Courtyard House: Become Stronger Through Blind Dates

Just then, sounds came from inside the main room again.

It seemed the basic framework of the wedding had been finalized, and Aunt Xu suddenly remembered that someone was still busy in the kitchen. She said to Xu Dahai, "Oh dear, I was so busy talking! Don't just stand there, hurry up and go to the kitchen to help Zhuzi!"

"What kind of talk is it to make someone else's child do all the work by themselves? I'll just stay here and chat with my mother-in-law."

Xu Dahai was clearly engrossed in watching, and only after his wife reminded him did he suddenly slap his forehead.

He suddenly realized what was happening and exclaimed, "Oh dear, look at my brain! Right, right, I'll go right now, I'll go right now. Zhu Zi has probably been busy for ages!"

As they were speaking, they heard footsteps approaching the kitchen.

He Yuzhu took a deep breath. The task was over, but he still had to cook this meal.

Xu Dahai's family treated him well and handled things properly, so he couldn't just abandon his responsibilities or do a perfunctory job because of his own scheming.

The moment Xu Dahai lifted the kitchen curtain and walked in, He Yuzhu's face had already changed to a focused expression. He was skillfully stirring the wok with a spatula in his hand, and the first dish was about to be served.

"Zhu Zi, thank you for your hard work. I was chatting and I completely forgot about you. My apologies!" Xu Dahai apologized as soon as he came in.

"Uncle Xu, why are you being so polite with me?" He Yuzhu turned around, forcing a smile. "Auntie seems to be having a good chat; is something good coming up soon?"

"Haha, it's done!" Xu Dahai said happily. "Is there anything I can do? Just tell me! Peel garlic? Chop ginger? Or start the fire?"

He Yuzhu didn't stand on ceremony with him and pointed with his chin to the washed vegetables next to him: "Uncle Xu, if you don't mind the trouble, could you rinse those vegetables again for me? Let's try to have dinner on time at noon."

"Alright, leave it to me!" Xu Dahai was full of energy and immediately rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

In the kitchen, only the sounds of spatulas clattering and water washing vegetables filled the air.

He Yuzhu composed himself and focused all his attention on preparing the dishes in front of him.

Since the system rewards are gone, I should at least live up to the Xu family's trust and my own skills.

Sweet and sour carp is deep-fried until it sets, then removed and deep-fried again until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

In a separate pot, simmer the sweet and sour sauce until the ratio of sweet to sour is just right. The sauce is thick, red, and glossy. Pour it over the fried carp and it will make a pleasant "sizzle" sound, instantly releasing its aroma.

Xu Dahai watched He Yuzhu's smooth and skillful operation from the side, especially the tempting complex aroma emanating from the sweet and sour sauce as it was being cooked, and couldn't help but swallow.

He exclaimed sincerely, "Zhu Zi, your skills are absolutely amazing! I think you're just as good as the head chef at a state-run restaurant!"

He Yuzhu smiled but didn't say anything, though he thought to himself: If it weren't for that damn system task affecting me, I could have performed even better.

Next up, braised pork ribs, home-style tofu, stir-fried seasonal vegetables...

One after another, delicious and visually appealing dishes were cooked and served on the table in the main room by Xu Dahai.

Each dish served drew gasps of amazement from the people in the main room.

Even Liu Guixiang, whose attention was originally focused on Xu Ning, couldn't help but whisper to Xu Ning, "The chef your family hired is really skilled."

Xu Ning nodded with pride and said, "I heard that Zhu Zi is quite good at cooking."

When the last dish, tomato and egg soup, was served, the entire table was filled with eight dishes and one soup.

Xu Dahai patted He Yuzhu's shoulder forcefully: "Zhuzi, it's all thanks to you! This feast today has really made our family proud!"

He Yuzhu wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile, "Uncle Xu, the dishes are all ready. Please eat them while they're hot. I'll head back now."

According to custom, those who help with the cooking usually don't eat at the main table. The host will set aside some dishes for them separately or give them a thank-you gift afterward.

He Yuzhu was about to leave when Xu Dahai grabbed him, saying, "Yuzhu, how can you work all morning without even eating? Stay and eat with us, your aunt has saved a seat for you!"

"Uncle Xu, really, there's no need. It's not proper," He Yuzhu waved his hands repeatedly. "I'm just here to help out. How can I eat at the main table?"

The two were pulling each other quite loudly, and Aunt Xu, who was in the main room, came out when she heard the noise, followed by Matchmaker Wang.

"Zhu Zi, what's wrong?" Aunt Xu asked, puzzled, seeing the two of them pulling and tugging at each other.

Xu Dahai quickly explained, "Zhu Zi insisted on leaving, and when I asked him to stay for dinner, he absolutely refused."

Matchmaker Wang's eyes lit up and she immediately understood the situation. She smiled and said, "Oh dear, Brother Xu, Sister-in-law Xu, every profession has its rules. Since Zhuzi is leaving, you can thank him later."

Seeing this, Xu Dahai took out a red envelope he had prepared beforehand from his pocket and said, "Zhuzi, you must accept this; it's a small token of my appreciation!"

He Yuzhu refused to accept it and quickly pushed it back, saying, "Uncle Xu, you're embarrassing me! We already agreed on this. If you keep doing this, I won't come to your house next time!"

"This..." Xu Dahai held the red envelope, somewhat embarrassed.

Seeing this, Aunt Xu quickly smoothed things over: "Old Xu, since Zhu Zi said that, don't force yourself. How about this, I'll cook some good dishes later and invite Zhu Zi over for a nice meal!"

He Yuzhu breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Aunt Xu understands me best. Uncle Xu, Aunt Xu, Aunt Wang, please enjoy your meal. I'll head back now."

Matchmaker Wang grabbed him, saying, "Wait, Zhu Zi!"

She turned to Xu Dahai and his wife and said, "You two go back and greet your in-laws first. I'll just say a few words to Zhuzi and be right back."

Although Xu Dahai was puzzled, he didn't say anything and could only nod and say, "Okay, Aunt Wang, hurry up, we'll wait for you to start the meal."

"Okay, sure!" Wang the matchmaker replied, pulling He Yuzhu along as they walked out.

Wang the matchmaker stopped just outside the courtyard, revealing a meaningful smile.

He Yuzhu felt uneasy under her gaze and couldn't help but ask, "Aunt Wang, just say what's on your mind. It's creepy to look at me like that."

Matchmaker Wang chuckled, "Look at you, child, are you shy? Let me ask you, are you missing a wife?"

He Yuzhu's heart skipped a beat, but he pretended to be embarrassed: "Aunt Wang, I just want to learn so that I'll be more confident when I go on blind dates in the future."

"Don't give me that!" Matchmaker Wang spat. "I'm asking you, do you want to go on a blind date? Do you want Aunt Wang to introduce you to someone?"

He Yuzhu's eyes lit up instantly, but he still tried to remain calm and asked, "Aunt Wang, are you going to introduce me to someone?"

"How could it be fake?" Matchmaker Wang said smugly. "I think you're a good guy, with good skills. Now that you've separated from the family and are living independently, you have three main rooms. Your conditions aren't bad."

"It's just that his appearance... cough cough, he's a little too hasty."

He Yuzhu's lips twitched. Could you please not be so blunt?

Matchmaker Wang continued, "But for a man, looks aren't the most important thing. The key is to be capable and know how to care for someone. I happen to have a girl here, seventeen years old, who's a perfect match for you."