Siheyuan: Buyers get rich from hunting

When the family members in the yard saw Liu Ping'an and his three friends coming back, they all came to greet them with long-awaited smiles on their faces. Xiaoxia and Xiaoyan couldn't wait to run out of the house, one on each side, to help move the dishes and other things they bought in, muttering: "With so many good things, the new home is really going to look better and better!" Their eyes were shining with excitement and expectation, and their movements were brisk and orderly.

Seeing this, grandpa smiled. He gently took Liu Ping'an's hand and said softly and kindly: "Ping'an, I have an idea. It's a pity that the vacant lot in our backyard has been left empty. Why don't we try growing some vegetables? This way, we can be self-sufficient and add some fun to our lives." Grandpa's eyes were shining with anticipation, as if he had already seen the green vegetable garden.

When Liu Pingan heard this proposal, he felt a warm current in his heart. He responded without hesitation: "Good idea, Grandpa, you are right. I also brought you a small gift this time - a radio. You can listen to opera while tending the vegetable garden." After that, he took out the radio from his bag, handed it to Grandpa carefully, and carefully introduced to Grandpa how to operate and listen to radio programs. Grandpa took the radio and was as happy as a child. He smiled from ear to ear and praised repeatedly: "Good, good, this thing is really new!"

At dinner time, the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the roof of the courtyard, creating a peaceful and tranquil scene. However, the house is bustling and full of warmth.

Liu Ping'an, Auntie, Zhang Guifang, Third Auntie, Qin Jingru and others sat around a large round table, ready to enjoy a sumptuous dinner.

In the kitchen, four women were busy preparing dinner. The eldest aunt was in charge of cutting vegetables, the third aunt was in charge of the spatula, the grandmother was instructing, and Liu Ping'an was busy making fire and adding wood, and occasionally helped pass the seasoning. The whole kitchen was filled with laughter, and everyone's face was full of happiness and satisfaction.

"The fish has to be fresh when put into the pot, and the heat has to be controlled well." As the aunt said this, she skillfully slid the fish fillets into the hot oil, and the aroma immediately filled the air.

“Yes, yes, yes. And the braised pork needs to be simmered for a while longer so that it can be flavored.” Third Aunt was not to be outdone. Her braised pork was a specialty of the family.

Grandma watched them busying around with a smile, and occasionally said, "Don't forget the plate of stir-fried seasonal vegetables. It's simple, refreshing, and also helps relieve greasiness."

Liu Pingan stood quietly at the kitchen door, looking at everything in front of him with deep affection. He knew that every meal here was prepared with great care, and every dish was a bond of affection between family members. He secretly vowed to work harder to make this home better.

In the kitchen, the blazing fire illuminated everyone's busy and joyful faces. The aunt skillfully flipped the fish fillets in the pan, and the fish fillets jumped happily in the hot oil, emitting an enticing aroma. While she was frying the fish fillets, she gently pinched a little salt and sprinkled it on the fish fillets, muttering to herself: "This salt must be used in moderation, too much or too little will affect the taste."

Aunt San stood in front of another stove, concentrating on stewing the braised pork. She used a spoon to stir it from time to time to ensure that each piece of meat was evenly heated. The braised pork was bright red in color and fragrant, making people salivate. Aunt San smiled proudly and said, "For this braised pork, the heat and seasoning are equally important, neither of which can be missing."

Liu Pingan was moved as he watched them busy at work. These ordinary housewives created delicious dishes with their own hands and also created a warm and harmonious family atmosphere. Although their efforts were ordinary, they were extremely precious.

Grandma was busy preparing stir-fried vegetables. She carefully selected each leaf to make sure it was fresh and tender. She placed the fresh vegetables on the chopping board, cut off the roots with a knife, and then washed the leaves carefully.

Grandma's movements were skillful and gentle, as if these vegetables were her treasures. While washing the vegetables, she also reminded them: "You have to cook quickly and use high heat to preserve the freshness of the vegetables."

Liu Pingan was busy making a fire and adding firewood. The firelight reflected on his resolute face, which looked particularly warm. He would occasionally pass on seasonings or help turn the dishes in the pot to make the aroma spread. The kitchen was filled with a strong smell of fireworks, which made people feel the taste and warmth of home.

Soon, the table was filled with delicious dishes, exuding an alluring aroma. There was steamed fish, the fish was tender and juicy; there was braised pork, bright red, fat but not greasy; there were stir-fried seasonal vegetables, refreshing; sweet and sour spare ribs were sweet and sour, the cold cucumber was refreshing, the fried noodles were rich in sauce, the stir-fried mutton with green onions was fragrant, the scrambled eggs with tomatoes were colorful, the braised eggplant was soft and tasty, and finally there was a delicious mushroom soup.

Ten dishes in total symbolize perfection and also represent the family’s yearning and blessing for a better life.

At this time, Grandpa was fiddling with the radio outside, and the others gathered around curiously, wanting to see what was so magical about this new gadget. Grandpa fiddled with the radio seriously, and pressed a few buttons, but the radio didn't make any sound. He couldn't help but laugh awkwardly: "Hey, this thing is really a bit difficult to use."

At this moment, Xiaoxia ran over like a cheerful little bird, she looked at grandpa with a smile, then took the radio and adjusted it skillfully. Soon, a hearty laugh and a humorous conversation came from the radio.

It turned out that the radio was playing a crosstalk program! Hearing this familiar voice, everyone couldn't help but laugh along.

"Oh, this little girl is quite talented!" Grandpa praised happily. "Grandpa, this is the crosstalk I told you about. Isn't it funny?"

Xiaoxia said this proudly, and then began to imitate the lines in the crosstalk, which was so lifelike that everyone laughed so hard that they fell over.

The yard was filled with laughter and joy, and everyone sat together, enjoying this rare warm time. Liu Pingan looked at this scene, and his heart was filled with satisfaction and happiness. He knew that this was the meaning of his hard work - to give his family a warm and harmonious home, so that everyone can find their own happiness and peace here.