Siheyuan: I live next door to Xu Damao, my last name is Cao

At this moment, Qi Tiancheng slowly found a seat nearby and sat down.

He skillfully took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, then carefully pulled out a cigarette, handed it to Yi Zhonghai with a smile, and said, "Brother Yi, come on, don't be anxious, have a cigarette and relax. Today we have to discuss tomorrow's affairs carefully, and we must be comprehensive and ensure that there are no omissions in the whole plan and it will be foolproof!"

Seeing this, Yi Zhonghai stretched out his right hand to take the cigarette, first put it to the tip of his nose, gently sniffed the faint aroma of tobacco, then couldn't help but sigh slightly, and responded with some emotion: "I hope everything can go smoothly! This matter is not a joke, it involves many important aspects. So, we must be fully prepared to deal with it!"

As he spoke, Qi Tiancheng had already picked up a cup of steaming hot tea from the table and respectfully handed it to Yi Zhonghai with both hands.

His face was full of sincere gratitude, and he said earnestly: "Brother Yi, thank you so much for your help this time! If it weren't for a respected senior like you who came forward to help, the matter between Guangqi and Sihui in my family would have been delayed until who knows how long! Your great kindness to our family will be remembered by our whole family and will never be forgotten. So today, I specially invite you to this state-owned restaurant for a simple meal. Although it is not a delicacy, it is a small token of our family's appreciation. I hope you will not despise it!"

Yi Zhonghai took the tea, took a sip, put down the cup and said, "Old Qi, don't be so polite. I just can't stand Liu Haizhong's temper. He is too stubborn. And I can't bear to see Liu Guangqi and Qi Sihui, a pair of good kids, separated like this, so I want to help."

"I have always believed that lovers should be together forever. How can we forcibly separate two people just because of my personal likes and dislikes? This is unfair to the children."

Qi Tiancheng nodded in agreement, frowned and said, "Yes, Brother Yi, I also think Liu Haizhong is really too much. Why doesn't he consider the happiness of the children? He only cares about his own face. Alas! If he talks about it in this state-owned restaurant, he is not afraid of others hearing it. He should change his temper."

Qi Sihui also echoed, "Uncle Yi, thank you so much this time. When we return to Heilongjiang Province, we will write to you often and come back to see you when we have the chance. If you want to eat the food in this state-owned restaurant in the future, we will send you some specialties."

Yi Zhonghai smiled, looked at the woman in front of him kindly, and said gently: "My dear girl, we are all family, there is no need to be so polite! As long as you two can live a stable and happy life over there, and have a prosperous life, that is more important than anything else!"

After saying this, he and the other party began to discuss in detail the details of going to the factory to write the application tomorrow.

From how to behave from the moment they step into the factory gate to the various questions that may be asked by relevant personnel, they conducted in-depth discussions one by one and developed corresponding response plans.

Throughout the entire process, Yi Zhonghai always listened attentively, and from time to time he would combine his own experience to put forward some unique insights and practical suggestions, trying his best to ensure that every link was carefully considered and without any omissions or mistakes.

At this time, Qi Tiancheng coughed twice, cleared his throat, and then his face showed a sincere and slightly shy expression, and he slowly said: "Uncle Yi, look at the current situation, this matter from beginning to end depends on you! The reason why I asked you to go to the machinery factory by yourself tomorrow is mainly to avoid Liu Haizhong as much as possible. After all, this person is really unpredictable. If we accidentally let him find out our plan in advance, the consequences will be disastrous! So I hope you can take more care!"

Hearing this, Yi Zhonghai nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with these words: "Yeah, you are right. This arrangement is indeed much safer. Okay, I will go there in person tomorrow, you can just relax!"

After the two of them finished talking about this matter, Qi Tiancheng rubbed his hands again, a little embarrassed appeared on his face, hesitated for a moment, and said: "Uncle Yi, this matter really troubles you. You are usually busy with work, and you have to take a day off tomorrow just for Guangqi. Not only does it delay your work, but it also makes you worry and suffer. I really feel sorry for it!"

"I was thinking to myself, you have worked tirelessly and devotedly for our family, and have given so much. Therefore, I specially prepared a small gift for you, just as a small compensation for your selfless dedication, and it also carries our family's deep gratitude to you! In any case, I hope you will accept this small gift with a smile, otherwise, I am afraid my heart will be in turmoil and uneasy!"

Before he finished speaking, Qi Tiancheng immediately reached into his pocket and slowly took out a paper bag that was folded neatly and tightly.

He unfolded it gently and carefully, as if he was holding a rare treasure. As the paper was carefully peeled off, the thick stack of banknotes came into view.

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai seemed to inadvertently glance at the stack of banknotes with the corner of his eye, and his heart couldn't help but tremble slightly, like ripples on the surface of a calm lake.

However, in an instant, a look of surprise quickly emerged on his weather-beaten face, and he shook his head and waved his hands repeatedly, saying anxiously: "Oh, this is absolutely not possible! At first, I just saw that the children were in a difficult situation, which really made me feel pity. That's why I was moved by compassion and wanted to help them. How dare I expect to accept your money!"

After saying this, his eyes revealed a hint of feigned firmness and determination, and he simply waved his hands lightly in the air a few times, making a gesture of rejection, and he did not actually push away the money that was being handed to him.

Qi Tiancheng held the stack of banknotes tightly, handed it to Yi Zhonghai with a resolute attitude, his eyes full of earnestness and gratitude, and said sincerely: "Brother Yi, you have to accept this money no matter what! If it weren't for your help, we would be completely helpless and don't know where to start to solve this matter! You have worked tirelessly for the children's affairs, and this little money only represents our insignificant little thought. If you insist on not accepting it, then my heart will never be at peace!"

Yi Zhonghai repeatedly waved his hands to refuse, muttering: "Oh no, no, no!"

However, the movement of his hand to refuse gradually became slower.

After some back and forth pushing and shoving, Yi Zhonghai finally took the money reluctantly, looking a little embarrassed.

He just let out a long, fake sigh and said helplessly, "Ah... if that's the case, I'll accept it for now, but to be honest, I really feel embarrassed."

In fact, at the beginning, Yi Zhonghai did handle the matter with the idea of ​​helping out voluntarily.

But now that he saw the other party offering such a large sum of money on his own initiative, his thoughts naturally changed subtly - if someone is willing to give money, why should he be so pretentious?

So, he calmly put his hand into his sleeve, secretly rubbed and carefully felt the thickness of the stack of banknotes with his fingers, and estimated in his mind that it was about twenty or thirty yuan.

Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but slightly raise up a tiny arc, and he thought to himself with satisfaction: Hey, it seems that this trip is not in vain!

The matter has been settled. We just need to wait until tomorrow and let Yi Zhonghai write an application and it will be done.

Afterwards, everyone sat around the dining table, which was a little old but full of a warm atmosphere.

Qi Sihui gracefully stretched out her hand and gently picked up the menu on the table. The menu had been read many times and had slightly worn edges. The corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing a sweet smile like a blooming spring flower.

She carefully handed the menu in her hand to Yi Zhonghai and said softly, "Uncle Yi, please take a look at what dishes here suit your taste. You have to order this sumptuous meal today!"

Facing Qi Sihui's enthusiastic invitation, Yi Zhonghai quickly waved his hands and declined repeatedly: "Oh, my girl, it's better for you young people to decide. I'm not picky about food!"

However, Qi Tiancheng, who was standing aside, also tried to persuade them: "Brother Yi, why are you being so polite to us? This meal is to thank you for your care and help to our family, so please don't be polite to us. Please feel free to order some of your favorite dishes!"

Yi Zhonghai really couldn't refuse this kindness, so he had to take the heavy menu from Qi Sihui with some embarrassment.

He first casually glanced at the various dishes listed above, and after a moment's thought, he slowly said, "Hmm... How about a serving of Kung Pao Chicken first? This dish is always good with rice."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Guangqi, who was sitting next to him, immediately added excitedly: "Yes, yes, Uncle Yi is right! In addition, how about we order you another dish of sweet and sour pork ribs? You know, this is one of the signature dishes of the state-owned restaurant! The taste is absolutely authentic!"

Yi Zhonghai smiled and nodded, "Okay, then I'll do as you say."

At this time, Qi Sihui interrupted and said, "Since Uncle Yi loves meat so much, why not add another serving of twice-cooked pork? I heard that the twice-cooked pork made in this restaurant is so authentic! The meat is tender and juicy, and the fat part melts in your mouth without feeling greasy at all. The lean meat is firm and chewy, without any feeling of dryness or wood!"

Hearing this, Yi Zhonghai's face, which originally had a faint smile on it, suddenly seemed to be blown by a spring breeze. His smile became even more intense, and the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes seemed to deepen because of this joy.

He nodded hurriedly and agreed happily: "Okay, okay, then I'll trouble you to arrange it!"

At this time, Liu Guangqi's eyes turned and he suggested excitedly: "I think we can have some mapo tofu, it's hot and goes well with rice! Uncle Yi, can you eat spicy food?"

Yi Zhonghai smiled slightly upon hearing this, revealing a mouthful of slightly yellow but neat teeth, and said slowly: "Haha, if you can eat a little, this dish sounds pretty good."

His words revealed his interest in the dish.

Qi Sihui at the side thought for a moment and said softly, "I think it would be better if we order another stir-fried vegetable dish. This way, we can have a balanced nutrition by combining meat and vegetables."

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone present nodded, expressing their agreement with the suggestion.

After everyone finished discussing and ordered the dishes, the waiter walked over slowly and reluctantly.

He held a small notebook and a pencil in his hands, standing in front of the table expressionlessly. He glanced at the people at the table with indifference, and then lazily asked, "Have you ordered?"

After receiving a positive answer, he reluctantly picked up the pen and wrote down the dishes ordered by everyone.

After writing it down, he turned around and left without saying a single extra word.

Time passed by minute by minute, and while everyone was chatting and waiting, it wasn’t long before the first dish - Kung Pao Chicken was finally served.

As soon as this dish was served, its tempting color immediately attracted everyone's attention.

The diced chicken on the plate is bright red, dotted with crispy peanuts and green chopped green onions. The overall look is delicious.

A rich aroma is like an invisible little hand, drilling straight into the human nasal cavity, making people salivate.

Seeing this, Qi Sihui immediately greeted him enthusiastically, "Uncle Yi, please try it and see how it tastes."

As he spoke, he signaled Yi Zhonghai with his eyes to quickly pick up his chopsticks and taste the food.

Yi Zhonghai responded with a smile, then stretched out his chopsticks, carefully picked up a piece of diced chicken, put it in his mouth and slowly chewed it.

After a moment, he nodded with satisfaction and praised, "Well, it tastes really good. It's worthy of the craftsmanship of a state-owned restaurant. It's really authentic!"

After saying that, he couldn't help but pick up a few more pieces with his chopsticks and put them into his mouth.

Everyone sat around the dining table, laughing and talking.

While enjoying the delicious food, they talked about various topics with great interest.

The originally somewhat restrained atmosphere gradually became warmer as time went on.

Liu Guangqi sat in the corner. Although he was still nervous, the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere around him slowly penetrated into his heart like warm sunshine, making him involuntarily forget his worries for the time being.

Before long, delicious dishes were served on the table.

The bright red, sweet and sour spare ribs exude an enticing aroma.

The twice-cooked pork is sizzling in the pan, the meat slices are fat and lean, and paired with green peppers and garlic sprouts, it is mouth-watering.

Mapo tofu is spicy and fresh, and the tender tofu melts in your mouth; and the refreshing and delicious stir-fried seasonal vegetables add a touch of fresh color to the sumptuous table.

Everyone enjoyed the satisfaction brought by the delicious food while still continuing to discuss tomorrow's matters.

Sometimes they exchanged opinions, sometimes encouraged each other, and occasionally raised their glasses and clinked them together, wishing for a smooth tomorrow.

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