1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Why did Chapter 302 fast-forward to the part about meeting relatives? (Bonus chapter for 1485 monthly votes)

Xia Yao wore a white short cotton jacket with Chinese knot buttons today, with elegant embroidery on the jacket. She paired it with a simple but draped and textured gray midi skirt. Her long black hair was styled in an updo with a peach wood hairpin.

She was carrying a small green purse and stood downstairs at the dormitory building. At first glance, she looked like a young lady from a scholarly family during the Republic of China era.

Passersby couldn't help but take a second look.

So elegant.

She wasn't the kind of rich heiress who was adorned with jewels, but rather someone who looked very scholarly, like a lady who had read a lot of poetry and books.

"She's so pretty! Which workshop is she from?"

"She looks like a fairy. I wish I had her figure. She would look beautiful in anything."

"Xia Yao, you have no idea. She's an intern in the marketing department who's only been here for less than a month. She's a college student from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, and I heard she's Director Lin's niece. She just closed a big deal with a Hong Kong businessman a couple of days ago. She's really impressive."

"Is she the one who's rumored to be dating Zhou Yan? I think Zhou Yan saved her before."

"Really? Zhou Yan is my ideal man! I've liked him ever since he started getting food at the cafeteria!"

The female workers gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves. Their gazes toward Xia Yao held a mixture of admiration and envy, but mostly, a sense of gossip.

Zhou Yan's bicycle slowly stopped beside Xia Yao, and he was also impressed by her outfit today.

"Wow! Sister Yao Yao, you look so beautiful today!" Zhou Momo exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

"Is that so?" Xia Yao smiled sweetly, but her gaze was fixed on Zhou Yan.

"Yes, very elegant and charming." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile.

"Thank you, you look very refreshed and handsome today." Xia Yao's smile became even sweeter as she helped herself to the back seat.

"Hold on tight," Zhou Yan reminded him, then got on his bicycle and rode off.

Fortunately, he had loaded all the vegetables onto Old Zhou's car. He had taken apart the two bamboo baskets and even washed the car in the morning, so Xia Yao's clothes were worth it.

"Holy crap! They really are a couple? My heart is broken..."

"Never mind, sister, the next one will be even better."

"They're such a perfect match. One's handsome and has a great physique, and the other's beautiful and well-dressed. Watching them ride away on their bikes is like watching a movie."

"Stop talking, what you're saying hurts me even more. If I sit in the back, will I be treated like a monkey?"

The female workers stared at the scene with wide, round eyes.

It's not unusual for workers to fall in love; quite a few textile factory workers have gotten married.

But recently, Zhou Yan's restaurant has become so popular that many female employees are captivated by his image as a handsome, good cook, and wealthy man who is also good at making money.

Xia Yao is not only beautiful, but also has excellent taste in clothing. The beauty of the female textile workers is usually hidden by their factory uniforms, but Xia Yao, as an intern, doesn't have to wear a factory uniform. Now, many people say she is the factory's most beautiful girl.

Many people are saying they're dating, and they go running together every night; the girls in the single dorms have all seen them.

They went bike riding together this weekend, so isn't that proof enough?

"Ride slowly, don't get too close, give the young man some space." Aunt Zhao sat on the back of Lao Zhou's bicycle, looking at the bicycle in front of her, her smile revealing pride: "This kid isn't too stupid, much better than you were when you were young. Yao Yao is a really good girl, not only is she beautiful, but she's also very poised."

"Okay." Comrade Zhou also had a smile on his face.

"Zhou Yan, is it really inappropriate for me to go with you?" Xia Yao asked, sitting in the back row, still a little worried.

"What's the big deal? I won't even mention Ming-ge. I'm quite familiar with Mr. Song Changhe and Teacher Song. I told them I brought a friend over to see, and they won't object," Zhou Yan said with a smile, trying to reassure them. "If you really feel embarrassed, I'll just say you're my hired helper, and you're here today to tend the fire for me."

"Huh?" Xia Yao was stunned. She looked down at the clothes she had carefully chosen and said softly, "Then... then okay, I'll light the fire for you, so I won't be considered to be eating for free."

"Just kidding. You're all dressed up so elegantly today, how could I let you be a cook?" Zhou Yan laughed. "I brought a copy of Zhou Momo's sketchbook with me. You can just say you're a painter here to gather inspiration, and Teacher Song will definitely understand."

"You're such a kind person." Xia Yao was a little touched.

Zhou Yan smiled after receiving the "good guy" card. "Fine, being a good guy isn't so bad."

Zhou Yan wanted to make braised meat, so they arrived at the Song family's house at nine o'clock.

The Song family's gate was open, and Zhou Ming and Song Wanqing were standing at the entrance.

Zhou Ming was wearing a black martial arts uniform with gold thread embroidered on the collar and sleeves, while Song Wanqing was wearing a white martial arts uniform with her hair tied in a high ponytail, looking quite heroic.

The two stood at the doorway, looking like a senior and junior brother and sister.

Upon seeing Zhou Yan and his group arrive, Song Wanqing's eyes lit up, and she quickly asked in a low voice, "Teacher Zhou! Who's that beautiful girl in the back seat of Zhou Yan's car? She's so pretty! Is she Zhou Yan's girlfriend?"

Zhou Ming glanced at Xia Yao and explained, "Oh, that's Zhou Yan's friend, not his girlfriend. I saw her last time when he brought her some braised vegetables. They seem to run together often."

Upon hearing this, Song Wanqing sighed. Teacher Zhou was truly hopeless. From bringing braised food to running together, he even brought her along to this occasion. Could this be just an ordinary friend?

Not everyone is like Teacher Zhou.

and many more……

Song Wanqing looked at Zhou Yan, who stood ramrod straight with an upright expression.

I started to have some doubts.

Could it be... that he's that kind of person too?

Never mind, I'll talk to that girl later.

Such a beautiful young lady, I should get to know her; who knows, we might even become sisters-in-law someday.

Zhou Yan applied the brakes and stopped in front of the Song family's house.

"Mingguo! Teacher Song!" Zhou Momo greeted.

"Oh, Momo is such a good girl," Song Wanqing replied with a smile.

"Are we not too late?" Zhou Yan asked, noticing that the courtyard was already quite lively.

Zhou Ming smiled and replied, "No, the ceremony doesn't start until ten o'clock, but my master's friends, as well as my grandmother and uncle, are here. They're having tea and chatting in the courtyard right now."

Xia Yao got out of the car and stood next to Zhou Yan, carrying a small bag and smiling.

"Zhou Yan, who is this beautiful lady?" Song Wanqing asked.

“This is my friend Xia Yao, an excellent painter and designer. She is very interested in the traditional martial arts master-apprentice system, so I invited her to come and witness my cousin Zhou Ming becoming an apprentice.” Zhou Yan introduced with a smile, “This is my cousin Zhou Ming, and this is Teacher Song Wanqing. They are both teachers at Jiaozhou No. 1 Middle School.”

Xia Yao looked at the two of them and said with a smile, "Teacher Zhou, Teacher Song, hello, I am Xia Yao. I hope my visit today will not cause you any trouble."

"How could it be a bother? We're so happy you could come." Song Wanqing stepped forward with a smile, looking at her with a beaming smile: "Xia Yao, your name is so beautiful, and you're so pretty too. This outfit suits your temperament perfectly, so elegant and ethereal."

Xia Yao looked at Song Wanqing with sparkling eyes: "Sister Wanqing, the martial arts outfit you wore today is so heroic and elegant, but your face is so beautiful and charming, just like my image of a female knight-errant." Song Wanqing smiled from ear to ear and nudged Zhou Ming with her elbow: "Learn from this, see how she praises me."

This girl is so good at talking. Not only is she beautiful, but she also speaks and acts with great poise.

But what's wrong with Zhou Yan this time?
friend?

Do you really consider them friends?

From the moment Xia Yao stood next to him, she subconsciously moved closer to him, and she would glance at Zhou Yan from time to time while speaking. All these subtle expressions indicated that Xia Yao's feelings for him were clearly more than just friendship.

I'm truly impressed by these two brothers.

Comrade Zhou arrived at a leisurely pace, driving Aunt Zhao along.

Zhou Yan had already parked the car, and together with Comrade Lao Zhou, they carried two baskets full of vegetables into the yard.

Xia Yao didn't need him to worry. Song Wanqing and she hit it off immediately and were already chatting enthusiastically, holding hands.

Zhou Momo jumped and skipped around her two older sisters, looking very pleased with herself.

Three tables were set up in the courtyard near the kitchen, with tea and melon seeds served, and a group of people were chatting enthusiastically.

Upon seeing Zhou Yan and the others enter, Song Changhe stood up and stepped forward with a smile: "Zhou Yan, you've arrived."

"Mr. Song, the braised meat took a little longer than expected, so we're a bit late." Zhou Yan smiled and nodded, introducing Aunt Zhao and Comrade Zhou to the old man.

Before he could introduce Xia Yao, Song Wanqing had already taken Xia Yao's hand and introduced her to Song Changhe: "Grandpa, this is Xia Yao, a friend of mine and Zhou Yan's. She is an excellent painter, and I invited her to attend the ceremony."

Song Changhe looked at Xia Yao and said with a smile, "Painters are good. They are artists, unlike us crude warriors who wield swords and spears."

Xia Yao looked at Song Changhe respectfully and said, "You are too modest, sir. I have heard Zhou Yan say that you are the inheritor of the Emei Spear, a generation of spear king, and a hero of the War of Resistance against Japan. You have killed countless enemies on the battlefield and have been awarded the first-class merit many times."

"That's nothing. Killing Japanese devils is what I have to do." Song Changhe waved his hand dismissively and said with a smile, "If the Japanese are honest, that's fine. But if they're not honest, I'll be eating hot pot at the foot of Mount Fuji sooner or later."

Zhou Yan was filled with respect, knowing that the old man was not joking.

Xia Yao also looked on with admiration.

Song Changhe looked at Zhou Yan and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you with lunch. We need to do some preparations; the ceremony will begin at the appointed time."

"Okay, you go ahead and do your work. I'll take care of lunch." Zhou Yan nodded. He had already prepared most of the dishes at home. He could watch the commotion for a while and then cook the food. It wouldn't be a problem.

The old lady sat to the side, smiling and waving at Xia Yao: "Sweetie, come sit next to Grandma."

At the table, Zhou Yan's uncle and aunt, his second uncle and aunt, his third uncle and aunt, and his younger uncle all cast their gazes, some with curiosity and some with surprise.

"Yes," Xia Yao responded, her gaze unconsciously turning to Zhou Yan, her face slightly flushed, a mix of nervousness and embarrassment in her expression.

Oh my god, how did we get so close to meeting the relatives?
They didn't say anything when they came...

What should I do? How should I call for help?

"It's alright, Grandma is very easy to talk to. Come on, I'll take you there and introduce you to her." Zhou Yan said gently, looking at her.

"Mmm." Xia Yao looked up at him, feeling less nervous with him beside her.

"Come on! Sister Yao Yao, let's go eat candy." Zhou Momo put her little hand into Xia Yao's hand and led her to Grandma's table.

Song Wanqing stood to the side, smiling with pursed lips. Zhou Yan was quite reliable.

But the thought of Zhou Ming leaving her alone here facing his table of relatives while she went to move things made her clench her fists again.

"Grandma." Zhou Yan led Xia Yao to the table, first greeting the old lady, and then introducing all the elders at the table to Xia Yao.

During the introduction, Zhou Yan suddenly realized that the scene seemed a bit strange.

"Hello, Grandma." Xia Yao stood beside him, poised and graceful. She greeted the old lady first, then looked at the others with a smile and said, "Hello, uncles and aunts, I'm Xia Yao. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Everyone smiled and nodded in greeting.

The atmosphere was fairly harmonious, and everyone kept it brief, without pressing Xia Yao with any questions.

This relieved Xia Yao; the Zhou family's sense of boundaries was quite comfortable.

"Sweetie, sit down, have some sunflower seeds. We'll have to wait a while before it starts." The old lady pulled Xia Yao's hand, made her sit down, stuffed a handful of sunflower seeds into her hand, moved the chair a little closer to her, and whispered, "Let me introduce you. That tall, thin old man at the table on the left practices Emei Kung Fu, nicknamed Hong Sanquan. He now runs a clinic and treats patients. And there's that bald old man on the top of his head..."

Xia Yao was stunned for a moment, then a smile appeared on her lips. She ate some melon seeds and listened with great interest as the old lady introduced the martial arts masters present today. The atmosphere for the apprenticeship ceremony suddenly became more intense.

Seeing this, Zhou Yan smiled and turned to go to the kitchen. He was busy, so he put water in a pot and steamed the braised pork belly and steamed pork with rice flour.

Comrade Lao Zhou has already started preparing the carp. Today's grand finale dish is braised carp, a budget version of braised rock carp, which will also allow all the masters to taste his culinary skills.

Today's apprenticeship banquet arranged by Zhou Yan was not very formal.

The main problem is that he can't handle anything too formal.

This small gathering of three tables wouldn't warrant asking the master and senior apprentice to come out.

Braised pig's head, braised beef, braised pig's ears and braised pig's snout, plus a plate of braised vegetables, and you have four cold dishes.

Braised pork ribs and braised beef with dried bamboo shoots are two essential dishes.

Steamed dishes include braised pork belly with salt and steamed pork with rice flour.

He was actually a little afraid of messing up the steamed pork with rice flour, but there weren't enough vegetables, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go for it.

Braised carp is the grand finale.

Interspersed throughout are dishes such as twice-cooked pork, shredded pork with garlic sauce, and Mapo tofu.

Compared to traditional banquets, it is indeed a bit less formal.

The only way to win is through taste.

"The auspicious time has arrived! Perform the apprenticeship ceremony!"

Just then, a loud voice rang out from the courtyard, clear and resonant, like a bell.

Upon hearing the sound, Zhou Yan stuffed a thick piece of wood into the stove, washed his hands, and quickly followed him out of the kitchen.

The people who were chatting and eating melon seeds in the courtyard earlier have all gone to the main room.

Zhou Yan followed and saw an incense table set up in the main room, with a portrait hanging on it. The person in the painting was Li Lingfeng, Song Changhe's master.

　Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)