Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 205 Father, Daughter, Siblings Reunite
"This is the old man's skill. Our restaurant is still able to stay afloat thanks in large part to him." Ah Lang gave a thumbs up.

"Is Shandong cuisine popular here?"

"You don't know, there are many people from Shandong here, the largest group being the water police."

"Water Police?"

"Yes, they can also be called the Coast Guard, which is responsible for suppressing pirates and such."

"Oh."

“Madam, the young master, and the young lady are all doing well. Madam was going to go out to work, but I stopped her. I told her that you instructed her not to go out to work and to wait for you to come back.”

"Ah."

“The others are all in school now, in middle school, but your sister didn’t get into university this year.”

"I understand. If you don't pass the exam, just keep studying. We'll talk about it if you really can't pass."

"The old lady, your mother, and Ms. Wang are all doing well."

"That's good."

“They’re all at home now. When things got chaotic outside, Ah Feng and I took some people and sent them all back to the villa. Ah Feng is keeping watch over there. I was worried you wouldn’t be able to find the place, so I didn’t wait here.”

"Thank you for your hard work."

"It's not hard."

"By the way, let's put aside the matter of gathering information for now. It's so chaotic outside right now, let's wait until things are a bit more stable before we talk about it."

"Ok."

The car drove up to the villa's courtyard wall, and Ah Lang peeked out. The door was immediately opened from the inside, and the car quickly closed the gate after entering.

He Yuzhu glanced through the car window; the security guards at the entrance all had weapons strapped to their sides.

"Are these people at the gate from our own company?"

"No, that's a security company we hired. We can't carry guns openly."

"understood."

The car stopped in front of the villa, and He Yuzhu got out. He was immediately seen by He Yuyao, who was playing in the lobby.

"My older brother is back! My older brother is back!"

"Brother."

"Brother."

"dad."

Several teenagers ran out from inside, followed by two tagalongs: He Yuyan, who ran a little slower, and He Yaozu, who staggered along.

He Yuzhu walked quickly forward, dodging several younger brothers who wanted to hug him, and then picked up He Yaozu in a hug.

"Son, do you miss your dad?"

"Yes, Mom wants to too."

"Good boy." He Yuzhu took a big bite.

"Zhu Zi, you've finally arrived! Why did it take you so long? Did something happen on the way?" Chen Lanxiang's voice came from the second floor.

"Mother, I took the land route, which caused a slight delay, but the journey was fine."

"Why didn't you come with us? You made everyone worry about you."

"But there are still things that haven't been finished, right?"

"Is it all done now?"

"It's dealt with."

"He Daqing, your son is back. What are you still doing inside?"

"Here I am, here I am." He Daqing looked like he had just woken up.

"You fell asleep again?"

"Hey, I've been staying at home so long I'm practically growing mold. I'll just drift off to sleep in a bit."

"Zhu Zi, Zhu Zi, Madam is so afraid she won't see you again." The old lady's voice came over, her voice not as strong as before, because she had been sick when she came over, but she told no one in the family to tell He Yuzhu.

"Madam, I'm doing well. Are you settling in well here?"

"I'm used to it, how could I not be? Having someone to take care of me reminds me of when I was young. It's just a bit hot," the old lady joked.

"Brother Zhu, Big Brother." At this moment, Xiaoman and He Yushui each carried a baby out of the master bedroom. The two babies looked pitiful, as if they had been forcibly turned on.

"Hey, Xiaoman, I'm here."

"Big brother, what about me? Why are you ignoring me and treating me differently?"

"You couldn't even get into college, and you still have the nerve to greet me?"

"Sister-in-law, my brother is bullying me again."

"Alright, alright, let's all go to the living room to chat." The old lady spoke up, and He Daqing hurriedly went over to help her downstairs.

The family was finally reunited, which was a happy occasion. After chatting for a few minutes, He Daqing took his third and fourth sons to prepare for the family dinner.

He also said that He Yuzhu can now taste authentic Tan family cuisine, and that there is plenty of fresh seafood here. He Daqing has begun to slowly revive Tan family cuisine, which must have been abandoned for a long time.

When He Daqing was the head chef at a restaurant a while ago, he found the feeling of his youth again. But when he went to the steel rolling mill, he was cooking the same few dishes over and over again, and he felt that his cooking skills were almost ruined.

Wang Cuiping didn't say anything, just kept looking at He Yuzhu. Although He Yuzhu spoke casually, she always felt that this guy had done something in China.

She wasn't going to ask any more questions. Since she'd already come out, what was the point of asking?

Ah Lang had already left while the family was chatting. Instead of returning to the previous place, he chatted with Ah Feng, who was guarding the area, to see if there was anything else that needed attention and whether security needed to be strengthened.

In fact, they both knew in their hearts that the boss was back. What was the point of security? Those thugs were no match for them. They thought that even the Hong Kong Marine Police, who were known as the most powerful police force in Hong Kong, would be helpless against them.

The dinner was very lavish, and the He family had clearly gotten used to this kind of life after these past few months.

You know, when they first arrived, they were completely bewildered by the ingredients that Ah Lang and the others brought, especially the variety of leafy greens. Where in the north do you find these in winter? Even when they occasionally ate something at home, they didn't know where He Yuzhu got it from. Later, the tomatoes they ate were all made into tomato sauce.

He Daqing thoroughly enjoyed his first meal, and the children were all groaning and clutching their stomachs. They had never seen so many dishes on the table before.

Ah Lang even said that it's not the right season, otherwise the food would be even more plentiful.

Sure enough, after the New Year, the variety of dishes increased, with seafood, meat, and fish being delivered in different ways.

He Daqing went to the market a few times afterward and grew to like it because the market helped him prepare the ingredients.

Upon learning that Xiaoman didn't have enough breast milk, Alang brought her a box of milk powder and said he would buy more if she still needed it.

This made Lao He's family fully realize the difference between Hong Kong and Beijing. Here, money is everything, but in Beijing, money alone is not enough. You either need tickets or connections, otherwise, how could you possibly buy scarce goods?

When things were peaceful outside, He Daqing used to praise the restaurant every day. But now that things are chaotic, the restaurant has lost business. When He Daqing came back, he started complaining, and when the children weren't around, he would even curse his mother.

As for the reason for the chaos, he couldn't understand it at all. It was just that the price of the boat tickets had increased a little. Where in the country would they dare to do this? The government could raise prices if it wanted to, and lower prices if it wanted to.

This also made him and the He family realize the difference between Hong Kong and the mainland.

He Yuzhu wouldn't tell them any of this. Since they were already there, they might as well make the best of it and talk about it again in ten years or so.

After the meal, the old lady and Chen Lanxiang asked about Grandpa He Yuzhu. He Yuzhu said, "Madam, Mother, you didn't ask Alang to take you."

"No, we still think it would be best to wait for you to come back and go together. We've waited for so many years, a little more time won't make a difference."

"Then I'll go pick up Grandpa and Uncle tomorrow."

"How about we do it later? It's so chaotic outside," Chen Lanxiang said.

"It's nothing, they're just street thugs."

“Alright then, bring your grandfather’s luggage with you when you go, so he can stay here,” Chen Lanxiang said.

"That's not up to me to decide; let's see what Grandpa and my uncles have to say."

"Alright, Lanxiang, stop making things difficult for Zhuzi. I'm living with my daughter, and others can still complain."

"Grandma, let whoever wants to choose can choose. I haven't seen my father for decades. If they're not happy, let them talk to my son and see if he'll agree."

He Yuzhu was taken aback: "Shouldn't I be the one talking to you? How did it become me?"

"What, you're not even willing to help your mother with a small matter?"

"No, no," He Yuzhu hurriedly replied.

Back in his bedroom that evening, He Yuzhu smiled as he looked at the three small beds side by side next to the large bed.

I walked to the crib, looked at my son and then at my daughter, I just couldn't get enough of looking at them.

"Brother Zhu, you're not going back this time either, are you?"

"We're not going back; we're going to be living here for a long time."

"Can we still go back?"

"What's wrong, homesick?"

"I miss the old house, and I miss my colleagues."

"So you've been idle at home all this time? Aren't these little ones enough to keep you busy?"

"If this were in Beijing, I wouldn't need to go to work."

"Let's wait a while. He's still a bit bigger, and it'll be safer outside."

"I'll listen to you, Brother Zhu."

"Are these little guys all well-behaved?"

“A-Zu is a bit naughty now, but he’s quite well-behaved when he’s with his uncle and aunt, especially when he’s with his little brother, who is still young.”

"They are the youngest in age, so I guess the older kids like to play with him."

"Hehe, that's really true. Ah Lang even brought a lot of toys, and these two kids are having a blast playing with them."

"Of course, I've never seen it before."

"You didn't see how Yuxin and Yuyao cried so hard when they came back and started fighting over the toys. In the end, all the others got a beating from our mother with a feather duster."

"They deserve it. How old are they to still be fighting with younger people? And one of them is their nephew."

"Brother Zhu, I miss you."

"I miss you too. Let's rest."

"Okay." The next day, before leaving home, He Yuzhu went to see Wang Cuiping and left her two M1 pistols, just in case. Wang Cuiping didn't ask him where he got them; it was too easy to get guns here. Most of the bodyguards living in the courtyard had guns.

He Yuzhu drove off. Afeng and Alang wanted to come along, but He Yuzhu refused. He said that he was enough in the car, and the family needed more help.

When He Yuzhu arrived at the martial arts school, he saw that the school was closed. After getting out of the car, he walked to the door and started knocking.

No one answered from inside the door, but He Yuzhu heard footsteps. The footsteps stopped inside the door, so the person must have been peeking out through the crack in the door.

Then, the door opened.

"Zhu Zi, what brings you here? It's so chaotic outside, why are you out on the street?" It was my second uncle who opened the door, carrying a sword in his hand.

"Second Uncle, where is my maternal grandfather?"

"They're upstairs. When did you arrive in Hong Kong?"

It arrived yesterday.

Did you drive that car outside?

"Ah."

"Go upstairs and talk to your grandpa. I'll watch the car for you."

"No need, I didn't see anyone outside when I came over."

"You'd better keep an eye on it. You borrowed this car, right? If it gets scratched or bumped, you'll have to pay for it."

"Okay, I'll go see my grandpa."

"it is good."

He Yuzhu went upstairs and knocked on Old Master Chen's door.

The old man was taken aback when he saw that it was his eldest grandson who came in, and then said, "Zhu Zi, what brings you here at this time?"

"Grandpa, I've come to pick you up!"

"Pick me up? Where to?"

"Go to my house."

"Your home, in Beijing?"

"No, my home in Hong Kong."

"When did you settle down in Hong Kong? Why didn't you tell me? I could have brought your uncle and the others to celebrate your new home."

"Cai'an, that's why I've come to pick you up and take you over for a visit."

"Okay, old man, I'll go see my grandson's new home."

"Please bring a few changes of clothes and stay with me for a few days."

Is it convenient? Will it interfere with your other activities?

"how could be."

"Okay, I'll bring two sets."

"Then I'll go tell my second uncle and ask him to come along too."

"He shouldn't go. He still needs to watch over the martial arts school and the pharmacy. Several places outside have been vandalized."

"This whole street is lined with martial arts schools, who would dare to cause trouble here?"

"Don't even mention it. People might throw something on the door, throw a stone or break a window, and you can't find them anywhere once you step outside."

"It doesn't really matter whether there are people around or not."

"Having someone is better than having no one."

“Let’s go together, it’ll be good for us to get acquainted. Let’s invite my second aunt too, it’s not safe for her to stay home alone. I drove here.”

"Alright then." Old Master Chen was persuaded.

When the old man was talking to his son, He Yuzhu's second uncle was also going to bring some things. How could you go empty-handed when you were heating the house and tending the stove? But where could you find suitable things for him?

In the end, my second uncle managed to get a 20-year-old wild ginseng root, put it in a box, and my second aunt's eyes practically pierced with daggers.

The old man even said, "It's alright, I'll get the rest later. Let's go see my grandson's new house."

As the car drove along, Grandpa Chen kept looking outside and muttering, "Everything was fine, why is it all messed up again?"

My second aunt complained quietly that there was no income at all.

Her second uncle glared at her fiercely, and she finally shut up.

When the car arrived near the villa area, the second uncle noticed something was wrong and asked, "Zhu Zi, did you drive to the wrong place? This is not where we are."

"No, we'll be there soon."

"You live here?"

"correct."

“It’s their ability to live here. Just because you don’t have that ability doesn’t mean your nephew can’t have it!” Old Master Chen said with dissatisfaction.

"No, Dad, I was just asking."

"Humph."

However, the second aunt looked at He Yuzhu, who was driving, with a hopeful expression.

When they arrived at the villa gate, He Yuzhu honked the horn twice. The people inside recognized the car and respectfully stood at the door to welcome it in before opening the gate themselves.

The people who had been waiting in the living room all walked out of the villa when they heard the horn.

The old man sat in the front seat, and as he looked out the car window at the large family that had come out, his hands began to tremble, and two streams of tears flowed down his cheeks.

"Zhu Zi, your whole family has come to Hong Kong?" Second Uncle exclaimed in surprise from the back row.

"Okay, let's get out of the car." He Yuzhu parked the car, got out first, and then went to his grandfather's side to open the car door.

The old man was practically carried out by him, as he was completely weak and tears kept streaming down his face.

"Sister, I'm so glad to finally see you," Grandpa Chen said, his voice choked with emotion.

"Ji Kai." The old lady cried even harder.

However, someone cried even harder than her. A mournful cry of "Father!" made Old Man Chen, who was being supported by He Yuzhu, tremble violently.

"Lanxiang, my daughter, your father has finally seen you."

"Dad, waah!" Chen Lanxiang threw herself into Old Master Chen's arms like a child. If He Yuzhu hadn't pulled her back, the father and daughter would have fallen to the ground.

"Good child, good child, you've suffered so much." Old Master Chen gently stroked Chen Lanxiang's back with his trembling hand.

The He family children were all bewildered. They looked at their mother, then at Grandpa Chen, then at the old lady, and then at He Daqing. Seeing that their father had the same expression as them, the children finally turned their gaze to their eldest brother, He Yuzhu, waiting for him to explain.

"Ahem, this is our maternal grandfather, and behind him are our second maternal uncle and aunt."

"Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt." The He family still had all the proper family manners.

"Why didn't you tell me about something this big sooner?" Second Uncle Chen Haokun was still in shock.

"Will there be any surprises after I tell you?"

"I think it's more like a shock. Luckily, your maternal grandfather and your great-aunt are both in good health, otherwise, what would you have done?"

Meanwhile, the father and daughter had almost finished crying in each other's arms. The old man, leaning on his cane, walked quickly toward the old woman. The siblings looked at each other for a long time, their four hands tightly clasped together.

Chen Lanxiang was a little embarrassed. She had been in the mood and had shown her girlish side in front of her children.

"Lanxiang, do you still remember me? I'm your second brother. When we were little, I used to take you to raid bird nests and catch fish every day." Someone came to her rescue.

"I remember, I remember, how could I not remember? You always gave me the best food, Second Brother."

"Let me introduce you. This is your brother-in-law, He Daqing; this is your niece, He Yushui; this is your third nephew, He Yuxin; your fourth nephew, He Yuyao; your youngest nephew, He Yuyan; and this is your eldest nephew's wife, Qiao Lingyi. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I don't need to introduce the eldest one, do I?"

"No need, no need, I know Zhuzi very well. This is your second sister-in-law, Han Hailian."

"Hello, second sister-in-law."

"Hello, little sister."

"Come inside and sit down, don't stand outside," the old lady said, as she was the eldest among them.

Then He Yushui helped the old lady, and He Yuzhu ran over to help Old Master Chen into the living room.

Then came a long reminiscing session, from the Republic of China era to the War of Resistance against Japan, from the War of Resistance to the Liberation, and from the Liberation to the present. The old lady and her family did not say that they had arrived long ago, but only that they had arrived a few days ago. It must have been arranged when He Yuzhu went to pick them up.

During this time, the old lady and Chen Lanxiang soaked their handkerchiefs several times, and the old man Chen wasn't much better off.

After chatting for a while, He Daqing, the prospective son-in-law, couldn't sit still anymore. Old Master Chen, on the other hand, was quite polite to him.

But Chen Haokun was different. The old man kept staring at him with a look of disgust on his face. The meaning couldn't be clearer: "My sister is so beautiful, how could she have married such an ugly guy like you? At least my nephew and niece didn't grow up to be ugly."

He Daqing felt really awkward being stared at by Chen Haokun, so he directly asked He Yuzhu to cook. He Yuxin and He Yuyao were left out in this situation.

Upon entering the kitchen, He Yuzhu teased, "Dad, your second brother-in-law practices martial arts and runs a martial arts school, Tai Chi, you know!"

"You make it sound like I'm afraid of him." He Daqing felt a little guilty. He hadn't practiced his kung fu since He Yuzhu came back from the peninsula. He had relaxed and become lax. Now he only had ten fancy moves and a bit of strength, which he got from swinging a big ladle all year round.

"Why don't you two have a contest after you've eaten?"

"You brat, how old are you? Still making fun of your dad? Do you want to see me make a fool of myself or something?" He Daqing slapped him across the neck.

"Why did you hit my nephew?" Chen Haokun's voice suddenly rang out from behind the two of them.

"My son and I were just joking around, Uncle, what brings you in?"

"Hmph, my sister says her husband is a great cook, and they rely on him to support the family. I've come in to see just how great he is!"

"Just you wait and see, my father has some special skills. Back in the day, you couldn't get a job without being an official of at least the sixth rank."

"real or fake."

"Would I lie to you? Have you ever heard of Tan Family Cuisine?"

"I think there are some in Hong Kong, but I've never been there. I heard they're very expensive."

"Then you're in for a treat today, aren't you, Dad?"

"Hmm," He Daqing responded listlessly.

　Thank you to readers Sangeng, Book10096, and 2023110481_ac for the generous donations!

　　I'll be writing about Hong Kong stories for a while now, so I'll try my best!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)