Siheyuan: Starting with one acre and three fen of land

The wheels rolled across the alley, and He Yuzhu's figure passed through the alley that was alternating between light and dark.

The street lamp not far from the courtyard gate emitted a dim light, illuminating the open space in front of the steps at night.

With a slight "squeak", He Yuzhu stepped on the brake and stopped steadily in front of his house.

He got out of the car swiftly, holding the front of the car with one hand and grabbing the seat with the other, then stepped over the steps in one go and rang the doorbell.

Soon, hurried footsteps were heard behind the door, and with a response, the courtyard door was opened from the inside.

"Zhu Zi, come in quickly! It's warm inside."

Cai Quanwu pushed the gate aside to make room.

It has become the norm for He Yuzhu to come home late. He has become accustomed to it. When he hears the bell, he immediately goes out to open the door.

The conditions in his room were naturally not bad, and he wouldn't freeze because the stove was burning.

After lifting the bicycle over the threshold, He Yuzhu patted his backpack and looked aside with a smile.

"Uncle Cai, I brought back some glutinous rice balls today. Let's try some later."

He said he would bring a copy for Chief Chen so that he wouldn't be left out.

Although I didn’t bring back much, it was enough to satisfy the three adults in the family.

Cai Quanwu glanced at him, a smile flashed in his eyes, and he nodded in agreement.

"Okay! Then I'll try it too."

People who grew up in a dumpling-loving area rarely eat tangyuan.

During various holidays, people who can afford it eat dumplings.

Now that life has stabilized and circumstances have gradually improved, only wealthy families can often find white flour dumplings.

For Cai Quanwu, whose family had fallen on hard times, this was truly a taste of something new.

"Okay! Then come with me to the kitchen and roll this thing in water. It will be very fast."

He Yuzhu responded quickly, watched him close the gate, and walked towards the middle courtyard with him.

The light shone through the window and onto the corridor. Footsteps were heard and their figures appeared outside the kitchen.

As soon as I entered the door, I saw Feng Liping standing in front of the stove with her back to the stove. There was still some flour on the chopping board on the table next to her.

In a short while, after hearing the noise, she had already made a bowl of noodles.

This is the case every weekday evening, when he gets home he can enjoy a bowl of hot noodles.

"Zhu Zi, the noodles will be ready soon!" She said loudly while stirring the noodles in the pot without turning her head.

Warmth is always reflected in the details and slowly flows into people's hearts.

The two people who had just entered the room looked at each other. Cai Quanwu patted He Yuzhu on the shoulder and walked towards the cupboard.

He Yuzhu felt a warm current surge in his heart and walked towards the stove with light steps.

"Mother Feng, I brought back some glutinous rice balls today. Let's put them in the pot later and have a taste."

Feng Liping put down her chopsticks and looked towards He Yuzhu with a look of surprise on her face.

Living in Beijing for the past few years, I eat this only during the Lantern Festival in the first month of the lunar calendar, but I follow the local customs at other times.

He Yuzhu opened his backpack, took out the wrapped dumplings and handed them to her.

"I've already eaten there today, just divide it into three bowls."

Feng Liping took the bag, nodded to Cai Quanwu who was walking over with a bowl, and then opened the bag.

When he saw the delicious-looking glutinous rice balls inside, the smile on his face became even wider.

"Okay, Zhuzi. The fire in the stove is burning brightly. I can cook the glutinous rice balls after I scoop out the noodles for you."

He Yuzhu nodded in agreement, took out the remaining bags from the bag and waved them in front of her.

"Mother Feng, this is for tomorrow's meal. I'll put it in the kitchen first.

This year, let’s just eat glutinous rice dumplings on New Year’s Eve instead.

When Xueru and I come back in the afternoon, I will make dumplings with you again."

She would of course be happy to be able to eat dumplings like she does in her hometown.

I couldn't help but smile, already thinking about what filling to prepare for tomorrow.

When her eyes fell on Cai Quanwu who was making a fire, a thought flashed through her mind.

A stomach that has been raised on a diet high in wheat will indeed feel uncomfortable with rice.

Not to mention that this time it’s glutinous rice, which raises the difficulty to a higher level.

"Brother Cai, are you used to eating this? If not, let's make some dumplings, it's a handy thing."

Hearing her question, Cai Quanwu threw the firewood into the stove and looked up at the two of them.

Facing the concerned gaze, he moved the corners of his mouth: "It's okay. I didn't even have enough to eat before, so why would I be so picky?"

This is indeed true. The days of turmoil are still fresh in my memory. It has only been a few years since we had enough food to eat.

People who have gone through a life of hunger and fullness do not have this picky eating habit.

Some diseases that appear as material conditions improve are too severe for poor people to survive.

Feng Liping breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this, and the smile on her face deepened.

"That's great! When Lao Zhang comes, we can celebrate the Little New Year together!"

After He Yuzhu quickly finished the noodles in the bowl, Feng Liping took out the rolling glutinous rice balls from the pot and put them in the bowl.

"Zhu Zi, I'll bring this to you! We'll eat here."

He Yuzhu put down the lower bowl, wiped his mouth, and took the small bowl.

"Okay! Then enjoy your meal. I'll give it to Xueru first."

After Feng Liping put the spoon into the bowl, He Yuzhu picked up the bowl, turned around and walked out.

Following the corridor, He Yuzhu soon arrived at the door of the north room.

"Xue Ru, let's eat glutinous rice balls today!"

Before he finished speaking, the man had already passed through the door curtain and walked quickly towards Chen Xueru.

The two small figures were the ones who reacted the fastest, and Chen Xueru was almost left behind.

When the brother and sister heard the familiar shout, they turned over and sat up on the sofa.

Seeing He Yuzhu coming towards them, the little ones waved their hands and babbled incomprehensible syllables.

Chen Xueru looked at her lively children, her eyes filled with joy.

He held up his daughter who was about to fall forward, then turned to look at He Yuzhu.

"Look how happy they are when you come back!"

He Yuzhu smiled awkwardly and quickly handed the bowl to her.

"Xue Ru, how about trying the glutinous rice balls I made? Hehe~

Starting tomorrow, I will have a holiday and will just go to collect my salary before the New Year.

Tomorrow we will go to the chief's house, and I will stay at home with you and your mother."

Upon hearing the news, Chen Xueru immediately smiled and took the dumplings with a smile.

While stirring the glutinous rice balls with a spoon, he asked, "Brother Zhuzi, why are there glutinous rice balls today?"

He Yuzhu took over the task of taking care of the child at this time, allowing her to eat the dumplings in peace.

While playing with the child in his hands, he replied, “Give the leaders something new.

I brought some back for you so you can have a taste.

There is also a portion in the kitchen for Chief Chen, which can be taken over tomorrow to make him happy.

Next time, we will prepare some for the New Year at home. We forgot to do it last year."

The sugar filling flowed into her mouth, and the wonderful taste entered her brain, making Chen Xueru feel sweet.

Hearing such considerate words, this feeling came to my heart even more.

"Hehe~ The gifts we're going to bring tomorrow have all been prepared today. Go over and see if there's anything inappropriate later."