Courtyard House: The Chef's Intelligence System

Li Tielong listened to his wife's words and glanced at his three brothers.

Seeing Li Jiuzhou's nonchalant expression, he felt a little annoyed, but seeing that the other two younger ones were a bit nervous, he calmed down.

He softened his tone and said:

"Jiuzhou, how are you going to survive taking your younger siblings out like this?"

"Your own son, who's only a teenager, might be able to survive, but what about the other two?"

"What if something happens to you? How can you face your deceased parents?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiuzhou's expression turned serious, and he took a deep breath, saying:

"Uncle, Aunt, we siblings have already troubled you quite a bit today."

"They took us to a bath and gave us a nice meal."

"Although I saved you, Uncle Long, it was nothing more than a small favor."

"You're just incredibly lucky to have survived."

"Are we, siblings, going to stay and eat your food for the rest of our lives?"

"Is that acceptable?"

"I, Li Jiuzhou, would never do such a thing!"

Upon hearing this, Li Tielong roared angrily:

"Who says I can't live off you for life? You saved my life, so you can live off me for life? I'm telling you, even Principal Jiang can't stop me!"

Li Jiuzhou almost lost his composure upon hearing this.

What?

Principal Jiang?

They're busy with important national affairs; they don't have time to concern themselves with the trivial matters of a cook like you.

What could he say when Li Tielong brought up Principal Jiang?

Li Jiuzhou simply closed his eyes and pretended to be dead, so whatever you say goes.

Li Tielong said irritably:

"You're as stubborn and unyielding as a rock. I don't know what your parents raised you like."

"Now you'd better listen carefully!"

"Oh..." Li Jiuzhou opened his eyes and replied with a single word.

Li Tielong took another deep breath. Why am I getting so easily irritated today?

It's all this brat's fault, he's so infuriating...

Li Tielong slowly spoke:

"Jiuzhou, let me analyze the current situation for you. The situation for you and your siblings is not good right now."

"Although you have entered Beiping, you have no place to stay and no skill to support your siblings and your brother."

"This is a troublesome matter." Li Tielong paused, then continued:

"Jiuzhou, I don't mean to look down on you, but it's very difficult to survive in Beiping."

"If you rely on yourself without the help of acquaintances, you could very well get sold out."

"Shanhe is alright, he's not young anymore, but what about Jiaojiao?"

"If you two brothers are not careful, the consequences could be unimaginable."

What do you think?

"Uncle, please just say it. I'll listen to you!"

Seeing that Li Tielong had already said so much, he no longer wanted to pretend to be reserved.

Upon hearing this, Li Tielong smiled with satisfaction.

"That's right! Following Uncle's instructions will definitely ensure everything goes smoothly!"

"Then please tell me, I'm listening." Li Jiuzhou looked expectant.

"Cough cough cough..." Li Tielong coughed a few times on purpose, then said seriously:

"Jiuzhou, as you know, I'm the head chef at Fengzeyuan Restaurant, and I'm currently short of an apprentice."

"I think you'd be a good apprentice for me. How about it, you'll follow me from now on?"

Li Jiuzhou was taken aback and said bluntly:

"No, Uncle, you don't need any more apprentices?"

"Why don't I believe it?"

"I said I'm short-staffed, so what? Why are you making such a fuss? Just tell me, will you become my apprentice or not?"

Li Tielong got carried away again. He felt that this kid was so unlucky and wanted to beat him up.

"Uncle, you won't hit me after I become your apprentice, will you?" Seeing Li Tielong's expression that looked like he wanted to punch someone, he couldn't help but tease him again.

"Fuck you..." Li Tielong couldn't help but swear.

"Shut up, speak properly..." Wang Huilan said.

Then she spoke kindly to Li Jiuzhou, saying how wonderful it would be to be her man's apprentice, listing all sorts of advantages.

Alright, Li Jiuzhou had no more worries. He knelt down before the couple and bowed deeply, saying:

"Master and Mistress, please accept my bow!"

The couple looked at each other and then smiled.

He stepped forward to help Li Jiuzhou up, repeatedly saying "okay."

This was also an idea that Li Tielong came up with.

How can I repay this life-saving grace?

I will definitely repay you tenfold; I can't possibly offer myself in return, can I?

Why not just take him on as an apprentice, teach him how to make a living, and then teach him the principles of being a good person?

This is the best way to repay him, and it's exactly what Li Jiuzhou needs right now.

As for food and lodging, those are not a problem at all.

The master's home is the apprentice's home. The master will take care of the apprentice's food and drink. This is the treatment an apprentice receives!

As for Li Jiuzhou's younger brother and sister, let's just raise them together for now and deal with it later.

Their children have been gone for so many years, and their home is excessively quiet.

Another very important issue is that Li Tielong can afford to support them; he's not short of money...

A few days later, the three siblings' mental state was completely different.

They always have a smile on their face, especially Jiao Jiao, who keeps pestering her teacher's wife, chattering away about who-knows-what.

The good thing is that the teacher's wife is happy all the time; she's happy to do so because she hasn't taken care of children in a long time.

And that's where the fun begins...

The mother and son even cuddle while sleeping; they're incredibly close.

Seeing this, Li Tielong simply suggested taking her in as his goddaughter, and also taking in his second brother Shanhe as his godson.

Since we've decided to help Li Jiuzhou, we might as well go all the way and save our disciple from feeling uncomfortable.

This discomfort stemmed from the fear that Li Jiuzhou would feel guilty and cause trouble for the couple.

Now, Li Jiuzhou's younger brother and sister are my godchildren.

You disagree?

If you're not satisfied with my cooking, I'll find an excuse to punch you...

Seeing this, Li Jiuzhou felt inwardly that it was unfair!

He's the apprentice, and his younger siblings are his godchildren, what the hell...

Li Jiuzhou was just venting; he didn't have any other thoughts on his mind.

The system's intelligence is indeed excellent; it deserves a five-star rating.

Li Tielong has been on leave from work for the past few days; he still has a head injury.

I also took care of getting my godson Shanhe into school.

During the Republic of China era, school registration was divided into four years of primary school and three years of higher primary school.

Shanhe Shangchu is in the fourth grade of elementary school. He already has a good foundation and doesn't need to start from the lower grades.

Jiaojiao doesn't need any arrangements; she's only five years old. She can stay home and keep her teacher's wife company.

Ten days later, Li Tielong took Li Jiuzhou to work at Fengzeyuan.

Along the way, Li Tielong introduced Li Jiuzhou to the local customs and culture of Beiping, as well as some of the more famous buildings.

Li Jiuzhou listened carefully to his master's story and took notes diligently.

After all, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the three of them, siblings, would be settling down here, so they needed to understand the various rules and things to be aware of.

At the same time, Li Jiuzhou now genuinely admires Li Tielong, and he calls him "Master" from the bottom of his heart.

Regardless of whether it's a system problem or not, Li Tielong's act of repaying kindness is enough to demonstrate his character.

How could he not understand the significance of taking Li Jiuzhou's younger brother and sister as godparents?

Isn't it just so that she can take care of him legitimately?

Li Jiuzhou followed his master's footsteps slowly.

After being in the city for so many days, I finally know where my master lives.

Located in Dali Hutong near Dashilan, it's right inside the Second Ring Road, right at the foot of the Forbidden City!

It's very close to Fengzeyuan. Just come out of Dali Hutong and you'll be on Meishijie Avenue. Go straight and turn right, and you'll reach Fengzeyuan!

It's less than a 10-minute walk away.