Courtyard House: A System Connecting Two Worlds, Resources for the Nation

In that era, the exchange rate of the US dollar was very different from that of later years; 1 US dollar was approximately equal to 2.46 RMB.

However, the purchasing power of RMB in this era far exceeded that of later generations!

"No, $144? More than 350 yuan apiece?"

Although Li Huaide was already the deputy director of the steel rolling mill and was in charge of logistics, the materials and finances he handled were beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

But even I couldn't help but shudder at the sight of such expensive beef.

It's no exaggeration to say that just this one slice of beef is enough for a family of three to live on for a year!

If Li Huaide behaved like this, then Qin Jingru was even more likely to behave this way.

When she heard the price of 350 yuan, the beef in her hand felt like a hot potato, and she carefully placed it on the table.

He stood there, somewhat bewildered, fidgeting with the hem of his clothes.

On the one hand, the beef was really too expensive, and on the other hand, they were also worried about Zhou Feng.

Living such a luxurious life, will I be considered a capitalist?

The other person in the room is the deputy factory director. If he reports Zhou Feng as a capitalist, he'll be in trouble too, right?

"Brother, I knew you had your own way of doing things, but I really didn't expect your way to be so...so...amazing! You've really opened my eyes today."

The beef that Zhou Feng brought out today, not to mention him, even his father-in-law probably had never seen before!

"Brother Li, you're being a bit presumptuous! This little bit is nothing! I have plenty here, eat up!"

Setting the beef aside, Zhou Feng, with a slightly smug expression, opened his refrigerator again.

"Look at this! Bluefin tuna belly, Atlantic bluefin tuna at that! Don't be fooled by how small it is, it's $3500 a pound!"

"However, if you want to eat this, you need to take it out and gently thaw it for more than 10 hours in advance. Next time you come, just let us know in advance, and we'll make it for you!"

Li Huaide looked at the packaged, light pink fish and couldn't help but swallow.

What does this meat taste like?

He didn't know, nor was he greedy, but what he was greedy for was the money!

$3500 per kilogram?

More than 7000 RMB?

What does this mean?

Now he understands why Zhou Feng had the resources to provide so much chicken to the people of Beiping as a welfare benefit!

Just the amount of fish meat he has in his refrigerator must be worth tens of thousands of yuan!

Li Huaide originally thought he was here to broaden his horizons, but now it seems that the phrase "broaden his horizons" is not quite accurate.

He's accidentally wandered into the imperial palace!

Even the emperors of the old society weren't all that great, were they?

"Bro, I give up! Don't scare me! I'm not worthy to eat this stuff!"

Li Huaide waved his hand repeatedly at Zhou Feng.

If he eats meat that costs 7000 yuan a pound, let alone go out and talk to other people, even his father-in-law would drag him out to shoot targets if he found out.

Needless to say, Qin Jingru, standing to the side, immediately shut her mouth and hid away like a little quail after the two ingredients were brought out.

She even felt that the money Zhou Feng and Li Huaide were talking about was not the same as the money she usually dealt with, otherwise how could they keep saying such a large number?

The money is at most 5 or 10 yuan, isn't it?

What are they talking about?

Although Zhou Feng was pleased with Li Huaide and Qin Jingru's surprised expressions, the atmosphere of their conversation underwent a dramatic change.

Fortunately, Li Huaide was quick-witted and managed to steer the conversation back on track with a few words.

For things like what Sun Yue asked him to find out, he didn't even need to ask Zhou Feng; Li Huaide basically figured it all out while they were chatting.

My brother is an extremely capable and well-connected person. Although he usually acts indifferent, he has a strong personality deep down.

In short, he can choose to be low-key and easygoing because of his personality and temperament, but no one can tell him what to do or give him orders.

Li Huaide had met Bai Ling a few times and knew how assertive that woman was.

So what is Comrade Zhou Feng's attitude towards Comrade Bai Ling now?

It's a clash of titans; one of them has to back down.

If he had Zhou Feng's abilities, he wouldn't tolerate such a domineering woman by his side either.

And Zhou Feng's current mental state...

Li Huaide genuinely felt that he was quite normal, and that he wasn't deliberately relaxing or had any other motive.

If Bai Ling isn't here, I'll find someone else.

You thought you were a hot commodity and tried to forcefully control Zhou Feng, but you failed.

Looking back now, how many women actually offered themselves up?

Although Li Huaide dared to offend the Special Operations Division, in his heart he still leaned towards Zhou Feng's side.

Putting aside Zhou Feng's mysterious background, the fact that Zhou Feng, with such an identity, was still so easygoing with him was enough for Li Huaide to open his heart to him.

Li Huaide was deep in thought, while Zhou Feng went to check on the thawing of the Wagyu beef.

Top-grade Wagyu beef like this is very easy to cook; it doesn't need much seasoning, just enough to bring out its original flavor.

Seeing that Zhou Feng was about to cook himself, Qin Jingru quickly came over and said, "Brother Zhou Feng, why don't I do it?"

"Since you can't come, I'll have to do this. I'll do it here, you can learn from me, and then I'll teach you."

Qin Jingru was stunned when she heard Zhou Feng's words, and then she realized what he meant.

This meat is different from the pork we usually eat at home. This meat... costs more than 350 yuan per pound!

I must be out of my mind to want to cook such expensive meat!

If they burn the meat, even if the three of them don't eat or drink for a year, they still can't afford to lose the money!

Zhou Feng had already started working, simply sprinkling a little sea salt on the beef and then heating the wok to a very high temperature.

Quickly sear each side of the steak for about 30 seconds until a caramelized crust forms, then place it on a warm plate to rest.

"See? It's easy, right? Just fry each side for this short time, but after frying, you must let it rest for five minutes!"

"I...I understand..."

Qin Jingru trembled slightly as she accepted the clip Zhou Feng handed her.

Watching Zhou Feng's movements just now, it wasn't difficult at all, but this thing is expensive after all!

"You're putting that young comrade in a really difficult position. Look how frightened she is! Don't you know how to be gentle with a woman?"

Li Huaide sat at the dining table and made a teasing remark to Zhou Feng, which also carried a hint of testing.

"What's so difficult about that? You know how lazy I am. If I teach her, I won't have to do it myself anymore, right?"

Got it!

Upon hearing Zhou Feng's words, Li Huaide couldn't help but sigh for Bai Ling.

It seems your brother is quite satisfied with this girl; he's even considering the future.

If that's the case, Comrade Bai Ling would better hurry up.

If she waits a while longer, even if she manages to return to Zhou Feng's side, this young girl will catch up with, or even surpass, her in importance to him.

As for whether Zhou Feng could resolve the issues between the two women, Li Huaide never doubted it at all.

He and Zhou Feng are definitely the same type of people, but the difference is that he doesn't have such a large network of connections behind him, so he can only achieve his upward mobility by marrying into the family.

Zhou Feng, on the other hand, is different. With such great abilities, how could he possibly be trapped by a mere woman?

While the two were chatting, Qin Jingru had already cooked several steaks and, as Zhou Feng instructed, placed them on the table in order.

"Brother Li, you came in a hurry this time, and I really didn't prepare anything. Next time you come, just let me know in advance, and I'll definitely make sure everything is arranged for you."

As Zhou Feng cut his steak, he said with some regret.

Having lived in the Siheyuan world for so long, regardless of his motives, it seems that Li Huaide truly cares about him the most.

After he joined the steel rolling mill, they would take him to meals, help him with all the trivial matters, and think of him whenever there was an opportunity to make money.

Now that he's no longer at the steel rolling mill, he still cares about training his future assistant.

With this relationship in place, even if Li Huaide makes any problems or mistakes in the future, as long as they are not matters of principle, Zhou Feng will do his best to protect him.

As for these ingredients and food, Zhou Feng didn't really care.

Not to mention Li Huaide, Qin Jingru can also go straight to the table and enjoy it; it's just a matter of a few thousand yuan in the future world.

Looking at the steak in front of him, Li Huaide had eaten it before, but only at home.

Qin Jingru was completely baffled. Such a big piece of beef, how could she not just hug it and gnaw on it?

Zhou Feng had originally planned to use a knife and fork to eat, but seeing the two people's somewhat bewildered expressions, he suddenly smiled as well.

They say when in Rome, do as the Romans do. We've brought this steak to China, so why stick to Western customs?

"Jingru, take this steak to the kitchen, cut it with a knife, and then bring it back."

Upon hearing Zhou Feng's instructions, Qin Jingru breathed a sigh of relief, nodded repeatedly, and took the plate to the kitchen.

"Dude, I don't think Westerners eat steak like this, do they?"

Li Huaide asked out of curiosity.

"Who cares? We're already here, let's just cut it with a knife and eat it with chopsticks!"

Zhou Feng waved his hand, and after Qin Jingru brought the plate back, he picked up a piece and put it in his mouth to chew.

This A5 Wagyu beef is indeed different from ordinary beef.

The first taste is a rich, creamy flavor and sweetness from melting fat, instantly filling the entire mouth.

The melted fat blends perfectly with the lean meat fibers, resulting in a rich, juicy flavor rather than a greasy one.

Then comes the layered flavor of the beef itself, intertwined with the aroma of the fat.

Even after swallowing, a lingering sweetness and milky aroma will remain in your mouth.

It never had the fishy or gamey smell that ordinary beef might have.

Both Li Huaide and Qin Jingru narrowed their eyes.

Although people of this era have never tasted this type of beef, deliciousness knows no time!

Li Huaide picked up another piece of beef and put it in his mouth. He chewed it carefully, squinted his eyes and savored it for a long time before swallowing it with satisfaction.

"Brother, to be honest, I've eaten my fair share of good food in my life, but this beef..." He shook his head, smacked his lips, "is truly a first. This meal you've given me is better than anything I've had for Chinese New Year."

Zhou Feng chuckled: "Brother Li, if you like them, I'll get some more and send a few to your family later."

"No, no, no!" Li Huaide waved his hands repeatedly, his face looking as if he had eaten a bitter melon. "Please spare me. If I take this home, and my father-in-law asks where it came from, what am I supposed to say? That my brother gave it to me? That old man would kill me! At the price of your beef, he could beat me up three times over!"

Zhou Feng thought about it and agreed; after all, the organization had its own rules, so he didn't insist any further.

The three of them sat there, eating their steaks with chopsticks.

At first, Qin Jingru was a little reserved, chewing on a piece of food for a long time. But after seeing Zhou Feng eating with gusto, she gradually relaxed and ate in small bites, her eyes sparkling.

Li Huaide picked up two more pieces, but he really couldn't eat anymore. He put down his chopsticks, patted his stomach, and said, "I can't take it anymore, I'm so full. Brother, the life you live is something even the gods would envy."

Qin Jingru quickly cleared away the bowls and chopsticks, then carried the plates to the kitchen.

Li Huaide leaned back in his chair, glanced towards the kitchen, and said in a low voice, "Brother, I'm just saying a few words, don't take it personally."

Zhou Feng lit a cigarette, offered one to him, and lit one for himself: "Brother Li, what's up?"

"Do all the comrades around here know about your affair with Comrade Bai Ling?" Li Huaide took a cigarette, lit it, and took a puff. "It's not a big deal that you're getting close to this young girl, but you still need to be mindful of the impact."

Zhou Feng exhaled a smoke ring but didn't say anything.

Li Huaide continued, "Brother, I've been through this before; I've seen it all. You're well-off and capable, so you're bound to have people around you. But those gossips outside can be infuriating. What I mean is, if you're really serious, rent a couple of rooms outside. Don't let everyone know about it here. Keeping a mistress hidden away is an old trick passed down from our ancestors; it's foolproof."

After listening, Zhou Feng smiled and nodded: "Brother Li, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"That's good." Li Huaide stood up, patted him on the shoulder, "Alright, it's getting late, I have to go. I'll make sure you handle your assistant perfectly!"

"Thank you for your help, Brother Li."

"We're brothers, no need to be so polite."

Li Huaide lifted his foot to walk out, and Zhou Feng saw him to the door.

In the courtyard, it was already getting dark, and the air was filled with the smells of cooking from various families.

There was stir-fried cabbage, steamed cornbread, and a smell of cornmeal porridge. All mixed together, it had a real homey feel to it.

There were hardly any people in the courtyard.

The residents of the entire courtyard have gotten used to it, and when it's time to cook, they all stay away from Zhou Feng's house because it smells so good!

Li Huaide had just reached the gate of the courtyard when he bumped into someone.

"Hey! Who's that? Don't they know how to keep an eye on things?"

The man nearly bumped into him, took a step back, and upon closer inspection, his face immediately broke into a wide smile. "Director Li! What brings you to our compound?"