Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Finally arriving at the kitchen, seeing the brand-new stove, large water vat, and wide cutting board, as well as Sha Zhu busily working away and the overwhelmingly enticing aroma filling the room, Uncle Wei Changsheng couldn't help but swallow loudly, his voice booming, "Good heavens, this aroma! It could steal your soul! Chen'er, you're really living a good life! Better than your uncle!"

After the tour, everyone returned to the main living room. The sofa and the chairs that had been brought in were just enough for the elders and the men to sit down, while Wei Ran, Wei Yan, Wei Guo, and the other children had to stand or lean against the door.

Wang Xiulan busied herself pouring water for everyone using her newly bought teacups and white porcelain teapot. Just as they were exchanging pleasantries, they heard footsteps and laughter coming from the moon gate.

Wei Chen stood up and looked over, and saw that the eldest uncle, Yi Zhonghai, was leading the second uncle, Liu Haizhong, and the third uncle, Yan Bugui, the three of them coming together.

Yi Zhonghai wore a warm and steady smile, his belly protruding from his bangs, trying his best to maintain an official demeanor. Yan Bugui, on the other hand, couldn't hide his anticipation, his nostrils twitching slightly, clearly tempted by the rich aroma wafting from the kitchen.

"Wei Chen, we heard we have distinguished guests from our hometown? We three old folks have come to visit on behalf of our neighborhood!" Yi Zhonghai's voice was loud and clear, carrying the warmth of an elder and the perfect amount of courtesy.

Wei Chen hurriedly went to greet them, beaming, "Uncle, Uncle, please come in! I'm so sorry to have troubled you all to make this trip!"

He stepped aside to let the three elderly men in, and then introduced them to the relatives who were standing up somewhat reservedly in the room: "Grandpa, Grandma, eldest uncle, third uncle, these three are the elders in charge of our courtyard."

He pointed to each person respectfully, "This is my eldest uncle, Master Yi Zhonghai, a senior fitter at the steel rolling mill. His skills are top-notch!" He gave a thumbs-up. "This is my second uncle, Master Liu Haizhong, also a senior craftsman at the steel rolling mill. And this is my third uncle, Teacher Yan Bugui, a teacher at Hongxing Primary School—a true intellectual!"

After introducing his neighbors, he solemnly introduced his family to the three uncles: "Uncle, Uncle, Uncle, Uncle, this is my grandfather Wei Shoutian, my grandmother Wang, this is my uncle Wei Changsheng, this is my uncle Wei Laishun, and these are my cousins ​​Wei Feng, Wei Yan, and Wei Guo."

Upon hearing that he was Wei Chen's elder, and that his grandfather, Wei Shoutian, looked significantly older and more vigorous than himself, the three men immediately restrained their casual demeanor in the courtyard and adopted respectful expressions.

People in Beijing place great importance on respecting the elderly and honoring the virtuous. Yi Zhonghai stepped forward first, bowed slightly, and said sincerely and respectfully, "Oh, Grandpa Wei, Aunt Wei! How are you two? You've come all the way from the countryside to see your grandson, you must be tired from the journey! Comrade Changsheng, Comrade Laishun, how are you!" He took the initiative to extend his hands to shake hands with his grandfather Wei Shoutian, his eldest uncle Wei Changsheng, and his third uncle Wei Laishun.

Liu Haizhong also straightened his back, toned down his usual official tone, and adopted a humble posture: "Welcome, welcome! The old man looks blessed and is in good health! Comrade Wei Chen is young and promising in our hospital, hardworking and down-to-earth, with a bright future!"

Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses, cleared his throat, and tried his best to speak in a refined manner that the country folk could understand: "Uncle Wei, Aunt Wei, you must be tired from your long journey! Your eldest grandson, Wei Chen, is a young man of great maturity. It is truly a blessing for your family to have settled down and built a home. Congratulations!"

Although his words still had a touch of literary elegance, at least he didn't sound like a bookworm. Grandpa Wei Shoutian understood the general meaning and knew it was a compliment, so he smiled, nodded, and clasped his hands in greeting.

Grandpa Wei Shoutian had lived for over sixty years and was well-versed in human relationships. He quickly returned the greeting with a clasped hand, his voice loud and clear, carrying the straightforwardness and honesty characteristic of a farmer: "You three are too kind! You've made this old man feel ashamed! From now on, Xiaochen, his mother, and his sister will live in this courtyard, and we will rely entirely on the help and consideration of you three and the neighbors!"

He's young, a greenhorn, and inexperienced. If he does anything wrong or falls short, please speak up and correct him if necessary! Don't be polite with him! Treat him like your own immature nephew or niece!

His words were sincere and heartfelt, carrying the most genuine entrustment from an elder. His gaze swept over the three old men before finally settling on Yi Zhonghai's face.

"Grandpa, you're too kind!" Yi Zhonghai quickly waved his hand, his tone solemn. "Wei Chen is a polite, well-mannered, and reliable young man. Everyone in the courtyard has seen it; he's impeccable! You can rest assured! With us old brothers here, you can't go wrong!"

"Exactly!" Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui echoed, nodding vigorously.

Just then, Sha Zhu's signature, booming voice rang out from the kitchen, carrying the triumphant air of someone who had accomplished something great: "Wei Chen! Let's—eat! All the dishes are ready! Quickly set the table! Serve the main courses!"

The rich aroma of the food flooded the living room like a burst dam, forcefully filling everyone's nostrils and whetting their appetites. Even the three old men couldn't help but swallow hard.

Wei Chen quickly responded loudly, "Alright, Brother Zhu! Coming right away!" He turned to everyone and said, "Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Third Uncle, and three uncles, let's take our seats! It's a small place, so we'll have to sit at two tables. The three uncles, Grandpa, Uncle, Third Uncle, Brother Feng, Brother Zhu, and I will sit at the main living room table. Grandma, my mom, Ranran, Yanzi, and Weiguo will sit at the kitchen table; it's more spacious there."

No one objected. Wei Chen, Wang Xiulan, and Wei Ran quickly got to work. In the living room, they removed the coffee table, moved the square table to the center, and placed eight chairs on it.

In the kitchen, Sha Zhu had already directed Wei Yan and Wei Guo to set up the dining table in the dining room and lay out the food. The bowls and chopsticks were all brand new; the white porcelain bowls were smooth and delicate, and the bamboo chopsticks were straight and neatly arranged.

On the main table in the living room, Wei Chen took out a bottle of "Fenjiu" with a striking red label from the cabinet. As soon as the cap was opened, the rich and mellow aroma of the liquor immediately filled the air, overpowering the fragrance of the food.

"Wow! Fenjiu! Authentic, fine wine!" Yan Bugui's eyes lit up instantly, and he couldn't help but smack his lips and exclaim in praise.

"I'm in a good mood today, so please have a taste, elders and uncles." Wei Chen smiled and steadily filled the glasses of his grandfather Wei Shoutian, his eldest uncle Wei Changsheng, his third uncle Wei Laishun, the three uncles, Sha Zhu, and himself. The amber-colored wine rippled in the glasses, its aroma filling the air.

In the kitchen, Wang Xiulan brought in a whole case of dark green Arctic Ocean soda. The glass bottle was crystal clear in the light coming through the window, and the white label with blue lettering on the bottle was clearly visible.

When Wei Ran, Wei Yan, Wei Guo, and the other children saw this rare item, their eyes widened with longing.

"Ranran, help Mom carry this to the kitchen for your grandma, aunt, and the younger ones like Yanzi and Weiguo." Wang Xiulan handed a case of soda to Wei Ran. Wei Ran, Wei Yan, and Weiguo worked together, excitedly and carefully carrying the heavy box to the kitchen.

Soon, the kitchen was filled with the children's barely suppressed gasps of surprise and the signature, delightful "pop! hiss—" sound of a soda bottle being opened, accompanied by wisps of sweet orange aroma that wafted out and could be smelled even from the living room.

Everyone took their seats in order.

Grandpa Wei Shoutian naturally sat in the head seat, flanked by his eldest uncle Yi Zhonghai and eldest uncle Wei Changsheng, followed by his second uncle Liu Haizhong, third uncle Wei Laishun, third uncle Yan Bugui, cousin Wei Feng, and Sha Zhu. Wei Chen sat at the lower end of the table to keep the guests company.

Grandma Wang sat at the head of the table in the kitchen, surrounded by Wang Xiulan, Wei Ran, Wei Yan, Wei Guo, and two young apprentices.

Grandpa Wei Shoutian raised his glass, which was filled with Fenjiu liquor, and looked around at everyone. His weathered face was filled with solemn joy and the composure of a head of the family: "Today is a joyous day for my grandson Wei Chen to settle down in Beijing! I am grateful to the three elders and the neighbors for their support! I also thank Chef Zhu for his hard work in preparing this delicious meal!"

His voice was loud and clear. His gaze swept over Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, and Yan Bugui, finally landing on Sha Zhu's face. "On behalf of the entire Wei family, I'd like to offer you all a toast! Our gratitude is all in this drink! I'll drink it first!"

After saying that, the old man tilted his head back and finished a glass of spicy and mellow Fenjiu without changing his expression.

"The old man has a good capacity for alcohol!"

"Of course, of course!"

Congratulations to Wei Chen on settling down!

Everyone raised their glasses in response. Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, and Yan Bugui solemnly downed their drinks in one gulp, giving the old man ample face. Sha Zhu also downed his drink heartily, wiped his mouth, and said generously, "Old man, drink up! Today's dishes will surely please you, and you'll drink to your heart's content!"

After a hot opening drink, the atmosphere at the table immediately became lively and relaxed.

Sha Zhu's cooking skills are indeed well-deserved. The braised wild boar meat is a deep reddish-brown color with a glossy sheen. Each piece is trembling and almost falls apart when picked up with chopsticks. It is incredibly tender and melts in your mouth. The rich aroma of meat mixed with the savory sauce bursts in your mouth instantly. The fat melts in your mouth without being greasy at all, and the lean meat is flavorful and not dry at all.

The braised chicken pieces are coated in a golden, glistening broth. The chicken meat is tender and falls off the bone, while the chestnuts, soaked in the broth, are soft, sweet, and glutinous. The eight-treasure duck has a bulging belly. When you unwrap the lotus leaf, you can see that it is stuffed with glutinous rice, lotus seeds, red dates, diced ham, and other ingredients. The duck meat is tender and the filling is savory, soft, and glutinous.

The steamed carp was cooked to perfection, topped with vibrant green scallions and tender yellow ginger slices. The fish meat was as white as garlic cloves, enhanced only by a touch of steamed fish soy sauce, preserving the fish's natural sweetness to the fullest extent. Other dishes included crisp and tender stir-fried pork kidneys, tangy and appetizing stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, refreshing and vibrant green water spinach with garlic, and a tangy and spicy cucumber and vermicelli salad to cut through the richness of other dishes…

One after another, delicious and visually appealing dishes were served, quickly filling the table.

"Delicious! So delicious!" Grandpa Wei Shoutian picked up a large piece of trembling braised wild boar meat and put it in his mouth. He chewed and savored it carefully, nodding repeatedly and giving Sha Zhu a heartfelt thumbs up.

"Master Zhu, this cooking is absolutely amazing! It's a hundred times better than the chefs we hire for banquets in the countryside! I've lived for over sixty years, and this is the first time I've ever tasted such flavorful meat!"

"Grandpa, you're too kind! I'm glad you like it!" Sha Zhu beamed with joy at the compliment, his face radiant. He then enthusiastically placed another piece of eight-treasure duck on the old man's plate. "Try this duck meat too, it's even more tender!"

Uncle Wei Changsheng and Uncle Wei Laishun ate without looking up, silently making a fortune. They thought every dish was so delicious they wanted to swallow their tongues. They rarely saw such succulent food in the countryside. Wei Feng was at the age where a young boy could eat his father out of house and home. He shoveled rice into his mouth, his cheeks bulging, and his chopsticks kept reaching for the meat dishes.