Courtyard House: Inheriting the Restaurant, the Jia Family Wants to Get It for Free

"Brother Cheng, to thank you, I'll treat you to a meal at a restaurant when my dad sends the money next month! Let's go to Quanjude for Peking duck!" Sha Zhu said with great enthusiasm.

As soon as he said this, many people in the courtyard looked on with envy.

Quanjude's roast duck is incredibly precious!

Yan Bugui clicked his tongue inwardly, thinking to himself, "This silly Zhu is really generous."

Cheng Shuhai smiled and waved his hand: "No need to go out to eat. Save your money and buy Yushui some good food and a couple of new clothes."

"If you really want to thank me, just come to my little restaurant more often and patronize my business."

Cheng Shuhai didn't need that roast duck; what he wanted was Sha Zhu's favor.

"That won't do!" Sha Zhu insisted.

"It's settled then." Cheng Shuhai didn't give him a chance to refuse. "Alright, it's getting late. Hurry up and take Yushui home to cook."

"Well... alright then." Seeing Cheng Shuhai's resolute attitude, Sha Zhu had no choice but to give up. "Brother Cheng, then I'll definitely eat at your restaurant often from now on!"

"You're welcome anytime."

Sha Zhu then happily took his sister's hand and went home.

Yan Bugui shook his head inwardly as he watched Cheng Shuhai's retreating figure.

What a silly boy, he wouldn't even take the roast duck that was offered to him for free.

Meanwhile, Yi Zhonghai's gaze grew increasingly gloomy as he watched the close relationship between Sha Zhu and Cheng Shuhai.

His retirement plan was originally intended to be double-insured.

Jia Dongxu is the main player, and Sha Zhu is the backup.

Although there have been some setbacks with Jia Dongxu, things are still under control, and the situation is even more stable due to Jia Zhangshi's paralysis.

However, Sha Zhu's situation completely derailed due to the appearance of Cheng Shuhai.

No!

This situation absolutely cannot be allowed to continue!

Although Sha Zhu is not very bright, he is loyal, skilled, and an orphan, making him an excellent backup plan for old age.

We have to find a way to pull him away from Cheng Shuhai and make him devoted to us too!

Yi Zhonghai squinted, his mind racing.

Yi Zhonghai strolled slowly home with his hands behind his back.

As soon as he entered, he plopped down in the armchair next to the octagonal table, picked up the large tea mug on the table, and gulped down several mouthfuls of cold water, but he couldn't suppress the anger in his heart.

"Old Yi, what's wrong with you? You've had a long face ever since you came into the hospital."

His wife, Tan Zhaodi, came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of freshly steamed cornbread. Seeing him like this, she asked him with concern.

"Has something happened at the factory?"

"What could possibly happen in the factory?"

Yi Zhonghai replied irritably, slamming his teacup heavily on the table.

What bothers him now is the affairs of the hospital, and that little bastard Cheng Shuhai!

Seeing his expression, Tan Zhaodi didn't dare to ask any more questions. She could only put the cornbread on the table and whisper, "Let's eat first. The dishes will be ready soon."

Yi Zhonghai grunted in response, but his eyes remained fixed on the direction of the courtyard, his mind a jumble of thoughts.

For now, things are stable on Jia Dongxu's side.

I gave him money and made promises today, which moved him to tears. He'll definitely listen to me from now on.

Once he leaves the farm, I'll find a way to get him back to the steel mill and reinstate him. That way, his retirement line will be completely secure.

But Sha Zhu is a big problem.

This kid is clearly closer to Cheng Shuhai now, and he listens to Cheng Shuhai on everything.

Moreover, that old bastard He Daqing even knew to send money back home—ten yuan a month, enough for the two siblings to live on.

The old method of "offering help in times of need" won't work anymore.

What should we do?

Yi Zhonghai frowned, tapping his fingers on the table.

We have to come up with a new way to snatch Sha Zhu away from Cheng Shuhai!

Let him treat me like his own father, just like Jia Dongxu did!

But Sha Zhu is now an apprentice at Fengzeyuan, far away from the emperor's reach, and he can't be controlled by him.

Fengzeyuan...

and many more!

Steel rolling mill!

Yi Zhonghai's eyes suddenly lit up, and an idea popped into his head.

Yup!

How could I have forgotten about that!

Sha Zhu is just an apprentice now. In a big place like Fengzeyuan, there are many masters and the competition is fierce. He doesn't know when he will be able to make it big.

But what if we bring him to the steel mill's canteen?

That would be different!

Although he was only a mid-level fitter in the factory, he still had some influence. In addition, He Daqing had worked in the steel rolling mill's canteen before. Getting Sha Zhu in would be a piece of cake.

As long as Sha Zhu gets into the steel rolling mill, he'll be right under my nose!

If I take it slow, I'll be able to control Sha Zhu.

He had no reason not to accept the olive branch that was offered to him!

Thinking of this, Yi Zhonghai's irritability vanished, replaced by excitement.

This method is absolutely brilliant!

Cut off the fuel supply at the root!

As long as Sha Zhu is put into the steel rolling mill and his connection with Fengzeyuan is severed, the only person he can rely on in the future is himself, "Uncle Yi"!

At that time, Cheng Shuhai will be nothing!

"Old Yi, what are you thinking about? Your face is turning black and white all the time, it's kind of scary."

Tan Zhaodi brought the stir-fried cabbage to the table, looking at her husband's unpredictable expression, she was a little worried.

"It's nothing!" Yi Zhonghai waved his hand, in high spirits. "I just figured something out about the factory. Let's eat!"

He picked up a cornbread, took a big bite, and had already made up his mind.

We need to strike while the iron is hot!

We cannot give Cheng Shuhai another chance to win over Sha Zhu.

After quickly finishing his dinner, Yi Zhonghai pushed away his bowl and chopsticks and stood up.

"I'll go check on Zhu Zi and the others."

"It's already dark, why are you still going?" Tan Zhaodi asked, somewhat puzzled.

"There's something I need to discuss with him."

Yi Zhonghai left without even taking a sip of water, and rushed out the door, heading straight for Sha Zhu's house.

He was going to personally take charge and firmly tie Sha Zhu, his future "backup plan," to his own chariot!

"Knock knock knock".

Yi Zhonghai stood at the door of Sha Zhu's house and knocked on the somewhat dilapidated wooden door.

Soon after, Sha Zhu's voice came from inside the house: "Who is it?"

"I am Grandpa Yi."

With a creak, the door opened.

Sha Zhu poked his head out and was somewhat surprised to see Yi Zhonghai.

"Uncle Yi? It's so late, is there something you need?"

"Well, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." Yi Zhonghai, with a kind smile, peeked into the room. "Is this a convenient time?"

"It's convenient, please come in." Sha Zhu quickly opened the door and let Yi Zhonghai in.

The furnishings inside were simple, even rudimentary. There was a table, a few benches, and a large bed against the wall.

He Yushui was already asleep, covered with a quilt that had been patched in several places.