Siheyuan Back to the 1950s

Early morning, courtyard.

People who got up early discovered something strange. Jia Zhang, who usually liked to sleep in, was cooking early in the morning. The nosy old ladies couldn't help but be curious, so they came over to ask.

"Ms. Jia Zhang, the sun is rising from the west, and you can actually cook. Where is your daughter-in-law? She won't be mad at you and run away, will she?"

Well, as soon as I heard the tone of voice, I knew that this was someone who went to bed early at night and had no idea what happened last night.

Jia Zhang glanced at the person who came. It was Widow Wang from the backyard. Widow Wang usually did not get along with Jia Zhang. The two of them often sabotaged each other and fought whenever they met.

"Widow Wang, it's so early in the morning. Don't be uncomfortable with your bad mouth. If you don't know how to talk, don't talk. What do you mean my daughter-in-law ran away? My daughter-in-law is fine. She gave birth to a big fat boy in my family last night. I'm going to be a grandmother now."

After Jia Zhang finished speaking, she felt refreshed, as if she had drunk a glass of iced cola in the dog days of summer.

Widow Wang was dumbfounded. Qin Huairu gave birth last night and no one told me?

"What's so great about having a baby? It's like no one has ever had one before."

Seeing that she couldn't gain any advantage, Widow Wang left in a huff after saying a few words.

"Your widow Wang can give birth, but she is still a money-loser."

Although Widow Wang gave in and left, Jia Zhang did not want to miss the opportunity to strike back at Widow Wang, so she gave her another blow.

Widow Wang, who was walking far away, almost fell down when she heard this.

This commotion early in the morning disappeared in a short while, and no one paid attention to it.

But the news that Qin Huairu had given birth to a son quickly spread throughout the courtyard.

Three days later, Qin Huairu was discharged from the hospital. Jia Dongxu delivered red eggs to every household and received congratulations from everyone.

Qin Huairu stayed at home peacefully to recuperate after giving birth, and Jia Zhang, who took care of her during the period, did not cause any trouble because Jia Dongxu gave the naming rights for his son to Jia Zhang.

Just like in the original novel, Jia Zhang gave her grandson the nickname Banggeng and the full name Jia Geng. When Jia Dongxu learned of his son's name, he argued with Jia Zhang, but he was powerless. Jia Zhang had made the final decision, which could not be changed.

Time flies. More than twenty days have passed in a blink of an eye. In three days, Banggeng will be one month old.

At Yi Zhonghai's house, Jia Dongxu was discussing his son's full month celebration with Yi Zhonghai.

"Master, the baby is almost one month old, so I'm thinking of setting up a few tables."

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai nodded and said.

"Yes! It's my duty. It's a good opportunity to have some fun and celebrate. If you need any help, please tell me. Don't hesitate."

After hearing what Yi Zhonghai said, Jia Dongxu didn't hesitate.

"Master, everything else is easy to handle, just this chef?"

Jia Dongxu paused here and looked at Yi Zhonghai.

"Chef, don't we have one ready in our hospital? Just ask Sha Zhu for help. What? Sha Zhu can even charge you money."

Yi Zhonghai's words sounded high-sounding, as if asking you, Shazhu, to cook was just giving you face. It is obvious that this person has evil intentions.

Jia Dongxu was waiting for Yi Zhonghai to say this. He wanted to get something for free, but couldn't say it out loud.

"Master, your words are true, but you also know that it's all my mother's fault for being so talkative. It's easy to offend people. My family has a bad relationship with Sha Zhu, so..."

Seeing Jia Dongxu's hesitant words, Yi Zhonghai understood, "Damn it, they want me to be a bad guy! This evil disciple."

No matter what Yi Zhonghai said, Jia Dongxu was happy and left Yi Zhonghai's house contentedly.

After Jia Dongxu walked away, Yi Zhonghai pondered for a moment and walked towards Sha Zhu's house.

"Is Shazhu at home?"

"Who?"

Hearing someone shouting, Sha Zhu opened the door and asked casually.

Seeing Sha Zhu opening the door, Yi Zhonghai looked at Sha Zhu standing behind the door, who had no intention of inviting him in. He couldn't help feeling dissatisfied, but today he came to ask for help, so Yi Zhonghai suppressed his dissatisfaction, organized his words, and then spoke.

"That silly Zhu! An uncle wants to talk to you about something. Let's go inside and talk."

After hearing Yi Zhonghai say that he had something to do, Sha Zhu reluctantly opened the door and let Yi Zhonghai in.

"Uncle, you are a rare guest. What's the matter with you coming to see me today?"

Yi Zhonghai could tell that this Sha Zhu was resentful.

"Isn't it because I'm usually too busy? Are you mad at me, kid? Well, I have something to discuss with you today."

"You said, I listened, uncle."

Sha Zhu spoke in a calm tone, without any sign of impatience. Yi Zhonghai looked at him and thought to himself, "Sha Zhu is still the same Sha Zhu. He can be fooled with just two sentences." Then he said again.

"As you know, your brother Dongxu's baby is about to turn one month old, and he wants you to help with the cooking. But he's too busy, so I, as his chef, will help him make an appointment with you. See..."

Yi Zhonghai said half of his words and left the other half, then looked at Sha Zhu, meaning, "It's your turn to answer it." Sha Zhu understood immediately and did not let Yi Zhonghai down, so he spoke directly.

"Okay, no problem. Which day? How many tables of people will we have and what dishes will we have? Just give me the figures."

When Yi Zhonghai heard this, he thought it was a success, and it had to be Sha Zhu.

"Oh, at noon three days later, there will be three tables in total. Jia Dongxu will buy the dishes then, so you can do whatever you want."

After Yi Zhonghai finished speaking, he was ready to leave. He thought that he had done a good job today, but who knew what Sha Zhu would say next, which made Yi Zhonghai so angry that he was fuming.

Just listen to Sha Zhu said.

"Okay, uncle, I'll take half a day off, and the three tables of food will cost 3 yuan. We're all from the same courtyard, so I'll give you a discount and charge 3 yuan."

"Why do you want money? We are all from the same courtyard. We should help each other. Today you help me, and tomorrow I will help you. I tell you, Shazhu, you can't be obsessed with money."

Yi Zhonghai began his method of moral kidnapping and kept brainwashing Sha Zhu, but Sha Zhu was no longer the same Sha Zhu. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he had turned evil.

Sha Zhu just looked at Yi Zhonghai quietly until Yi Zhonghai finished his performance, then he spoke slowly.

"Uncle, my 3 yuan has been reduced to 2 yuan, isn't that enough to help? Besides, my salary will be deducted if I take leave. Who will help me when I have no food to eat? Otherwise, you can find someone who is willing to help and cook for him."

Yi Zhonghai knew that he had messed up tonight. Sha Zhu had changed. The obedient Sha Zhu of the past would never come back.

Yi Zhonghai regretted that he should not have come tonight.

(Special thanks to "Vice President Huang who loves to eat preserved fruits". With your support, I have the motivation to continue. Thank you!)