Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

He Yuzhu sat down, took a deep breath, and said, "Uncle Zhonghai, I am very grateful for your trust and expectations of me, and I am willing to help you share the troubles in life. However, my father is back and he also needs my care. Therefore, I may not be able to fully meet your request."

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said with understanding: "Yuzhu, I know you have your own responsibilities and family. I don't want to add burden to you, but sometimes I feel lonely, so I have that idea. I am already very satisfied that you understand me."

He Yuzhu held Yi Zhonghai's hand and said sincerely: "Uncle Zhonghai, although I can't officially be your godson, I will treat you like a relative. No matter what happens, I will be by your side."

A touch of emotion flashed in Yi Zhonghai's eyes. He patted He Yuzhu's hand and said, "Yuzhu, I feel relieved when you say that. You are a good child, and I believe you can handle all this."

He Yuzhu felt warm in his heart, and he knew that he had made the right decision. Whether it was his father or Yi Zhonghai, he would do his best to take care of and care for them, because they were both important people in his life.

As the days passed, life in the courtyard was still full of joy and warmth. He Yuzhu was busy running between his father and Yi Zhonghai, but his heart was full of satisfaction and happiness. Whenever the sun set and the children's laughter and neighbors' chattering came from the courtyard, He Yuzhu would feel a kind of quiet happiness.

The day He Daqing came back, the atmosphere in the courtyard became warmer. The father and son were busy in the courtyard, and various trivial household chores made their relationship closer. He Daqing was a warm-hearted person who liked to cook delicious meals, which gave the neighbors in the courtyard another source of happiness to share.

One evening, He Daqing suggested that they prepare a sumptuous dinner and invite the neighbors to come over. He Yuzhu readily agreed, and the father and son went into the kitchen together to prepare the ingredients for dinner.

"Dad, what are we going to do today?" He Yuzhu asked.

He Daqing smiled slightly, revealing a confident look: "Today we will make a few of our specialties, braised pork, sweet and sour spare ribs, and a steamed fish. We will also make a vegetarian platter, and I guarantee that everyone will be satisfied with the meal."

He Yuzhu nodded and started to help wash and cut vegetables. He watched his father busy in the kitchen skillfully, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. When he was a child, his father often taught him how to cook, and the scene of the father and son busy in the kitchen together seemed to come back to him.

He Daqing was cutting meat when he suddenly asked, "Yuzhu, have you been busy with work recently? I see you always leave early and come back late."

He Yuzhu wiped the water off his hands and replied, "It's OK. There are a lot of things to do in the factory, but I'm used to it. How about you, have you adapted to it since you came back?"

He Daqing smiled and said, "This is our home, how can I not adapt to it? It's just that seeing you working so hard, I feel a little sorry for you."

He Yuzhu knew that his father cared about him, and his heart was warmed: "Dad, I can take care of myself, don't worry too much. Let's work hard together to live a better life."

The two continued to work, and soon, a burst of fragrance wafted out of the kitchen. He Yuzhu looked at the braised pork in the pot and couldn't help but praise: "Dad, your cooking skills are really amazing. I know it's delicious as soon as I smell it."

He Daqing smiled proudly: "Of course, this is our family's secret recipe, you can't get it outside."

As they were talking, the neighbors' laughter could be heard from the yard. Uncle Zhang, Aunt Li, and several other neighbors came over after smelling the aroma. Everyone gathered at the kitchen door and looked in.

Uncle Zhang smiled and said, "Daqing, your cooking skills are really enviable. The smell makes me drool."

Aunt Li also smiled and said, "That's right, we are in for a treat today."

He Daqing smiled and invited everyone to come in, while He Yuzhu was busy serving the dishes. The table was filled with delicious dishes, which made the neighbors' eyes light up. Everyone sat around, talking and laughing, enjoying themselves.

At the dinner table, Uncle Zhang praised while eating: "Daqing, this braised pork is so well made, it melts in your mouth, it's absolutely amazing!"

Aunt Li also praised it highly: "Yes, this sweet and sour pork ribs has the right amount of sweet and sour, the taste is just right."

He Daqing smiled modestly: "As long as everyone likes it, eat more, you're welcome."

He Yuzhu felt extremely satisfied watching everyone enjoying their meal. He knew that the atmosphere in the courtyard had become warmer during the time his father was back. Although there are many challenges in life, these little bits of warmth make everything worthwhile.

After dinner, the neighbors helped to clean up the table, and everyone worked together, laughing. He Yuzhu and his father stood side by side, watching the lively scene, feeling full of happiness.

He Daqing patted his son's shoulder and whispered, "Yuzhu, seeing everyone so happy makes me happy too. You have to remember that life is not just about work, but also about these beautiful moments."

He Yuzhu nodded, with a firm light in his eyes: "Dad, I know. I will cherish these times more in the future and take good care of you and our neighbors."

With the return of his father He Daqing, life in the courtyard became more colorful. He Yuzhu and his father became closer, and the neighbors also enjoyed many delicious foods because of He Daqing's cooking skills. On this day, He Yuzhu decided to invite a special person to his home for dinner - his good friend and colleague Lou Xiaoe.

Lou Xiao'e is the accountant of the factory. She and He Yuzhu work well together and become good friends in private. He Yuzhu has always had some feelings for her, but he has never had the courage to express his feelings. After his father came back, He Yuzhu felt that it was time to take the initiative and take the opportunity to let his father and Lou Xiao'e get to know each other.

That day, He Yuzhu quietly walked to Lou Xiao'e's desk during a break in the factory. He was a little nervous and hesitated for a few seconds. Finally, he mustered up the courage to ask, "Xiao'e, are you free tonight? My dad is back and has cooked some delicious food. I want to invite you to dinner at home."

Lou Xiao'e looked up and saw He Yuzhu's slightly flushed face, and she felt a little happy. She smiled and agreed, "Okay, I also want to try your cooking skills."

He Yuzhu was delighted and said quickly, "Then let's go back together after get off work."

In the evening, He Yuzhu and Lou Xiao'e returned to the courtyard together. Along the way, the two talked and laughed, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. Back in the courtyard, He Yuzhu quickly introduced: "Dad, this is my colleague Lou Xiao'e."