Rebirth of Bloody Romance

On that ordinary afternoon, the sun shines through the window lattice and sprinkles on every corner of the courtyard. Zhong Yuemin, a man with an artistic temperament, accidentally picked up a piece of tempting meat and put it into his mouth. In an instant, the dish seemed to activate his taste buds and take him through time and back to the taste journey of his childhood.

This piece of meat is juicy and rich in flavor. When it slides across the tip of the tongue, the scalding temperature and rich flavor interweave together, as if telling a delicious legend. Zhong Yuemin closed his eyes and savored it carefully. He seemed to be able to feel the moment when every drop of juice bloomed on the tip of his tongue. It was a long-lost, pure delicacy.

After tasting the food, Zhong Yuemin looked at the old man and praised him highly. "Old man, you cooked this dish well. It is fat but not greasy, lean but not dry, tender but not mushy, thin but not broken." This is not only a compliment to a dish, but also a respect for the art of cooking. Every word he said is like a carefully crafted poem, full of awe and love for food.

Just as Zhong Yuemin was immersed in this delicious moment, Zhou Xiaori patted him lightly. "What an old man, it's impolite to call him Master Gao."

"The fish is tender and the soup is rich with a slight sour and spicy taste." Zheng Tong pointed at the spicy fish and said, "This old guy has got the essence of it!" His tone was full of admiration.

Zheng Tong savored the spicy fish in vinegar carefully, and was amazed at every bite. The fish was tender and smooth, and the sour and spicy soup made his taste buds eager to try it. He closed his eyes, as if he could feel the rhythm of the fish dancing on his tongue.

When a bowl of steaming noodles with soybean paste was served to Zhou Xiaobai, she was immediately attracted by the food in front of her. After taking a bite, she found the noodles chewy, the soybean paste fragrant, and the vegetables fresh. She held the bowl in one hand and the cucumber in the other, praising the food while eating. "I never thought that a bowl of noodles with soybean paste could be so delicious. Master Gao, I will learn more from you in the future."

Zheng Tiancheng, who had been silent the whole time, stroked his goatee and savored the food in front of him. The people around him also looked intoxicated, and were obviously very satisfied with the food.

"It's been many years since I've eaten such a delicious dish. Not bad, not bad." Zheng Tiancheng couldn't help but exclaimed.

The old man sitting opposite smiled proudly. He stroked his gray beard and said modestly, "Thanks for your compliments. I think it's worth it."

Zhong Yuemin smiled slightly, knowing that although the old man Gao was modest in words, he must be very proud in his heart. He couldn't help but laugh at the old man's pride.

"Mr. Gao, your skills are amazing. I wonder where you learned it?" Zheng Tiancheng asked curiously.

Old Gao smiled slightly, with a mysterious light flashing in his eyes. "This is Gao's secret, and it cannot be revealed easily."

Everyone laughed when they heard this, and the atmosphere suddenly became much more relaxed. They all knew that although this old man Gao was old, his cooking skills were excellent, and the dishes he made were always memorable.

"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore." Zheng Tiancheng raised his glass. "It's fate that we can get together today. Come on, let's drink this glass."

Everyone toasted to celebrate, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious, and the small courtyard was also left with traces of their laughter and joy.

Jiang Biyun, who had been sitting in the corner eating and never talking, suddenly interrupted and said, "Master Gao's cooking skills would be so popular if he opened a restaurant."

Zhong Yuemin was moved when he heard Jiang Bi's words. He thought of the famous Li's cuisine. That university professor, a part-time cooking expert, could cook such delicious dishes. Then this old man Gao, as a professional chef, must be able to match him.

The reputation of Li's Restaurant is indeed well-known, and the celebrity effect has made it the focus of public opinion. The Prime Minister of Canada, the world boxing champion, and even the world's richest man Bill Gates have been guests. However, Zhong Yuemin knows that the real determinant of the quality of the dishes is the chef's skills. In terms of skills and taste, Gao's cooking skills are definitely not inferior to anyone else.

An idea quietly sprouted in Zhong Yuemin's mind. Why not open a restaurant? This idea made him excited. Not only to realize his dream, but also to have a place where he could eat anytime.

Zhong Yuemin glanced at Zheng Tong, thought for a while and said, "You know what, Master Gao, you're really good at opening a restaurant."

Zheng Tong understood what Zhong Yuemin meant, and thought that this old man still needed to be frightened. So he said, "Old man, why don't you give it a try? Let Yuemin pay the money, and you do the work. With us in Sijiu City, there is nothing we can't do."

The others thought, it would be a good idea to open a restaurant, so that they would have somewhere to eat in the future. "Master Gao, your cooking skills cannot be buried, you can give it a try."

Old Gao asked in embarrassment, "It hasn't been long since I was rehabilitated. Will there be any problems with the policy?"

Zheng Tiancheng patted Old Gao on the shoulder. "Don't be so hypocritical. Who doesn't know who? The Bai family is the royal chef of the palace. Old Bai's eldest son just opened a restaurant in Jinyu Hutong."

Seeing that Old Man Gao was hesitating, Zheng Tong said impatiently, "Old man, where is your courage to scold me just now? Don't act like a bear. Just say it. If you don't like it, just say it directly. If it were back then, do you believe that I would drag you through the streets?"

Seeing the hesitation of old man Gao, Zhou Xiaobai said with a reluctant heart, "Master Gao, don't listen to them. Think about it carefully and don't rush to answer. We have just bought a new house. Aren't you going to be a cook for Yuemin? Then you can come over and cook for us."

Zheng Tong thought to himself, I thought Zhou Xiaobai was a good person, but he wanted to enjoy it all to himself! And it’s free. Whatever happens! Old Gao stayed.

Zhou Xiaobai put down the chopsticks in his hand, wiped his mouth gently, and then asked, "Yuemin, my mother has been busy with the decoration. I want to know when the things you want to decorate will arrive? My mother is already preparing to start."

Zhong Yuemin took a sip of tea, swallowed it slowly, and replied, "Yes, I have been following up. It should arrive in the next two days. Don't worry, everything is under control."

Zhou Xiaobai looked at him with a smile. "That's good. Mom is looking forward to it. She personally supervises it every day."

Zhong Yuemin nodded. "I know, I'm looking forward to it too. But with our mom there, there's nothing to worry about."

Zhou Xiaobai nodded. "Don't worry, I will take the time to check it out. But if you have time, go check it out too."

"Okay, I'll go check it out in a bit."

"Yuemin, why are you still here?" Li Kuiyong pushed the door open and was surprised to see Zhong Yuemin still there.

"Oh, it's Kui Yong. I was just about to leave." Zhong Yuemin stood up.

"Don't be in a hurry. I have something to discuss with you." Li Kuiyong motioned Zhong Yuemin to sit down.

"What's the matter?" Zhong Yuemin sat down again.

"Hong Kong Island asked me to pick someone up. Do you know what's going on?"

"Oh, well, I bought a house and some decoration materials. You go over and help them." Zhong Yuemin explained.

"Okay, no problem. I'll go to the station to pick you up now."

"Okay, be careful on the road. I'll wait for you at the house." Zhong Yuemin waved goodbye.

When he was going down, Zhong Yuemin met Li Wenbo and others who came from Hong Kong Island. Before Zhong Yuemin asked why so many people came, Li Wenbo spoke directly. "Mr. Zhong, I am worried that there are not enough professional staff here, so I specially brought professional flooring and plumbers."

Zhong Yuemin was stunned. He had indeed neglected this. But he admired Li Wenbo's thoughtfulness. He patted Li Wenbo on the shoulder and said with emotion, "You are so thoughtful. I really forgot about this. Fortunately, you are here."

Li Wenbo responded modestly, "It is my honor to share Mr. Zhong's worries." At this moment, the relationship between the two became closer, and Zhong Yuemin also felt Li Wenbo's ability.

"Mr. Zhong, this house is so magnificent!" Li Wenbo looked around and exclaimed.

"It's okay, it's okay." Zhong Yuemin said modestly.

In the following time, Li Wenbo and others began to get busy. They carefully checked the water, electricity, floor and other facilities of the house and made many professional suggestions. Zhong Yuemin watched from the side and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Professional matters should be left to professionals!

Zhong Yuemin walked out of the courtyard and sighed deeply. He felt as if he had become a person with nothing to do, and even a bit of a hindrance here. He looked up at the sky, where a few white clouds floated, and the sunlight shone through the clouds onto the ground, forming mottled light and shadows.

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. Just when he was upset, a beautiful woman came towards him. "Zhong Yuemin, when are you moving?" Song Xiangjun came over with a hint of concern on her face.

Zhong Yuemin gave a bitter smile. "Teacher Song, it's still under repair. As for when we can move in, that's when it's finished."

Song Xiangjun looked at him with a bit of sympathy in her eyes. "Don't be too anxious. Repairing is a delicate job. You have to take your time."

"It's okay, I'm not in a hurry. Teacher Song, when are you free?"

Song Xiangjun asked in confusion, "You are not free these two days, what are you going to do?"

"Isn't it Qingming Festival? The tea leaves are ready. I was wondering when you'll be free to roast the leaves."

Song Xiangjun thought for a while. "Next week! Bring the picked tea leaves here early next week. I can prepare in advance."

The two stood in front of the courtyard gate in silence for a moment. Song Xiangjun suddenly remembered something, "By the way, I heard that a new restaurant opened nearby, the food is very good, do you want to go and try it together?"

Zhong Yuemin's eyes lit up. "Great! I was just worried about having no place to eat!"

The two chatted and laughed as they walked out of the alley and headed towards the restaurant. On the way, Song Xiangjun asked about Zhong Yuemin's recent situation. "Zhong Yuemin, what have you been busy with recently?"

Zhong Yuemin scratched his head. "I'm not busy at all. I usually go to class, study, and read."

Song Xiangjun smiled. "Zhong Yuemin, you are not being honest. If it is really as you said, can you afford this courtyard house? Uncle Li wants to sell it in US dollars!"

Zhong Yuemin chuckled. "Teacher Song, it's nothing. Some of my friends had nothing to do after returning to the city, so they started collecting scraps after my advice. Then they collected some broken electrical appliances and we repaired them and sold them as second-hand appliances."

Song Xiangjun bent her head and looked at Zhong Yuemin. "Can you also repair electrical appliances?"

"You're a science student! What can't you do? If you learn math, physics and chemistry well, you won't be afraid of traveling around the world."

Song Xiangjun rolled her eyes at him coquettishly. "Are you treating me like a little girl? I've studied abroad and have met many science students, but I've never met anyone who can repair electrical appliances."

The two chatted until they arrived at the restaurant. Although the restaurant had just opened, it was already doing very well. The two found a seat and sat down, ordering a few dishes. Under the gentle sunshine, the two tasted the food and chatted about each other's recent situation and future plans. Time seemed to stand still at this moment, and everything seemed so beautiful.

Li Wenbo's arrival undoubtedly brought great relief to Chen Yijun. This energetic young man took all the big and small matters on his shoulders, and his enthusiasm was even greater than that of Zhong Yuemin.

Chen Yijun couldn't help but sigh that she could finally take a breath. She looked at Li Wenbo's busy figure, and her heart was full of gratitude. This young man was not only capable, but also very responsible. As long as it was something assigned to him, Chen Yijun never had to worry about it.

Li Wenbo's arrival also made the atmosphere of the whole team more lively. He always made everyone laugh with his unique sense of humor. Under his leadership, the originally dull working environment became relaxed and pleasant.

Not only that, Li Wenbo can often come up with some surprising ideas to help everyone solve some difficult problems. His active thinking and novel ideas can often make people's eyes light up.

Li Wenbo's arrival made Chen Yijun's life much easier. She no longer had to worry about those tedious things, and could have more time and energy to go to work and take care of the little girl.

On Saturday, Li Kuiyong rode two donkeys early in the morning. The two worn-out donkeys were particularly dazzling in the early morning sun, like two silent watchmen waiting for the adventure to begin.

Zhong Yuemin got up early and saw through the window that Li Kuiyong came to his door on two donkeys. Zhong Yuemin greeted him with a smile and began to load sacks full of tea leaves onto the donkeys.

Li Kuiyong looked at the sack full of tea leaves and thought it must be very heavy, so he rolled up his sleeves and prepared to work hard. Unexpectedly, the sack seemed heavy, but it was as light as a feather. He almost sat on the ground and exclaimed, "Fuck, Yuemin, what the hell did you put in there?"

Zhong Yuemin raised his head and smiled. "Fresh tea leaves."

"Fresh tea leaves?" Li Kuiyong's eyes widened. "What's the point of installing this thing?"

"Let's make tea. Come on, I'll give you some when the time comes."

"I'm a rough guy, I don't drink this stuff."

The two rode on a donkey and headed for Song Xiangjun's home. Along the way, the breeze blew on their faces, and the fresh air mixed with the fragrance of tea made people feel relaxed and happy.

The two walked through the alley in the early morning. The sunlight shone on them, as if they were coated with a golden halo. They passed through the bustling crowd and passed through a lively market. There were a lot of people here, and all kinds of hawking sounds came one after another, as if it was a small world full of vitality.

Zhong Yuemin and Li Kuiyong rode to Song Xiangjun's home, only to see Song Xiangjun already waiting at the door. She was wearing light home clothes, slippers on her feet, her hair was casually tied up, and she exuded a lazy and leisurely atmosphere.

Song Xiangjun came forward and looked at the two full trucks of tea leaves, exclaiming, "My God, how long will this be? But, Zhong Yuemin, the quality of the tea leaves you brought is really good, it's simply top-notch."

Zhong Yuemin smiled. "Teacher Song, good tea needs patience to be roasted, and you can't be impatient. Let's go to your house first, pour out all the tea leaves, and roast them in batches."

The three of them moved the tea leaves into Song Xiangjun's house. Zhong Yuemin and Li Kuiyong were busy pouring the tea leaves onto the bamboo mat, while Song Xiangjun was on the side instructing them on how to sort them. Zhong Yuemin looked up at Song Xiangjun and said, "Teacher Song, you know so much about tea and you can even stir-fry tea leaves. Who taught you that?"

Song Xiangjun's lips curled up slightly. "I have been learning tea making from my grandfather since I was a child. He is a master of tea ceremony and has unique insights into tea. I have always wanted to inherit his craftsmanship, but unfortunately..." She sighed and didn't continue.

What does that mean? Is Song Xiangjun's grandfather gone? "Don't be sad, Mr. Song. Your grandfather must want you to continue his career and pass on this craft. You can do it."

Song Xiangjun nodded. "I know, I will try my best. The tea you have this time is really special. Can you tell me where it comes from? I have never seen tea like this before."

Zhong Yuemin smiled mysteriously. "Teacher Song, this is a secret!"

Li Kuiyong saw that he couldn't help, so he said goodbye. "Yuemin, I have something else to do, I'll leave first!"

"Okay, I'll send you some when it's done."

"No, it's a waste for me to drink this..."

Song Xiangjun smiled. "Zhong Yuemin, how did you get to know Li Kuiyong?"

Zhong Yuemin looked at Li Kuiyong's back. "We met in primary school. We fought together and both served in the production team in northern Shaanxi. He was the one collecting waste, and there were many other people under him!"

Song Xiangjun said with emotion, "It's really rare. Your friendship is really enviable."

The two chatted while busy frying tea leaves. Because there were too many tea leaves, when Song Xiangjun was tired, Zhong Yuemin also started to stir-fry the tea leaves, and Song Xiangjun instructed them on how to control the heat and stir-frying techniques. The air was filled with the fragrance of tea leaves, accompanied by the rustling sound of frying tea leaves and the laughter of the two people, this small scene seemed to have become a warm and harmonious picture.

Time passed slowly in laughter and joy, and before we knew it, it was already evening. When the last batch of tea leaves was finished, Song Xiangjun brought a pot of steaming hot tea. "Zhong Yuemin, how about trying this tea?"