Courtyard House: I fish in the heavens, a professional bird abuser.

Lou Xiao'e's appearance was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples throughout the courtyard.

At that time, the courtyard house was at its noisiest during the day. The smell of cooking oil from each household, the crying of children, and the scolding of adults, mixed with gossip, created a chaotic yet vibrant symphony unique to the courtyard house.

However, when that figure appeared at the courtyard gate, the symphony seemed to be put to a halt.

All the noise froze in an instant.

All eyes in the room were drawn to her like iron filings attracted by a magnet.

The pale yellow dress, made of crisp fabric and tailored to fit perfectly, shimmered softly in the afternoon sunlight. It accentuated her slender figure, and the exposed forearms and ankles revealed her fair and delicate skin, creating a striking and incongruous contrast with the dusty, coal-ash-filled courtyard.

The exquisite wicker basket in her hand, tied with a beautiful ribbon, formed a stark, even jarring, contrast with her neighbors who carried leaky net bags and patched tattered sacks.

But none of these are the most important things.

Most importantly, she is the daughter of Lou Zhenhua, the deputy director of the steel rolling mill!

A true "lady of a prominent family," raised in seclusion and never lifting a finger.

She actually came into this chaotic courtyard, carrying a gift that looked quite valuable, to congratulate He Yuanchao!

The implications of this are like a bombshell, enough to make those in the courtyard, who are skilled at interpersonal calculations and adept at making wild guesses, instantly conjure up a hundred dramatic scenarios about the "phoenix man and peacock woman".

"Comrade Lou...?"

Yan Jiecheng, who was helping He Yuanchao move the last small stool out, saw Lou Xiao'e's face, which he had only seen once from afar on the factory's bulletin board. His eyes almost popped out of their sockets, and his hand trembled so much that the heavy stool almost fell on his foot.

Although he didn't know Lou Xiao'e, her attire and her composed yet slightly reserved demeanor clearly indicated that she wasn't a girl from an ordinary family that someone of their social standing could come into contact with.

At the entrance of the courtyard, Xu Damao, who had been smugly waiting to see He Yuanchao make a fool of himself by moving, suddenly froze with a smile. His smile then cracked and collapsed inch by inch, eventually becoming more unsightly than crying.

He stared intently at Lou Xiao'e, then glanced at He Yuanchao, who stood calmly opposite her. The flames of jealousy almost materialized, bursting forth from his bloodshot eyes!

For what! By what right!

Xu Damao, a film projectionist, had traveled all over the country and considered himself worldly and eloquent. In his pursuit of Lou Xiao'e, he used countless connections, devised numerous methods, and sent countless movie tickets, but the Lou family remained lukewarm towards him, polite yet distant.

But now, the goddess he had been dreaming of actually came to his door to congratulate He Yuanchao, his mortal enemy who had always been one step ahead of him.

This isn't just a slap in the face; it's like pressing his face to the ground and grinding it back and forth with the sole of a shoe!

Liu Haizhong, the second uncle, who was hiding in his house and peeking through the crack in the window, couldn't help but gasp, feeling cold sweat suddenly pour down his back.

At this moment, all the aspects that I couldn't understand before suddenly became clear.

He finally understood why the usually aloof Director Wang had personally come forward and warned him in an almost threatening tone to stop causing trouble for He Yuanchao.

He finally understood why Deputy Factory Director Lou Zhenhua would go to such lengths, even somewhat unconventionally, to promote a young man who had only recently become a full-time employee.

This is hardly a simple matter of appreciating younger generations.

This is clearly... a preliminary assessment of the future son-in-law!

A chilling coldness rose from the depths of Liu Hai's heart, quickly spreading to every part of his body. He felt a wave of fear washing over him for his previous foolishness and shortsightedness. Offending He Yuanchao was tantamount to indirectly offending Deputy Factory Director Lou. Could he still hold onto his position as group leader?

Sha Zhu, who was leaning against his doorframe, listlessly smoking, suddenly brightened up when he saw Lou Xiao'e's beautiful figure. But when he saw Lou Xiao'e stop in front of He Yuanchao and look at him, and saw a fleeting, shy yet admiring light in her eyes that he had never seen before, his last remaining pride as the "Courtyard War God" was completely shattered by that gaze.

He abruptly threw the half-smoked cigarette butt on the ground, grinding it hard with his toe as if trying to crush the nameless anger and resentment in his heart. Then, without a word, he turned and went into the house, slamming the door shut with a loud bang.

Out of sight out of mind.

At this moment, the myriad aspects of life in the entire courtyard were vividly displayed.

As the center of the storm, He Yuanchao looked at Lou Xiao'e, whose cheeks were slightly flushed with nervousness and who was smiling sweetly, and understood.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Comrade Lou."

He nodded, his tone calm and gentle, showing neither the flattery of a nobody meeting the daughter of a high-ranking official, nor the deliberate coldness of keeping someone at arm's length, as if he were treating an ordinary friend.

"Perfect timing! I'm having a small housewarming party at my new place tonight. If you don't mind the simple setting, come join the fun!"

Did he... invite me out on his own initiative?

Lou Xiao'e's heart skipped a beat without warning, and a surge of heat instantly flushed her cheeks, giving her fair skin a beautiful blush. Her fingers tightened around the wicker basket, and her voice carried a hint of excitement she herself didn't realize:

"Really...really? Am I... bothering you too much?"

"No." He Yuanchao's answer was still simple and direct, yet it carried a reassuring power.

He didn't dwell on the topic any further, but turned to the Yan family father and son, who were completely stunned, and said with a smile:

"Uncle San, Jie Cheng, Jie Fang, you all come too. Once you're done cleaning up, it's 6 PM, in room 201 of building 3 in the cadre dormitory. Don't come empty-handed, just show up."

He deliberately added the second half of the sentence because he was afraid that Yan Bugui would try to take advantage of him by bringing some worthless things.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Okay! We'll definitely be there! We'll definitely be there!"

Yan Bugui was so excited he almost bit his tongue. His old face beamed like a weathered chrysanthemum as he nodded repeatedly, babbling incoherently.

This is an enormous favor! This is an enormous favor!

Being invited to the cadre building, and even to He Yuanchao's new home for a housewarming banquet—once word gets out, who in this courtyard would dare to look down on the Yan family in the slightest? His position as the third uncle is now completely secure!

"Thank you, brother who aided North Korea!"

"Don't worry, Brother Yuanchao, we'll definitely be there on time!"

Yan Jiecheng and Yan Jiefang were overjoyed and echoed each other, their eyes filled with awe and admiration as they looked at He Yuanchao.

……

As evening fell, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the brand-new buildings in a warm golden hue.

Room 201, Building 3, Cadre Building.

The brand-new two-bedroom apartment was bright and clean, with light green wainscoting, snow-white walls, and a spotless cement floor that had been wiped until it shone.

Although the house was bare, with almost no decent furniture except for the few simple belongings He Yuanchao brought from the courtyard—a bed, a table, and a few chairs—the spacious and bright space, the separate bathroom with a clean flush toilet, and the separate kitchen where one could properly cook and which was connected to gas were like paradise for people who were used to living in crowded, damp, and messy courtyard houses.

He Yuanchao was busy in the kitchen.

He wore a blue apron he had just bought from the factory's labor protection store. His tall figure seemed a bit cramped in the small kitchen, but his movements were exceptionally skillful and efficient.

He skillfully scaled, gutted, and cleaned a plump grass carp carefully selected from the market, made several even cuts on its body, rubbed it with salt and cooking wine, and set it aside to marinate, preparing to make his signature braised fish.

A piece of high-quality pork belly with a good balance of fat and lean meat was also sliced ​​into evenly thin slices under his steady knife skills, and neatly arranged, ready to be a rice-friendly twice-cooked pork.

There are also a few fresh cucumbers with their blossoms and thorns still on, and a few bright red tomatoes, ready to be mixed into a refreshing and palate-cleansing cold dish.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

It was the Yan family father and son.

The three of them changed into their best clothes, which they kept hidden away, and their hair was slicked back. Their faces showed a bit of restraint, but more so an irrepressible excitement and curiosity.

"We're here to aid Korea! Are you on time?" Yan Bugui rubbed his hands together, his face beaming.

"Brother Yuanchao! Your new home is so bright! My God, it's a hundred times better than our dilapidated house!" Yan Jiefang exclaimed in surprise as soon as he entered the door.

"Engineer He, from now on you will be a role model for all the young people in our institute!" Yan Jiecheng followed behind, offering compliments without hesitation.

The three exchanged polite compliments, but their eyes darted around the room like searchlights, their envy practically overflowing when they saw the separate bathroom.

"Please make yourself at home." He Yuanchao poked his head out from the kitchen and pointed to a few old newspapers spread on the living room floor. "We haven't had time to buy furniture yet, so it's a bit simple. We apologize for the inconvenience."

"I'm not wronged at all! I'm not wronged at all! I feel comfortable even standing here!" Yan Bugui waved his hand and plopped down on the newspaper. He patted the seat next to him, signaling his two sons to sit down as well.

Immediately afterwards, the doorbell rang again, and Lou Xiao'e arrived.

She had clearly prepared carefully, changing out of her eye-catching dress and into a more capable and energetic blue women's workwear outfit. Her long hair was neatly tied into a high ponytail, making her look less delicate and more heroic.

She was carrying a net bag containing two exquisitely packaged bottles of Xifeng liquor, and several packets of Daoxiangcun pastries wrapped in oil paper.

"Congratulations on your housewarming, Mr. He." She stood at the door and said with a smile, her bright gaze sweeping across the living room and landing on the tall figure in the kitchen wearing an apron, with a hint of curiosity that she herself couldn't quite explain.

"It's good that you're here. Don't be so polite. What did you bring?" He Yuanchao nodded, walked out of the kitchen, and naturally took the wine and snacks from her hands.

That humble yet confident, natural attitude, like that of an old friend, immediately put Lou Xiao'e, who was still somewhat restrained and uneasy, at ease.

Unlike the Yan father and son who just sat and waited, she took the initiative to walk into the kitchen, naturally rolled up the sleeves of her work clothes, revealing her fair wrists: "Let me help you? I can wash and prepare the vegetables."

"No need, it'll be ready soon. You can just sit and watch TV for a while."

He Yuanchao pointed to the corner of the living room, to the nine-inch Peony brand black and white television set that he had just asked someone to get for him that afternoon, which already had its antenna connected.

Just then, the door opened again, and He Yushui came home from school.

When she entered the room, she wasn't surprised to see the Yan family father and son sitting in the living room. However, when she saw Lou Xiao'e standing at the kitchen door, she was clearly taken aback. A barely perceptible hint of... wariness flashed across her still-childish face.

But her good upbringing still prompted her to politely greet him, "Hello, Comrade Lou."

Then, she put down her schoolbag, ran to He Yuanchao's side as if she knew the way well, and stuck to him like a little tail. She looked up at him and asked in a sweet voice, "Brother Yuanchao, what are we having for dinner today? Shall I help you start the fire?"

For a moment, the atmosphere in the already cramped kitchen became somewhat subtle due to the arrival of the two women.

He Yuanchao, however, seemed completely oblivious to the undercurrents. All his attention was focused on the stove in front of him. He moved swiftly and precisely, heating the pan, pouring in oil, and once the oil was hot, he added the scallions, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. With a sizzle, a rich aroma burst forth, filling the entire room.

He then slid the marinated fish pieces into the pan and fried them until golden brown on both sides. Holding the handle of the pan with one hand, he flicked his wrist, and the heavy pan, along with the fish pieces inside, traced a graceful arc in the air before landing steadily.

The movements of tossing the wok, stir-frying, adding cooking wine, pouring soy sauce, adding sugar, adding water... are fluid and powerful, full of a unique rhythmic beauty.

His focused expression and skillful technique left Lou Xiao'e, who was standing at the kitchen door, and He Yushui, who was standing close to him, somewhat stunned.

They never imagined that a man, especially one with such astonishing calligraphy skills, could cook in such a... beautiful way.

Soon, a plate of braised fish with a bright red color, rich broth, and fragrant aroma, a plate of twice-cooked pork with oily gravy and a caramelized aroma, a plate of refreshing cucumber salad, and a large bowl of steaming white rice were placed on the table that was temporarily made from two wooden crates.

"Dinner is ready."

He Yuanchao took off his apron, washed his hands, and greeted everyone.

Looking at the sumptuous feast before them, a feast comparable to the New Year's celebration at the time, and smelling the irresistible aroma, the Yan father and son could no longer contain themselves. Their eyes shone brightly, and their throats bobbed uncontrollably.

He Yuanchao deftly opened a bottle of Xifeng liquor, poured some for Yan Bugui and the enamel mug in front of him, and also poured half a cup for the restless Yan Jiecheng and Yan Jiefang.

Then, he picked up a bottle of Arctic Ocean soda that had been chilled in well water, and with a "pop," he pried open the cap with chopsticks and handed it to Lou Xiao'e. He also opened a bottle for He Yushui.

"Come on, it's a housewarming celebration today, so let's not be too formal. Everyone, eat and drink to your heart's content." He Yuanchao was the first to raise his glass.

"Congratulations to Mr. He on your new house! May you rise to great heights and have a bright future!" Yan Bugui stood up excitedly, raised his wine glass high with both hands, and shouted at the top of his lungs.

Everyone raised their glasses, instantly igniting a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

The meal was enjoyed by both the host and guests.

The Yan family father and son were completely impressed by He Yuanchao's cooking skills and his generous and unconcerned attitude. They toasted him cup after cup, showering him with praise and flattery, almost praising him as a perfect person unparalleled in heaven and earth.

He Yushui quietly ate her meal and sipped her sweet soda. Her big eyes would occasionally steal a glance at He Yuanchao, who was all smiles, and then, with a hint of wariness, she would steal a glance at Lou Xiao'e, who was equally quiet but whose gaze never left He Yuanchao. Her little mouth would purse slightly without her noticing.

Lou Xiao'e, on the other hand, felt an unprecedented sense of novelty and relaxation in this warm and down-to-earth atmosphere. Mealtimes in her home were always quiet and strictly regulated.

Watching He Yuanchao handle the dinner table with ease and wit, seeing his unintentional acts of serving food to He Yushui and his care for her, and witnessing his affability and generosity towards the Yan family father and son, a thought grew clearer and more resolute in her mind:

This man was a million times more charming than she had imagined.

He not only possesses extraordinary talent that even his father admires, but also a reassuring and down-to-earth charm.

He is both a master calligrapher capable of producing works of grand style and vision, and a domestic man who can also put on an apron and cook up an exquisite meal.

This seemingly contradictory yet perfectly unified temperament held a fatal attraction for her.

After the meal, everyone sat on the floor, still feeling quite unsatisfied, watching the revolutionary film "Heroes and Daughters" on TV and chatting casually.

He Yuanchao and Lou Xiao'e naturally started talking about literature and current events.

With his foresight and broad knowledge as a time traveler, He Yuanchao occasionally throws out a few novel, unique, and forward-thinking viewpoints, which always make Lou Xiao'e, who considers herself well-read, light up her eyes, as if opening the door to a new world, prompting her to keep asking questions.

The distance between the two was quickly shortened unconsciously through this question-and-answer exchange and the clash of ideas.

As night deepened, the Yan father and son bid farewell contentedly, and He Yushui also went back to her room to do her homework.

He Yuanchao escorted Lou Xiao'e downstairs.

The evening breeze was cool, and the moonlight was like water, casting long shadows of the two people.

"Thank you for your hospitality today, Mr. He. I...I had a lot of fun, really." Lou Xiao'e lowered her head, looking at her toes, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible shyness and reluctance.

"I should be thanking you for coming and making my housewarming party even more special," He Yuanchao said with a smile, polite yet sincere.

"Well... I'll be going now." Lou Xiao'e raised her head, not knowing where she got the courage, and met He Yuanchao's gaze, which seemed particularly deep in the moonlight, and said softly, "Next time... I'll treat you to a movie, okay?"

"it is good."

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Lou Xiao'e's face instantly blossomed into a bright and charming smile. She nodded vigorously, turned around, and disappeared into the night with light steps, like a happy lark.

He Yuanchao watched her retreating figure, then looked up at the window of his new home, where a warm light shone, and felt a sense of peace.

A new life, a new circle, a new beginning.

The sordid past of those courtyard houses seems to be slowly fading away.

However, he knew that the tree might wish to remain still, but the wind would not cease.