Siheyuan: Starting with one acre and three fen of land

After closing down due to labor disputes a few years ago, Fengze Garden went through a joint venture the following year, ushering in a new life and regaining new vitality.

After stepping through the door, He Yuzhu glanced at the increasingly lively lobby, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

"Oh! Master He, what a rare guest!"

A familiar greeting penetrated the noise of the crowd and reached He Yuzhu's ears.

He looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhang Qing, the former head of Fengze Garden, walking towards him with big strides, smiling.

He Yuzhu patted Chen Xueru's hand in his arm and took her to meet him.

The last time I met Mou Chaoming and Wang Yiren in the Red Wall, we didn’t talk much due to the limited occasion and we went to the kitchen to work separately.

He Yuzhu was indeed not very clear about the current situation of Fengze Garden.

However, Zhang Qing learned the news from Mou Chaoming that He Yuzhu was not his former apprentice, but a master chef for state banquets.

"Zhang Tou, it's been a long time since we last met! You are still the same, as charming as ever!"

Zhang Qing's eyes fell on Chen Xueru beside He Yuzhu, and he knew in his heart that she was obviously his wife.

He walked a few steps closer and bowed, "Master He, this must be Madam He. Welcome to Fengze Garden!"

Seeing that he was an old acquaintance of He Yuzhu, Chen Xueru smiled and replied softly: "Zhang, you're welcome!"

The three of them greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries.

Zhang Qing asked with a smile: "Do you two have reservations for coming here today? If not, I will arrange it for you two right away."

He Yuzhu nodded gently: "Thank you for your kindness, Zhangtou. Today is President Du Defang's banquet, and a private room has been booked."

When Zhang Qing heard this, he immediately understood what was going on and the smile on his face widened.

He extended his hand and made a gesture of invitation, with a somewhat friendly tone: "Okay, then come this way!"

Seeing that he was going to lead the way personally, He Yuzhu did not refuse his kindness. He took Chen Xueru's hand, and the two followed closely behind.

After crossing the courtyard, the three of them slowly walked to the door of the reserved private room.

Zhang Qing took a step forward and knocked on the door gently, saying in a just-right voice: "President Du, a guest is here!"

After hearing a response from inside the door, Zhang Qing stepped sideways, pushed open the door, and stretched out his hand to lead He Yuzhu and the other person behind him into the private room.

As the three people walked into the private room, Du Defang and the other two, who had been waiting in the room for a long time, quickly stood up from their chairs and came to greet them with smiles on their faces.

There was a hint of expectation in their eyes. After all, they were asking for help today, so they naturally dared not be negligent in their attitude.

Seeing this, Zhang Qing stopped, stood sideways, and politely made way to allow He Yuzhu and the other man to step forward.

He bowed and smiled, with a hint of respect in his voice: "President Du, two bosses, the distinguished guests have been brought here. I will go and notify the kitchen to prepare the dishes."

Du Defang looked at Zhang Qing sideways and bowed in return: "Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Zhang. I would like to thank you in advance!"

"You're too polite!" Zhang Qing bowed, then turned and left the private room.

Chen Xueru took He Yuzhu's arm, and the two walked side by side towards Du Defang and the other two.

She smiled and said, "Oh, Mr. Du, you are so polite. Please take a seat. How dare I trouble you to come and greet me?"

Upon hearing this, Du Defang and the other two looked much more relaxed.

Chen Xueru was also polite, which meant that today's trip would not be in vain, and considering their friendship over the years, she would tell them the news they wanted to hear.

Du Defang's eyes fell on He Yuzhu, and he saw that he had an extraordinary temperament and a dignified appearance.

"Xiao Chen, this handsome man must be your husband. Nice to meet you. I have heard a lot about you!"

The two people beside him were slightly stunned, their eyes swept over He Yuzhu, and they immediately spoke up in agreement.

He Yuzhu has been in Harbin for the past three years and returned to Beijing last year. He would not think of having much dealings with these businessmen.

In Chen Xueru's small circle, the origins of her husband seemed mysterious.

Du Defang was obviously a sophisticated man and knew that praising He Yuzhu would make Chen Xueru happier.

Chen Xueru's smile is indeed as beautiful as a flower. The more outstanding He Yuzhu is, the more it proves her unique vision.

"Mr. Du, please take a seat first! We must respect the elders and stop talking while standing."

He Yuzhu stood aside and just nodded in a friendly manner: "Everyone, please sit down! Sit down and chat slowly if you have anything to say."

"Haha! Fine then, let's sit down first. I'm really old now. I used to travel all over the country without any hesitation!"

Du Defang saw the expressions of the two men, laughed it off and agreed.

Seeing this, the two people beside him helped Du Defang walk to his seat.

Seeing that Du Defang wanted to sit at the lower seat, he pushed and pulled him several times and then helped Du Defang to sit at the upper seat.

Chen Xueru sat next to him, He Yuzhu sat next to Chen Xueru, and opposite them sat the two bosses, Hu and Ou.

Everyone sat around the table, sipping tea and chatting about insignificant gossip.

As the dishes carefully prepared by Fengzeyuan’s kitchen were served one by one, the atmosphere in the private room gradually heated up.

He Yuzhu sat quietly aside, his eyes moving between Chen Xueru and the three others.

He saw her practicing Tai Chi with ease, showing a level of competence that was completely different from her usual self, and his eyes were full of admiration.

Chen Xueru seemed to feel He Yuzhu's passionate gaze and realized that the time was almost right.

She put down her chopsticks, took out a handkerchief and wiped the corners of her mouth, then picked up the teacup in front of her and took a sip.

Seeing this, Du Defang gave Hu Ou and the other two a look, and the three of them put down their chopsticks and prepared to get to the point.

The table suddenly became quiet, with only the aroma of tea lingering in the air.

Seeing Chen Xueru sipping tea leisurely, as if she was tasting a cup of heavenly tea, Du Defang couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He put down the teacup and took the initiative to break the silence: "Xiao Chen, is there any difficulty in the store recently?

Why don’t you inform everyone? We will definitely help you through this difficult time.”

Seeing that he spoke first, Chen Xueru raised her eyebrows slightly, put the teacup on the table, and looked up at Du Defang.

She had a smile on her face, but she was secretly muttering in her heart that age is always more valuable.

It was obvious that he came here to test the waters, but he called it caring about his fellow countrymen, and it sounded so high-sounding.

Chen Xueru gathered her thoughts, kept her smile on her face, and chuckled.

"Mr. Du, where did you hear this rumor? My silk shop is doing very well!"

Seeing that she was still unwilling to mention the joint venture, Du Defang secretly winked at Boss Hu, telling him that it was not appropriate for him to talk about this matter in person.

When Boss Hu saw the look, the smile on his fat face paused slightly.

But he was the boss representative who was inclined to cooperate with Chen Xueru, and he took over the conversation without hesitation.

"Boss Xueru, let me, Fatty Hu, interrupt you. Since there is no problem with the business, why did you suddenly decide to join the joint venture?"

Seeing that the topic had finally come to the point, Chen Xueru turned her gaze to Boss Hu.

She was keenly aware of Boss Hu's attitude and was secretly happy in her heart, thinking that the matter was already half settled.

"Boss Hu, what do you mean by that? It sounds like the silk and satin business is going to go bankrupt."