Siheyuan: Cooking journey

The aunt looked at her reaction, and she understood what was going on. She smiled even more and said,

"It's not difficult. Although Zhuzi says he has never considered getting married, it is inconvenient for him to live alone. You should take care of him, help him tidy up the house, wash his clothes, etc.

"After a while, won't he have some feelings for you? If you take the initiative, he's a married man, like a cat, how can he not be moved, how can he resist? Some things will happen naturally, and if you get pregnant with his child after a few times, then it's basically a done deal."

"Zhu Zi said he doesn't want to get married, but if you get pregnant with his child, do you think he will not give you an explanation?"

"Even if he refuses to admit it, I, your aunt, will definitely support you at that time. Zhuzi will have to marry you even if he doesn't want to..."

Qin Huairu's heart was pounding and her face turned even redder.

She was so happy that she felt like she was flying freely in the sky.

It's really unexpected. All the things I expected and planned haven't even started yet.

As a result, an old man and an old woman also thought of it and started to work on it.

The seeds that were once planted have finally borne fruit.

All the obstacles blocking the way disappeared in an instant. You stinky man, let’s see where you can escape to. Let’s see if you can ignore me.

"Sister, can I not leave?"

Qin Jingru's fair little face was full of grievance and her eyes were full of expectation.

Qin Huairu looked at her tenderly and said softly, "Jingru, I'm not trying to drive you away. It's almost the New Year, and you haven't been home for half a year. You should go back and visit. I promise you that I will take you back immediately after the New Year.

"Don't forget, sister is still looking forward to you marrying He Yuzhu and sharing your blessing."

When it comes to this matter,

Thinking of that handsome man,

Qin Jingru's face flushed slightly, she lowered her head and whispered:

"Sister, I've been here for almost half a year. Why haven't you told He Yuzhu about our marriage? When can I marry him?"

"almost."

Qin Huairu's voice became even gentler, and she said caringly:

"I originally planned to have you two meet more often, get to know each other better, and leave a good impression, but who knew that he disappeared after get off work? This is not a solution. After the New Year, I will pick you up and ask Auntie to talk this over.

"He Yuzhu grew up under the care of your aunt. What she said is effective, and she likes you very much. This thing will definitely work..."

Qin Huairu explained softly,

Although Qin Jingru was reluctant to leave the city life, she felt at ease.

I felt happy thinking that I would be able to marry He Yuzhu after the New Year.

Qin Huairu glanced at her with a gentle look and said:

"I have already prepared the fare for you. I am going to work now. You pack up and leave early. Remember, if your family proposes marriage or something, don't say you agree. Also, don't tell your family about this yet, lest they ask for a dowry or something and won't let you go, causing more trouble.

"You can't let that little bit of money ruin your happy life. You know, He Yuzhu's monthly salary is 89.5 yuan. How much less can you earn after you get married?"

"This is so much money, but my family can only earn a few in a year."

Qin Jingru's eyes sparkled and she nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice.

"Sister, don't worry, I won't tell anyone casually."

"Okay then, I'm going to work now."

Qin Huairu's smile was as gentle as water, and then she went to work.

Qin Jingru packed up her things and looked around the room reluctantly.

Close the door.

As I turned around, I saw the gangster Xu Damao who I met last time passing by.

"Humph, little rascal..."

Qin Jingru glanced at him with disdain, raised her chin proudly, and turned her back to him.

"What is there for a country girl to be so proud of..."

Xu Damao was furious.

Last time, he was almost caught as a gangster, and the score hasn’t been settled yet. Now he dares to give him a hard time.

This little hot pepper must be taught a lesson.

Xu Damao was making some ruthless plans secretly, but when he saw Qin Jingru carrying a bag as if she was going back to the countryside, he had an idea.

Lately, my parents have been urging me to go on blind dates and get married. It’s really annoying, but it’s not appropriate to keep refusing.

Country girls have never seen the world and should be easy to deceive.

Moreover, this can be regarded as revenge for stealing Sha Zhu's wife.

Thinking about it this way,

Xu Damao was full of energy and was about to speak——

"Wait, I have something to tell you..."

"Hurry up, there are thugs here, hurry up..."

Qin Jingru shouted loudly without saying anything.

Xu Damao was stunned for a moment, all his thoughts disappeared in fear, and he ran away quickly.

"Little thug..."

Qin Jingru curled her lips, hummed a little tune, and jumped a few times happily.

After the New Year, I will be able to move into He Yuzhu's spacious house, and I will get 89.5 yuan per month, which I can spend however I want.

It’s beautiful just thinking about it.

…………

In the blink of an eye, the end of the year has arrived.

The steel rolling mill operates in three shifts and is operating normally.

This is He Yuzhu's suggestion. With so many workers staying at home, it is inevitable that they will get into trouble.

Going to work can restrain them and is a good thing for them.

Salaries will be paid as usual and there is no need to scrimp and save. During the three days of the New Year, you can even receive an extra 50 cents meal allowance every day.

With this fifty cents, you can buy ten big white flour buns in the canteen, which is much more economical than paying directly. You really can't buy these buns with money. And because of the normal working hours, the management of the factory also has to be on duty.

He Yuzhu doesn't have to worry about this, as Director Yang will take care of everything.

On New Year's Eve, at 4 p.m., the radio rang.

He Yuzhu just slipped away.

I got home, tidied myself up, and was about to go out.

He Yushui looked at him from the side, with a look of surprise and disbelief: "Brother, today is New Year's Eve, and you are still going fishing, can't you give the fish a break!"

"What else can you do on New Year's Eve if you don't go fishing? Haven't you heard of '年年有余(鱼)'? It's a good omen."

He Yuzhu replied leisurely, got on his bike and left.

He Yushui rolled his eyes.

There are fish every year, and I didn’t ask you to go fishing!

There was a snowfall a year ago.

It was cold and the snow hadn't melted yet. Instead it was trampled into mud.

The squeaking sound of bicycles rolling over it was quite pleasant to hear.

Listening to this beautiful music along the way, we arrived at the place where I often go fishing.

He Yuzhu stopped the car involuntarily.

There was a plump figure in heavy clothes, stamping his feet.

He Yuzhu looked at her and felt as if time had stood still.

How long?

Can not remember.

I just remember that she was there every time I came to fish.

No words, no eye contact, nothing, just existed quietly.

I have tried not to come for several days.

But once she came, she was still there.

why?

What does it mean?

I really wanted to ask, but I never opened my mouth.

Some words, even without asking, seem to be understood.

Why bother asking?

There is no need to ask.

it is more than words.

She is still here, hiding from me, and that is her answer.

It was freezing cold, but she was still here, and that was all she wanted to say.

The wind is blowing.

It seems to be getting colder.

The figure who had been stamping his feet stopped.

He Yuzhu knew that she noticed she was looking at her.

The bicycle is parked.

The shoes squeaked on the snow, like the chirping of birds.

The birds, who should be in the warm south, sound so sad and lonely in this harsh winter.

When she stopped calling, she had already walked in front of him.

She was wearing thick, layered clothes that were so old and dark that only her eyes were exposed when she lowered her head. She couldn't count how many layers she had on, but it still couldn't keep away the cold that penetrated into her bones.

But, somehow, he felt a sense of warmth.

"It's New Year's Day today, go back, your parents will be worried."

This was the first time they had spoken in months.

He Yuzhu was secretly annoyed. The weather was too cold and his lips were trembling with cold.

"I'm the only one at home..."

The wind was a bit strong, and his words were unclear.

He Yuzhu hesitated for a moment and unconsciously moved closer.

But he still couldn't hear clearly, so he moved closer.

The wind is getting stronger.

But for some reason, there seemed to be a hint of gentleness in the wind.

"Come home with me..."

The wind was blowing, bringing a biting chill.

At this moment, Ran Qiuye felt extremely warm in his heart.

The world suddenly became bright.

On New Year's Eve, the festive atmosphere is not strong.

There are no Spring Festival couplets and no firecrackers.

Only the smoke rising from every chimney suggested that tonight's dinner would be different.

In the front yard.

He Yuzhu passed by on his bicycle with an expressionless face.

Ran Qiuye lowered his head and followed quietly behind.

Yu Li, who was busy preparing the New Year's Eve dinner, couldn't help but open her eyes wide.

The three aunts were stunned for a moment, then turned around and went back to the house.

"My child's father, Zhuzi just brought back a girl, who is prettier than Yu Haitang! Zhuzi usually keeps silent, but when did he meet such a pretty girl and bring her home? It looks like they are going to get married, right?"

"hehe."

The third uncle adjusted the frame of his glasses and smiled without saying anything.

The third aunt couldn't help but look at him and asked doubtfully:

"You look like you know something?"

"The secret cannot be leaked."

The third uncle shook his head, feeling very happy.

It feels so good to be the only one who knows the truth while everyone else in the hospital is kept in the dark.

Once before, He Yuzhu went fishing. He wanted to pretend to come across someone by chance and catch some fish, but unexpectedly he met an unexpected person.

From then on, he knew that this day would come.

As an indirect matchmaker, there are naturally many benefits. How can you not be happy?

"You are just being mysterious. What secret is this? You can tell me if you want to."

The third aunt curled her lips and muttered, "If you keep going like this, I think you'll lose your fortune-telling business."

"Don't talk nonsense."

The third uncle's face darkened and his tone was solemn:

"If someone outside hears me, do you want me to go hungry?"

The third aunt quickly covered her mouth and shook her head.

The third uncle's expression softened a little, and he looked as if it had nothing to do with him.

"Don't worry about this matter. Just wait and see. It's a happy event for our family."

The door opened and they entered the house.

He Yuzhu poured a cup of hot water, looked at Ran Qiuye, and handed it to her.

"Thanks……"

His figure was reflected in Ran Qiuye's eyes. She took the cup of water, lowered her head and drank it in small sips.

He Yuzhu didn't respond and turned to open the vent of the coal stove.

The honeycomb coal burned more vigorously, and bursts of hot air rose from the furnace mouth.

"Come sit over here."

"Ah."

There was a gleam in Ran Qiuye's eyes. Sitting by the coal stove, the cup of water in her hand seemed to become warmer.

He Yuzhu looked at her, went to the utility room, and took out some leeks.

"Choose one, and let's make dumplings."

Ran Qiuye's eyelashes trembled slightly. She lowered her head and took it, carefully selecting each one.

The atmosphere is peaceful and harmonious.

He Yuzhu was kneading the dough and his eyes inadvertently fell on her hands.

That hand was once as soft as jade, but now it has become rough due to labor.

It seemed a little cold, a little frostbitten, and slightly blue.

He withdrew his gaze and stopped looking.

But the scene was deeply engraved in my mind and could not be erased.

He Yuzhu was kneading the dough quietly, but it turned into a paste without him noticing, so he had to add more flour.

After finally reconciling, I discovered there was one more round than expected.

Select the chives, wash and chop.

The aroma of scrambled eggs filled the house and wafted into the yard.

"What does it smell like? It smells so good!"

next door.

He Yushui was helping the third aunt prepare the New Year's Eve dinner. He sniffed with his little nose, looked outside, and saw that his house was brightly lit. He said happily:

"My brother is back. I'm going to see what delicious food he made..."

inside the house.

He Yuzhu mixed the dumpling filling, rolled out the dumpling skin, and with his skillful hands, he wrapped and pressed the dumpling, and a cute dumpling was ready.

Ran Qiuye's eyes lit up, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. Her originally cold face gradually warmed up and flushed. Maybe it was because she didn't know how to make dumplings, or maybe it was because they met again after a long time, he looked better.

"Brother, what delicious food did you make?"

He Yushui ran into the house happily, but was stunned.

When he saw Ran Qiuye, he couldn't help but blink.

Ran Qiuye looked at him, also a little dazed.

Her fair face flushed even more and she tried to force a smile and wanted to say hello, but He Yushui turned and ran away.

"I didn't see anything, you guys continue..."

He Yuzhu was undisturbed and continued to make dumplings quietly.

Ran Qiuye glanced at him subconsciously, her eyelashes drooping, the flames in the furnace reflected on her cheeks.

It was really unexpected that my brother had such deep feelings and quietly found a girl. The girl had pigtails and was really pretty, but she seemed to be wearing too much...

He Yushui tells the story vividly...

The uncle frowned.

The lady next to him looked at him, also puzzled.

Qin Huairu's face was pale, her whole body was shaking, and her hands unconsciously clutched the corners of her clothes.

is her!

The lady who came last time also had braids.

The dumplings were cooked and served in plates.

The table was quiet.

Ran Qiuye lowered his head and savored the food in small sips.

He Yuzhu was silent and ate one after another quickly.

Slowly, the sky grew darker.

Dinner is over.

Looking at the empty plate.

Ran Qiuye stood up with a blushing face and wanted to help clean up.

He Yuzhu looked at her and said calmly:

"It's getting late, let me take you home."

Ran Qiuye's hands trembled slightly.

I haven't walked this road for a long time.

But it doesn't feel strange.

We arrived at our destination soon.

Ran Qiuye got off the car, and memories emerged in her mind bit by bit, sweet and bitter.

A long time ago, I was sent home in the same way.

He Yuzhu looked at her calmly, pushed the cart and turned around.

"From now on, I won't go fishing anymore, and you shouldn't go either."

"why?"

Ran Qiuye's face turned pale, and his mind was shaken.

"Have you forgotten everything? Have you really forgotten everything? Can you tell me whether there has ever been a place for me in your heart?"

"No."