Courtyard House: Passing through the Silly Pillar, Activating the Blessed Cave Heaven

46

"Zhu Zi, why don't we get someone to repair that house? So that the things we store there won't get ruined by rain." Cai Quanwu said after a moment's thought.

"I almost forgot about that. I know a skilled craftsman. I'll have him contact you later."

"While you're at it, check out your room too. You can pay for the repairs first, just put it on your tab," He Yuzhu said, stroking his stubble.

"Zhu Zi, I'll pay for the repairs to my house myself. I've been living in your house for free all these years without paying any rent," Cai Quanwu said, feeling somewhat apologetic.

"Uncle, please don't argue with me about this."

Thanks to you for your hard work over the years, the house is mine, so it's only right that I pay for the repairs.

You just need to keep an eye on the construction.

"By the way, is there anything else? If not, I'll head back for dinner now," He Yuzhu asked.

"That's all, go back and eat." Cai Quanwu waved his hand.

"Alright, Uncle, I'll head back now." He Yuzhu waved and turned to walk into the courtyard.

Upon entering the house, He Yuzhu frowned and said, seeing everyone waiting for him at the table, "Didn't I tell you? Don't wait for me. Eat as soon as the food is ready. It's cold, the food will get cold."

"I know! Brother He, has Uncle left yet?" Lou Xiao'e asked with a smile.

"He just left. He's now running the tavern, and it's busy in the evenings."

"Everyone, please start eating. Luckily it's hot now; if it were winter, the food would be cold by now," he urged.

"Brother Zhu, Sister Xiao'e is so lucky to have married you."

"I wish I could find someone like you in the future." Wu Xiangyun said, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes full of envy.

"Oh, is our Miss Xiangyun thinking of getting married? Don't worry, a good match is yet to come," Lou Xiao'e said with a smile.

"Sister-in-law! I'm still in school!" Wu Xiangyun's ears turned red instantly.

"It's not easy to find someone like me. Just the fact that I cook for you every day is something very few people can do."

"Xiangyun, a man as outstanding as your brother Zhuzi is extremely rare." He Yuzhu proudly raised his chin.

"Hmph, at worst I'll just marry a cook!" Wu Xiangyun muttered defiantly.

"Hehe, your dad, your brother, and your brother-in-law are all cooks. If you really marry a cook, who will cook at home in the future?" He Yuzhu said incisively.

Wu Xiangyun immediately deflated: "But aren't you a cook too? Why are you allowed to cook every day?"

"My situation is special; before I got married, I was always the one who cooked at home."

"After we got married, my sister-in-law couldn't cook, and I didn't want her to learn, so I'll do the cooking myself," He Yuzhu said calmly.

Lou Xiao'e's cheeks flushed slightly as she said softly, "Brother He, I can actually learn to do it."

"No need. Even if you practice more, you can't catch up with my skills. Just wait to eat what's ready." He Yuzhu looked at her gently.

"But I don't know how to cook, and my husband definitely won't let me learn," Wu Xiangyun said confidently.

"Don't get your hopes up. Go back home during the holidays and learn to cook from your mom."

"It would be so embarrassing if word got out that the chef's daughter at Fengzeyuan couldn't cook." He Yuzhu poured cold water on the idea, saying, "I taught Yushui to cook when she was so little. I can't let her go hungry and cry in the future, can I?"

"Why should women have to learn to cook? Can't men do it too?" Wu Xiangyun retorted defiantly.

"Xiangyun, a home belongs to two people."

Your dad works all day at Fengzeyuan, and then he still has to cook when he gets home. Do you think that's fair? Husbands and wives have to do their best to make a good life together.

"Your dad earns money to support the family, and your mom takes care of the housework; that's what a harmonious family is all about," He Yuzhu explained patiently.

"My mom doesn't work, so she cooks at home."

"Women hold up half the sky now, and I want to work too!" Wu Xiangyun continued to argue.

"I'm not saying that housework must be done by women, but that we shouldn't make such a clear distinction."

It's a good thing that women in the new era are participating in the workforce and building the country, but most of their jobs are still easier than those of men.

Once your relationship deepens, you won't care who cooks at all.

Between husband and wife, remember the good things about each other.

He paused, then said, "Of course, I don't want you to be trapped by your family either."

You're a junior in high school now, and you'll be taking the college entrance exam next year.

I hope you can get into a good university, learn more skills, and contribute to the country in the future.

"I definitely will, Brother Zhu!" Wu Xiangyun replied with a firm look in her eyes.

On the weekend, He Yuzhu was resting at home when Cai Quanwu suddenly came to visit with his family.

Besides Cai Quanwu himself, he was accompanied by his wife Su Xiulian, his brother-in-law Su Shaoan, and their two children Cai Jianguo and Cai Xiaolei.

Looking at the large family, He Yuzhu smiled and asked, "Uncle, why is the whole family here today?"

Cai Quanwu seemed somewhat hesitant, wanting to speak but holding back.

Seeing this, Su Xiulian said directly, "We came here today because we need your help with something."

"

He Yuzhu's gaze swept between Cai Quanwu and Su Shaoan, and he already understood a bit: "It's about Shaoan, isn't it? Everyone, sit down and talk."

"

After everyone was seated, He Yuzhu looked at Su Xiulian and said, "Auntie, please speak your mind."

"

"Zhu Zi, Shao An failed to get into high school after graduating from junior high school and has been staying at home ever since."

I'd like to ask you to help him find a job.

"Su Xiulian got straight to the point."

He Yuzhu turned to Su Shaoan: "I heard you like cooking? What are your plans now?"

"I...I still want to learn how to cook."

"Su Shaoan answered with his head down."

He Yuzhu pondered for a moment: "Shao'an, learning to cook is a very hard job."

Moreover, these days, people are lucky if they can even have enough to eat. Even if you master the skills, it's not easy to have the opportunity to put them to use.

Have you thought about all of these things?

"Zhu Zi, is it really that difficult? Aren't your master and the others doing just fine at Fengzeyuan?" Su Xiulian asked doubtfully.

"Auntie, these days you have to use food coupons to eat. How many people can afford to go out to eat with food coupons? Since the introduction of food coupons, Fengzeyuan Restaurant has become much quieter." He Yuzhu sighed. "Actually, in the past, restaurants were not affordable for ordinary people. Those who could step into a restaurant were either rich or powerful."

An ordinary worker can earn thirty or forty yuan a month, while ordinary people can make a living with five yuan a month.

A roast duck at Bianyifang costs more than three yuan. Who would be willing to spend almost half a month's living expenses just to eat one meal?

"Take the little tavern where your brother-in-law works, for example. Why do people love to drink there? It's because it's cheap! A pot of wine and a plate of peanuts can be eaten for just a few cents."

"Shao'an, I'm not trying to scare you."

"You need to think carefully about whether you really want to learn to cook—once you master the skill, you can certainly cook a great meal, but in the decades to come, cooking won't offer the same career prospects as other skills." He Yuzhu patted the boy on the shoulder. "Of course, it'll at least ensure you can make a living."

Su Xiulian quickly replied, "Shao'an, you need to think this through. This is a major event that will affect your entire life."

Zhu Zi is a sensible man; you can't go wrong listening to him.

Su Shaoan clutched the hem of his clothes, stammering, "Sister, I originally wanted to learn cooking... but after what Brother Zhu said, I'm undecided now..."

"Zhu Zi, Shao An is young and doesn't have much of his own opinion. Your cousin and I are both laymen."

"You're experienced and knowledgeable, so please help me make a decision." Su Xiulian looked at He Yuzhu expectantly.

"Aunt, it's a major life decision for him to make."

Let's proceed according to Shao'an's desire to learn cooking—if it were last year, it would be much easier; I could have directly taken him to the canteen of the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill.

But now I've been transferred away from the cafeteria, and I simply don't have the time to teach him.

Besides, the cafeteria serves communal meals; you just follow the rules, and you'll just be a ladle-wielder no matter how long you work there.

Shao'an, are you willing to spend your whole life struggling with this big iron pot?

Su Shaoan shook his head vigorously: "I want to be a proper head chef!"

"Alright! If you want to become a proper chef, you have to formally apprentice under a master. It won't be enough in less than three to five years."

However, nowadays, restaurants and hotels have become public-private partnerships, and if you want to become an apprentice, you have to pass the exam to become a full-time employee in the restaurant.

As for Fengzeyuan, my master and the others can't make the decision; we'll have to wait for the government to recruit workers before we have a chance.

Shao'an, can you afford to wait?

The boy clenched his fists, then loosened and then tightened again: "I'm all grown up now, I can't keep relying on my sister and brother-in-law forever."

I...I can't wait.

"Shao'an, you're still young, it's only right that your older sister take care of you," Su Xiulian quickly said. "Besides, your brother-in-law won't mind."

None at all, you agree, right?

"Yes, Shao'an, if you really want to be a chef, we can give it a try when Fengzeyuan is hiring," Cai Quanwu said earnestly.

"Sister, brother-in-law, please stop trying to persuade me."

"I am very grateful to you for raising me for so many years, but I have grown up and need to learn to rely on myself," Su Shaoan said firmly.

"Shao'an, you like cooking, but you don't necessarily have to be a chef. You can learn to cook while doing other jobs."

I think it's better to learn a skill in a factory, so I can practice at home after get off work.

"Liking something doesn't necessarily mean you have to turn it into your profession," He Yuzhu said, looking at Su Shaoan.

"Really? Pillar?" Su Xiulian's eyes lit up after hearing this.

Su Shaoan also looked at He Yuzhu expectantly.

"sure.

There are two types of cooking: home-style cooking and restaurant cooking.

Restaurant cuisine emphasizes color, aroma, and taste, requiring high standards of knife skills and cooking time.

Home-style dishes may be simple, but they can still be delicious, visually appealing, and aromatic. By practicing and refining your knife skills while chopping vegetables, you can develop excellent knife skills.

He Yuzhu took a sip of tea and continued, "As for the cooking time, it's really about observing the doneness of the ingredients, which relies on accumulated experience."

When stir-frying vegetables, you need to stir them evenly, otherwise some parts will be raw and some parts will be cooked.

To ensure consistent texture from ingredients, the size and thickness of the cut vegetables must be uniform; otherwise, even the best chef will struggle to achieve this.

To practice flipping the wok, you can practice filling it with sand; practice makes perfect.

"Moreover, Shao'an, you have an advantage that others don't." He Yuzhu paused deliberately.

"What advantages?" Su Shaoan asked impatiently.

"Your brother-in-law works at a pub and has to make a lot of pickled vegetables every year. You can help him chop the vegetables and take the opportunity to practice your knife skills."

"Ordinary people don't have that many ingredients to practice with," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

After listening, Su Shaoan lowered his head and fell into deep thought.

"Shao'an, Zhuzi is right. Why don't you quit being a cook and become a factory worker instead?"

"You can practice your cooking skills when you get home from get off work, and I'll leave dinner to you from now on," Su Xiulian advised.

Su Shaoan was silent for a moment, then raised his head and said, "Sister, brother-in-law, I've decided. I'll go to the factory and become a worker. From now on, I can cook at home whenever I want."

"Okay, as long as you make up your mind, I will support you."

"I'll pass on our family's skills in grinding tofu and making hairy tofu to you later." Su Xiulian smiled and patted his shoulder.

Cai Quanwu sat to the side and nodded with satisfaction.

"Zhu Zi, Shao An wants to work in the factory. Can you arrange for him to go to your Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill? Do you have any connections?" Su Xiulian asked He Yuzhu.

"The factory hired a lot of people last year, so there is no shortage of workers at the moment."

"However, there are still ways," He Yuzhu replied.

"What method?" Su Xiulian pressed.

"Now, factory positions can be filled by others. Some workers retire, and their children can't use the position, so they sell it privately."

"We can buy Shao'an a quota."

"How much will it cost?"

"It depends on the specific job. The cheaper ones are around 300 yuan, and the more expensive ones are around 800 yuan. You'll have to inquire about the specifics."

Su Xiulian looked at Cai Quanwu, waiting for him to make a decision.

Cai Quanwu said decisively, "If you're going to work in a factory, buy the best position. This is a lifelong commitment."

"Zhu Zi, do you know anyone who can get this done?"

"I have a friend in the HR department, I'll ask him tomorrow."

If he's willing to help, Uncle, just take the money and go find him.

"Once Shao'an gets a job at the factory, I'll find him a good mentor."

"Thank you for your hard work, Zhu Zi," Cai Quanwu said gratefully. "Now that things are settled, we should be going."

"Have lunch before you go back, Uncle."

"No, the tavern needs to stay open, we have to hurry back."