely life in an era of scarcity. Instead, he was assigned to a courtyard overflowing with “neighborly warmth.”

Jia Zhangshi's tantrums, Qin Huairu's scheming, Yi Zhonghai's hypocrisy, Yan Bugui's stinginess... All sorts of “beasts” treated him like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered. Think you can take advantage of me? Zhang Jianguo laughed. He didn't use a single foreign word. With nothing but sound logic, a precise understanding of policy, and the untouchable standing that came with working in a foreign-affairs department, he dealt with every disgusting situation in plain Chinese, setting them straight once and for all!

“Uncle Number One, before we talk about dedication, why don't we study that editorial on ‘distribution according to work’ in the newspaper? Tell me, isn't what you're saying complete nonsense and empty talk?”

“Qin Huairu, before you tell me how hard things are, I've got an application for neighborhood poverty assistance here. Want me to help you fill it out? Your family doesn't qualify, does it? Quit pretending!”

“Teacher Yan, we can go over the bills. Here's the latest water and electricity rate schedule issued by the state. Let's check it item by item. Hey, hey, don't go!”

One thrilling battle of wits after another unfolds. Zhang Jianguo not only rises steadily at work, but also establishes absolute authority in the courtyard, wins the factory beauty's heart, and ends up living the life everyone envies.