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

Chapter 174 The whole hospital was in an uproar, and Sha Zhu was dealt a critical blow (1 words)

"Eighty-two jin?"

"Eighty-two catties of grain a month, who can eat that?"

"Du Jianguo, do you want to starve our family to death?!"

“I don’t believe that’s how it’s stipulated. It’s true that I have a rural household registration, but I’ve lived in the city for so many years. I’m a city dweller now, so I should definitely have a share of the grain ration.”

"Following the household registration book is completely unreasonable; it's blatant bullying!"

"..."

Upon hearing that her grain ration was to be reduced, Jia Zhangshi was furious.

The previous flour purchase ration coupons are fine; at worst, we can just eat less steamed buns and noodles and eat rice and mixed grain noodles instead, which will still fill us up.

Even though the neighborhood committee has been advocating for conservation and has restricted the purchase of grain from grain stores, they have still been able to buy enough grain for the whole family.

After all, the basis for purchase restrictions was mainly the amount of grain purchased in the past six months or so, rather than the current system that strictly follows the population size, occupation, and age to set fixed standards.

In this way, the monthly grain purchase quota for each household is directly fixed.

In a situation like the Jia family's, the family lost the food ration for one adult.

Even though Jia Dongxu, as a fitter, was a manual laborer and had a high food ration, it was still definitely not enough to eat if you really calculated it.

Otherwise, Jia Zhangshi wouldn't have reacted so strongly just now.

“Mrs. Jia, don’t make trouble here. I’ve already made it very clear that the grain ration is for people with urban household registration. You have rural household registration, so you don’t meet the ration standard.”

Looking at Jia Zhangshi, Du Jianguo's expression was very unpleasant. He said with a stern face, "If you want this grain ration, transfer your rural household registration to the city and register it on your own household registration book."

When that time comes, you will have your own food ration, just like everyone else.

Otherwise, no matter how much trouble they cause, even if it reaches the neighborhood committee, it won't do any good.

This policy was set by the state. It's not just about our courtyard houses; everyone in the entire city of Beijing has to follow this standard. Do you think making a fuss will make anything happen?

Du Jianguo was not polite to Jia Zhangshi.

If I back down, Jia Zhangshi will think I'm afraid of her, and she'll take advantage of me.

Moreover, everything he just said is true, without a trace of exaggeration.

Du Jianguo was actually aware of Jia Zhangshi's rural household registration status.

Despite considering herself a city dweller and looking down on rural people, Jia Zhangshi clung to her rural household registration because she owned a piece of land in the countryside and couldn't bear to give up the annual income from it.

As for how Jia Zhangshi, a woman who had already married and lived in the city for many years, managed to return to the village and receive her share of the land when it was distributed, that remains unknown.

Right now, Jia Zhangshi is taking advantage of the convenience of having a rural household registration, but at the same time she wants the benefits of an urban household registration. She wants both, but there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Du Jianguo's meaning was clear: no matter how much trouble Jia Zhangshi caused, he couldn't help her.

This is not something that a mere senior administrator like him can decide.

If you're really capable, go and make a scene at the neighborhood committee office.

However, Du Jianguo was clearly certain that Jia Zhangshi wouldn't have the guts.

If Jia Zhangshi wants her own grain ration, Du Jianguo has already mentioned the method: she can transfer her rural household registration to the city. It all depends on whether Jia Zhangshi can do it, or what she chooses herself.

After being reprimanded by Du Jianguo and feeling the gazes of the others in the courtyard, Jia Zhangshi felt somewhat embarrassed.

Simultaneously.

If this is indeed a regulation from above, Jia Zhangshi knows in her heart that, as Du Jianguo said, making a fuss is useless.

Frustrated, Madam Jia could only slink away.

She was just being habitual and making a fuss.

Unfortunately, this tactic is no longer effective, and there's not even anyone speaking up for her.

Even Yi Zhonghai knew that making a fuss about this was pointless.

The key issue is that Du Jianguo has no authority to make decisions, and there is no room for compromise.

Not long after.

As Yi Zhonghai and Wang Guihua returned to their house, Jia Zhangshi, Jia Dongxu, and Qin Huairu came over directly.

"Master, look at the mess this has made. Why did they suddenly introduce a food rationing system? Isn't this just making things difficult for people?"

Once inside, after closing the door to cut off the outside noise, Jia Dongxu couldn't help but show a bitter expression and asked his master, Yi Zhonghai, for help: "Master, you have to help my family think of a way. The monthly grain ration is only eighty-two catties. How can that be enough for our family of four?"

"Dongxu, there is a way to solve this problem, it just depends on whether you are willing to do so."

Faced with his apprentice Jia Dongxu's plea for help, Yi Zhonghai glanced at Jia Zhangshi without leaving a trace, but couldn't help but sigh.

Upon hearing Yi Zhonghai say he had a solution, Jia Dongxu was overjoyed and excitedly said, "Master, I knew you had a solution! Please tell me what we should do next."

Seeing Jia Dongxu's excited expression, Yi Zhonghai hesitated for a moment before finally speaking: "Du Jianguo had already mentioned this method when we were outside. It's to transfer your mother's rural household registration to the city and put it on your current household registration book. Then your mother will have her own ration, which will be enough for your family to eat."

"This is impossible!"

As soon as Yi Zhonghai finished speaking, Jia Zhangshi's expression changed immediately, and she said directly, "If I become a city resident, I won't be able to keep my land in the village."

Regarding the matter of transferring household registration, Jia Zhangshi had already made a special effort to find out about it when the flour purchase certificate was issued.

Although restrictions have been imposed on the large-scale migration of rural residents to cities, as long as there is a receiving unit or relatives in the city, people can apply for household registration transfer through recruitment, official letters from their employers, or by visiting relatives.

But here's the thing.

Once a rural household registration is transferred out, it is almost impossible to transfer it back, and the land originally allocated to the household will also be taken back by the authorities.

The land that Jia Zhangshi owned in the village was allocated to her by the state and was registered in her name.

At this time, the land was still privately owned, and the state and laws allowed it to be bought and sold. Only after agricultural collectivization, when the land was changed to collective ownership, was it no longer permitted or prohibited.

However, Jia Zhangshi was clearly reluctant to sell.

Because as long as this land exists, she can rent it out to her younger brother to cultivate every year, and with a continuous output, she can collect rent every year, just like a treasure trove.

As for registering the land under her younger brother's name, Jia Zhangshi was clearly not at ease.

The brothers are still settling accounts!

If her younger brother's family denies it later, then all the land she worked so hard to acquire will be wasted.

Only by firmly holding it in our own hands can we protect our interests.

"Sister-in-law, I'm just giving you a suggestion. Whether or not you should do it is up to your family to decide."

Besides this plan, Yi Zhonghai actually had no other options.

However, he didn't want to offer advice, and besides, these kinds of things can't be persuaded.

If Jia Zhangshi regrets her decision today in the future, all the responsibility will fall on his shoulders.

Yi Zhonghai cannot bear this responsibility.

“Master Dongxu, it’s not that I don’t want to listen to you, it’s just that I still have a piece of land in the countryside, which brings me a portion of the grain income every year. If I lose my rural household registration, I won’t be able to keep this land, and I’ll lose all the grain I get every year.”

"If the harvest from this land is good, the grain I can get each year is enough to feed me for several months."

"Grain coupons are important, but they are just a few pieces of paper used to buy grain. You still have to pay for the grain yourself. I did the math, and it's really not worth it."

"There will definitely be people outside who smuggle grain coupons. I just need to spend some money to buy some grain coupons, and then go to the grain store to buy grain. The problem will be solved."

"So I think it's better not to transfer this household registration..."

"..."

Jia Zhangshi did not want to go against Yi Zhonghai, but the land in the countryside was her lifeline, and she could not possibly give it up.

This land provides her with real grain every year, not the so-called grain coupons that require additional money to buy grain.

In Jia Zhangshi's mind, these grain coupons would be just like the flour purchase certificates before, and people would be reselling them in the same way.

After doing the math, Jia Zhangshi still felt that keeping the land in the village was more important and worthwhile.

It's such a waste to release a hen that lays golden eggs just for a few grain coupons.

Not worth it!

The three years of hardship haven't even begun yet, and the village's land hasn't started to be collectively managed, so Jia Zhangshi has no idea how important the city's grain rationing will be in the future.

Moreover, now every person and every family has a ration of food, and the importance of these food coupons is incomparable to the previous flour purchase certificates.

Even if someone were to smuggle grain coupons, the price would definitely be higher than the original flour purchase certificate, and this expense would not be small over a year.

Only Jia Zhangshi's land in the village produces something every year, which can basically offset this part. In good years, there may even be a surplus; otherwise, it's simply not worth it.

“Sister-in-law, since you already have a plan in mind, I won’t interfere.”

It was clear that Jia Zhangshi had already made her plans perfectly, and she didn't need anyone else to help her. Yi Zhonghai also wisely decided not to get involved.

However, Jia Zhangshi's choice still had an impact on their family, since they would have to spend more money on grain coupons than before, and their expenses would definitely be higher than before.

Thinking about this gave Yi Zhonghai a headache.

Given the Jia family's current expenses, even though Jia Dongxu's salary has returned to its normal level, he still needs to help out a little each month.

With the implementation of the grain rationing policy this time, Yi Zhonghai felt that it was aimed at him.
……

The following month passed in the blink of an eye, and it was already late autumn.

Starting this month, Beijing officially entered a period of rationed food supply. As a result, many people, upon receiving their food coupons for the month, immediately took their purchase certificates and coupons to their designated grain stores and formed long queues.

Obvious.

Because of the implementation of this policy, many people have developed a sense of crisis, thinking that there is a problem with the food supply and fearing that there will be a food shortage. So they rushed to buy all the food they could this month.

It's normal for ordinary people to have these concerns, but we're clearly not in a truly difficult situation yet.

The grain ration standards given above were actually based on in-depth research conducted in advance, and were not simply filled in arbitrarily.

Except for a few special cases, or for some people with a large appetite, the fixed amount is basically enough for most people.

Of course.

It's still necessary to make some proper plans.

Otherwise, if some people don't control their food intake at the beginning, they might find themselves out of food in the last few days of the month, and then they'll have to find a way to get through it on their own.

Li Hongbing obviously doesn't need to worry about this issue.

However, the implementation of the grain coupon system also had some impact on him, namely that he would have to pay for grain coupons when eating work meals at Fengzeyuan.

Previously, when Fengzeyuan was a private enterprise, it had benefits such as free meals and accommodation. However, after Gu Jianliang took over Fengzeyuan and started to implement a joint public-private partnership, he only reformed the wage system and added some of the security systems that state-owned enterprises should have, without touching this small piece of the pie.

After all, it's a catering company, and the initial wage reform cut off the high bonuses of all the senior chefs in the kitchen. It's already not easy to retain people by cutting wages. If they have to make a fuss about this, it's tantamount to forcing everyone to leave.

Last month, Gu Jianliang was transferred, and the new general manager, Chen Limin, basically continued his previous management system and model.

Since Gu Jianliang has already completed everything that could be modified, it is obviously difficult for Chen Limin to surpass him in this regard.

All he could do was follow the path laid out by Gu Jianliang and carry out the plans that Gu Jianliang had no time to complete.

For example, Gu Jianliang has put a lot of thought and done a lot of work in the training of chefs, but these are obviously not things that can be accomplished in two or three years.

Not everyone is a "genius" like Li Hongbing.

Chen Limin took over and achieved results, so the credit goes to him.

The practice of requiring food coupons for meals was not something Chen Limin was deliberately making things difficult for; it was a last resort.

Not to mention internal staff, even customers who come to eat will still have to pay for the corresponding food coupons if they order staple foods such as rice or steamed buns.

Enterprises like food processing and catering have special industrial and commercial grain supply certificates for purchasing grain, but if they don't accept grain coupons, the accounts won't match up, which could easily become a loophole and gap in the city's grain rationing system.

This is a requirement of the policy above.

As for Fengzeyuan's business, it was not affected by the full implementation of the grain coupon system. After all, the sales of staple food items in the restaurant accounted for a small percentage, and not many people went to Fengzeyuan specifically to eat rice, steamed buns, and noodles.

Apart from rice, flour, and cooking oil, the purchase of various other food ingredients is currently not restricted or affected by ration coupons.

The coupons for cloth, sugar, and oil that were issued earlier, as well as coupons for many other goods and the unified purchase and distribution system, were basically issued after the national grain coupons were issued.

For example, the practice of using ration coupons for meat was only implemented in the middle of 1957.

Eggs, soy products, and pastries, as non-staple foods, are consumed even later.

Once all kinds of supplies are required to be strictly rationed, not only Fengzeyuan, but other restaurants and hotels will also suffer a fatal blow to their businesses.

At that point, business will plummet and become deserted.

Compared to other restaurants and hotels, Fengzeyuan is in a better situation, since it still receives a lot of government receptions from higher authorities.

However, this was not a bad thing for Li Hongbing, because he received his full salary and benefits, and his workload was greatly reduced.

What Li Hongbing needs to do now is to take advantage of these glorious years and the last period when Fengzeyuan's business is still booming, seize the opportunity to gain experience, and strive to max out his culinary skills as soon as possible.

If we wait until Fengzeyuan revitalizes and its business booms again, it will take at least twenty or thirty years.

By then, Li Hongbing had probably already completely given up.

During this period, in addition to the major events of the nationwide issuance of grain coupons and the rationing of grain, there was another matter closely related to Li Hongbing.

Or.

This matter is extremely related to Chen Xueru.

That means that the public-private partnership has completed the phase from pilot projects to expansion, and the next step is to carry out the final phase of nationwide industry-wide reform.

"Hongbing, I received news these past two days that the businesses on Qianmen Street will also be undergoing public-private partnership reforms soon..."

Not long after the start of winter, one day when Li Hongbing came over, Chen Xueru told him the news with a worried expression.

"I've also heard a little about this matter."

Although he didn't know where Chen Xueru got the information, Li Hongbing knew it was true.

“I heard that participation in this public-private partnership is voluntary. I’ve thought about it for the past two days and I feel it’s better not to participate.”

Chen Xueru looked at Li Hongbing and couldn't help but sigh, saying helplessly, "Our family's silk shop, although not particularly large, is a business passed down from our ancestors. I'm afraid that if someone else gets involved..."

There was something Chen Xueru didn't say aloud.

Actually, she didn't want to be like Manager Luan of their Fengzeyuan restaurant.

Fengzeyuan Restaurant was one of the pilot projects for public-private partnership in the past. Because of Li Hongbing, Chen Xueru had a better understanding of the internal situation of Fengzeyuan and the changes in public-private partnership in recent years than others.

Luan Xuetang, once a legendary head manager, has gradually retreated to the background, and has been rarely mentioned in the past two years.

As for Fengzeyuan Restaurant, it has changed from a private enterprise to a state-owned enterprise that is now operated and managed.

Fengzeyuan's business is getting better and better. With official endorsement, the level of hospitality is gradually rising, but it also marks the end of an era for a legendary manager.

Although she was just a small shopkeeper in a silk store, incomparable to a legendary figure like Luan Xuetang, but...

"This is the general trend!"

Li Hongbing knew Chen Xueru's inner struggles and concerns, but could only say regretfully.

From an individual perspective, few people are willing to share their businesses with others, but from a national perspective, it is imperative.

"The overall trend..."

Chen Xueru had originally planned to listen to Li Hongbing's opinion on the matter, his thoughts and suggestions, and then, as usual, get some advice from him.

But the phrase "general trend" left Chen Xueru stunned.

"That's not to say..."

Before Chen Xueru could finish speaking, Li Hongbing interrupted, saying, "Personal gains and losses are insignificant in the face of the rise and fall of the nation."

Li Hongbing's words at this moment can clearly be interpreted differently; it all depends on what others think.

Chen Xueru clearly knew Li Hongbing very well and quickly grasped what he meant, but she was momentarily lost in thought. If someone else had said these things to her, Chen Xueru probably wouldn't have taken them seriously.

But she had no choice but to believe and take seriously what Li Hongbing said.

Seeing Chen Xueru like this, Li Hongbing could only hug her and gently pat her back to comfort her.

"Some things are not necessarily bad things."

"Temporary gains or losses mean nothing."

"There are many meaningful things we can do in the future, so don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Don't worry, I'm here for you!"

"We'll study these things carefully once the policies are released; there's no rush now."

"..."

With full-scale public-private partnerships imminent, it's not a bad thing to give Chen Xueru a heads-up beforehand.

Escaping is not the right approach.

Sacrifice and dedication are definitely necessary.

Rather than letting Chen Xueru be disappointed step by step, it's better to prepare mentally in advance so that you can try to perform well when the time comes.

As Chen Xueru's mood improved and she looked at him, Li Hongbing changed the subject, saying, "Xueru, it's November now, isn't it?"

"Yes! Winter Solstice has already passed, you don't even know that?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xueru replied casually.

"I know!"

Turning his gaze to Chen Xueru, Li Hongbing said with a smile, "What I mean is, shouldn't I find some time to prepare some betrothal gifts and visit your home to propose marriage and present the betrothal gifts?"

"This one……"

Li Hongbing's change of topic made Chen Xueru's ears turn red, but she couldn't help but hesitate before tentatively asking, "Do you still stand by what you promised my dad?"

"Naturally it counts!"

When Chen Xueru asked this question, Li Hongbing was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Didn't we say we'd give you one child? We'll give it to you after we give birth!"

Although Chen's father is no longer alive, Li Hongbing has no intention of breaking his promise, even if no written agreement is left.

"What do you mean by 'give our family one child'?"

Upon hearing Li Hongbing's statement, Chen Xueru blushed, but rolled her eyes at him in annoyance and retorted, "No matter what surname he has, he will be our child in the future. My mother has never mentioned this."

Now that my dad is gone, my mom is all alone, and I want to give her something to remember me by, that's all..."

"No problem, but the prerequisite is that we have to have our child first, right?"

They hadn't even gotten their marriage certificate yet, and they were already discussing having children. Seeing Chen Xueru blushing terribly but trying to act all serious, Li Hongbing almost burst out laughing.

Seeing Chen Xueru clench her little fists and glare at him with a look of embarrassment and anger, Li Hongbing couldn't help but pat her head and comfort her, "I'm sure I'll be fine, it'll just be tough on you then, since childbirth is something women suffer more from."

Seeing that Li Hongbing had suddenly become serious again, Chen Xueru, as if she had thought of something, nodded in agreement and said, "Pregnancy is quite uncomfortable. Look at Huizhen with her big belly, she couldn't eat for a long time before, and..."

"What's Xu Huizhen's situation now? Judging by the dates, she should be giving birth soon, right?"

As Chen Xueru mentioned Xu Huizhen, Li Hongbing couldn't help but think of the scene in the opening of the story of the tavern, where Xu Huizhen, who was about to give birth, hailed a tricycle to go to the hospital alone on a snowy night.

to be frank.

Whatever the reason, He Yongqiang married Xu Huizhen and even got her pregnant, but he didn't care at all. He has absolutely no conscience or sense of responsibility.

If he really didn't like or even hated Xu Huizhen back then, he could have simply not married her; no one was holding a knife to his throat.

The key issue is that after marrying him, he did things he shouldn't have done.

"It'll be soon, at most this month."

Mentioning this made Chen Xueru furious. She felt sorry for her best friend Xu Huizhen and didn't even bother to say anything bad about He Yongqiang.

Upon hearing this, Li Hongbing nodded but didn't say anything more.

Some things haven't happened yet, so it's not appropriate to say more right now, and there's nothing we can do to say more.

Not wanting to bring up these things, Chen Xueru brought the topic back and said to Li Hongbing, "My mother and I don't have any requirements regarding the marriage proposal and betrothal. It depends on what you want. Just go through the motions. Anyway, my mother has long regarded you as family and treats you even better than her own daughter."

Actually, according to my father's original request, and after looking into it further, according to custom, you don't need to prepare a betrothal gift, and I don't need to prepare a dowry. But I think it's better if we follow the usual practice..."

Chen Xueru said this clearly for Li Hongbing's sake. After all, arranged marriages were not widespread in this era, and were not even accepted or welcomed, especially for the man, as it was considered very unfavorable in public opinion.

Some things are best left unsaid; Chen Xueru didn't want to put too much pressure on Li Hongbing.

Life is for oneself, not for others to see, but one can't help but feel the urge to point fingers and gossip behind one's back among the neighbors.

Chen Xueru herself may not care, but she must consider Li Hongbing's situation.

Faced with Chen Xueru's kindness, Li Hongbing chose to refuse without trying to save face.

Living in this era, there's no need to be unconventional. We should try to avoid as much trouble and gossip as possible.

Moreover, if Li Hongbing doesn't prepare a betrothal gift, Chen's mother's neighbors and relatives might have some negative comments, so Li Hongbing has to make sure she has enough face.

After inquiring about Chen Xueru's opinion, Li Hongbing quickly arranged for the marriage proposal and betrothal.

Instead of hiring a matchmaker, they had Li Hongmei, the older sister, act as a family member and head of the household.

Although Guo Youzhong was Li Hongbing's elder, Li Hongbing still had his older sister Li Hongmei, so he didn't bother Guo Youzhong.

However, on the wedding day, Guo Youzhong, as the mentor, will definitely attend as an elder.

“Hongbing, although my mother-in-law said it wasn’t necessary, I think we should still hold a banquet. We can’t let Xue Ru marry into our family and make her feel wronged.”

On the day they returned from the betrothal ceremony, Li Hongmei said directly to Li Hongbing, "You don't need to worry about the cost of the banquet. I'll pay for it. Your brother-in-law and I have already discussed it, and he agrees and supports it."

When Li Hongbing prepared her dowry, it was incredibly generous. Li Hongmei had been waiting for this day.

Now that the opportunity has come, as the older sister, she naturally has to help her younger brother Li Hongbing make proper arrangements so that no one will look down on him.

"Sister, even if we're going to have a banquet, you don't need to pay for it. My salary over the past few years has been quite high; I could spend it all by myself and have saved up a lot. You don't need to worry about the money."

Li Hongbing wasn't too concerned about the wedding banquet, and Chen's mother felt the same way.

the reason is simple.

In Beijing, Li Hongbing had few relatives, only his sister Li Hongmei's family, his master, and his fellow apprentices.

This was the reason why Li Hongmei didn't hold a banquet in the courtyard when she got married.

Li Hongbing isn't very enthusiastic about it now.

As for the Chen family...

When Chen's father was seriously ill, Chen Xueru was the only daughter in the Chen family. As a result, many relatives and friends began to have designs on her, and even considered taking advantage of her. Because of this, the relationship between Chen's father and those relatives and friends became somewhat strained.

In the two years since Chen's father passed away, they haven't had much contact, and Chen's mother had long since seen through it all.

“That won’t do. All the savings Dad left behind were used by you to prepare my dowry. You have a share in it. If you don’t accept it, I’ll feel guilty for the rest of my life.”

Li Hongmei knew that Li Hongbing was not short of money, but she still insisted.

Upon hearing this, Li Hongbing had no choice.

Li Hongbing understood Li Hongmei's personality; if he didn't let her contribute money and effort to his wedding, she would definitely be uncomfortable.

The only thing to blame is that Li Hongbing prepared an excessive dowry for her.

If I had known this would happen, I would have prepared less and sent them more food, drinks and supplies when the shortage of supplies came later.

Behind.

Li Hongmei then took the time to talk to Chen's mother about this matter, and they finally decided to hold a ceremony at the courtyard house.

As for the Chen family, nothing is being done.

This is Chen's mother's wish, and Li Hongmei can only respect it and cannot force her.

The matter was settled, and the date was set for New Year's Day.

New Year's Day is a good day because it's a holiday, and everyone has time.

For the same reason, the staff at the marriage registration office were not working, so they could only get married and hold the banquet first, and then go to get the marriage certificate the next day.

After discussing these matters, there was only a little over a month left until the wedding day, so naturally some things needed to be arranged in advance.

The three rooms in the courtyard house were renovated a few years ago, so there's obviously no need to do so now. However, it's time to replace the furniture and other items in the house.

New beginnings for newlyweds. Li Hongbing might not have cared before, but now that he's getting married, and he'll need to collect timber coupons to buy wood and make furniture, he might as well take this opportunity to get everything sorted out in advance.

the next day.

Li Hongbing took a leave of absence and, through his mentor Guo Youzhong's introduction, found a carpenter with a good reputation and excellent skills to come to his home and measure the room's dimensions so that various furniture could be designed and customized.

"Hongbing, why are you suddenly making furniture?"

Upon discovering that Li Hongbing had brought a carpenter to the house, and judging from the manner in which he planned to replace all the furniture, Aunt Yan couldn't help but inquire.

"Aunt Yan, to be honest, I'm getting married in a little over a month, so I'm looking forward to hiring a carpenter to make a new set of furniture and replace the old furniture in my house."

When asked by Aunt Yan, Li Hongbing didn't hide anything; it wasn't a big secret anyway.

"What? Hongbing, you're getting married?"

"Is it with your boyfriend, Manager Chen?"

"Nonsense! Who else could it be but Manager Chen? Hongbing doesn't have another girl."

"If you calculate the time, Hongbing will be twenty years old after the New Year, and it will be time to get a marriage certificate."

"It's been exactly three years, which is quite a long time. If we drag this out any longer, Manager Chen might not be able to wait any longer."

"Hongbing, congratulations! You're getting married soon."

"..."

As soon as Li Hongbing announced that he would be getting married soon, many people in the courtyard gathered around to inquire about him and offer their congratulations.

"Thank you, thank you everyone for your blessings!"

After thanking everyone, Li Hongbing added, "Xue Ru and I will be getting married on New Year's Day. We plan to have a few tables set up in the courtyard, and we hope everyone can come and support us."

"Hongbing, are you planning to hold your wedding banquet in the courtyard?"

"That's wonderful... Uh, I mean, Hongbing's wedding is a joyous occasion, a joyous occasion for our entire compound! We must make sure to celebrate it properly."

“That’s right! Hongbing, if you need any help, just ask. Don’t be shy, I, Aunt Yang, will definitely not refuse.”

"And I!"

"..."

When the news broke that Li Hongbing would be holding a wedding banquet in the courtyard, everyone in the front yard was pleasantly surprised.

When Li Hongmei got married, there was no banquet held in the courtyard, so many people thought that Li Hongbing's wedding would be the same.

Especially now that food rations are in place, everyone cooks a fixed amount of rice each day and doesn't dare to eat as freely as before. Consequently, there are far fewer people willing to spend money on banquets.

The key is that Li Hongbing is getting married and will be hosting a banquet. Given his current status and connections, the person he invites to cook will definitely be a skilled chef.

The banquet hadn't even started yet, but it had already filled them with anticipation.

"Thank you all in advance."

With everyone showing such support and giving him face, Li Hongbing expressed his gratitude directly in front of everyone.

Everyone carries the sedan chair.

Over the past few years, everyone in this courtyard has gotten along quite well. Li Hongbing is naturally not aloof or ignorant of social etiquette.

Although he plans to get married and hold a banquet on New Year's Day, Li Hongbing doesn't intend to make it too extravagant. He just wants to follow the normal standards, but the chef will definitely be of a higher standard than that.

Naturally, it doesn't cost too much money.

Most importantly, the ingredients for the banquet no longer need to be purchased with ration coupons.

If it were a time of scarcity, even though Li Hongbing's system space was already stockpiled with plenty of supplies, it wouldn't be a problem at all. He wouldn't bother with all that; he could just buy some wedding candy and distribute it.

soon.

The news that Li Hongbing was getting married on New Year's Day and would be holding a banquet in the courtyard spread like wildfire to the middle and back courtyards.

As evening fell, people who had been working outside returned home and heard the news.

"Hongbing, are you really planning to hold a banquet on your wedding day?"

Upon learning of this, Yan Bugui was overjoyed and rushed over to verify it with Li Hongbing.

"What, does Uncle Yan think I can't afford a wedding banquet, or do you think I'm stingy and unwilling to hold a feast?"

Seeing Yan Bugui like this, Li Hongbing was speechless.

"No, no, Hongbing, don't misunderstand. I just... heard about your upcoming marriage and couldn't help but be happy for you."

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Yan Bugui quickly offered an explanation.

As for the ideas Li Hongbing just mentioned, they weren't entirely unfounded.

It's not that I think Li Hongbing is stingy or can't afford to pay, it's just that I think Li Hongbing might look down on his neighbors.

When Li Hongmei got married, they didn't hold a banquet in the courtyard, although since Li Hongmei was the bride, no one could say anything about it.

But in private, some people still gossip about it.

The main reason is that we didn't get to eat at the banquet.

After all, Li Hongbing had Guo Youzhong as his master at the time, so if he held a banquet in the courtyard, it certainly wouldn't be bad.

Moreover, many people later heard that the Zhao family held a banquet that day, and that the head chef of Fengzeyuan Restaurant was in charge of cooking. Everyone could guess that it was because of Li Hongbing.

As a result, those who didn't get to eat at the banquet started to have some complaints.

So when Li Hongbing got married and the news spread that he would be holding a banquet in the courtyard, many people were incredibly surprised and excited.

The same applies to Yan Bugui.

On the day Li Hongmei got married, Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu also got married and held a banquet in the courtyard. They invited Master Shazhu to cook the main dishes. However, because it was not a rest day, Yan Bugui, who had to go to work, was unable to eat.

Li Hongbing's wedding banquet is on New Year's Day, so he definitely can't miss it.

"Hongbing, you're getting married soon?"

Sha Zhu, who had just come in from outside carrying a net bag containing a lunchbox and humming a little tune, was completely stunned when he heard the news that Li Hongbing was getting married.

"That's right, it happened on New Year's Day."

Li Hongbing nodded, his gaze unconsciously sweeping over the lunchbox that Sha Zhu was carrying.

"You... that was way too fast!"

Upon hearing Li Hongbing's admission, Sha Zhu's face showed a hint of frustration, and he said with a somewhat unpleasant feeling in his heart.

I'm a year older than Li Hongbing, and I've never even had a boyfriend, yet Li Hongbing is getting married?

He wasn't jealous of Li Hongbing; it was just pure envy from a single person like himself.

at this time.

Hearing Sha Zhu's words, Yan Bugui couldn't help but say, "Sha Zhu, Hongbing and Manager Chen have been dating for three years. How can it be fast?"

Yan Bugui's words were like a knife, plunging directly into Sha Zhu's heart.

Infinite critical hits!

It feels even worse now!
(End of this chapter)