Siheyuan: The wife pays off the husband's debt, Huairu's mentality collapses

Su Mu stood aside, watching all this quietly, his eyes full of expectation and confidence for the future.

After a busy day, the expansion work came to a temporary halt. The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the courtyard, giving this ancient courtyard a golden coat.

Su Mu looked at the two masters who were sweating profusely but still concentrating on their work, and his heart was filled with gratitude.

He walked up to the two of them, smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, masters! Today's work went very smoothly, thanks to your superb craftsmanship and hard work."

Master Li wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled modestly, "Mr. Su, you are too polite. This is our duty. But having said that, after the kitchen is expanded, it will be much more spacious for cooking in the future."

Xiao Wang also agreed, "Yes, and looking at Mr. Su's yard, the feng shui is also very good, so there will be no problem in expanding the kitchen."

Su Mu was moved when he heard this, but then he returned to the topic: "To thank the two masters for their hard work today, I would like to invite you to have a simple meal at my home. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Master Li quickly waved his hand and refused: "Mr. Su, this is not possible. We have been paid, so of course we have to do a good job. How can we let you spend more money?"

Xiao Wang also nodded: "Yes, Mr. Su, we appreciate your kindness, but we really can't eat this meal."

Seeing this, Su Mu's smile became even warmer, and he insisted: "Two masters, please don't be polite. You have worked so hard today, and you deserve a meal."

"Besides, I would like to hear your further suggestions on the expansion work. Besides, although my courtyard is not full of delicacies, it still has home-cooked meals. Let's just consider it as making friends."

Master Li and Xiao Wang looked at each other and saw some hesitation in each other's eyes, but they were more moved by Su Mu's sincerity.

Finally, Master Li nodded and said, "Okay, Mr. Su, we will obey your orders. However, we have to prepare the meal, and you can't do it yourself."

When Su Mu heard this, he burst into laughter: "Okay, okay, then let's do as the two chefs say. I'll go prepare some ingredients and we'll have a lively dinner together."

As night falls, the courtyard is brightly lit, with warm lights shining in every corner, adding a touch of warmth and peace to this ancient courtyard.

The busy figures of Su Mu and the two chefs in the kitchen appeared particularly harmonious under the light. They were either bending over to wash vegetables or wielding knives to cut meat. Their movements were skillful and tacit, as if they were performing a silent dance.

The gurgling sound of water washing vegetables and the occasional sound of a knife hitting the chopping board interweave to form a beautiful kitchen symphony.

While Su Mu was carefully selecting fresh vegetables, he was chatting with the two chefs about family matters. The topics ranged from weather changes to interesting neighborhood stories. The topics were wide-ranging and cordial.

His words were full of respect and gratitude for the two masters, making the two masters feel the warmth of home.

Master Li was responsible for making a fire and cooking. He skillfully built a pile of firewood and lit it with a match. The flames quickly rose up and illuminated his wrinkled face.

He added more firewood and stirred the food in the pot with a spatula.

Xiao Wang helped deliver seasonings and tools. His face was filled with a youthful smile and he was full of curiosity and enthusiasm for everything.

As the dishes were served one by one, the courtyard restaurant gradually became lively.

The table was filled with delicious dishes, including braised fish, steamed spareribs, garlic broccoli...

Every dish embodies the hard work and sweat of Su Mu and the two chefs.

The three of them sat together, raised their glasses and celebrated the hard work and good times of the day.

At the dining table, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Sumu, Master Li and Xiao Wang were raising their glasses to celebrate today's achievements and friendship.

The conversation naturally turned to the matter of expanding the kitchen.

"Master Li, the expansion is progressing smoothly today, but I would still like to hear your professional opinion. What details do we need to pay attention to next?" Su Mu asked sincerely.

Master Li put down his chopsticks, pondered for a moment and said, "Mr. Su, the next thing to pay attention to is waterproofing and ventilation. The kitchen uses a lot of water, so the waterproof layer must be well built to prevent water seepage in the future."

"Also, ventilation is critical. The fumes must be discharged in time, otherwise it will affect the indoor air quality."

Xiao Wang also chimed in: "Yes, and you have to be careful with the wiring. There are many electrical appliances in the kitchen, so safety comes first."

Su Mu nodded in agreement and carefully recorded the two chefs' suggestions: "Thank you for your reminders, I will pay attention to these. I hope we can cooperate happily and expand the kitchen to be both practical and beautiful."

Just as the three of them were chatting excitedly, there was a sudden knock on the door.

Su Mu got up and opened the door, only to see his neighbor Xiaoyue standing outside. She was holding a small basket with some fruits in it.

"It's so late, Xiaoyue, why are you here?" Su Mu was a little surprised, but then he showed a warm smile.

When Xiaoyue saw Sumu, her face flushed slightly and she lowered her head shyly: "I...I heard that you were expanding your kitchen, and I thought you might need help, so...I came to take a look."

At this time, Master Li and Xiao Wang also looked over curiously. Xiao Wang even teased mischievously: "Oh, is this your girlfriend? She came to deliver fruit so late at night. How thoughtful!"

Hearing this, Su Mu quickly waved his hands to clarify: "No, no, no, you misunderstood. Xiaoyue is just my neighbor. We have a good relationship, but it is definitely not what you think."

Xiaoyue also nodded and agreed: "Yes, we are just neighbors. I just came here to see if I can help."

Su Mu looked at Xiaoyue gratefully, then invited her into the house: "Xiaoyue, since you are here, let's have a meal together. We are just talking about expanding the kitchen, you can come and listen, maybe you can give us some good suggestions."

Xiaoyue hesitated for a moment, but seeing Su Mu's sincere eyes, she finally nodded and walked into the courtyard with a smile.

At the dinner table, the atmosphere became more lively and warm with Xiaoyue's joining.

After dinner, Master Li and Xiao Wang said goodbye one after another, leaving only Su Mu and Xiao Yue in the room.

The moonlight shines through the window lattice and falls on the mottled ground, adding a touch of tenderness to the quiet night.

Xiaoyue sat at the table, her hands unconsciously stirring the corners of her clothes, and her eyes occasionally stole glances at Sumu, her shyness evident in her words.

When Su Mu saw this, although he was confused, he also felt an inexplicable warmth.

He asked softly, "Xiaoyue, do you... have something to say to me? Why did you come to see me so late?"