Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

"Oh, Huairu, good morning." He Yuzhu looked up and saw that it was Qin Huairu, and responded with a smile. He put down the kitchen knife in his hand and wiped his hands, "Why did you come so early today? What's the matter?"

Qin Huairu lowered her head shyly, "Brother Yuzhu, I...I want to learn how to cook from you."

He Yuzhu was stunned for a moment, then smiled with understanding, "Okay, but learning to cook is not an easy thing, you have to be mentally prepared."

"I know, Brother Yuzhu, I am not afraid of hardship or fatigue." Qin Huairu said firmly.

He Yuzhu nodded, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, "Okay, then let's start with the basics today."

In this way, Qin Huairu began her journey of learning. He Yuzhu taught her everything he knew, from the simplest cutting of vegetables and seasoning to the complex control of the heat, he explained in detail one by one. Qin Huairu was also a smart person. She not only listened carefully, but also often took the initiative to ask for advice and learn humbly. Her thirst for knowledge made He Yuzhu work harder.

As time went by, Qin Huairu's cooking skills continued to improve. She went from being clumsy at first to being able to cook a dish independently later. Only she knew the hard work and sweat involved. Whenever she saw her dishes being praised by He Yuzhu, the sense of accomplishment in Qin Huairu's heart was indescribable.

In addition to learning cooking, the two also had more interactions in their daily lives. He Yuzhu often cared about the lives of Qin Huairu and her son, and sent them some food and daily necessities. Qin Huairu also gradually discovered that He Yuzhu was not only a superb cook, but also a helpful and kind-hearted person. This bit of warmth made her heart no longer feel so lonely and helpless.

One evening, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the bluestone slabs of the courtyard, adding a touch of warmth to this quiet little world. He Yuzhu was busy preparing dinner in the yard, while Qin Huairu was helping her. She could now skillfully cut vegetables and season, just like a little cook.

"Brother Yuzhu, what do you think of my braised pork?" Qin Huairu brought a plate of delicious braised pork to He Yuzhu, her eyes flashing with anticipation.

He Yuzhu took the bowl, looked at it carefully, picked up a piece with chopsticks and put it into his mouth, savoring it carefully. He nodded slightly, showing a satisfied smile, "Not bad, it's much better than last time, and it tastes good too."

When Qin Huairu heard this, her heart was immediately filled with joy, "Thank you, Brother Yuzhu, it's all because of your good teaching."

"This is the result of your own hard work, Huairu. You are really talented." He Yuzhu said admiringly.

Just then, a breeze blew, bringing a hint of coolness on a summer night. The two sat at the stone table in the yard, enjoying this rare quiet time. He Yuzhu picked up a cup of tea and took a sip gently, his eyes deep, as if thinking about something.

"Brother Yuzhu, what are you thinking about?" Qin Huairu asked curiously when she saw him remaining silent.

He Yuzhu put down the teacup, looked up at her, with a hint of tenderness in his eyes, "Huai Ru, I was thinking, our courtyard is really a good place. Although it is not big, it is full of human touch. Everyone has his or her own story, and different plots are played out here every day."

Qin Huairu nodded, "Yes, it's only here that I truly feel the warmth of home."

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Yes, home is not just a place to stay, but also a place where we can feel our emotions. We care for each other and help each other here. This is the true meaning of life."

As night fell, the lights in the courtyard came on. People in the courtyard began to prepare dinner, children played around, and the elderly sat together and chatted about family matters. Everything seemed so harmonious and warm.

He Yuzhu and Qin Huairu also joined in the warm atmosphere. The two were busy and chatting, as if time had stopped at this moment. Qin Huairu looked at He Yuzhu and couldn't help but feel grateful. It was because of his help that she was able to find a way out and hope for life during these difficult days.

"Brother Yuzhu, I am really grateful to you. If it weren't for you, I don't know what I would do." Qin Huairu said softly.

He Yuzhu smiled and patted her shoulder. "Huai Ru, don't say that. We are friends, and friends should help each other. As long as you are willing to work hard, I believe you will live a better life."

Qin Huairu nodded, with a determined light in her eyes, "Brother Yuzhu, I will work hard, for myself and for my son."

He Yuzhu looked at her and felt extremely relieved. This once fragile woman has now become strong and confident. She has changed her fate with her own efforts and found the direction of her life.

In this quiet courtyard, the story of Qin Huairu and He Yuzhu continues. They use their hearts and hands to weave a beautiful picture of life. This small courtyard is not only their home, but also a stage for them to pursue their dreams and realize themselves.

The days in the courtyard are ordinary but fulfilling. The people living here have their own joys and sorrows. In this courtyard, the relationship between Qin Huairu and He Yuzhu gradually deepens as they get along day by day. During that time, He Yuzhu devoted himself to teaching her various cooking techniques, and Qin Huairu gradually grew into an excellent chef with his selfless help.

One morning, just as the sky was turning pale, He Yuzhu was already busy in the kitchen. He was carefully preparing various seasonings. The table was filled with bottles and jars, and each seasoning bottle was filled with his carefully prepared secret recipes. These seasonings were not only the crystallization of his many years of experience, but also the embodiment of his superb cooking skills.

Qin Huairu walked into the kitchen and saw He Yuzhu busy at work. She asked softly, "Brother Yuzhu, you prepared so many seasonings today. Are you going to make some special dish?"

He Yuzhu raised his head and smiled, "Today I'm going to teach you some more complicated dishes, and these seasonings are indispensable."

Qin Huairu nodded, feeling both excited and a little nervous. She knew that the new dish she was going to learn today might be difficult, but she was not afraid of the challenge because she knew that He Yuzhu would always be by her side, patiently guiding her.

He Yuzhu picked up a bottle of soy sauce and carefully poured it into a small bowl, explaining: "This dish requires a variety of seasonings, and the amount of each seasoning must be just right. If there is a slight deviation, the taste will be wrong. So, you have to pay special attention today."

Qin Huairu listened carefully and nodded in response, "Brother Yuzhu, I will pay attention."