Courtyard Houses: Starting with the principle of hard work paying off

Chapter 155 He Daqing Returns and Beats Up Sha Zhu (1 words, please vote!)
night.

When Li Hongbing returned from Fengzeyuan, he heard about the police coming to investigate today.

Li Hongbing was not too surprised by this.

In this situation, even if others don't care, Yi Zhonghai would absolutely not let it go unpunished or remain silent.

Cover it up?
If anyone dares to cover it up, Yi Zhonghai will immediately get angry with them and become their first suspect.

Back when he was still an old man, Yi Zhonghai didn't handle things in the courtyard like this.

But when "suffering" happens to you, everything is completely different.

Several days have passed.

The police station's investigation has made no progress or new discoveries.

However, according to Yi Zhonghai's speculation and analysis, although he had some paranoia, the motive was not sufficient. It only involved the internal affairs of the steel rolling mill. The police station also negotiated with the security department of the steel rolling mill and initiated an investigation.

At that time, the security department was not the kind of security guards who simply watched the gates in later generations. Some of them were even equipped with weapons when it came to key units.

In the early days of the People's Republic of China, there was a severe shortage of police force at the grassroots level. State-owned enterprises needed to build their own security forces to maintain order, which led to the emergence of security departments. Security departments were also regarded as an extension of the public security force within the enterprise.

Although the security personnel are employees of the company, with their salaries and benefits paid by the company and not occupying positions within the public security system, they are under the dual leadership of both the company and the public security bureau.

The functions of the police station and the security department overlap, but they also have different focuses.

To put it simply.

The police station is responsible for external affairs, maintaining public order and stability in the community. When there is a shortage of police officers, or when the case involves the internal affairs of a company, the security department needs to provide information about the factory area and manpower support.

The security department is responsible for internal matters, focusing on production safety, counter-espionage, and employee disputes within the company. Minor cases can be handled by the company's security department, but in the event of a serious incident, the security department will usually transfer the case to the local police station after a preliminary investigation.

In the event of a large-scale joint operation, it is usually led by the local police station or the public security bureau.

In terms of law enforcement authority, the police station has far greater authority than the company's security department. However, when handling cases involving internal company personnel, the security department cannot be completely ignored.

only.

Based solely on Yi Zhonghai's one-sided speculation, without even a single valuable clue or reasonable motive for suspicion, it is clearly wishful thinking to convict the senior fitters in the workshop simply because Yi Zhonghai's most serious injury was to his hand.

Even with the joint investigation by the local police station and the steel mill's security department, no problems could be found.

Even if you want to use methods, you need to have a suspect first!
There weren't many senior fitters in the same workshop as Yi Zhonghai, but there were more than one or two, and most of them didn't have any conflicts with Yi Zhonghai.

Further investigation failed to uncover any suspects, and ultimately, the assault case involving Yi Zhonghai had to be temporarily shelved.

Fortunately, at this time, Yi Zhonghai also got the opportunity to have an X-ray examination at the hospital, and was able to have an X-ray examination of the two fingers that had been broken.

"Doctor, look, my X-ray results are in."

As soon as the X-ray report came out, Yi Zhonghai couldn't wait to find an orthopedic doctor at Peking Union Medical College Hospital to have him take a look at the situation.

After carefully reviewing the X-ray, the doctor couldn't help but say, "The treatment of your finger before was quite good. There's no displacement so far. Just continue to rest and recover well, and you'll be fine."

In fact, there was no need for Yi Zhonghai to undergo an X-ray examination; it was a complete waste of resources.

However, Yi Zhonghai insisted, and he even brought a letter of introduction from his work unit. Since the examination had already been done, the doctor was too lazy to say anything more.

"Doctor, do you mean my hand is okay?"

Upon hearing the doctor's words, Yi Zhonghai was overjoyed and couldn't help but excitedly confirm, "It won't affect my future work at all?"

"I can't guarantee that."

Faced with Yi Zhonghai's question, the doctor could only shake his head.

"No... I've already had an X-ray, and you just said that as long as I recover and rest well, how can you not guarantee that?"

Yi Zhonghai became anxious.

If the doctor said this before the X-ray examination, then it wouldn't matter.

He finally managed to get the X-ray done and even got the results, but the doctor was saying the same thing as before. How could he stay calm?

"This X-ray can only show the injury and recovery of your finger bone, and cannot completely determine whether it will affect your future life or work. There are no absolutes in this kind of thing."

The doctor knew that Yi Zhonghai valued his hand, but what Yi Zhonghai wanted was a guarantee that his hand would not have any impact on his future work and life. Who could guarantee that?

An X-ray only shows what's inside; it's not a magic cure. You still have to treat it the way you normally would.

Under normal circumstances.

If Yi Zhonghai recovers well, he should have no problem taking care of himself in his daily life.

Ke Yizhonghai is a senior fitter whose work involves high-intensity physical labor and delicate operations, which places high demands on the hand's pressure resistance, load-bearing capacity, and dexterity.

It's hard to say about that.

The advantage of taking an X-ray is that it allows you to see the problems inside more directly and clearly.

Simultaneously.

If the previous treatment was not done well and a shift or even misalignment was found, a second corrective treatment can be performed.

Yi Zhonghai's current situation is clearly not a major problem.

As doctors, this is all they can do.

"If you can't be sure, then why are you making me do this X-ray?"

"Not only did they make me go to the factory to get a letter of introduction from the leaders, but I also had to wait in line for several days."

"It's all useless, why did you make me do this?"

"Isn't this just playing with people?"

"I just want a definite answer, is that so hard?"

"..."

Yi Zhonghai's mentality collapsed, and he vented all the resentment he had accumulated over the past few days.

"This patient, the X-ray examination was something you yourself requested and insisted on having. Do you think just anyone can enjoy this kind of treatment?"

Faced with Yi Zhonghai's attempt to shift the blame and even place the responsibility on himself, the doctor's face darkened, and he rebuked him on the spot: "I am a professional doctor, and I have to be responsible for what I say. Even if Hua Tuo were alive, he couldn't make that kind of guarantee to you."

If you want your hand to heal quickly and avoid further problems, rest and recover properly. If any issues arise, go to the hospital for a follow-up examination promptly, instead of seeking unnecessary comfort here.

"Given your injured hand, it's understandable that you were momentarily out of control, and I won't hold it against you. But if you continue to cause trouble, I'll have to call security..."

Yi Zhonghai has become well-behaved again.

He doesn't have the guts to cause trouble here.

But let's be honest.

Yi Zhonghai felt very aggrieved.

The police station hasn't made any progress in their investigation, and even after finally getting an X-ray done, they still can't give him a definite answer.

How could Yi Zhonghai not be nervous when it concerns the rest of his life?
These past few days, he hasn't been sleeping well, often having nightmares that wake him up in fright.

Faced with the current situation, he had no other choice but to pray that his worries were unnecessary.

A few more days passed.

Apart from his fractured right hand, Yi Zhonghai has recovered considerably and is currently out of danger.

After a few days of rest, Yi Zhonghai's emotions gradually stabilized, as it takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone.

As the doctor said, there's no use rushing things like this. All he can do now is rest and recover so he can get better as soon as possible.

This evening.

People who went out to work in the morning gradually returned home after work.

The factory is having a party today, so Sha Zhu will be back a little later than the others.

I just got back.

Sha Zhu, carrying a net bag with a lunchbox inside, strode into Yi Zhonghai's house and proudly boasted, "Uncle Yi, look what good things I brought you back!"

"It's Sha Zhu, is it the cafeteria food for lunch?"

Seeing Sha Zhu come in from outside, Yi Zhonghai couldn't help but smile.

Since he injured his hand, Sha Zhu has been busy taking care of him, and even bought meat and vegetables for him from the cafeteria. The two have become closer than ever before.

In fact, Yi Zhonghai should thank Li Hongbing.

If Li Hongbing hadn't refused to lend his bicycle that night and hadn't taken the initiative to distance himself from Sha Zhu in front of so many people, Sha Zhu probably wouldn't have undergone such a dramatic change.

Over the past two years, during the time when he had conflicts and grudges with Li Hongbing, Sha Zhu was caught in the middle, in a dilemma, although he still respected them.

But Li Hongbing also holds a significant place in Sha Zhu's heart.

This is not a good thing for Yi Zhonghai.

Because he couldn't fully gain control over Shazhu.

Li Hongbing's every word and action will also affect Sha Zhu, which is a highly unstable factor and a deadly threat.

Now that Li Hongbing has proactively cut off contact with Sha Zhu, he has essentially eliminated this risk for Yi Zhonghai.

Even though Shazhu wasn't willing to do this at first, he was a proud person and had his own temper and pride.

then.

The closeness of the relationship began to shift, and the balance of power gradually tilted towards Yi Zhonghai.

"Uncle Yi, you've guessed wrong."

Hearing Yi Zhonghai's guess, Sha Zhu was a little smug. He opened the lunchbox and couldn't help but show off, "There's a special kitchen at the factory tonight. This is leftover food from the dinner party. I thought you're recovering from your injury and need nutrition right now, so I brought it back for you."

Don't let the fact that it's leftovers fool you; everything is top-quality, with both meat and vegetables, and plenty of oil. Please don't be put off.

It was said to be leftovers served at the factory, but actually, Sha Zhu secretly kept the leftovers while cooking them in the kitchen. The factory leaders and the guests served at the factory never touched them.

But once it's done, it can't be said openly.

Sha Zhu can only be described as leftovers; otherwise, it would be considered stealing public property.

Taking leftovers from meals hosted by factory leaders is not taking advantage of public resources, but rather practicing thrift and frugality, which is a virtue.

There is no such rule in the kitchen of Emei Restaurant.

Most of the chefs who are in charge of cooking are well-known figures in the culinary world. For them to do something like this is not only a loss of face, but also a tarnishing of their reputation.

The leftovers there were real leftovers.

If there's any leftover food after the guests finish eating and the dishes are cleared away, the apprentices in the kitchen and the waiters in the front of house will divide it among themselves.

As for the chefs, they have no shortage of this little bit of oil, unless the guests don't eat much and there are leftovers that are still intact.

Once inside the steel rolling mill's kitchen, Sha Zhu discovered that the cooks there also brought food home with them.

However, everything they brought was good.

Before getting lunch at the cafeteria, I eat one portion myself and pack another portion of better food to take home after get off work.

Without anyone teaching him, Sha Zhu followed suit and started learning too.

If anyone calls him stupid again, he'll get angry.

The cooks in the steel mill canteen all do it this way. If he didn't, wouldn't he be at a loss?

He also learned a saying: "If the cook doesn't steal, the grains won't be plentiful."

Besides the communal meals, he was also in charge of the special meals for the factory's guests, which meant he received far more benefits than others.

"Alright, alright... Sha Zhu, you really care about your Uncle Yi. Uncle Yi thanks you."

Upon hearing this, and seeing that the lunchbox contained not only chicken and fish, but also several pieces of glistening braised pork, Yi Zhonghai smiled so broadly that his eyes almost squinted into slits.

But as Yi Zhonghai took the lunchbox and the chopsticks from his wife, he did a quick rummage through the food and couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Shazhu, this doesn't look like leftovers to me."

The leftovers in the lunchbox were neatly arranged, looking untouched, and many of them were good parts.

Leaders aren't stupid; they can't possibly leave the good food uneaten and only pick out the rest, deliberately saving the best for themselves.

Seeing Yi Zhonghai looking at him, Sha Zhu, who had something to hide, scratched his head awkwardly and changed the subject, saying, "Uncle Yi, don't worry about it! It's just leftovers from the factory's reception, you can just eat it."

"Alright! Sha Zhu, I'm only able to enjoy the special meals the factory leaders serve to outsiders this time because of you."

After a slight pause, Yi Zhonghai had clearly figured it out and guessed what was going on. He didn't dwell on it and started eating right away.

After taking a couple of bites, Yi Zhonghai seemed to remember something, put down his chopsticks, sighed softly, and put the lunchbox away again.

"Uncle Yi, why aren't you eating?"

Seeing Yi Zhonghai's expression, Sha Zhu became somewhat anxious.

He brought this back especially for Yi Zhonghai, the wounded soldier. If Yi Zhonghai doesn't eat it, then all his efforts will have been in vain.
Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai immediately handed the lunchbox he had just put away back to Sha Zhu and advised, "Sha Zhu, why don't you give these things to Li Hongbing?"

Why give it to him?

Upon hearing Yi Zhonghai's words, Sha Zhu felt both confused and rebellious.

In Sha Zhu's view, Yi Zhonghai's move was very unusual.

Given that Yi Zhonghai and Li Hongbing are clearly at odds, it's no wonder that Sha Zhu is making this kind of overture.

Moreover, Li Hongbing had publicly announced that he was cutting ties with him, which made Sha Zhu lose face. He didn't want to fawn over Li Hongbing now, so he didn't rush to get closer to him.

"You've fallen out with Li Hongbing now, all because of me."

After saying this, Yi Zhonghai looked guilty and said with some melancholy, "Although Li Hongbing and I don't get along, this is a matter between our two families and has nothing to do with you."

Back then, their family did give you and Yushui a bowl of rice to eat, and they helped you when you were in your most difficult time. Now that you and Li Hongbing have fallen out like this, the people in the courtyard might be secretly saying behind your back that you are ungrateful and badmouthing you.

Take these things to Li Hongbing, and take this opportunity to apologize to him, say a few kind words, and get his forgiveness. That way, you might be able to make up again.

That way, it won't have any negative impact on your reputation...

“Uncle Yi, you don’t need to do this. This is a matter between Li Hongbing and me, and it has nothing to do with you.”

Sha Zhu was initially confused by Yi Zhonghai's actions, but upon hearing this, he realized that Yi Zhonghai was actually thinking of him. Sha Zhu was completely moved and retorted, "Besides, I didn't do anything wrong. It's Li Hongbing who's petty. Why should I apologize to him?"
What's so great about him? He treated me like a kitten or a puppy. I remembered their kindness for so long and always treated him with utmost respect, but this is the result I got in return.

Li Hongbing has made it big now, but isn't he just a mid-level cook?
What gives you the right to look down on others?
"I'm a junior cook now, and it won't be long before I can be like that too, maybe even becoming a senior cook sooner than him..."

Sha Zhu had kept these things to himself and never told anyone before, but now, in front of Yi Zhonghai, he spoke them out without any reservations.

Think back to the beginning.

Sha Zhu became an apprentice a year earlier than Li Hongbing, and was quickly taken in as an apprentice by Dong Congyou, even though he already had some skills.

Although Dong Congyou is not as famous as Guo Youzhong, he is still well-known both inside and outside the industry.

In terms of talent, Sha Zhu doesn't think he's any less talented than Li Hongbing.

However, as a result, Li Hongbing was "lucky" enough to encounter the public-private partnership reform of Fengzeyuan, and became a junior cook at an early age, or even a mid-level cook now.

People in the compound often compared Li Hongbing to him, but unsurprisingly, he was instantly crushed.

Because of past favors, Sha Zhu pretends not to hear what others say, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care or that he's not under pressure.

This is why, as soon as Sha Zhu heard from Yi Zhonghai that the steel rolling mill was recruiting cooks, and that they would be cooking special meals for the factory's guests, he was so eager to leave Emei Restaurant and enter the steel rolling mill's canteen kitchen.

Now that Li Hongbing and he have fallen out, Yi Zhonghai tells him to take the initiative to seek reconciliation with Li Hongbing, but Sha Zhu is unwilling.

As he said, on what grounds?
"Shazhu, to be honest, I regret how things have turned out between Li Hongbing and me. I did some things wrong before, but it's too late to regret them now... So, while things are still just minor disagreements between you and Li Hongbing, I don't want you to repeat my mistakes..."

Yi Zhonghai approached Sha Zhu, looking as if he was thinking of him.

"Uncle Yi..."

Sha Zhu was moved again.

“Shazhu, listen to me. You and Li Hongbing are from the same generation. If nothing unexpected happens, you will live in this courtyard for the rest of your lives and be neighbors for the rest of your lives. You don’t want your relationship with Li Hongbing to become like your relationship with Xu Damao, do you?”

"So what? I was just being polite to him before, but that doesn't mean I was afraid of him."

Yi Zhonghai's words, on the contrary, aroused Sha Zhu's competitive spirit, and he immediately retorted.

“Li Hongbing is not like Xu Damao, he’s not so easy to deal with. Besides, it’s better to resolve a feud than to make one. You don’t need to go against him.”

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai offered his "advice" once again.

“Uncle Yi, how am I going against him? Does Li Hongbing mean that if he tells me to go east, I can’t go west? If he tells me to go to heaven, I can’t go to earth? Don’t think of him as some kind of god. He can’t do anything to me.”

Sha Zhu was unconvinced once again.

"Silly Zhu, that's not what Uncle Yi meant. I just felt..."

Seeing this, Yi Zhonghai tried to "explain," but Sha Zhu wouldn't listen and interrupted him directly, saying, "Alright, Uncle Yi, I understand what you mean, but this is none of your business. What's most important for you right now is to eat all of this and replenish your nutrition..."

Yi Zhonghai fell silent, then sighed inwardly, as if he were filled with helplessness and regret.

It is said that honest advice is hard to swallow, but how many people can actually listen to it?

After He Daqing ran away, Yi Zhonghai kept "persuading" him in this way, until Sha Zhu's rebellious mentality became more and more serious.

Just like before, Yi Zhonghai, under the guise of doing what's best for Sha Zhu, openly and honestly did bad things.

Yi Zhonghai knew Sha Zhu's personality all too well. He was someone who cared a lot about his image, was prone to getting stuck on trivial matters, and once he became reckless, no one could do anything to him. This "recklessness" meant he was easily out of control, but it also meant he was easy to manipulate.

As long as no one causes trouble, it's a piece of cake to control him.

What Yi Zhonghai needs to do now is to subtly and gradually push Li Hongbing, his former "benefactor," out of Sha Zhu's heart, or even to the opposite side.

Only in this way.

No one in the entire courtyard could ever shake his position in Sha Zhu's heart.

In recent days, Sha Zhu's performance has been earning him a lot of points in Yi Zhonghai's mind.

This also made Yi Zhonghai realize how wise his previous decision to persuade Sha Zhu to switch jobs at the steel rolling mill was.

Although Shazhu isn't very good at taking care of people, he's an excellent cook.

The key point is that his attitude clearly shows that he genuinely treats them as elders and thinks about showing them filial piety from time to time.

Moreover, Sha Zhu is strong and robust. With such a "gatekeeper" standing in front of the house, even Li Hongbing would have to think twice.

Yi Zhonghai had witnessed Li Hongbing's strength before; Jia Dongxu was no match for him at all.

For some reason, ever since Li Hongbing became an apprentice at Fengzeyuan, his abilities and progress in all aspects have become increasingly terrifying and unpredictable.

Although Sha Zhu was incredibly strong, Yi Zhonghai wasn't entirely confident that he would have a head-on confrontation with Li Hongbing.

Stopping thinking about these things, Yi Zhonghai asked Wang Guihua to bring a bowl. In front of Sha Zhu, he took half of the "leftovers" that Sha Zhu had brought back for him and handed it to Sha Zhu, saying, "Sha Zhu, I can't eat this much by myself. Take this to the old lady."

"Hey! Uncle Yi, please eat these. Even if you can't finish them now, you can always save them for tomorrow. It's cold now, they won't spoil overnight."

Seeing Yi Zhonghai's actions, Sha Zhu grinned and offered his advice.

Hearing Sha Zhu's words, Yi Zhonghai put on a stern face and solemnly lectured, "That won't do. The old lady is the elder of everyone in our courtyard. Respecting the elderly and caring for the young is a virtue passed down from our ancestors. We should think of her when we have something to gain. We can't be too selfish. We must learn to be filial!"

"Okay, I'll take it to the old lady right away. When I get my salary, I'll buy some meat and make stew for you and the old lady."

Seeing that Sha Zhu looked like he had been taught a lesson, politely took the bowl of "leftovers," and offered to treat them to meat when he got paid, before running to the backyard with the bowl, Yi Zhonghai couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

Seeing the same scene, Wang Guihua, feeling satisfied and beaming, surprisingly uttered an idiom.

"That silly Zhu is teachable!"

……

During this time, Li Hongbing hadn't paid special attention to the fact that Sha Zhu and Yi Zhonghai were getting closer and closer, but he had heard some of it from Yan Bugui.

However, none of this has anything to do with him.

Since that was said publicly last time, even if Sha Zhu treats Yi Zhonghai like his own father, it has nothing to do with Li Hongbing.

As for fulfilling Yi Zhonghai's wish?
Li Hongbing didn't care about Sha Zhu's idiot behavior or whether he lived or died, but he was waiting for He Daqing to return, waiting to see a big show.

But this matter cannot be rushed.

Dong Congyou is key to getting He Daqing to know the truth and return on his own initiative.

However, Dong Congyou fell ill after being angered by Sha Zhu last time, and it would definitely take some time for him to recover. Moreover, this was no small matter, and it was impossible to explain it clearly by simply writing a letter or sending a telegram. Dong Congyou would most likely go to Baocheng in person.

As Li Hongbing predicted, things turned out exactly as he had.

He Daqing, who has been away from Beijing for three years, along with his apprentices Dong Congyou and Wang Baoguo, are currently on a train traveling from Baocheng to Beijing.

When the two met and compared the facts, along with the information provided by Li Hongbing, the truth immediately came to light.

He Daqing wasn't exactly a simple-minded person; he would realize something was amiss as soon as he sensed something was wrong.

The reason why we were able to be deceived by Yi Zhonghai for so long was simply because we were far away in Baocheng and had no way of knowing the real information.

Furthermore, he believed he had made all the necessary arrangements for Sha Zhu and Yu Shui, with Yi Zhonghai helping to carry them out and Dong Congyou, a trustworthy person, looking after them, so it was almost impossible for any problems to arise.

Who would have thought that Yi Zhonghai would be so audacious and malicious, taking advantage of information asymmetry to deceive both of them.

During those three years, he maintained correspondence with both Yi Zhonghai and Dong Congyou.

Of course.

It's also He Daqing's fault for being too carefree, or for not paying enough attention to Sha Zhu and Yu Shui. He hasn't returned to Beijing to visit them even once in the past three years.

A large part of the reason was that He Daqing knew that Sha Zhu still hated his father, hating him for abandoning him and his sister and going directly to Baocheng.

For this reason, He Daqing was afraid that if he came back, it would only make the relationship more strained.

He thought they were doing well here, with no worries about food or clothing, so He Daqing, as their biological father, didn't care.

Unexpectedly.

The reason why Sha Zhu hated his biological father was because Yi Zhonghai interfered. He even thanked Yi Zhonghai for helping to take care of his children.

But I never thought of it.

The current situation is entirely due to Yi Zhonghai, aside from his own reasons.

Thinking that Yi Zhonghai had written to him advising him not to return to Beijing so as not to provoke Sha Zhu, He Daqing gritted his teeth in hatred, feeling as if he had been fooled by Yi Zhonghai.

More importantly.

It was bad enough that Yi Zhonghai tricked him, but he even dared to use underhanded tactics against his close friend Dong Congyou, almost causing Dong Congyou and his apprentice Sha Zhu to turn against each other, and even causing his son to do such a rebellious thing.

This is a slap in the face to He Daqing!
Even for this reason, he had to come back.

“Old He, Sha Zhu has been with me for three years. He’s not a bad person at heart, but he’s been led astray by others.”

On the train, seeing He Daqing remain silent, Dong Congyou knew his old friend was angry, but fearing he might act impulsively and hurt Sha Zhu, he took the initiative to take responsibility, saying, "It's actually my fault as his teacher. I haven't paid enough attention to Sha Zhu. I should have taught him more principles and kept a closer eye on him..."

“Congyou, we’ve known each other for a long time, so don’t say these things in front of me.”

To stop Dong Congyou from continuing, He Daqing, who had been silent, spoke up again: "Given your character and my understanding of you, I don't believe you haven't taught this rascal Shazhu some manners."

When you took Shazhu under your wing, he was already sixteen years old. He wasn't a child anymore; he should have understood some things long ago...

It's also my fault. I was always busy with my own things and didn't pay enough attention to my siblings. I neglected to discipline him, which gave that brat Yi Zhonghai an opportunity to take advantage of me..."

At this point, He Daqing couldn't help but sigh.

If he hadn't left Beijing in such a hurry, he wouldn't have mistakenly trusted Yi Zhonghai, giving Yi an opportunity to take advantage of him.

He Daqing wasn't as clueless as Sha Zhu, so he naturally wouldn't really blame Dong Congyou; on the contrary, he felt a lot of guilt towards him.

Speaking of that time...

Knowing that Sha Zhu's son was stubborn and afraid that he might pester her to stay or that the news might leak out, He Daqing secretly made those arrangements to leave without Sha Zhu and his sister's knowledge.

Looking back now, he should bear a great deal of responsibility.

"Alright, it's come to this, let's not blame each other."

Seeing He Daqing also reflecting on himself, Dong Congyou was both surprised and somewhat helpless, as it was rare to see him like this.

Talk about it.

They were both somewhat unsuccessful as mentors and fathers.

Even if there are malicious people causing trouble, it shows that they all have shortcomings, otherwise how could others have taken advantage of them?

The two of them remained silent.

The distance from Baocheng to Sijiucheng is not too far, and the train arrived at the station quickly.

“Baoguo, your master and I will go home first. Go to the steel mill and bring that rascal Shazhu to me. Tell him that your master has something important to discuss with him. Don’t tell him that I’m back.”

After the three of them left the train station, He Daqing gave Wang Baoguo some instructions, and then he and Dong Congyou hailed a pedicab and headed ahead to Dong Congyou's home.

As they left, Wang Baoguo followed He Daqing's instructions and headed directly to the steel rolling mill.

Although He Daqing was not his master, he was his master's close friend and a senior in the culinary world. With his master's tacit approval, Wang Baoguo had no choice but to do as he was told.

soon.

Wang Baoguo then went to the steel rolling mill and, through the security department, summoned Sha Zhu.

"Senior Brother, what brings you here?"

Sha Zhu was clearly surprised to see Wang Baoguo appear.

Because of his recent graduation from his apprenticeship, many of his fellow apprentices were very dissatisfied with him, which Sha Zhu knew, and even their master, Dong Congyou, was very unhappy.

So during this period, Sha Zhu didn't dare to visit them on his own initiative.

Originally, Sha Zhu planned to wait a few days until he received his first paycheck from the steel mill, then buy some gifts, and wait until their anger subsided before visiting his master.

"My master has something important to discuss with you and needs you to come over."

After many days, when Wang Baoguo saw his junior brother Shazhu again, especially seeing his carefree attitude, he was furious and almost wanted to take action.

Last time, he angered their master to the point of collapse. Regardless of whether Sha Zhu knew about it afterward, he hasn't taken the initiative to visit him even after being "graduated" for so long. He's simply unworthy of being a disciple.

Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu didn't think much of it and nodded directly, saying, "Senior brother, I'll be right there after I get off work."

"Why wait until after get off work? Now!!"

Wang Baoguo almost couldn't hold back again.

Still waiting to get off work?

What's so great about this lousy class?

Is it more important than their master?
"Now?"

Sha Zhu was stunned for a moment. Seeing that Wang Baoguo didn't seem to be joking, he quickly said, "Okay, I'll go back and ask for leave. Senior brother, please wait here for me for a while. I'll be right out."

This time, Wang Baoguo didn't say anything more and tried his best to suppress his temper.

Soon.

After Sha Zhu took leave and left the steel mill, the two set off for Dong Congyou's house.

"Senior Brother, what does Master want to see me about?"

"I can't come to you if I have nothing to do?"

"I didn't say that..."

"Do you think you're so great now that you've graduated, and you don't even respect your master or me, your senior brother?"

"Senior Brother, what are you saying?"

"truth!"

"I……"

"..."

He had only asked casually, but Wang Baoguo, the senior disciple, spoke with a strong sense of hostility in every word. After a few exchanges, Sha Zhu wisely kept quiet.

For some reason, Sha Zhu felt a throbbing sensation in his forehead, as if something was about to happen.

Seeing Wang Baoguo's unpleasant expression beside him, Sha Zhu gave up on speaking again.

Speechless all the way.

The atmosphere was incredibly oppressive.

If it weren't for his senior brother Wang Baoguo by his side, Sha Zhu, who couldn't stand it anymore, would have wanted to run away long ago.

Only Sha Zhu didn't dare.

Although Wang Baoguo was one of his many senior disciples, as the first disciple of his master Dong Congyou, he held a higher position in the hearts of all the other disciples.

This naturally includes Sha Zhu.

Even if Sha Zhu was a reckless rascal, he wouldn't dare to mess around with his senior brothers, let alone Wang Baoguo, the eldest senior brother.

at last.

When he finally saw his master Dong Congyou's house, Sha Zhu breathed a sigh of relief.

The journey here had almost suffocated him.

"Master's wife!" x2
Not long after.

Upon seeing their teacher's wife, Ma Xiangqin, both Wang Baoguo and Sha Zhu greeted her respectfully in unison.

however.

Ma Xiangqin ignored Sha Zhu as if she hadn't seen him at all. She smiled at Wang Baoguo, who was standing to the side, and said in a kind and warm voice, "Baoguo is here. Your master is waiting for you inside. Come in quickly!"

Outsiders may not know much about Dong Congyou's illness caused by Sha Zhu, but how could Ma Xiangqin, his wife, not know?

Although she knew why Sha Zhu had come to her door, as his wife, she was angry and had no intention of giving him a kind look.

"Master's wife, I..."

"Let's go, what are you dawdling about?"

Seeing the depressed Sha Zhu still trying to talk to Ma Xiangqin, Wang Baoguo pulled him away impatiently.

They don't even realize what they've done yet, and they're so clueless, it's unbelievable.

soon.

Sha Zhu, who entered the house with Wang Baoguo, saw Dong Congyou sitting at the table and said directly, "Master, I'm here. What did you want to see me about..."

Before he could finish speaking, Sha Zhu suddenly noticed a noise behind him and was about to turn around to see what was going on.

result.

A gust of wind swept by, and Sha Zhu's buttocks were hit hard, and he was unexpectedly kicked to the ground.

The sudden kick completely stunned the unsuspecting Sha Zhu.

What baffled him even more was who would dare to lay a hand on him like this here.

no doubt.

For Shazhu, his master's house was a place where he could completely trust and feel completely safe.

This is as absurd as someone rushing into a police station with a wooden stick and trying to rob it.

When he turned around and saw the person's face clearly, Sha Zhu was completely dumbfounded.

"Is...is it you?"

It has only been three years since He Daqing abandoned them and left Beijing. Unless something earth-shattering happened, their appearances would not have changed much.

He Daqing's sudden appearance brought Sha Zhu's previously hazy memories back to clarity.

Seeing Sha Zhu's reaction, He Daqing's anger surged. He glared at him and shouted, "What do you mean, 'you'? Three years have passed, and you haven't improved at all. You can't even call me 'Dad' anymore?"

"You're not my dad!!"

Realizing that this was not a hallucination, and that He Daqing was truly standing before him, Sha Zhu, upon realizing what was happening, turned red in the eyes and shouted angrily.

"This is outrageous! I'll show you what's what..."

"Old He!!"

Seeing that He Daqing was about to make a move again, Dong Congyou quickly stood up to stop him.

"you……"

This scene left Shazhu completely bewildered.

He had clearly realized something, but Sha Zhu still couldn't believe it. After a long while, he looked at his master, Dong Congyou, and asked incredulously, "Master, do you know each other?"

Seeing this, He Daqing snorted coldly and said, "We not only know each other, but you were able to get into Emei Restaurant and be accepted by your master because of my face."

"Impossible. It was clearly Master Yi who introduced me to Emei Restaurant. What does it have to do with you?"

Faced with the facts stated by He Daqing, Sha Zhu refused to believe them and directly refuted them.

"Don't mention that old bastard Yi Zhonghai to me!"

Hearing Yi Zhonghai's name from Sha Zhu, and hearing it with such respect, infuriated He Daqing.

Immediately.

He Daqing was too lazy to waste any more words with Sha Zhu, so he went straight up and picked Sha Zhu up from the ground.

Upon noticing He Daqing's actions, Sha Zhu naturally refused to let him do as he pleased and immediately fought back. As a result, He Daqing slapped him on the head and then kicked him in the back of the knee.

Completely caught off guard, Sha Zhu's legs buckled, and he was about to fall to the ground.

Followed by.

He Daqing grabbed the back of his collar and pulled it up again, then kicked him in the back of the knee of his other leg before letting go.

Pfft!
Sha Zhu knelt down on both knees, right in front of his master, Dong Congyou.

Just in time.

He Da pressed down on Sha Zhu's shoulder with one hand to prevent him from getting up, and said in a deep voice, "Sha Zhu, kowtow to your master and admit your mistake in front of me!!"

(End of this chapter)