Start with push-ups to gain experience

The midday sun shines through the lush camphor tree canopies on both sides of the old street, casting dappled and swaying shadows on the stone pavement.

In Wanghu Town, a small town, a lively atmosphere, rarely seen in the city, rises around mealtimes, drifting through the streets and alleys into every household.

Inside Fang Cheng's antique-style courtyard with its blue tiles and white walls, a bustling scene was unfolding.

The kitchen sliding door was open, and the range hood emitted a low rumble.

The iron pot on the stove was extremely hot. Fang Cheng flipped his wrist, and the iron spoon made a crisp sound as it tapped against the edge of the pot.

The moment the hot oil comes into contact with the scallions, ginger, and garlic, it sizzles and releases a rich aroma.

Next, the evenly sliced ​​pork belly is added to the pan, where it quickly curls up and turns slightly yellow as it is stir-fried.

Today he wore a simple white short-sleeved shirt and a gray cotton apron tied around his waist.

With upright posture and nimble movements, he chopped vegetables, tossed the wok, and seasoned the ingredients in one smooth motion.

Anyone who sees this picture would think that he is a gentle and family-oriented young man.

They would never associate him with the ruthless killer who, a few days ago, brutally murdered gang members with his bare hands at the Blue Ice Bar, uprooting the entire Viper Gang.

"Chengcheng, turn the heat down a bit, or the pork belly will become too dry and tough."

Li Biyun stood by the sink, carefully washing several round and plump tomatoes.

Her eyes and brows were filled with an undisguised smile, and even her tone of voice was much lighter than usual.

"Okay, Mom."

Fang Cheng casually turned the gas stove knob down half a turn, and at the same time, steadily placed the stir-fried twice-cooked pork into a blue and white porcelain plate, then turned and placed it on the countertop behind him.

Just then, a voice came from inside the courtyard.

Li Zhenhua specially changed into a dark red Tang suit today.

He walked back and forth under the grape trellis with his hands behind his back, occasionally instructing Li Dingjian, who was squatting on the ground picking vegetables.

Although she was still somewhat thin due to stomach cancer surgery a few months ago, her energy and spirit were surprisingly good.

"Dingjian, move those two pots of clivia by the entrance of the yard to the sides, so they don't block the way."

"Also, are the sunflower seeds and peanuts on the coffee table full? Have the teawares been scalded?"

Li Dingjian tossed a bunch of water spinach into a plastic basin, stood up, shook the water off his hands, and replied helplessly:
"Dad, just sit down and relax. You've been working on this since six in the morning, checking everything inside and out five times already."

"Ah Cheng just got into the Special Investigation Team, not passed the imperial examination and was paraded through the streets on horseback. Why are you making such a big fuss?"

"You don't know anything!"

Li Zhenhua's eyes widened, and his voice instantly rose:

"What kind of place is the Special Investigation Team? It's a powerful law enforcement agency that's paid by the state!"

"Yesterday the results came out, and Acheng got high scores in both the written test and the interview, and also excelled in the physical fitness test. He was directly hired by the Logistics and Medical Department. This is a great and glorious event for our family!"

"Besides, how many times did Commander Shi go to great lengths and humble himself to ask for A-Cheng's help? Now that the child has been admitted to university, we should hold a banquet to thank him properly in person. It's only proper etiquette, don't you understand?"

In the kitchen, Li Biyun carried out two plates of freshly sliced ​​cold dishes and placed them on the large round table set up in the living room.

Seeing his father's excited expression, he smiled and echoed:
“Dingjian, if Dad wants to have some fun, then let him. But there are a lot of guests today, so Dad, you have to control yourself. You can only take a small sip of wine. Your stomach is still recovering, and the doctor told you not to drink too much.”

"Know, know."

Li Zhenhua waved his hand, his old face beaming with joy: "I'm in a good mood today, so I'll just smell the aroma and keep you company."

Despite saying that, Li Biyun knew her father's temper and pursed her lips speechlessly.

Fang Cheng was in the kitchen, listening to the conversation outside, and shook his head to himself.

Yesterday afternoon, the results of the special search team's spring recruitment retest were officially announced.

As soon as Grandpa received Wei Zheng's good news call, he immediately decided to host a lavish banquet at home.

Fang Cheng was actually quite embarrassed.

Joining the Special Investigations Unit was merely a way to use an official identity for future convenience and to give my family peace of mind; there was really no need to make such a fuss.

But the old man was adamant. He not only went to the market to buy vegetables early in the morning, but also called several of his elders, including Shi Chengyi and Ma Jianguo, to come over.

In my grandfather's words, this is called repaying kindness, especially since Commander Shi did a great job in the background check, so we must toast him properly in person.

Fang Cheng couldn't refuse, so he had no choice but to put on an apron and cook himself.

I'll just treat it as practice for cooking skills and gain experience.

As the group was talking, they heard the sound of an engine shutting off outside the courtyard gate.

Li Dingjian dried his hands, strode over, and opened the heavy wooden door.

"Oh, Master Ma, Professor Dong, you've arrived! Please come in, please come in!"

There were three people standing outside the door.

Leading the way was Ma Jianguo, his face glowing and beaming with smiles.

Today he was dressed in a moon-white double-breasted martial arts uniform, his beard and hair were neatly combed, giving him the air of a venerable and otherworldly master.

In his left hand he carried two beautifully packaged boxes of wild ginseng from Changbai Mountain, and in his right hand he held two shiny walnuts.

Following behind him was Professor Dong Yunchuan, still dressed in his refined and approachable scholarly attire, carrying two bottles of fine wine.

Ma Dong-hyuk was walking at the very back.

This guy was already as big and strong as a bear, but today he looked rather comical.

His right leg was in a thick cast, and his face was covered with bandages.

He was leaning on a cane with his right hand, and struggling to carry a large fruit basket with his left, looking drenched in sweat.

“Master, Uncle Dong.”

Hearing the commotion outside, Fang Cheng came out carrying a plate of food and greeted them respectfully.

His gaze then fell on Ma Dong-hyuk's right leg, which was in a cast, and a smile appeared on his lips:
"Donghe, your leg injury hasn't healed yet. You should just stay home. There's no need for you to come here and freeload off me."

"Don't mention it, Acheng."

Ma Donghe placed the fruit basket on the ground and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his good left hand:
"The doctor said it's a bone fracture and soft tissue contusion, and it won't be fully healed for at least two months. But it's okay, I'm a real man, this little injury is nothing! With my physique, I guarantee I'll be back to my old self before I start work."

Ma Jianguo turned around and glared at his son, then snorted coldly:
"Your skills are lacking; you got injured hunting a wild boar, and you still have the nerve to complain? Look at A-Cheng; not only are his grades better than yours, but he didn't even get a scratch. If you had half of A-Cheng's composure, I'd be laughing in my sleep!"

Ma Dong-hyuk shrank his neck and muttered softly:
"How could I possibly compare to a monster like Acheng..."

"Old Ma, it's such a joyous occasion today, so let's not scold the kids."

Dong Yunchuan smiled and tried to smooth things over, then turned to look at Fang Cheng, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

“Ah Cheng.”

He sighed, his tone tinged with guilt:

"I failed you when it came to your application to law school for graduate studies. I went to several departments, but the issues with your father's records from back then were too complicated, it was really..."

Fang Cheng smiled gently and took the initiative to continue the conversation:
"Uncle Dong, please don't say that. I'm already very grateful that you went to so much trouble for me. Besides, things are going quite well now, aren't they?"

"Yes."

Dong Yunchuan studied Fang Cheng's calm face and nodded with satisfaction:

"If you can join the Special Investigations Team and utilize your martial arts skills, your future will likely be much brighter than it was in my law school. Shi Chengyi's eye for talent is indeed sharper than mine."

As the two were chatting, a black executive sedan drove up from the alley entrance.

The car door opened, and Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng stepped out one after the other. Shi Chengyi was dressed casually today, in a navy blue jacket.

Although his hair was gray, he still stood up straight and walked with a powerful stride.

Wei Zheng was wearing the special investigation team uniform and carrying two beautifully packaged gift boxes.

"Old Li!"

Before Shi Chengyi even entered the room, his hearty laughter already drifted in:
"Acheng has been successfully recruited by the Special Investigation Team, and I've come to your door today to celebrate with a drink."

"Old Shi, what are you saying? Your presence is an honor to my humble abode!"

Li Zhenhua rushed forward, grasped Shi Chengyi's hand tightly, and shook it repeatedly with excitement.

Shi Chengyi patted Li Zhenhua's hand, looked around, his gaze lingering on Fang Cheng for a few seconds before he nodded approvingly.
"Your garden is much more beautifully manicured than when I last visited. It's full of life and a perfect place to enjoy your retirement."

Li Zhenhua replied with a smile:

"The air is good here in Wanghu Town, it's peaceful. Old Shi, if you like it, Old Xu's yard next door is vacant and he's looking to sell it, why don't you move in and keep him company?"

Shi Chengyi raised an eyebrow: "Oh? That's not a bad idea."

Then he turned to Wei Zheng beside him and said something:
"Xiao Wei, please keep an eye on this for me later."

Wei Zheng nodded in agreement.

Judging from their serious expressions, they seem to genuinely have such a plan.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone was warmly welcomed by Li Zhenhua and Li Dingjian into the spacious dining room of the main house.

A large round mahogany table was placed in the center of the restaurant, and it was already piled high with dishes.

Steamed sea bass, braised lion's head meatballs, boiled prawns, braised sea cucumber with scallions, dry-fried green beans, cold black fungus salad...

The food was delicious and visually appealing, steaming hot, making the whole room feel warm and cozy.

Fang Cheng carried out the last bowl of pork rib and lotus root soup, placed it in the center of the table, and greeted the guests:
"The dishes are all ready, everyone please take your seats. They are all home-style dishes, which I cooked myself, so please don't mind them."

"This is supposed to be home cooking? It looks even more appetizing than the dishes served at the State Guesthouse!"

With a smile, Shi Chengyi walked to the seat of honor and sat down, guided by Li Dingjian.

Ma Donghe stared at the main dishes on the table and swallowed hard.
"You know what, Acheng's cooking is a tiny bit better than mine. You're all in for a treat today!"

Ma Jianguo glared at his son and scolded him:
"Even food can't shut you up! You think you can compare to Acheng's cooking skills? Sit down right now!"

The group chatted and laughed as they took their seats in turn.

As a junior, Fang Cheng took the initiative to take two bottles of Moutai and filled them first for Shi Chengyi and Ma Jianguo, and then for Dong Yunchuan and Wei Zheng in turn.

When Fang Cheng walked over to his maternal grandfather, Li Zhenhua, the old man stared intently at the wine bottle, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he pushed the wine glass in front of him forward, signaling Fang Cheng to fill it up.

"cough."

Li Biyun coughed loudly beside her.

Li Zhenhua's outstretched hand froze, and he awkwardly withdrew half of it, raising his little finger as he bargained:

"Commander Shi and his entourage are visiting today. It wouldn't be right for me not to drink, so I'll just have a little bit, just to show my appreciation."

Fang Cheng suppressed a laugh, slightly tilted his wrist, and poured his grandfather a little more than half a glass to satisfy his craving. Then he turned around to pour wine for his uncle and Ma Donghe.

Ma Dong-hyuk, who was taking anti-inflammatory medication, could only drink orange juice, so he shook his head and gave up.

"Come, this first glass of wine."

Shi Chengyi picked up his wine glass, stood up, and his gaze swept over everyone at the table, finally settling on Fang Cheng and Ma Donghe:
"Cheers to Acheng and Donghe for passing the spring recruitment exam! Our special search team has gained two more tiger generals!"

"cheers!"

The group's glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere at the table became increasingly lively.

Ma Jianguo picked up a piece of sea bass with his chopsticks, chewed it carefully, swallowed it, and then turned to look at Shi Chengyi:

"Old Shi, I owe you a debt of gratitude for what happened this time. My good-for-nothing son got into the Special Investigation Team, and I'll have to rely on you to keep him in line in the future."

"Old Ma, you're being too polite."

Shi Chengyi put down his chopsticks and waved his hand:

“I’ve seen Donghyuk’s physical fitness test results; he earned them through sheer hard work. Although he was a bit injured, his tenacity and fighting spirit perfectly match the requirements of our special search team. As for A-Cheng…”

He paused, looked at Fang Cheng who was refilling everyone's glasses, and his tone revealed undisguised admiration:
"He ranked first in the written test and his interview performance was impeccable. My old friends in the team watched his test paper and video, and they were absolutely amazed. It's like we've struck gold that this kid got into our special search team."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhenhua couldn't stop smiling.
"No, no, you're praising the child too much; it'll make him arrogant."

Dong Yunchuan interjected from the side:

"This kid, Acheng, not only has amazing talent in martial arts, but he is also very calm. Joining the Special Investigation Team and becoming a law enforcement officer is a similar path, as they are both in the legal profession."

As he spoke, he turned to look at Shi Chengyi:
"Old Shi, you have to protect him for me and not let those messy factional struggles disturb him."

"Don't worry about that."

Shi Chengyi's expression turned slightly serious, and he said in a deep voice:

“The medical department is relatively independent, and Acheng is a specially recruited expert, so there is no need for him to get involved in those murky waters.”

Hearing his elders talking about him, Ma Donghe picked up a braised lion's head meatball and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling indistinctly:
"Commander Shi, Professor Dong, you don't need to worry too much. I'm a few years older than A-Cheng, and I have more social experience than him. In the future, with me protecting him in the special search team, I guarantee no one will dare to cause him any trouble."

At this point, Ma Donghe nudged Fang Cheng with his elbow and winked:

"Acheng, don't you think so?"

Fang Cheng peeled the shrimp shells, placed the peeled shrimp meat into his mother's bowl, then looked up and calmly replied:

"Then thank you in advance, Brother Ma, but you should remove the cast from your leg first."

A burst of good-natured laughter erupted at the dinner table.

Li Dingjian raised his glass at the opportune moment and loudly proposed:
"Come on, let's stop chatting and the food's getting cold. Let's have another toast to Acheng and Donghe's bright future! Cheers!"

"cheers!"

The meal was a pleasure for both the host and guests.

Because of that little bit of alcohol, Li Zhenhua's face was flushed and he was extremely excited.

As the dinner was drawing to a close, Li Zhenhua put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and suggested:
"Old Shi, Old Ma, Professor Dong, it's rare to have everyone all gathered here today. I have a set of excellent jade mahjong tiles in my room, shall we go play a couple of rounds to digest our food?"

"Okay."

Shi Chengyi readily agreed: "I've long heard that you, Lao Li, are a skilled card player. Today, I'd like to experience your skills firsthand."

Upon hearing this, Ma Jianguo and Dong Yunchuan smiled and nodded in agreement.

Clearly, the elderly gentlemen were all experts in this field and had been itching to try it out for a while.

Li Biyun and Li Dingjian immediately got up and quickly ushered the four elderly people into the rest room in the east wing.

An automatic mahjong machine had already been set up there, and the air conditioning was set to a comfortable temperature.

Before long, the sounds of shuffling cards and the laughter and swearing of several old men could be heard from inside the room.

Suddenly, only Fang Cheng, Wei Zheng, and Ma Donghe remained in the living room.

Fang Cheng took a rag and quickly cleaned the table, then led the two to sit down on the sofa in the corner of the living room.

Wei Zheng's expression shifted slightly, as if he wanted to speak but hesitated, clearly wanting to say something to Fang Cheng alone. (End of Chapter)