Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

He lifted the curtain and went inside. The old lady was stacking the eggs she had saved into a bamboo basket: "Silly Zhu, these eggs from the past two months are all for Xiao'e to help her recover!"

The old lady collected these eggs every day, saving them up to give one to Jiye and one to Fangfang, but she couldn't bear to crack one open herself.

He Yuzhu readily agreed, "Grandma, I've got it."

He understood the old woman's heart: if he didn't let her help, she would feel uneasy, as if she had become a mere decoration. In the original story, she even personally sewed shoes for Sha Zhu. Now, he had more eggs than he could eat from his spatial storage, but he didn't dare to take them openly. He would only secretly share some with Liu Lan, who would then cook them and sell them on the black market, which was a safer option.

When giving Lou Xiao'e extra food, he would slip a few pieces to her when she wasn't looking, without anyone noticing.

"Then I'll take it over first. We'll start work soon this afternoon, so I'll take Xiao'e with me."

The old lady nodded repeatedly: "Make sure you eat well, so the baby will feel safe in your belly."

"Okay, whatever you say."

He took Lou Xiao'e's hand, put the eggs in her room, and the two walked out of the courtyard gate side by side toward the factory.

On the way, He Yuzhu suddenly remembered something: "Xiao'e, how about I hand out some candy to everyone this afternoon? A happy occasion should be celebrated in a lively way, what do you say?"

Lou Xiao'e's eyes lit up: "Then wait for me at the entrance of the supply and marketing cooperative, I'll go in and pick out a few things."

After exchanging their food coupons, the candy wrappers gleamed in the sunlight as the two men carried their bags toward the workshop.

Lou Xiao'e first went to the group of female workers to distribute candy, holding hands with the familiar older women and laughing together.

He Yuzhu returned to the canteen and waited for everyone to start their shifts.

He stood on the counter, cleared his throat, and announced, "I'm so happy today! My wife is pregnant! I bought some candy, so everyone can have a taste and share the joy!"

The crowd erupted in laughter, with some slapping their thighs in mock derision—giving candy at weddings and red eggs at births, not candy! One person's laughter was followed by seven or eight others joining in the commotion.

He Yuzhu feigned anger: "You don't care? Then I'll put it in my pocket!"

Everyone immediately shouted, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Ma Hua was the last to squeeze through, sighing with a bitter face: "Sir, you've already got your child, but where's my boyfriend?"

He Yuzhu patted him on the shoulder: "What's the rush? It's like the King of Hell twisting hemp rope—all for nothing! My sister said she'll take you to see a fortune teller tomorrow!"

Peng Mei has visited more than a dozen households in the past few days and selected three girls: they are sturdy, have thick fingers, and are obviously capable of managing a household and taking on responsibilities.

I meant to tell He Yuzhu this morning, but I was so happy that I completely forgot.

He Yuzhu patted Ma Hua on the shoulder: "By the way, dress smartly tomorrow, comb your hair, and polish your shoes!"

Ma Hua nodded vigorously: "To marry a wife who can manage a household, you can't go wrong by listening to your master—your master already has a child, how could he be wrong?"

That evening, He Yuzhu boiled six soft-boiled eggs and delivered them, still steaming hot, to Yi Zhonghai's house, pouring out all his joy.

Hong Jingqiu, having somehow gotten wind of the news, held her teacup tightly for a long time without moving. The little flame in her heart was now burning entirely towards Xu Damao—fortunately, she had already prepared an escape route for herself, and would withdraw immediately once this matter was over.

He Yushui rushed in after school and, upon hearing that her sister-in-law was pregnant, nearly jumped onto the roof beam, yelling that she wanted to hug Lou Xiao'e and spin her around. Luckily, He Yuzhu reacted quickly and grabbed her, otherwise she would have definitely fallen.

He Yushui, her two braids swaying, her eyes sparkling, exclaimed, "Sister-in-law! I've saved three yuan and eighty cents! From now on, I'll be an auntie—making little clothes, sewing diapers, and saving money for baby formula! Department stores are even scrambling to order the baby clothes I make!"

He Yuzhu: "You just focus on your studies. I'll be thankful if I can teach him to read! Put all your effort into getting into a top university—the big exam next July or August won't wait for anyone."

He Yushui: "It's okay, my studies won't be affected."

……

The next morning, He Yuzhu carried Lou Xiao'e to the factory. From afar, he saw Ma Hua standing at the canteen entrance: her newly cut short hair was neat and tidy, her work clothes were washed until they were faded but still neat, she was carrying a pound of paper-wrapped candy, and she was standing on tiptoe, looking in this direction with longing eyes.

He Yuzhu lowered his voice: "When you're in someone's daughter's house, talk less and nod more. My sister will cover for you if you need to say anything; if you really like her, just stand up straight, smile, and nod."

Before she finished speaking, Lou Xiao'e had already nimbly passed through the iron gate and entered the factory—Aunt Li was late this morning, and she had already informed her yesterday that she had to go to the workshop conference room for a meeting first, and then report back to the director.

MCA quickly replied, "Understood, Master!"

He Yuzhu nodded: "You have a plan in mind, don't show any weakness."

He turned and scurried back to the canteen. Today he was filling in, and he had to cook at both large stoves himself—Liu Erdan and Liu Hong's cooking skills were still inconsistent, although they had developed some skill in chopping vegetables. But when it comes to cooking, speed alone is not enough; you need to be attentive, observant, and skillful.

Peng Mei and her husband had just arrived at the factory gate—

Peng Mei grabbed her husband's arm: "Old Zhang, you go to the office first, I have something to discuss with Ma Hua."

Director Zhang understood immediately that it was about a blind date arranged by his wife. He simply waved his hand and strode into the office building.

Peng Mei straddled her old bicycle, tilted the handlebars to one side, and took the lead in pedaling. Ma Hua followed closely behind, riding the same old bicycle that He Yuzhu had just lent him, the chain making a crisp "click-clack" sound.

We drove through the streets and alleys and stopped outside Zhou Caishun's courtyard.

Peng Mei called out loudly, "Is Sister-in-law Zhou home?"

The person inside responded readily, "Yes, I'm here! Thank you for coming all this way again!"

Peng Mei pushed open the door and entered, stepping aside to let Ma Hua in: "This is Ma Hua, an eighth-level chef at the steel mill. He's young, but his skills are superb, and he's a reliable person."

Sister-in-law Zhou nodded repeatedly, then turned and called out, "Xiaoxue! Quickly, make some water!"

Zhou Xue came out of the west room carrying two bowls of water. Her ears were red, and she only dared to stare at the tips of her cloth shoes, not daring to lift her eyelids.

Peng Mei glanced at Ma Hua discreetly—he immediately understood, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he nodded solemnly three times.

Peng Mei felt reassured and turned to Sister-in-law Zhou with a smile: "Your husband knows this child well. I asked around and found out his background: he's honest, hardworking, and capable; his mother works as a temporary worker in a cotton mill, and with two salaries, they support the family and live a stable life."

Sister-in-law Zhou smiled so broadly that the wrinkles around her eyes smoothed out: "I've met him. He's refined and knows his place. When his father comes back at noon, we'll all have a good talk about it."

After MCA and Peng Mei walked away—

Sister-in-law Zhou took her daughter's hand, her voice softening: "Xiaoxue, you're in your mid-twenties now. What do you think about Ma Hua?"

Zhou Xue bit her lip and nodded gently. She noticed that his cuffs were neatly ironed, there wasn't a single oil stain on his blue work clothes, and his eyes were bright and alert when he spoke.

Sister-in-law Zhou patted the back of her hand: "He is the head chef in the canteen, and he also goes out with his master to prepare banquets during festivals - if you marry him, you won't suffer hardship or be mistreated."

That was the final word. When Zhou Xue's father finished work at noon and returned to the factory, he would stop by the office to speak with Director Peng and the two families would choose an auspicious day for the wedding, and then everything would fall into place.

In the cafeteria—

He Yuzhu was nearly sent flying by the spatula: he was juggling two large stoves by himself, oil splattered all over his face, his head was buzzing, and his arms were trembling with soreness. As he tossed the spatula in the pan, he thought to himself: "When I used to ask for leave, did Liu Songgui also want to pin me down on the cutting board and chop me up three times?"

Only when the last batch of shredded pork with green peppers sizzled out of the pot did he finally breathe a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders.

At this moment, Director Zhang strolled in, hands behind his back, and slowly called out, "Xiao He, come here for a moment."

He Yuzhu wiped his sweat and thought to himself: This guy really knows how to time things. He always calls me when my hands are oily and my brain is full of mush.

Upon entering the office, Director Zhang got straight to the point: "I heard your wife is pregnant? Deputy Secretary Qiao and I have discussed it, and the easiest job right now is as a clerk at the Women's Federation—compiling documents and filing files, it's very relaxed. Comrade Wu Qun nodded in agreement. What do you think?"

He Yuzhu quickly nodded: "I will follow the director's arrangements. I'm really sorry to have troubled you."

Director Zhang waved his hand: "Peng Mei is your own sister, and I'm your brother-in-law—if I don't care, who will? Here's what we'll do: when she brings Ma Hua back, I'll have her accompany Xiao'e to the Women's Federation to complete the formalities. You should go back now; the kitchen is waiting for you."

When He Yuzhu ran into Ma Hua at noon, a weight was lifted from his heart—it's really not something a human being can do all day alone.

He leaned closer and asked, "Hua Zi, is it done?"

Ma Hua scratched the back of his neck and said in a low voice, "I've got my eye on her... but I don't know what she thinks."

He Yuzhu understood immediately: they were waiting for the woman's approval. But there was no need to rush; news would surely come that evening—Peng Mei had never had a deal fall through.

Peng Mei dragged Lou Xiao'e along, running around to get materials, stamps, and forms filled out time and time again. In the end, they even had to get Qiao Weimin, the clerk, to sign it—transferring a worker to a cadre was no small matter. The women's federation at the main factory also had to go through procedures, getting official stamps and keeping records, which was so tedious it was a headache. But she treated Lou Xiao'e like her own sister, and even though she was exhausted from running around, she was all smiles.

Just as the documents were faxed to the head office, Zhou Caishun knocked on the door and came in. He put down the bag of candy and said without much a word, "Director, I'll have to trouble you to make a few more trips regarding Xiaoxue's matter." Then he turned and left.

Peng Mei's lips curled up as soon as she saw the candy still on the table—if she hadn't chosen it, Zhou Caishun would surely have said, "Director, Xiaoxue wants to stay with us for another two years, there's no rush." ​​She had to hurry to the dormitory to deal with that fighting couple: the woman complained that the room they were allocated was too small, and the man complained that she was being difficult; they were tearing at each other until their faces were bruised. She immediately called the security department, had them tied up, and held a public denunciation meeting in the compound that evening—the Women's Federation saw these kinds of people who treated factory rules like a joke every day.

Furious, she rushed to the cafeteria like a whirlwind.

"Ma Hua!" she said crisply, catching her breath. "Tell your dad after get off work that you're going to the Zhou family's place tonight! I'm busy tomorrow, so I'll wait for you there!"

Before she finished speaking, she had already turned towards the logistics department—someone had started making a scene again. Her anger hadn't faded, but as soon as she approached the employees' families, she immediately put on a gentle smile, squatted down, and patiently listened to one of the older women chatter about her daily life.

On their way home from get off work, Lou Xiao'e walked slowly, arm in arm with He Yuzhu.

"Won't becoming a cadre disrupt your original plans?" she asked, looking up at him.

He Yuzhu shook his head: "This is an official transfer from the factory, not a backdoor job, don't worry."