60s: I have a store

Chapter 462: A Hot Pot Meal Brings Closer Relationships

On the way back to Zhao Gang's home, the sound of the motorcycle engine was particularly loud on the quiet road.

Zhao Gang held Xiaomei tightly as he sat in the back seat, but his thoughts drifted back to the embarrassment he had experienced in the hospital.

When he thought of Zhou Yimin paying their medical expenses without hesitation, he was filled with gratitude and guilt.

I am grateful to Zhou Yimin for lending a helping hand to them when they were most helpless, but I also feel guilty that I am so powerless that I can't even afford my sister's medical expenses.

Soon, they returned to Zhao Gang's dilapidated home.

Zhou Yimin looked at the ramshackle house in front of him, and felt a pang of sadness in his heart. The walls were made of adobe, with wind blowing through the gaps, and the thatched roof was so sparse that it seemed like a gust of wind could blow it over.

Walking into the house, the dim light made it almost impossible to see anything. A few shabby pieces of furniture were placed crookedly, and the bedding on the bed was patched up, giving off a stale smell.

Zhou Yimin really couldn't bear to let Zhao Gang and his sister continue to live in such an environment, so he said, "Zhao Gang, I have a courtyard nearby with an empty house. Why don't you two move there first? The environment is better than here, and Xiaomei can take good care of herself."

When Zhao Gang heard this, his first reaction was to refuse.

He has already troubled Zhou Yimin too much, from helping to send him to the hospital to paying the medical bills, he doesn't know how to repay this kindness.

However, when he turned around and saw his sister leaning weakly on him, he swallowed the words back. He knew very well that his sister's current physical condition required a good environment for recuperation.

After hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth and thought: Anyway, I have gone through so much trouble, this little bit doesn't matter. The most I can do is work hard in the future and repay Zhou Yimin.

So he raised his head, eyes full of gratitude and said to Zhou Yimin: "Brother Zhou, thank you for your help. I will remember this favor."

Zhou Yimin smiled and waved his hand, indicating that Zhao Gang should not take it to heart.

Then, he led Zhao Gang and his sister toward his yard. Along the way, Zhao Gang had mixed feelings, with both anticipation for a new living environment and confusion about the future. He held his sister's hand tightly, as if this could give her strength.

When they arrived at Zhou Yimin's yard, Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu were busy packing things in the yard.

Zhou Dazhong is a simple and honest young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, and he always has a simple smile on his face.

Chow Tai Fook is a little thinner, but his eyes are full of cleverness.

When they saw Zhou Yimin coming in with two strangers, they all stood up curiously.

Zhou Yimin walked up to them and introduced them, "Dazhong, Dafu, this is Zhao Gang and his sister Xiaomei. Zhao Gang's family is in financial difficulty, so they will live with us from now on. We are all family from now on, so please take care of each other."

After hearing what happened to Zhao Gang, Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu were filled with heartache.

Zhou Dazhong scratched his head and said honestly: "Brother Zhao Gang, please don't be so formal. If you have any difficulties in the future, just tell me. We are colleagues and neighbors."

Zhou Dafu also nodded quickly and patted his chest to assure: "Sixteenth Uncle, we will definitely take good care of Zhao Gang and Xiaomei."

Zhou Yimin felt relieved after hearing Zhou Dafu's assurance. He turned to look at Xiaomei, only to see that she looked pale and frail, as if she could be blown down by a gust of wind.

He thought that Xiaomei needed nutrition, so he said to Zhao Gang, "Sit here for a while. I'll go home and get something."

After saying that, he hurried out, drove his motorcycle back home, grabbed some things and left.

After a while, Zhou Yimin came back with two bags of milk powder.

In that era of material scarcity, milk powder was a rare commodity and most people were reluctant to buy it.

When Zhao Gang saw such a valuable item, he refused without even thinking, "Brother Zhou, this is too valuable. I can't take it."

He didn't want the debt to grow bigger and bigger until it became so big that he would have no way to repay it.

Zhou Yimin said firmly, "Don't refuse. Xiaomei is weak now and needs these nutrients. Just accept them. Just consider it as a small token of my appreciation as your elder brother."

Under Zhou Yimin's insistence, Zhao Gang couldn't refuse and had to accept the milk powder, his eyes full of emotion.

Then Zhou Yimin said, "Dazhong, Dafu, you two go help Zhao Gang move."

Zhou Dazhong and the other man did not refuse and agreed immediately.

Even if Zhou Yimin didn't ask, they would still go to help, let alone if Zhou Yimin asked.

Next we started moving.

Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu helped enthusiastically. They first carefully moved the more valuable things in Zhao Gang's house to the yard, such as the wooden box with peeling paint. Although it was old and shabby, it contained precious memories of Zhao Gang and his sister.

Zhou Dazhong picked up the wooden box steadily with both hands and walked out with big strides, while Zhou Dafu helped hold it from behind, for fear that the wooden box would be bumped.

Then there are those worn-out pieces of furniture. Although they are already shabby, they are necessities of life for Zhao Gang.

Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu each lifted one end of the cart, shouted slogans, and worked together to move the furniture onto the borrowed cart.

Zhao Gang was also helping. Although he was still very weak, he didn't want to be just a bystander and wanted to do his part.

During the move, Zhou Dazhong comforted Zhao Gang from time to time: "Don't worry, brother, things will get better in the future."

Zhou Dafu also echoed: "That's right, we are here."

These warm words, like the warm sunshine in winter, shine into Zhao Gang's cold heart.

However, Zhou Yimin was directing from the side, carefully checking every item to make sure nothing was missed.

He would run over to help from time to time. His face was covered with sweat, but he didn't care. He just wanted Zhao Gang and his sister to settle down as soon as possible.

Although Xiaomei was weak, she also helped to organize some small items.

She watched everyone busy working for them, tears in her eyes. She knew that from today on, their lives would open a new page.

Originally, Zhou Yimin and his friends didn't want Xiaomei to work too hard, but Xiaomei still wanted to put in some effort for the move.

In the end, there was no choice but to follow Xiaomei's wishes, but they only arranged for her to do the lightest work.

When Xiaomei heard this arrangement, she also smiled brightly.

As time passed, it was already completely dark before I knew it. When I looked at the time, it was already past eight o'clock in the evening.

All the items had been moved. Zhao Gang looked at his new home with gratitude in his heart.

He looked at Zhou Yimin, Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu, bowed deeply and said, "Thank you. If it weren't for you, I really don't know what I would do."

Zhou Yimin quickly helped him up and said with a smile: "Don't be so formal, we are all friends and colleagues from now on."

Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu also came over and said that they would always ask for advice if they had any difficulties in the future.

A dim light was lit in the yard. Zhou Yimin looked up at the sky and saw that it was getting late. It seemed too late to cook now. Everyone was so hungry, so he said, "Da Zhong, Da Fu, you two, prepare the pot and wait for me. I'll go back to the yard to get some food. Let's have hot pot tonight!"

Zhou Dazhong and the others nodded to show that they understood. This was not the first time. Zhou Yimin would come over from time to time to improve the food.

After all, there are many people and eyes in the courtyard where we live. It would not be good if people saw us eating lavish food and fish often.

I was afraid that some jealous people would report me, but now that I have this private courtyard, I am not afraid anymore. If they want to improve their food, they can come here.

Soon, Zhou Yimin came over with a big bag of food. Considering Zhao Gang and Xiaomei's taste, he specially prepared a clear water base for the pot.

Zhou Yimin put the thing on the table, opened the bag, and the meat inside was revealed.

Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu didn't feel much about the meat. After all, Zhou Yimin would invite them to have hotpot from time to time, and they had developed "resistance" after doing it many times.

However, Zhao Gang and Xiaomei were so shocked by the scene before them that their eyes widened.

Zhao Gang stammered, "Brother Zhou, isn't there too much meat? It would be a waste if we can't finish it..."

Xiaomei also nodded vigorously, her eyes full of shock and anxiety.

For them, all this meat added up, they have never eaten so much since they were born.

When my father was alive, I could occasionally eat some meat. But since my parents passed away, meat has become a luxury and I can no longer afford it.

I usually do odd jobs, and the money I earn is just enough to make a living and buy medicine, and I can't afford meat at all.

Zhou Yimin looked at their reactions, feeling a pang of sadness in his heart. He smiled and said, "Don't worry, eat as much as you want. I'm going to let you eat as much as you can today."

As he spoke, he skillfully placed slices of meat on the plate, then took out various vegetables and arranged them neatly one by one.

Zhou Dazhong had already set up the pot. The water in the pot began to bubble and the hot steam rose, enveloping the entire yard in warmth.

Zhou Dafu was busy setting the table, muttering: "I haven't eaten hot pot for a long time, today's meal must be delicious."

Zhou Yimin put the chopped onion, ginger and garlic into the pot, and instantly, a fragrance spread.

Zhao Gang and Xiaomei took a deep breath. It was the long-lost aroma of meat that made them salivate with greed, but the frugal habits they had developed over the years still made them unable to let go.

Zhou Yimin noticed their reservedness and took a piece of meat, put it in the pot to rinse it, then took it out and put it in Zhao Gang's bowl, saying, "Try it and see if it suits your taste."

Zhao Gang looked at the meat in the bowl, his eyes slightly reddened, he raised his head, looked at Zhou Yimin gratefully, and then took a bite. The tender meat spread in his mouth, and the rich taste almost made him cry.

Xiaomei also followed her brother's example, carefully picking up a piece of meat and putting it into the pot.

Her hands trembled slightly, as if she was afraid that all this was a dream.

When she put the shabu-shabu meat into her mouth, a satisfied smile appeared on her face. It was the taste of happiness.

Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu were eating enthusiastically, and while eating they did not forget to introduce to Zhao Gang and Xiaomei how to eat various ingredients.

"Brother Zhao Gang, the tripe needs to be boiled up and down, so that it will be crispy and tender when boiled."

Zhou Dazhong said this and demonstrated it himself.

Zhou Dafu also added: "As for the mutton, blanch it in the pot for a while longer, and you can eat it when it changes color. It smells delicious."

Although they learned all these from Zhou Yimin, it did not prevent them from putting their knowledge into practice, or even using them to teach others.

After hearing Zhou Dafu's "teaching", Zhao Gang and Xiao Mei began to learn it in an accurate manner.

Zhou Yimin was also very happy when he saw this scene, especially when he saw the changes in Zhao Gang and Xiaomei.

Infected by everyone's enthusiasm, Zhao Gang and Xiaomei gradually relaxed and began to enjoy this sumptuous dinner.

Their faces were filled with smiles, and the previous gloom seemed to have been dispelled by the steaming hot pot.

As Zhao Gang was eating, he suddenly burst into tears and couldn't help saying, "Brother Zhou, I will never forget this meal. I never thought I could eat meat like this before. It feels like a dream."

Zhou Yimin smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, "There will be many more days like this in the future. As long as we work together, our lives will definitely get better and better."

Zhou Dafu also nodded and agreed: "That's right, from now on we are a family, we eat meat together and face difficulties together."

The soup in the pot was still boiling, and the aroma of meat and vegetables intertwined and filled the entire yard.

Under the dim light, everyone sat together, laughing and talking.

This hotpot not only filled everyone's stomach, but also warmed everyone's hearts.

Zhao Gang and Xiaomei felt unprecedented warmth on this cold night.

They knew that from today on, they were no longer two lonely people, they had a group of friends who treated them sincerely and a home full of love.

This hotpot meal has become a wonderful start for their new life, making them full of hope for the future.

As time went by, the food in the pot gradually disappeared and everyone's stomachs were full.

Zhou Yimin looked at the satisfied people and felt very pleased.

He knew that his small action not only helped Zhao Gang and Xiaomei, but also deepened the friendship in this courtyard, which would allow Zhao Gang and Xiaomei to integrate into this courtyard more quickly.

After dinner, everyone cleaned up the dishes together, and Zhou Dazhong and Zhou Dafu also helped to clean the kitchen.

Originally, Zhao Gang and Xiaomei were competing for this job, but were rejected by Zhou Dafu and Zhou Dazhong. Xiaomei had just finished seeing the doctor today and could not work hard, so she had to hurry back to the room to get the news.

Zhou Yimin also spoke up at this time: "That's right, just leave this job to the two of them."

After saying that, he took Zhao Gang and Xiaomei to their room.

Although the room was not big, it was clean and tidy, and the bed was made.

Zhou Yimin said to them: "You should have a good rest first, and tell me if you need anything."

"I'll go back first. Zhao Gang, ask Zhou Dazhong to take you to report tomorrow. I'll go back first too."

"Okay, Brother Zhou." Zhao Gang replied at this time.

Zhou Yimin waved his hand, left and went back home.

Zhao Gang and Xiao Mei were lying on the bed, looking at the strange yet warm room, their hearts were filled with emotion. They didn't expect to meet such a good person.
(End of this chapter)