Courtyard House: Become Stronger Through Blind Dates

Chen Baoguo looked at He Yuzhu with great appreciation; the boy seemed like a different person after this incident.

His speech and behavior had lost their former impetuousness and clumsiness, and gained a sense of composure and clarity.

However, judging from his willingness to take care of He Daqing in his old age, he hasn't lost his inherent simplicity and kindness.

Chen Baoguo asked himself, if this happened to him, he would never have been able to repay evil with kindness like He Yuzhu did.

"What a pity..." Chen Baoguo sighed inwardly, lamenting his bad luck and the cruel twist of fate.

He composed himself and said with a solemn expression, "Zhu Zi, I shouldn't be telling you this, but your family has just gone through a major crisis, so I'm informing you in advance so you can make plans early. It's also a good thing that we've been master and disciple for so long."

He Yuzhu's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that his cheap old man had really guessed right?

Could it be that his father, He Daqing, was not only blinded by lust, but also ran away after hearing rumors?

Over the years, he has hosted many private banquets for capitalists and former bureaucrats like Lou Bancheng. Who knows, he might have received some news and fled in fear.

"Master, please speak, I'm listening," He Yuzhu said in a deep voice.

Chen Baoguo sighed and said in a low voice, "Our Emei Restaurant is a well-known brand in the catering industry in Beijing, but the bigger the tree, the more the wind blows! A working group has already spoken with Boss Wu privately a few times... I'm afraid this restaurant won't be able to stay open."

Despite his suspicions, He Yuzhu was still shocked to hear it confirmed by his master.

"What? Then... Master, where will you go from now on? I'll go with you!" He said this sincerely. Chen Baoguo had not only taught him his skills but also offered him help in his time of need.

Looking into his apprentice's sincere eyes, Chen Baoguo felt a warmth in his heart and said helplessly, "Zhuzi, you are a good boy. I won't hide it from you. I've thought it through these past two days. I'm afraid I can't stay in the capital anymore. I plan to... go south and try my luck."

Let's go south!

He Yuzhu instantly understood that this was not a trip to cause trouble, but a trip to avoid disaster!

It seems that chefs like Master Chef, who are in charge of cooking at famous restaurants, have been implicated to some extent.

The south is far from the emperor's reach, so perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope.

Thinking of his master's uncertain future, He Yuzhu barely hesitated before gritting his teeth and pulling out a thick wad of money from his pocket.

He counted out 2.1 million and handed it to Chen Baoguo with both hands, saying, "Master, this 100,000 is to repay the loan you gave me before. The remaining 2 million is living expenses I got from my father. It's not much, but you can take it with you when you're away from home."

This was completely unexpected by Chen Baoguo.

Looking at He Yuzhu's sincere expression and then at the stack of banknotes, he was deeply shocked.

My apprentice just told me how much money he got from his father. That's most of the kid's fortune, and he gave it to me without hesitation...

Chen Baoguo paused for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Hahaha... Good, good, good! I never thought that after teaching apprentices for half my life and seeing all sorts of people, when it comes down to it, the one who understands gratitude and is most loyal is the one I previously thought was the most spineless..."

He Yuzhu was quite moved by the first half of the sentence, but his face darkened when he heard the second half.

Well, so in your heart, I'm the one with the least potential?

Is it too late for me to withdraw the money now?

Before He Yuzhu could speak, Chen Baoguo stopped laughing, reached out and pressed He Yuzhu's hand back as he offered the money, saying in an unquestionable tone, "Zhuzi, I appreciate your kindness! But keep this money for yourself! Your master hasn't reached the point where I need to ask my disciple for money to make ends meet!"

"Master, the journey to the south is long..."

"Take it back!" Chen Baoguo's face darkened. "If you utter another word, I'll expel you from the sect right now!"

He Yuzhu pretended to be unwilling, but secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't that he was reluctant to part with the money, but rather that if he really gave it away, he would immediately be back to square one.

He put away the two million, then took out another one hundred thousand separately: "Master, I still have to repay this loan, right?"

"That's for you and the rain!" Chen Baoguo glared. "Take it out again, and get the hell out of here!"

Seeing that his master was adamant, He Yuzhu knew that arguing further was useless, so he could only sheepishly put all the money back into his pocket.

Chen Baoguo walked to his desk, opened a drawer, and took out a thick notebook and an old wooden box about a foot and a half long with a dark color.

He solemnly placed two items in front of He Yuzhu and said, "Zhuzi, you're different from others. Your father laid a solid foundation for you. Although I didn't specifically test you these past two years while you were with me, I could see that you really worked hard and learned a lot of valuable skills."

He picked up the notebook, stroking the cover with a hint of reluctance in his eyes: "This notebook contains my own insights and experiences about Sichuan cuisine over the years... Now, take it back and study it carefully, don't let it go to waste."

He Yuzhu took the notebook with both hands, feeling its immense weight.

Then, Chen Baoguo opened the wooden box, inside which lay a kitchen knife.

The blade is long and narrow with smooth lines and a restrained, cold gleam. The wooden handle has been polished smooth and warm by time, making it clear at a glance that it is no ordinary product.

"This 'Abyss' sword was a gift from an old friend. It has been with me for many years, cutting through countless enemies without ever dulling its edge."

He pushed the knife towards He Yuzhu and said, "Consider these two items your graduation gift from your master. From now on, you, He Yuzhu, are officially recognized as my disciple, Chen Baoguo!"

"Master!" He Yuzhu exclaimed in surprise, this was completely unexpected.

According to industry practice, an apprentice's graduation is a major event, requiring rigorous examinations and a formal ceremony.

Is the master really going to let him graduate so soon?

Chen Baoguo waved his hand, interrupting him, and said with a hint of weariness and determination, "The situation is beyond our control, so let's skip the formalities."

"Take your things and head back today! The restaurant hasn't had much business lately, and it'll probably officially close down in a few days."

He Yuzhu looked at the notebook and wooden box in his hand, then looked up at his haggard-looking master, and a surge of passion rushed to his head.

He took a deep breath and suddenly asked, "Master, what ingredients are left in our kitchen today?"

Chen Baoguo was taken aback: "Huh? There are still some commonly used meats, vegetables, and seasonings. What's wrong?"

He Yuzhu straightened his back, his eyes burning with determination, and said, "Now that I've graduated from my apprenticeship, I can't leave without an explanation! Master, let me arrange a 'thank-you banquet' for you today!"

"Please, both of you, and Senior Uncle Zhao, taste my craftsmanship and see if I, He Yuzhu, am truly qualified to wield this 'Abyss' sword, and whether I am worthy of graduating!"

Chen Baoguo was completely stunned. He carefully examined He Yuzhu and saw that he looked serious and his eyes were full of confidence, which did not seem like a rash statement made on impulse.

"Zhu Zi, have you thought this through? This 'Teacher Appreciation Banquet' is no joke. All the senior chefs in the kitchen are watching. If your skills aren't up to par, you'll really ruin your reputation and destroy your future!"