Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 308 Two things

Lao Fan parked the car not far from the Dongdan vegetable market. After He Yuzhu and He Yuyan got out of the car, they said goodbye to Lao Fang and the others and went into the vegetable market.

The two brothers entered the market, and He Yuyan exclaimed in surprise, "Brother, why are there so many people!"

"Do you think it's still the time when you left?" He Yuzhu said.

"I didn't go to the market much back then; it was my mother and sister-in-law who went."

"Let's go and see what we have."

"it is good."

The two brothers strolled around the market. The market had a wide variety of goods, but many items still required ration coupons.

He Yuzhu took out some long-term vouchers from his spatial storage and tried them out. Surprisingly, they were still usable, so he bought some meat, eggs, seasonal vegetables, fish, and tofu.

People were curious because his tickets looked so new. You know, many tickets get blurry after being used for a long time. These aren't worth money; the workmanship isn't that good.

When they left the market, both brothers were carrying loads of goods. At the entrance, He Yuyan looked at the huge crowd and asked, "Brother, how do we get across?"

"With so many tricycles, just pick any one."

The two brothers hailed a tricycle, got on, and it took quite a while to get out of the Dongdan vegetable market area because there were just too many people.

When they arrived at the Wang family's house and knocked on the door, Zhao Shenglin was strolling around the yard with her child in her arms. When she saw what the two brothers were carrying, she came over to take it, saying, "Zhuzi, are you moving? Why did you buy so much?"

"I don't know how many people will be eating tonight. It's okay, you can save the extra for yourselves."

"It cost you money."

"You've spent so much on this little thing?" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Hey, Brother Zhu, you're a big boss now, that's something else," Zhao Shenglin joked.

"When I was in Beijing, did you eat less or something?" He Yuzhu teased.

"It happened so many years ago, why are you bringing it up again?" Zhao Shenglin said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Alright, let's just grab something quick for lunch. I'll cook you something nice when I get back tonight."

“I’ll come at noon!” Zhao Shenglin said.

"Let this kid do it at noon; he learned from my dad for a while." He Yuzhu left He Yuyan in the kitchen.

"Brother, what are you doing? You should at least tell me."

"Whatever you need, just keep it simple and see what you have in the kitchen."

"Alright," He Yuyan said helplessly.

At this moment, Zhao Shenglin's child woke up and started babbling. He Yuzhu said, "Is it a boy or a girl? I forgot to ask just now."

"Girl, my eldest and second eldest sons are already in school. Oh, I didn't ask, but Yaozu, Yaozong, and Ningxue have all grown up by now."

"That's right, Yaozu went to university, and the other two are going to high school soon."

"Time flies!" Zhao Shenglin exclaimed.

"Yes, it's been fifteen years in the blink of an eye."

"Are Uncle He, Aunt He, and the old lady all alright? And how are my sister Yushui's children?"

"It's all good, it's all good. Yu Shui still has a few children, and she's only been married for a few months."

"Oh no, she's so old already," Zhao Shenglin exclaimed in surprise.

"She didn't want to look for someone before, but when she wanted to, there weren't any suitable ones, so it's been dragged on until now."

"What about Sister Siyu? She's not married either, is she?" Zhao Shenglin asked.

"It happened in the second half of this year."

"I can't believe it. If this happened in Beijing, they'd probably have several kids by now."

“That’s true, but these two girls were in school for a few years,” He Yuzhu said.

"I'm so envious. There's nowhere to study here, but now I can. I've wasted so many years and I still can't pass the exam."

"Did you take the exam?"

"Yes, there was a big difference, so I gave up. Besides, I have children at home to take care of."

"By the way, what are Xingbang and Zhenhua doing now?"

"My eldest brother is still in the army. As for my second brother, can you guess?"

"Tell me first how well he's doing."

"It's okay."

"That kid won't take my place, will he?"

"You're amazing, you guessed it right away." Zhao Shenglin gave a thumbs up.

"That's a pretty fast promotion."

"Who can compare to you? He was still in the workshop when you left. But I really don't see what my second brother is capable of. Anyway, he just kept rising through the ranks."

"Hahaha, that's not much of a skill," He Yuzhu laughed.

After chatting for a while, they heard He Yuyan calling from outside, "Brother, Sister Shengli, dinner's ready!"

"Let's go and see what this kid has done."

"I'll feed the baby first, then I'll be right there."

"it is good."

He Yuyan was indeed quite efficient, simply ordering a bowl of noodles with soybean paste, but she did prepare quite a few side dishes.

"It smells alright!" He Yuzhu said.

"Brother, don't underestimate me. I learned this fried sauce making skill from our father."

"Then I must try it."

Where is Sister Shengli?

"I'm feeding the baby. He'll be out in a bit. Scramble the noodles a bit, don't embarrass yourself."

"it is good."

When Zhao Shenglin came over and smelled the aroma, she praised, "Yuyan, your cooking skills are amazing! It smells much better than what I make."

"Hehe, Sister Shengli, hurry up and eat, or the noodles will all clump together."

Why don't you eat first?

"Isn't this what we're waiting for, our master?" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"You're making me feel embarrassed. Let's eat."

After eating the noodles, Zhao Shenglin repeatedly praised He Yuyan for her excellent fried sauce.

After dinner, He Yuyan was asked to clean up. He Yuzhu borrowed the old master Wang's study and started writing and drawing. Although Zhao Shenglin was curious, she did not go in to disturb them. Instead, she put the child to sleep and started chatting with He Yuyan. She was genuinely curious about the outside world.

She had asked the right person. He Yuyan's trip to North America wasn't for nothing; during training, the instructors took them around to various different environments.

So whether it's Hong Kong, North America, or other places, this kid can always come up with something.

"I really envy you guys being able to travel around and see the world," Zhao Shengli said.

“Sister Shengli, you can do it too. Now that we can all come back, it proves that you can also go out into the world.”

"Hopefully!"

Around 4 p.m., He Yuzhu came out of the study and saw that the siblings were still chatting.

"What are you talking about? You seem so happy."

“It’s been over ten years, there’s so much to talk about,” Wang Shengli said.

"Alright, stop chatting. Yu Yan, I'll help wash the vegetables. It's time to cook," He Yuzhu said.

“I’ll do it,” Zhao Shenglin said.

"You should look after the child; this little task won't do you any good."

Then the two brothers went into the kitchen, and soon the sound of chopping could be heard from inside.

Holding her child, Zhao Shenglin watched the two brothers busy in the kitchen and felt it was all so unreal. "Is this still the big boss Dad talked about? No, this is still the same Brother Zhu he knows!"

Before five o'clock, the preparations were basically completed. The two brothers went out for a cup of tea and waited for their classmates to come home from school or get off work.

The children were the first to return: three in Zhao Zhenhua's family and two in Zhao Shenglin's family.

Zhao Shenglin explained that her second brother and sister-in-law didn't have time to cook for the children, so they usually ate dinner here. When her younger brother came back to help take care of the children, she would cook.

Before she took leave, whoever came back first cooked.

After greeting a group of uncles and aunts, the children received several red envelopes.

"Brother Zhu, what are you doing? My mom will start nagging me when she gets back."

"Consider it as making up for the children's New Year's money," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Hurry up and thank your Uncle He!" Zhao Shenglin could not persuade He Yuzhu, so she could only say to the children.

"Thank you, Uncle He!" the children said in unison.

"Alright, everyone go do your homework. There will be something delicious to eat tonight. You're not allowed to eat until you finish your homework," Zhao Shenglin shouted.

Then a group of children ran straight to the kitchen, looked around, and then dashed off to their usual homework spot.

People started returning after six o'clock. Wang Hongxia was the first to come back. She rushed home as soon as she got off work, and her bicycle chain almost sparked as she rode it.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, she called out, "Zhu Zi, Zhu Zi!"

"Aunt Xia!" He Yuzhu came out of the house. "It really is Zhuzi back!" Wang Hongxia took a few steps forward, grabbed He Yuzhu's hand, and looked him up and down.

He Yuzhu looked at Wang Hongxia, whose temples were graying, and said softly, "It's me, Aunt Xia!"

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" Wang Hongxia wiped her eyes with her hand and smiled.

"Mom, come inside and talk to my brother Zhu. Why are you standing in the yard?"

"Okay, okay, let's go inside and talk, let's go inside and talk." Wang Hongxia pulled He Yuzhu and walked into the house.

Upon entering the room, Wang Hongxia saw a young man standing there. She looked him up and down and asked, "Is this the third or the fourth son?"

"Aunt Xia, it's me, the fifth one, Yu Yan!!!" He Yu Yan said dejectedly.

"Yu Yan, you were so young back then, I really can't imagine what you'll be like when you grow up. You're a big young man now, do you have a girlfriend?"

"Hahahaha!" He Yuzhu and Zhao Shengli burst into laughter.

"Why does everyone ask me this?" He Yuyan said, annoyed.

"What do you mean?" Wang Hongxia asked, puzzled.

"Mom, ask him if he has a girlfriend!"

"Isn't this normal? Such an energetic young man, of course we should ask him." Wang Hongxia didn't think much of it.

Then Wang Hongxia started chatting with He Yuzhu about everyday things. Family members gradually returned, until the last person, Zhao Zhenhua, came back.

He Yuzhu chatted with him for a few words, and then went into the kitchen.

It wasn't that He Yuzhu didn't want to talk more; it was just that the guy was too reserved. Even though he was now the factory director, he was still a bit awkward around the old factory director, the one who had recruited him.

The sizzling sound of hot oil hitting the pan and the clanging of spatulas filled the kitchen, instantly spreading the aroma of cooking.

Wang Hongxia watched He Yuzhu's movements at the kitchen door, still as nimble as ever. She felt as if she were seeing the young man who had cooked for her more than ten years ago.

After a while, Zhao Shenglin came over and said, "Mom, what are you thinking about? You're lost in thought!"

"Hey, it reminds me of the first time your brother Zhuzi came to our house to cook! He wasn't even twenty yet, and you were just a little kid back then."

"Why don't I remember?"

"You're so shy you don't even dare to speak! You didn't even dare to take the candy from Brother Zhu!" Zhao Zhenhua's voice came.

"Really? You wouldn't even take candy if they offered it to you? Am I that stupid?"

"You're just scared and shy!"

In the kitchen, as the wok was being tossed and turned, several home-style dishes, such as Kung Pao Chicken, Braised Fish, Mapo Tofu, and Stir-fried Cabbage with Vinegar, were successively served, their aromas irresistible.

With He Yuzhu's shout, "The food is served!"

As everyone entered the kitchen one after another to carry the dishes to the dining room, the large octagonal table was soon filled with dishes, and the aroma filled the air. The children had already sped up their writing when He Yuzhu started cooking, and now they had all washed their hands and were sitting obediently at the table, drooling over the dishes.

After He Yuzhu finished making the last soup and put it on the table, he asked, "Why aren't you eating first? The food is getting cold!"

"With you, our guest, and the chef, not at the table, how dare we touch our chopsticks!" Wang Hongxia joked.

"I'll sit down at the table right away." He Yuzhu took off his apron and sat down next to Wang Hongxia.

The children all looked at Wang Hongxia expectantly. Wang Hongxia said, "Don't rush, everyone. We have to have a drink with Zhuzi first."

"Aunt Xia, I'd like to toast you!" He Yuzhu picked up the wine glass on the table and stood up.

"Sit down, why are you standing up?" Wang Hongxia tried to pull him up but couldn't budge him.

Seeing this, Wang Hongxia also stood up and said, "Let's go together!"

Then the Zhao siblings, He Yuyan, Zhao's daughter-in-law, and son-in-law also stood up and raised their glasses!
Everyone finished their drinks, and Wang Hongxia also drank half a glass in one gulp. She doesn't usually drink, but she was really happy today.

"Aunt Xia, the children are all waiting!"

Wang Hongxia laughed and picked up a piece of tofu, saying, "Alright, stop staring at it, you're all getting hungry!"

As soon as the children saw their grandmother (maternal grandmother) start eating, they picked up their chopsticks and went for the dishes they had already set their sights on.

Wang Hongxia took a bite of the Mapo Tofu in her bowl and exclaimed, "Zhu Zi, you haven't lost any of your skills! It's so delicious!"

“This thing can stay put anywhere, how can we lose it?” He Yuzhu said with a smile.

He Yuyan also took a bite of the food, then looked at his brother strangely. His brother had only cooked once a year in recent years, but how come his skills were still so good? His father always said that if you don't cook for a long time, you will lose your skills, but this statement was not reflected in his brother at all.

Few people talked during the meal, except when raising their glasses; everyone just ate.

"Pillar, don't be surprised, the country has only just started to recover."

"What's so bad about that? It was much worse back then. We were always hungry, and we sometimes had to eat one meal for three days straight."

"Yes."

After the meal, someone naturally took care of clearing away the dishes, and then Wang Hongxia prepared to chat with He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu said, "Aunt Xia, let's go to the study to talk about some serious matters first."

"Alright, Zhenhua, you and Yuyan can talk outside."

"Got it, Mom!"

Upon entering the study, He Yuzhu said, "Aunt Xia, besides visiting you, I have two other things I'd like to ask you for help with."

"Why be so polite with your Aunt Xia? Just say what you need to say," Wang Hongxia said.

"Firstly, it's about household registration. I heard that our household registration is still valid, so I'd like to ask if it's possible to reinstate it?"

"Did Lao Fang give you this information?" Wang Hongxia asked.

"Yes, otherwise I estimate I'll have to wait a while until the policy is relaxed a bit more before I come back."

Did you bring all the supporting documents?

"I have it with me, but I don't want too many people to know about this. You know I'm in a bit of a special situation now, and it could cause a lot of trouble in Hong Kong."

"I need to think about what to do. It's really difficult to keep it a secret."

"It's okay, if it really can't be done, then we won't do it. Don't make things too difficult for us."

“You kid, I can definitely get it done. It’s not like no one has done it before. Of course, their situations are different from yours. Who knew you’d become a Hong Kong tycoon? They didn’t ask for any secrecy.”

“He’s not a tycoon or anything, he’s just a businessman,” He Yuzhu said.

"Only you think that way. I bet those businessmen would love to grow their businesses to the same size as yours."

"The situation in Hong Kong is not that simple; being a tycoon comes with risks," He Yu said.

"Then why are you doing so well? In the end, it all comes down to your own abilities."

"Is your household registration only for you? What about your family?"

"Let them decide later. Let's handle Yu Yan's case as well. Oh, by the way, this kid wanted to join the army before. I wanted to ask if that's possible?"

"Joining the army? There's no precedent for that yet. I'll have to ask around. Is that the second thing?"

"No, the second thing is the house. The old lady wants to return to her roots, so she might want to go and take a look or stay for a few days."

Wang Hongxia nodded: "A few families did live in that house a few years ago, which can be considered as renting or managing it. Now, the policy has changed, and returning private property is the trend. Holding the property deed is the most solid legal ground. However, there are still some complicated issues regarding how to evict and compensate people. We have to take it slowly. We can't just let people move out all at once."

"No, we have to do what we have to do. There are also the other houses in No. 95 courtyard. I want to ask if we can buy them all back, since that courtyard used to be the old lady's private property."

"This is probably even more difficult. Don't you know what kind of people live inside?"

"It's actually very simple, Aunt Xia, it's just a matter of money."

"That's true."

"I also have a few other courtyards, but they are all single-courtyard houses."

"Do you still have the property deeds?"

"Yes, but they are all old deeds from before Liberation, I don't know if they'll still be valid."

"It will work as long as no new registrations are added," Wang Hongxia said.

"That's good, I brought them all this time."

"Don't rush into the house. Let's wait until the household registration is settled. Otherwise, who will you transfer the property to?"

"know."

"Don't tell anyone else about this, not even Zhenhua or Shengli."

"clear."

"Is there anything else? If not, you can leave now."

"That's all. Let's go. I think Zhenhua is getting impatient."

"Him? Why does he need to see you?"

“If he were working elsewhere, it would be hard to say, but he’s the factory manager of the Beijing Automobile Factory, so that’s for sure,” He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Oh, what is it? It doesn't involve your past, does it?"

"No, they just went abroad to buy technology from other countries, and coincidentally, I acquired that technology a few years ago. They had no choice but to beg me!" He Yuzhu laughed.

"So that's what happened. You two should have a good talk later. Don't worry about his feelings. Let's keep things separate. Don't let yourself be taken advantage of. This is a long-term issue, not just a disaster relief effort."

"understand!"

As expected, Zhao Zhenhua was waiting in the living room when He Yuzhu came out. He immediately stood up, looking somewhat anxious.

"Brother Zhu, are you done with work?"

"Yeah, I chatted with your mom about some family matters." He Yuzhu smiled and patted his shoulder. "What, were you waiting for me? Something up?"

Zhao Zhenhua rubbed his hands together: "There are some things at the factory that I'd like to ask you for advice on. How about we go to the yard to talk? It's a bit stuffy inside."

(End of this chapter)