Restarting life in Siheyuan

Director Yang and Director Zhang did not take their seats in the end. They just said hello to Zhu Xuefeng before leaving and left quickly. However, their arrival had a great impact on the compound.

No one knows why a big factory would come to support a chef's wedding. Director Zhang is still okay, as he is the direct leader of the department and it is a huge honor for the factory director to come out.

"Old Yang, do you know how this Sha Zhu became so familiar with the factory director?" Factory Director Yang's attitude towards Sha Zhu made the people in the backyard confused. Damn, how could Sha Zhu have such a great benefactor behind him? They really couldn't tell.

Uncle Yang shook his head. He really didn't know. "Old Cow, do you know?"

Uncle Niu also shook his head. "I'm just a worker. How can I know about the leader's affairs? Why should I care about these things? He is familiar with the leader. This is his blessing. Don't just stand there and watch. This Master Zhang's craftsmanship is really good. Hurry up."

The old guys in the backyard then started to eat again with laughter, but there was a lot of discussion at other tables. Only a few boys picked up the food when no one was paying attention and ran away, which caused a round of laughter and scolding.

"I say, Lao Liu, since no one seems to be in the mood to eat, I guess they are done. Let's help to put away the tables and chairs. Let your two boys take the lead, and the other boys can help to send them back."

"There are still quite a lot of dishes on the table. People won't leave the table until they have finished eating." The second uncle was also jealous. Sha Zhu had so many delicious dishes on the table. There were quite a few left on the table, and there was still some of each in the big pot on the side. It was such a waste of good things.

The old man didn't know what he was thinking, and seemed a little nonchalant. "You decide. If you really can't finish it, don't leave it. I'll make the decision. Let the people at the table share it. It would be a waste to keep it."

The third uncle listened silently, then turned away and whispered something to Yan Jiefang. It turned out that the second uncle's worry was unnecessary. Not long after Director Yang and his party left, the courtyard became lively again, and soon it resumed its rhythm. It didn't take long to clean up the battlefield.

Oil was oozing from the corners of everyone's mouth, but there was not a drop of soup left on the table. The boys covered their bloated stomachs while looking at the leftovers in the pot. Unfortunately, Liu Lan was like a housekeeper. She only asked the kitchen helpers to add more dishes occasionally, and mostly she kept a close watch. The two boys from the third uncle's family were even more disappointed and went home grumbling.

"Okay, you two must be full, don't worry about it, hurry up and help clear the table. Don't just eat the good food and then be lazy when doing the work, or people will laugh at our poor manners."

The third uncle came back and whispered a few words of reminder, then hurried back to the yard to help with the arrangements. The banquet slowly ended, and several aunts and young wives worked together. Soon all the plates, bowls and chopsticks on the table were put into the big basin. Qin Huairu rolled up her sleeves and squatted beside the big basin, chatting and laughing with the young wives.

Liu Lan quickly stopped the young wives who were about to wash up, "No need to bother you, we will clean up together after we finish eating. Thank you all, our team leader is so lucky to have you as neighbors. The relationship in your courtyard is so good, it makes people feel comfortable."

The young wife of the Zhang family smiled and continued, "That's right. Among the several large courtyards near and far, our courtyard is the most harmonious. Sister, you have been tired for a long time. Go and eat quickly. This dish is really delicious. It is better than the ones we have in the New Year."

"That's right. Once it gets cold, the taste will change."

Isn't it hard? Liu Lan looked at the leftovers. The team leader had spent a lot of money this time. So many dishes, how much money did they cost, and the tickets were also quite expensive. A little wedding money was far from enough. The team leader suffered a big loss this time. She felt sorry for the team leader. Fortunately, these neighbors seemed to be okay.

Of course Sha Zhu didn't care about this. Since he had to keep a low profile outside, he might as well make it more formal in the yard. His idea was very simple.

After the wedding banquet, the kitchen helpers were still eating together. The two newlyweds had already helped the old lady to the new house to chat. The three old men were asking every household to take back their own stools, and the tables would be sent back soon.

"I say, Lao Yi, how come this Sha Zhu seems to be quite familiar with the factory manager? He even came to the house to give him calligraphy. This seems weird to me."

The second uncle's fat face was filled with indescribable confusion. He had gone through so much trouble to find Deputy Director Li, but in the end, he ran away to Hong Kong before he could even hold his hand tightly. Where did this silly Zhu get such good luck? It seemed that Director Yang treated him very well.

"You don't know this, right? Which factory leader in our factory hasn't eaten in the cafeteria? Zhuzi is always the chef. After one or two times, he's already familiar with it."

"Yes, that's how feelings are."

The second uncle seemed to understand a lot at once. This idiot Zhu was too sinister. He knew so many big leaders but never said anything. No wonder he was always resentful in the yard before. He either scolded people or started fighting. He was fearless because he knew the leaders. He was so stupid that he reported Xu Damao when he was instigated. Other people were fine, but he couldn't raise his head in the yard for half a year.

The third uncle had the same idea as the second uncle, and he also sighed when he returned home.

"Tell me, tell me, it's different when a big leader shows up. All three members of the Zhu family were seated, but each of them gave one yuan, which is considered a lot in the compound. When these two leaders gave, the director gave two yuan, and the factory director even gave a big red five." (See explanation below)

"Yeah, I didn't expect that Sha Zhu would be so lucky to marry a beautiful wife and even have a relationship with such a big leader. I really misjudged him before. Tsk tsk, there are really hidden dragons and crouching tigers in our yard. It's incredible."

Yan Jiefang agreed in a low voice. The third aunt looked at the three children, whose mouths were full of grease. Especially the third child, who came back and shouted that he was full and sleepy, and went to bed.

"Boss, this table of Sha Zhu's must have cost a lot. I estimate it's enough to cover the two tables our boss had at that time and still have some money left."

"I didn't realize that Sha Zhu is such a hidden talent. This time, we've really opened our eyes. I also heard Lao Yi say that we should keep it low-key and simple. If we don't keep it simple, I don't know how it will turn out. The wedding money I collected is less than 40 yuan in total. I estimate that he lost more than 10 yuan after organizing these tables. This table must cost at least 10 yuan."

The third uncle yawned and stretched his muscles. He was so tired from running around. "Never mind him. I am also a little tired. I need to take a nap. After the old ladies in the middle courtyard leave, remind me to send the gift money and wedding list over."

The third uncle was easily satisfied. He only paid one portion of the money and the whole family was fed, and that was it.

Yan Jiecheng's family in the backyard were also discussing the matter. Thanks to Sha Zhu, Yan Jiecheng, who had no chance to represent the Yan family, was eating the food brought back by Yu Li.

The third uncle's family all had lunch at the wedding banquet, except him, who did not sit at the table openly and was hungry. At that time, Sha Zhu watched the kitchen helper finish the remaining food, ignoring Liu Lan's objection.

"Ma Hua, it's a waste to leave these behind. My family can't finish all the leftovers. Pick some out and see who wants them and decorate them."

Yu Li thought that her man hadn't come, so she shamelessly packed a portion. Although there was basically no good food left, the vegetarian dishes tasted delicious. The man ate with relish.

"Sister, tell me, if I want to work in the steel mill now, is it too late?"

Sitting on the kang and chatting was the bridesmaid Yu Haitang. She and Yu Li were cousins ​​and had played together since childhood. She also came when Yu Li got married last time. This was her second time stepping into this yard.

"You're already interning at the Cultural Palace, so why are you thinking of going to the steel mill?"

Yu Haitang graduated from high school and went to college, and will be assigned a job this year.

"I've heard that the steel mill has good benefits, but my family doesn't have any connections, so I have no choice but to go to the Cultural Palace, right?"

Yu Haitang served as a bridesmaid today. Seeing that a cook could prepare such a sumptuous wedding banquet, and seeing that her classmate's cook brother seemed to have a good relationship with the factory director, her little thoughts suddenly came to life.

"This should be difficult. Besides, it's only a little over a month away from your assignment."

"Yes, it's basically set for the end of June."

"Then you have to hurry up. You don't want He Yuzhu to help you, do you?"

Yu Li glanced outside through the window. Their house was in the backyard, and the back window of Sha Zhu's main house was right outside the door.

"Well, I want Yu Shui to ask for me. Yu Shui and I have been classmates for many years and have a good relationship. She will definitely help me with this."

"I don't know much about He Yushui. She is rarely in the yard, and I don't have much contact with her. If you think you can do it, just hurry up. This He Yuzhu seems to be a very righteous person."

As he said this, he glanced again at the man who was eating leftovers, and when he saw that he didn't seem to be paying attention to this side, he turned his head.

"If that doesn't work, you can also look for Zhu Xuefeng in the front yard. He's not bad either. In my opinion, he's more capable than He Yuzhu. He helped my father-in-law with many things, and he also helped with your brother-in-law's promotion."

"Oh, there is such a thing..." Yu Haitang was a little surprised. The last time she came here, she knew that the family opposite her sister's in-laws' house was full of students. She didn't expect that a student would have such great abilities in the steel rolling mill.

"That guy surnamed Zhu looks pretty energetic. I always thought he just had good grades. I never thought he had this ability. Sister, how did you know?"

"Let me tell you, this is what your brother-in-law told me..." Yu Li briefly talked about Zhu Xuefeng's work at the steel mill, and Yu Haitang's eyes were full of stars.

"Sister, but I don't have any friendship with them, so I can't ask them. How about you take me there?" "Are you stupid? He Yushui's family and the Zhu family are like one family, so they are very close. You can ask He Yushui to ask his brother. If that doesn't work, ask her to ask Zhu Xuefeng. That will definitely work. I haven't even spoken to him a few words, so it's definitely not as effective as He Yushui's."

"Thank you, sister!" Yu Haitang excitedly waved her fist. What was originally out of reach now became a hope for her, and she really got some good luck.

"Oh, by the way, sister, I want to ask you something secretly, please don't tell anyone."

"What's the matter? Just ask. Why are you being so mysterious? Aren't you asking questions?"

"You said, that guy surnamed Zhu, who is good-looking and capable, is still a college student. He should not have a partner, right?"

Yu Li looked her cousin up and down, feeling a little sorry.

"Sister, you have become more and more beautiful these years. However, don't think about it. Xiao Zhu should have a girlfriend, who is his classmate and is also studying at Peking University. I'm going to say something that you may not like. There is someone prettier than you. You'd better give up on this idea."

"Sister, what are you talking about? Isn't it said that college students are not allowed to date?"

Yu Haitang was extremely disappointed when Yu Li exposed her secret. However, she still looked shy and pushed him away a few times before raising questions.

"Who knows? If you keep shaking, I won't pay attention to you."

"Then I'll go talk to Yu Shui. It will be a waste of time if I try to look for her brother when I return to school tomorrow."

"Well, this is the real business, go quickly." Yu Li also supported her sister to give it a try. The benefits of the steel mill in recent years have far surpassed those of other units, and those who want to enter the steel mill are scrambling to get in.

Yu Haitang got up from the kang, and when she passed by the main hall, she did not forget to greet Yan Jiecheng who had just finished his meal, "Brother-in-law, I'm leaving now."

"Oh, sister, you have to leave. Come and chat with your sister when you are free. I don't have time to spend time with her because I am at work. She always complains that she is bored."

"Okay, brother-in-law."

Watching Yu Haitang walk out the door and through the moon gate, Yan Jiecheng leaned against the bedroom door.

"Your sister is not a good person. She has only been to our hospital twice, but she wants to ask you to join our factory."

"Everyone wants to live a good life. She has a college degree, and your factory needs to recruit people now. What's wrong with her wanting to go?"

Yan Jiecheng glanced at the window of Sha Zhu's house in front of him, and heard some laughter and talking coming from inside from time to time.

"I don't know if it's wrong or not, but I do know one thing, your sister is very shrewd, you should take it easy, don't bring up every little thing in your family, as if we have taken advantage of the Zhu family."

Leaning his head over, he continued in a low voice. "Even without his help, I would have still been promoted to a regular employee when the time came. My dad always said that he asked Xiao Zhu for help, so I was promoted. He is my dad, and I can't say anything about him. Don't listen to my dad. He clearly used my quota to buy an electric car, but you still blame Xiao Zhu. He has been smart all his life, but now he is only in his fifties and he has become confused."

Yu Li rolled her eyes at him and said, "Don't learn from that guy in the Central Courtyard. You can learn from anyone else, but you have to learn from such an ungrateful person. You will be in trouble."

The two of them had been together for almost a year, and Yu Li knew Yan Jiecheng's temper and personality very well. She always felt that she was a high school graduate after all, and was considered knowledgeable in the factory, but she could not concentrate on studying, and her progress was very slow. She did not have much ability, but she was still a little arrogant in her bones.

"Okay, okay, I won't say anything more. I'm done. You wash the dishes while I go to the street to buy some mosquito coils. It's only May, and there are already so many mosquitoes."

"Hey, you have money in your pocket again, hurry up and give it to me, did your mother give it to you secretly?"

Yu Li was very troubled because she always had no money in her pocket. Even though they had already separated, she still had to go to her in-laws' house for meals. There was no other way. She had to hand over her husband's salary to the government, and they said she would have to pay for several more years. Life was too hard.

"My mom? My mom will give it to me. This was at the end of last year. I followed Lao Niu to do some work for someone. The person just paid Lao Niu a few days ago. He gave me 5.3 yuan and gave you 2 yuan. I still have a use for the rest, so I can't give it to you."

Yan Jiecheng took out two pieces, seeming a little reluctant. Finally, he sighed and handed them to Yu Li. Yu Li felt emotional and put them away silently.

"Be smart in the future. We will have to separate sooner or later. We can't live without money. Since you and Uncle Niu can do it once, you can do it twice. From now on, we will be in the backyard. Go to Uncle Niu's house more often to get closer and let Uncle Niu take care of you more."

Yu Li couldn't expect Yan Jiecheng's salary anymore, and there was no point getting anxious. Even though Yan Jiecheng was always muttering about his father's shortcomings, it was harder than climbing a mountain to ask his father for a salary to live on.

"Got it. I'm leaving now."

"Whenever we can live like Master He's family, I will be satisfied for the rest of my life."

When Yan Jiecheng was about to leave, he heard the resentment behind him and felt very upset. He could only pretend that he didn't hear it and quickly walked out of the Moon Gate.

Watching the man leave, Yu Li sighed. The man could just leave behind a bowl and a pair of chopsticks. His parents-in-law were considered hardworking. She didn't know who he took after. He was like this when they were dating before, running around and looking very efficient. But after a year of marriage, all the little problems have appeared.

It is said that poor couples have many sorrows. Yu Li has felt this this year. Without any source of income, she has to rely on her parents-in-law for everything. No matter how good Yu Li is at seeing things, there are times when she can't see them. Her mother-in-law doesn't say anything bad, but the way her father-in-law looks at her through the glass makes Yu Li a little cautious.

Sha Zhu didn't know that Lao Yang's visit had changed the neighbors' perception of him. He and Lou Xiao'e were accompanying the old lady, listening to her talk about the rules of being a daughter-in-law in a wealthy family in the past.

Sha Zhu felt bored listening, but when he looked at the energetic old lady and Lou Xiao'e who was listening attentively, and heard the bridesmaid in his sister's room whispering with his sister, he had to patiently listen to the old lady's chatter.

"Brother, brother, come here for a moment."

He Yushui's voice came from the lobby, and Sha Zhu took the opportunity to stand up.

"Grandpa, I'll go over there for a moment."

"Go ahead, go ahead. You are not needed here. It's fine for me to chat with Ezi."

The old lady didn't even raise her eyes to look at him, she just waved her hand to send him away, and Shazhu walked out the door with a shameless face and a smile.

"What's the matter?" He Yushui acted stealthily, making Sha Zhu suspicious.

"Come here, I'll tell you."

He Yushui pulled his brother over and whispered Yu Haitang's request into his ear without entering his room.

"That's all? Are you two close friends?"

"Of course not. We have been classmates since the first grade of junior high school. I had no one to play with before, and she has always been good to me. When I was in high school, sometimes you forgot to give me living expenses, and she helped me buy groceries and meals. You must help. I think this factory director treats you well."

When it comes to living expenses, Sha Zhu's face gets hot and he scratches his head. "I've never begged anyone before, so I don't know how to do that. How about this, I'll give it a try, but I can't say if it will work or not."

"As long as you have my brother's words, the rest depends on her luck. She is not unreasonable. I will go and tell her right away."

Yu Li was stunned on the kang in the backyard for a while. Thinking that her sister knew how to plan for herself, Yu Li slapped her thigh, got up from the kang, and thought that she was the real fool. Xiao Zhu seemed to have asked her about her work. Yu Li decided that she must find an opportunity to ask again. With Xiao Zhu's help, she always had a thought. If she could find a job, she would not have to follow her mother-in-law around every day. With income in her hands, she could live on.

Having made up her mind, Yu Li scooped up some water to wash the dishes, and hurried out the door, wanting to see if anyone had spoken about her sister's matter. (End of this chapter)