Courtyard House: The Fisherman Never Goes Sick

It was already 9:30 p.m. when we got back to the courtyard house.

The night was deep. When he first went out, there were a few streetlights providing some light, but the closer he got to the courtyard, the sparser the lights became, until some sections of the road were completely dark. Yang Wei dared not pedal his 125cc bicycle too hard, and could only ride carefully, afraid of making a mistake at this crucial moment—if he missed the state banquet, he would be unjustly killed.

On the way back, he was thinking of using up all the remaining lottery draw chances. After all, when Xu Guoqing announced that he had won first place, the state banquet mission was already completed, and the cash reward and skill points had been credited to his account.

[Host: Yang Wei]

Occupation 1: Chef

【技能：火候顶级（150\/100000）；刀工顶级（10\/10000）；调味顶级（20\/10000）】

【Career Two: Treasure Appraiser】

[Skill: Eye of Truth (Unique), sees through all disguises and reveals the only truth; Intermediate Knowledge (570/1000); Intermediate Vision (353/1000)]

System space: 10 cubic meters

Skill Points: 11234

He'd accumulated over 10,000 skill points, but unfortunately, he was still short of converting them into Appraiser experience. However, he'd already gained nearly 600 knowledge and skill experience. With a little more effort, using skill point conversion and his own grinding, he could level up quickly. By the time he reached the advanced level, his knowledge would be comparable to that of ordinary collectors, but to catch up with top-tier figures like Grandpa Guan, he'd have to persevere for a while longer.

Back in the courtyard, Yang Wei tiptoed and pushed his cart straight to the backyard. Luckily, it was dark, and the people in the courtyard couldn't see his face clearly, otherwise they would have burst out laughing at his bright bald head.

As soon as she entered the house, Lou Xiao'e came out of the bedroom and immediately saw his bald head. She burst out laughing, but then remembered that the old lady was already asleep, so she quickly covered her mouth. However, her shoulders kept shaking as she struggled to hold back her laughter.

Yang Wei's face darkened—he had anticipated this scene. Touching his smooth scalp, he sighed helplessly. State banquets had strict requirements; if a hair fell into the food and was found by a guest, it would be a disaster.

"I'm going to wash up!" he muttered, turning and walking towards the kitchen.

After washing up and returning to the bedroom, Lou Xiao'e couldn't wait to touch his bald head: "So smooth! What made you decide to shave your head? To show your resolve?"

"That's enough, a couple of touches are enough." Yang Wei glared at her.

Lou Xiao'e stopped laughing and grabbed his arm in surprise: "You were really elected? You can really attend the state banquet?"

"Yeah, he got selected and became the head chef!" Yang Wei laughed. "Isn't your husband awesome?"

"Awesome! That's amazing!" She tiptoed and kissed him. "A reward!"

"Starting tomorrow, I'll be staying at the State Guesthouse until the state banquet ends. If anything happens at home, ask Zhuzi for help," Yang Wei instructed.

"Okay, I'll get ready right away!" Lou Xiao'e busied herself for half an hour, preparing the clothes.

Before going to bed, it was time to "pay the dues"—Yang Wei wouldn't be around for the next three days. Two hours later, the room was quiet, the lights were off, Lou Xiao'e was fast asleep, but Yang Wei kept his eyes open, watching her by the moonlight, a smile playing on his lips.

"System, draw a prize!"

"Ding! We've detected that you have three more chances to draw a prize. Would you like to draw them all at once?"

"One-time extraction".

The turntable spun rapidly, and after a moment the results appeared:

"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have received two thousand yuan in cash!"

"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have gained 100,000 skill points!"

"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have acquired god-level fighting techniques!"

"Rewards have been issued, and items are in your system storage."

Yang Wei's spirits lifted—this was a huge win! Last time, he unlocked the god-level cleaver with all his chef skills at the top level, and this time he got god-level fighting skills. He'd become a tycoon with over ten thousand in cash, and his hundred thousand skill points would accelerate his appraiser leveling up. He wasn't far from reaching the advanced level.

The divine-level fighting technique was a skill book; he'd leave it for later. After his initial excitement subsided, he closed his eyes and went to sleep.

The next morning, Yang Wei put on his hat, packed a change of clothes, said goodbye to Lou Xiao'e and the old lady, and rode his bicycle straight to the State Guesthouse, intending to stay there for three days until the state banquet ended before returning to the courtyard house.

Even the most ordinary clothes, when worn by Yang Yourong, cannot conceal her innate charm.

As Yang Wei's teacher, Yang Yourong was such a woman. Every move she made, every smile she gave, seemed to have a hook, drawing everyone's attention. It was a unique charm that belonged to a woman, understated yet impossible to ignore, an irresistible temptation for any man, making him want to "devour her alive".

"Good morning, everyone. Today we'll be discussing some important points to note regarding the state banquet menu. Please listen carefully and take notes."

On the stage, Yang Yourong, with a beaming smile, explained with composure and grace. Below, Yang Wei and the others sat upright, their eyes unconsciously following her. Yang Wei didn't know how many people in this class could truly control their inner turmoil, but he himself had indeed nearly succumbed to the urge several times. Especially when Yang Yourong wrote on the blackboard, her back to the class, bending down—the moment her curves were revealed… This caused many people present to lose their rhythm of breathing.

"She's a fairy!"

"I really don't know what kind of man could tame her."

As Yang Wei took notes, he secretly sighed. This class was both torture and enjoyment for them, a bittersweet experience. Even after class, several middle-aged chefs couldn't resist finding excuses to chase after Yang Yourong, hoping to get closer to her under the guise of "asking questions." In the end, only Yang Wei and Sun Jiufu remained out of the eight.

Sun Jiufu knew he was old enough to be Yang Yourong's father, so he had no such intentions. Yang Wei, on the other hand, knew that the person standing on this stage to give a lecture must have connections that were anything but simple. He dared not provoke such a woman and it was best to keep his distance.

"Old Sun, let's go eat." It was lunchtime, and Yang Wei said softly to Sun Jiufu.

"Why don't you go ask Xiao Rong questions?" Sun Jiufu asked with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

"Teacher Yang explained it very thoroughly, and I took notes. Perhaps because I'm younger, I understand it more clearly, so I don't have any questions," Yang Wei replied with a smile. He understood Sun Jiufu's subtext—asking questions was just a way to get closer to Yang Yourong. It's a man's nature; when he sees a beautiful woman, he can't help but feel a surge of excitement and fantasize about an encounter, but in the end, it's mostly in vain.

The two arrived at the restaurant chatting and laughing. As soon as they sat down, a staff member brought them their standard staff meal. Just as they were about to pick up their chopsticks, a soft, alluring voice sounded in their ears: "Gentlemen, do you mind if I sit here?"

Yang Wei frowned—why would someone he didn't want to provoke come knocking on his door? Wasn't this just asking for trouble? He looked up and smiled apologetically: "Excuse me, Professor Yang, Mr. Sun and I have some things to discuss, and we don't want others to hear."

Yang Yourong's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and said calmly, "I'm sorry, I disturbed you. I'll go eat over there, please enjoy your meal." With that, she turned and left gracefully.

Sun Jiufu remained silent throughout, only glancing at Yang Wei with a playful look in his eyes after she sat down some distance away.

"Don't look at me like that, Old Sun. Aren't you hungry? I'm starving, I'll eat first!" Yang Wei chuckled and lowered his head to eat. His refusal made Sun Jiufu even more curious—others wanted to get close to Yang Yourong, but Yang Wei wouldn't even accept someone who offered themselves to him.

After taking a couple of bites, Sun Jiufu finally couldn't help but speak up: "Xiao Rong is a pitiful girl. Her husband died in a car accident while on a business trip not long after they got married, and she has remained unmarried ever since."

Yang Wei answered irrelevantly, "Old Sun, I got married. I got married on September 15th this year!"

This was his answer, and also a clear signal to Sun Jiufu—he already had a family, and there could be no further entanglement.

After listening, Sun Jiufu said no more, and instead began to recount his experience with the state banquet process. He had attended a state banquet once, and these details were invaluable to Yang Wei. As he spoke, system notifications continued to sound:

[Ding! The host has received experience from a master chef specializing in state banquets and has gained 10 skill points.]

[Ding! The host has received experience from a master chef specializing in state banquets and has gained 10 skill points.]

[Ding! The host has received experience from a master chef specializing in state banquets and has gained 10 skill points.]

Meanwhile, seeing Yang Wei genuinely engrossed in his conversation with Sun Jiufu, Yang Yourong felt somewhat relieved—this meant her charm hadn't diminished, and Yang Wei simply had something to discuss, not that he was deliberately refusing her. Although she noticed Yang Wei frowning when he heard her voice, she didn't interpret it as dislike; instead, she guessed he was afraid of delaying their business.

"In that case, let's talk about it tonight." She thought to herself, "I don't believe you'll be too busy for three days."

Beautiful women are never short of suitors, and they can summon and dismiss sycophants at will. But someone like Yang Wei, who made her taste rejection for the first time, aroused her desire to conquer him.

After lunch, I rested for another half hour.

Yang Wei and the others reappeared in the classroom.

"We'll go over the menu again this afternoon, so please take careful notes. If you have any questions after class, feel free to come and ask me anytime."

"I will be staying here for the next three days, so please listen carefully and study diligently to ensure the success of the state banquet."

Yang Yourong stood on the stage, and although her words seemed directed at everyone, Yang Wei felt, for some reason, that this woman was constantly staring at him as she spoke.

It seemed as if those words were all directed at him.

Especially the second sentence.

She will stay here indefinitely; you can go to her anytime if you have any problems.

What does that mean?

"Could it be that after enduring so many years, he finally couldn't take it anymore?"

"Or is my charm too great, making it difficult for her to resist?"

Yang Wei sat there, head down in thought, avoiding eye contact with Yang Yourong.

Standing on the stage, Yang Yourong saw Yang Wei, who kept his head down, and immediately felt a surge of hatred.

Her alluring charm was entirely displayed by the blind man.

It's completely useless and a waste of effort.

Seeing this, she stopped saying anything and began to give a lecture.

Putting everything else aside, her teaching skills are still very impressive.

"The menu for this state banquet has been finalized; it will consist of ten dishes."

"However, these ten dishes do not necessarily mean ten plates of food. Rather, the quantity of each dish is variable."

"Take this first dish, the Seven-Color Cold Platter, for example. It contains seven dishes, which are..."

Yang Yourong stood on the stage and spoke eloquently.

The people below were also recording things separately.

The day's classes passed slowly in this atmosphere.

Apart from Yang Wei and Sun Jiufu, the others, though concerned about Yang Yourong's health, still listened attentively to the lecture.

After all, state banquets are of great importance and cannot be taken lightly.

They still knew what was important and weren't completely blinded by lust.

During dinner in the evening.

Yang Wei was still with Sun Jiufu.

He discovered that this old man was very insightful.

He understands everything very well.

Yang Wei didn't dislike the old man at all and actually enjoyed talking to him.

Because, who knows, a single sentence that comes out of his mouth might be a valuable lesson in Yang Wei's life.

When their work meals were served, they picked up their chopsticks and started eating.

Learning is a mentally taxing activity. Although it doesn't require any physical exertion, the mental effort it puts on your mind depletes your energy very quickly.

It was more tiring than cooking at the steel mill.

Yang Wei was already hungry, so he didn't care about anything else and started eating.

I had only taken a few bites when another voice rang out.

"Gentlemen, do you mind if I sit here?"

The same words, the same voice.

The same kind of ill-intentioned woman.

Yang Wei couldn't help but furrow his brow.

This looks like a piece of dog skin plaster.

Before Yang Wei could speak, Sun Jiufu across from him suddenly stood up and said, "Xiao Rong is here, please sit down. I've just finished eating; I'm getting old, a few bites are enough for me. You young people should chat more; I'll go back to rest now."

"Old Sun, what are you doing? You've only eaten two bites! You can't waste food!" Yang Wei didn't want the old man to leave, so he hurriedly tried to persuade him to stay.

However, a cryptic smile appeared on Sun Jiufu's lips.

She gave Yang Wei a deep look and said softly, "Then I'll trouble you, Xiao Yang. Could you finish the rest of the food for me?"

"Take care, Mr. Sun!"

Yang Yourong smiled slightly and said to Sun Jiufu.

The old man waved his hand and really did walk outside.

For a moment, only Yang Wei and Yang Yourong remained at the table.

Although the two people share the same surname, they have absolutely no relation whatsoever.

Yang Yourong sat down slowly and deliberately, her delicate hands... If we catch them...

absolute……

Yang Wei immediately shook his head at the thought of that scene.

"Holy crap, this is a demon! How can I even imagine that scene? I don't want to live anymore!" Yang Wei hurriedly banished the image from his mind.

Then he didn't say anything, just kept his head down and focused on the food in front of him.

The two of them ate for about five minutes.

Yang Yourong's voice finally rang slowly in Yang Wei's ears.

"Master Yang, are you annoyed with me?"

"Um?"

"No, how could I? I have no grudge against you, Teacher Yang, so why would I dislike you? No man would be tired of a woman as beautiful as you," Yang Wei hesitated for a moment, then quickly replied.

"Then why is it that every time I came here, you couldn't help but frown when you heard my voice?" Yang Yourong pressed on with her questioning.

"Then you must have seen wrong. I would never do something so rude."

"Perhaps it's just a habit of mine. I've had this habit since I was little; I tend to frown without even realizing it. It's absolutely not directed at Teacher Yang; please don't worry about that," Yang Wei continued, trying to stall her.

"So, I misunderstood you, Master Yang?"

"Absolutely! I swear to Chairman Mao, Teacher Yang, you've completely misunderstood."

"Is the food good?"

"tasty!"

Am I good-looking?

"It looks great!"

"Then why don't you even look up at me?"

The two were like two generals locked in a fierce battle.

They answered questions quickly.

However, judging from Yang Yourong's series of problems...

Yang Wei has made one thing certain.

The vixen in front of him was definitely lusting after his body and had ill intentions.

"Pah! I will absolutely not let you succeed."

"My beautiful body can only be given to my wife, absolutely not to you, this pretty widow," Yang Wei thought to himself.

He then looked up at Yang Yourong and said earnestly, "Teacher Yang, I'm married. I have a wife."

"So what?"

"That……"

At this point, Yang Wei felt somewhat helpless about the woman in front of him.

This guy is a total tough nut to crack.

Looking at the half-eaten plate of food in front of him, he touched his half-full stomach.

In the end, Yang Wei endured the pain and stood up.

"Teacher Yang, I've finished eating and I'm going back to rest now. Please enjoy your meal!"

"You haven't finished eating yet, don't waste food!"

"Then please have Ms. Yang finish the rest for me. I'll be going now!"

After saying that, Yang Wei stood up and headed straight for the door, walking quickly towards the room where he was resting, wanting to get away from this vixen as soon as possible.

They saw Yang Wei fleeing in panic.

Yang Yourong sat there, stunned for a moment. Then she burst out laughing.

After laughing a few times, he picked up his chopsticks again and began to eat slowly and elegantly.

In the end, she actually ate the remaining half plate of food that Yang Wei had left.

As for Sun Jiufu's plate of food, neither of them touched it from beginning to end.