Siheyuan: I, an ordinary resident, the king of chefs

Zhang Liang went on a blind date and fell in love with a girl named Li Jingjing. Unfortunately, she was just an elementary school teacher and didn't have any greater abilities, but she was good in other aspects.

The steel mill in Sijiucheng gradually entered the busy summer, and Zhang Liang's life also ushered in a new chapter. With the enthusiastic arrangement of his neighbors, Zhang Liang finally embarked on the road of blind dating. On this day, Zhang Liang was going to meet a girl named Li Jingjing, feeling both excited and nervous.

Zhang Liang tidied himself up and put on a set of clean and tidy clothes. When he walked out of the courtyard, he ran into Li Xiaomei and Qin Huairu. Li Xiaomei asked with a smile: "Zhang Liang, today is a big day, are you ready?"

Zhang Liang smiled nervously, “Xiaomei, Aunt Qin, I’m ready, I hope everything goes well.”

Qin Huairu patted Zhang Liang on the shoulder and encouraged him, "Little Zhang Liang, don't worry. Jingjing is a good girl. Her mother and I are old friends. Although she is just an elementary school teacher, she has good character and a kind heart. You two will definitely get along well."

Zhang Liang nodded and took a deep breath, “Thank you, Aunt Qin, I will behave well.”

The meeting place was a quiet cafe. Zhang Liang arrived early and sat by the window, thinking silently about how the conversation would unfold. After a while, Li Jingjing came in. She was wearing a simple dress and had a peaceful smile on her face.

Zhang Liang stood up to greet her and said with a smile, "Hello, Jingjing, I'm Zhang Liang."

Li Jingjing also responded with a smile, "Hello, Zhang Liang, I am Li Jingjing."

After the two sat down, Zhang Liang took the initiative to ask: "Jingjing, what do you like to do?"

Li Jingjing smiled gently, "I like reading and occasionally drawing. Although teaching is tiring, I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see the children grow up."

Zhang Liang nodded, and admired her professionalism in his heart. "Teaching is a great profession. You must be very patient."

Li Jingjing smiled and said, "Every child is a sapling. As long as they are carefully cared for, they will grow into towering trees. Zhang Liang, what about you? Besides work, what other hobbies do you have?"

Zhang Liang thought for a moment and replied, "I like music. I have rehearsed a chorus with the factory workers before. I think music can bring strength and hope to people."

Li Jingjing's eyes flashed with surprise, "The music is great. I also like listening to music, especially those classic old songs."

The two of them got along better and better as they talked, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Zhang Liang's affection for Li Jingjing continued to grow, and he felt that although she was just an elementary school teacher, her gentleness, kindness and elegant temperament made him respect her.

Before they knew it, it was already late. The two walked out of the cafe, and Zhang Liang took the initiative to suggest: "Jingjing, I'll take you home."

Li Jingjing nodded, "Okay, thank you."

Along the way, the two continued to chat. Li Jingjing talked about her students with tenderness and expectation in her eyes. Zhang Liang told some interesting stories in the factory. The two laughed constantly and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy.

When they arrived at Li Jingjing's door, Zhang Liang said reluctantly: "Jingjing, I had a great time chatting with you today. I hope we can have a chance to chat again in the future."

Li Jingjing smiled and nodded, "Me too, Zhang Liang. Thank you for taking me home, good night."

"Good night." Zhang Liang watched Li Jingjing enter the house, silently looking forward to their next meeting.

Back at the courtyard, Li Xiaomei and Qin Huairu were chatting in the yard. When they saw Zhang Liang coming back, they immediately came to greet him. Li Xiaomei asked with concern, "Zhang Liang, how are you? How do you feel?"

Zhang Liang nodded with a smile on his face, "Jingjing is a very good person. We had a very pleasant chat."

Qin Huairu also smiled and said, "I said Jingjing is a good girl. Zhang Liang, if you two can get together, I will have done a good thing."

Zhang Liang said gratefully: "Thank you Aunt Qin, I am really happy today."

As time went by, the relationship between Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing gradually warmed up. They often went out for walks and watched movies together, and got to know each other's lives and interests. Although Li Jingjing was just an elementary school teacher, Zhang Liang was deeply attracted by her kindness and wisdom.

One evening, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing were walking in the park. Zhang Liang suddenly stopped and looked at Li Jingjing affectionately, "Jingjing, I have something to tell you."

Li Jingjing looked at Zhang Liang and smiled, "Zhang Liang, just say whatever you want to say."

Zhang Liang mustered up his courage and said seriously: "Jingjing, I think we get along very well and I like you. Are you willing to continue dating me and see if we can go on together?"

Li Jingjing was stunned for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared on her face, "Zhang Liang, I like you too. We can give it a try and go on together."

Zhang Liang was delighted when he heard this and held Li Jingjing's hand. "Thank you, Jingjing. I will try my best to do better and make you happy."

In the following days, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing's relationship became closer. They not only supported each other in life, but also encouraged each other in work. Although Li Jingjing was just an elementary school teacher, her wisdom and kindness made Zhang Liang feel extremely warm and satisfied.

However, the rumors in the factory did not stop. Many workers were still dissatisfied with Zhang Liang's promotion, and some even began to attack his personal life.

One day, Zhang Liang was processing documents in his office when he heard someone arguing outside the door. He walked out and saw several technical workers having a heated discussion.

"Have you heard? That Zhang Liang now has an elementary school teacher as his girlfriend. It's so funny."

"That's right. He is so capable. What's the point of finding an elementary school teacher?"

"I guess they don't think highly of him, they just do it to get by."

Zhang Liang was furious when he heard these words, but he knew that he could not be defeated by these rumors. He took a deep breath, walked up to the workers, and said calmly: "Masters, if you have any questions, you can tell me directly, don't talk behind my back."

The workers were speechless for a moment, not knowing how to respond. Zhang Liang continued, "The relationship between Li Jingjing and I is our own business. I hope everyone can respect us. As for my work, I will prove my ability with practical actions."

After hearing this, the workers lowered their heads in embarrassment and said no more.

When they returned to the courtyard at night, Li Xiaomei and Qin Huairu had already heard the rumors in the factory. Li Xiaomei asked with concern: "Zhang Liang, are you okay? These words won't affect you, right?"

Zhang Liang sighed and shook his head, "Xiaomei, I know this is inevitable. I will persevere and prove myself with my actions."

Qin Huairu also comforted him: "Little Zhang Liang, don't worry, real gold is not afraid of fire, everyone will see your efforts and strength in the end."

Zhang Liang nodded gratefully, "Thank you Aunt Qin, thank you for your support."

In the following days, Zhang Liang worked harder and led the technical innovation team to achieve more results, winning the recognition of factory leaders and workers. At the same time, his relationship with Li Jingjing became deeper and deeper, and the two supported each other and faced the challenges in life together.

One evening, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing were walking in the courtyard. Li Jingjing suddenly stopped and looked at Zhang Liang affectionately, "Zhang Liang, I have something to tell you."

Zhang Liang looked at her with a smile, "Jingjing, just say whatever you want to say."

Li Jingjing smiled gently, "Zhang Liang, I am willing to go on with you. No matter how big the challenges and difficulties are ahead, we will face them together."

"Thank you, Jingjing. I am willing to face everything in the future with you."

Zhang Liang held a banquet in the yard. All the neighbors brought gifts to congratulate Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing, and also helped them with some ceremonial activities.

There was laughter and joy in the courtyard of Sijiu City. Today, Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing decided to hold a small banquet in the courtyard and invite neighbors to celebrate their engagement. After hearing the news, the neighbors came to congratulate them with gifts.

In the evening, the courtyard was already decorated with lights. Li Xiaomei and Qin Huairu were busy early, helping to set up the scene, placing tables, chairs and food. In the middle of the courtyard, a large round table was filled with various delicious dishes, and the neighbors sat around it, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Zhang Liang, dressed in a suit, stood at the door to greet the guests. His face was filled with a happy smile, but he was still a little nervous. This was not only his and Li Jingjing's engagement party, but also a ceremony for the neighbors to witness their love.

Li Jingjing, wearing a simple and elegant dress, stood beside Zhang Liang. She smiled and watched Zhang Liang greet the guests, her heart full of sweetness and expectation.

Qin Huairu came over, holding a big red envelope in her hand, and said with a smile: "Zhang Liang, Jingjing, this is a little gift from us. I wish you happiness."

Zhang Liang took the red envelope and said gratefully, "Thank you, Aunt Qin. We appreciate your kindness."

Li Xiaomei also came over, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand and handed it to Li Jingjing, "Jingjing, this bouquet of flowers is for you. I hope your love will bloom as beautifully as these flowers."

Li Jingjing took the flowers and said with emotion: "Thank you, Sister Xiaomei, we accept your blessing."

Then, Yan Bugui and his family also brought gifts to congratulate Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing. The whole yard was filled with laughter and joy, and everyone gathered together and talked enthusiastically.

After the dinner started, Zhang Liang raised his glass and toasted everyone, "Dear neighbors, thank you for coming to our engagement party today. Jingjing and I are very grateful for your support and blessings, and thank you for your care and help all the time. I hope we can continue to support each other and spend more years together."

Everyone raised their glasses and said in unison: "I wish you happiness and a long life together!"

At the dinner, everyone was talking enthusiastically, and the atmosphere was very lively. Zhang Liang and Li Jingjing sat together, quietly watching the lively scene around them, feeling extremely warm and satisfied in their hearts.