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

Cheng Shuhai then went off to do his work.

At this moment, Cheng Shujun and Cheng Shufei had finished cleaning and gathered around Cheng Ling'er.

"Ling'er, who is this pretty lady?"

Cheng Shufei asked in a low voice.

"I think her name is Xue Ru, but Ling'er can't quite remember it."

Cheng Ling'er replied.

"Looking at her, I get the feeling... she might have feelings for my older brother?"

Cheng Shujun stroked his chin, analyzing the situation with the air of a little adult.

"What do you mean by 'having feelings for the older brother'?"

Cheng Ling'er blinked her big eyes, looking completely bewildered.

She was too young to understand these things between men and women.

Cheng Shujun and Cheng Shufei exchanged a glance and smiled helplessly.

It seems there's no point in trying to reason with this little girl.

"Shujun, the food is served!"

Cheng Shuhai's shout came from the kitchen.

"Alright, big brother!"

Cheng Shujun agreed and quickly ran over.

A steaming plate of boiled fish, glistening with red oil and emitting a wonderful aroma, was served.

Cheng Shujun carefully carried the plate to Chen Xueru.

Looking at the woman in front of him, who was even more beautiful than a movie star in a magazine, he got nervous and his mouth stammered.

"Sister-in-law! Oh no... comrade, here's your fish!"

The moment the word "sister-in-law" was uttered, the air in the entire restaurant seemed to freeze.

Cheng Shuhai heard everything clearly in the kitchen and almost dropped the spatula in his hand.

Chen Xueru was also taken aback, but then she realized what was happening. Looking at Cheng Shujun's flushed face, she couldn't help but burst out laughing, her laughter shaking her head.

Cheng Shuhai walked out of the kitchen with a dark face and grabbed Cheng Shujun by the ear.

"What nonsense are you spouting, you brat!"

"Big brother, I didn't mean to, I... I was nervous!"

Cheng Shujun winced in pain and quickly begged for mercy.

Chen Xueru laughed even harder as she watched the two brothers playfully bickering.

She picked up her chopsticks, took a slice of snow-white fish soaked in red oil, and put it in her mouth.

The tenderness of the fish, the spiciness of the chili peppers, and the numbing sensation of the Sichuan peppercorns exploded on her taste buds in an instant.

"Delicious!" Her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed sincerely.

This flavor truly lives up to its reputation!

Chen Xueru savored the boiled fish, each bite surprising her.

She had eaten her fair share of good food, but this was the first time she had ever tasted a dish like the one Cheng Shuhai made, which perfectly blended numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant flavors.

"Boss Cheng, with your skills, it's a waste that you're not a head chef at a big hotel."

Chen Xueru remarked with emotion as she ate.

Cheng Shuhai was lecturing Cheng Shujun when he heard this. He let go of Cheng Shujun's hand, smiled, and said, "There are too many rules in big hotels, it's not comfortable. It's much more comfortable to run your own small restaurant."

"That's true." Chen Xueru nodded in agreement.

She herself is a person who likes freedom and dislikes being constrained, so she can understand Cheng Shuhai's thoughts very well.

She watched Cheng Shuhai busy in the kitchen; his young figure, illuminated by the firelight, appeared exceptionally focused and charming.

Capable, opinionated, and handsome—this man is truly extraordinary.

Chen Xueru's appreciation for Cheng Shuhai grew even stronger.

The plate of boiled fish was quickly emptied, and Chen Xueru was still enjoying her meal.

She took money out of her purse and placed a large bill on the table, far exceeding the cost of the meal.

"Comrade Cheng, the money is here, keep the change." She stood up, straightened her shawl, and said, "I have something to do, so I'll be leaving now."

"Comrade Chen, I'll put it on your tab, so you won't need to pay next time you come."

Cheng Shuhai responded from the kitchen.

Chen Xueru walked to the door and looked back, just in time to meet Cheng Shuhai's gaze.

She smiled sweetly, waved, then turned and left with graceful steps.

"Big brother, that Xue Ru sister is really beautiful."

Cheng Shufei leaned close to Cheng Shuhai and whispered.

"You talk too much, get to work."

Cheng Shuhai glared at her, but couldn't help but smile slightly.

For the next two days, the small restaurant remained extremely popular.

With the help of Cheng Shujun and Cheng Shufei, Cheng Shuhai was indeed much more relaxed.

Although Cheng Shujun was a bit flustered at first, he was honest and quick to learn. After two days, he was able to manage the front hall work in an orderly manner.

Cheng Shufei is also very capable in the kitchen. She can wash and chop vegetables and help out in all sorts of ways, which saves Cheng Shuhai a lot of trouble.

The brother and sister were exhausted every day, but the thought of earning so much money every day filled them with energy.

They admired and respected Cheng Shuhai, their elder brother, even more.

……

Just as Cheng Shuhai's small restaurant business was booming, a minor incident also occurred in the courtyard at No. 95.

Yi Zhonghai has been discharged from the hospital.

He returned accompanied by his wife, Tan Zhaodi.

Upon entering the courtyard house, Yi Zhonghai immediately sensed that something was amiss.

When the neighbors in the courtyard saw him, their eyes became strange, some showing sympathy, some schadenfreude, but mostly a kind of ambiguous mockery.

They gathered together, pointing and whispering about him.

Although he couldn't hear what they were saying, Yi Zhonghai could guess from their expressions that it wasn't anything nice.

"Eunuch Yi is back!"

Someone in the crowd muttered something under their breath.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the quiet courtyard.

Yi Zhonghai's body stiffened abruptly, and his face turned deathly pale.

His worst fears came true.

The insulting nickname "Eunuch Yi" was like a poisonous thorn, deeply embedded in his heart.

He felt as if everyone in the hospital was staring at him like knives, making him feel utterly ashamed.

Yi Zhonghai wanted to lash out and confront those people, but he knew he couldn't.

He's a "useless person" now, and every move he makes becomes a laughing stock in other people's eyes.

He could only grit his teeth, clench his fists, and pretend he hadn't heard anything. With Tan Zhaodi's help, he lowered his head and walked quickly towards his home in the Central Court.

Tan Zhaodi's face also looked very unpleasant.

She could feel her husband's stiffness and trembling, and she could also hear the harsh whispers in the yard.

She felt a tightness in her chest, a mixture of resentment towards her husband and a sense of shared vulnerability.

She knew that from this day forward, she and her husband would never be able to hold their heads up high again in this courtyard.

The two returned home in silence, closed the door, and shut out everything outside.

Yi Zhonghai slumped weakly into the chair, clutching his head with both hands and letting out a painful groan.

His reputation and dignity were ruined just like that!

And all of this is thanks to Cheng Shuhai!

His hatred for Cheng Shuhai had penetrated to the bone.

Looking at him like this, Tan Zhaodi felt no sympathy whatsoever.

She walked to the other bench and sat down, looking at him coldly without saying a word.

Since learning the truth at the hospital, she has lost all hope in the man who has deceived her for decades.

If it weren't for her own future, and if it weren't for the old deaf woman's words, she would have divorced him long ago.

The atmosphere inside the room was as cold as an icebox.

Yi Zhonghai felt his wife's indifference and sighed inwardly.

He knew that his relationship with his wife could never go back to what it was before.