The Fitter Master in the Courtyard: Surrounded by Dead Men

The cost of a meal is five yuan.

"Silly Zhu, pay up!"

"Sir, this..."

Sha Zhu's face was full of resentment and frustration.

"Hurry up! Don't dawdle."

Yi Zhonghai quickly interrupted him, his tone stern, "It's only right to admit punishment for wrongdoing!"

He was actually quite nervous, fearing that if Sha Zhu continued to argue, Xu Fugui would take the opportunity to escalate the situation and demand more compensation, which would make the situation even more difficult to manage.

"Give!"

Sha Zhu couldn't resist after all. He angrily pulled out five yuan from his pocket, slammed it on the table, and stormed out without looking back, his back radiating anger.

This incident has finally come to an end.

……

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

In the past few days, Yang Ping has devoted all his attention to the meticulous work on the seventh-level component.

In just three days, Yang Ping's skills improved by leaps and bounds, and he has firmly reached the upper level of the seventh grade. The worst work he can do is of medium quality, and every piece is solid and without any fluctuation.

Seeing this, Xie Quancai couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

His own progress is actually quite fast—with Yang Ping's guidance, he has already reached the edge of the sixth-level special grade. If he becomes a little more composed, breaking through the seventh-level threshold is just around the corner.

"Master, you're about to be promoted to level seven, haven't you even thought of thanking me?"

Yang Ping smiled, making a half-serious, half-joking remark.

"You brat, you're asking for a beating!"

Xie Quancai pretended to grab the stick beside him and waved it, but ultimately did not bring it down.

The word "thank you" rolled around in his throat a few times, but he ultimately didn't utter it.

It's not that he doesn't appreciate the kindness, it's just that when he gets to the point of speaking, he feels awkward and can't bring himself to say it.

"Just kidding, don't take it seriously."

I'm leaving now.

Yang Ping smiled, turned around and left the workshop.

The sun was already setting, and he had already tidied up the parts in his hands. Without lingering, he went straight to the bike shed, got on his old bicycle, and left the factory area.

After turning out of the gate, he didn't ride towards the compound; instead, he turned the handlebars and headed towards Fengzeyuan.

Having some free time today, he wanted to go there and take a look—if there were his own trusted lieutenants cooking there, he could use the memory-sharing ability to gather the culinary skills and then pass them on to the MCA.

This talent has always been bidirectional: it can be taken from assassins and given to others.

He had planned earlier that if MCA wanted to get ahead of the big leaders, their culinary skills had to be top-notch.

As long as MCA can stand firm, it will have a more secure way to handle many things that are inconvenient to do personally in the future.

As the wheels rolled across the street, the plaque of Fengzeyuan soon came into view.

He quietly focused his attention and probed—and sure enough, there were five familiar auras lurking inside.

It became.

Without a moment's hesitation, Yang Ping locked the car and stepped into the yard.

Fengzeyuan is a large courtyard house with three courtyards. It was lunchtime, and many guests were sitting in the front hall, with the sounds of cups and plates faintly audible.

"Comrade Yang, the private room reserved for you is ready. This way, please."

As soon as he stepped across the threshold, a smiling middle-aged man came up to him and gestured for him to come inside.

Yang Ping nodded in agreement.

The instant they met, he sensed that the person before him was his henchman—judging by his demeanor, he was most likely the person in charge of the shop.

With a slight thought, the person's information surfaced in his mind: Yao Fengze, the largest private shareholder of Fengzeyuan, holding 15 percent of the private shares after the joint venture.

"Comrade Yang, I was just about to leave when I saw you arrive, so I quickly had someone prepare a private room."

Yao Fengze explained with a smile.

Although he is a shareholder, he doesn't usually stay at the store.

"I'm fine sitting outside."

Yang Ping responded politely.

"That won't do. A private room is quieter and easier to talk in."

Yao Fengze insisted.

Yang Ping naturally understood that a private room was better, but he usually couldn't bear the expense.

However, since it was arranged by his own trusted lieutenants, he probably won't have to pay for this meal.

Following Yao Fengze through the noisy hall, the two entered a quiet room in the inner courtyard.

"What would Comrade Yang like to eat?"

Yao Fengze handed over a booklet.

"Pick a few of your specialties and serve them."

Yang Ping gently pushed the booklet back.

Yao Fengze responded and left.

Before long, he personally served the dishes.

Besides Yang Ping, there's probably no one else who could be served by his boss like that.

"Comrade Yang, this is our shop's signature dish: braised sea cucumber with scallions."

As he introduced the items, he set out the tableware.

The tableware was all made of silver, with a warm, lustrous sheen.

Yang Ping remained calm upon seeing this.

He later visited Fengzeyuan in Beijing and learned a little about its customs and traditions.

I've heard that prominent figures often frequent this place, even "inside"...

The leaders have also visited.

However, if it were truly those important figures arriving, the shop would likely be cleared out, and ordinary people would naturally have no chance to see them.

Yang Ping took a bite of the sea cucumber.

The sea cucumber is rich in scallion flavor, soft and chewy with just the right amount of elasticity, and full of collagen.

He secretly savored the taste and felt that it was even better than what he had tasted in later generations. Perhaps it was because the sea cucumber was naturally wild and could not be compared with artificially raised ones.

Then, several of their signature dishes were served one after another.

Yang Ping had tasted most of them in later generations, but now he felt that each one tasted more authentic. As for the subtle differences, he couldn't explain them clearly at the moment.

After they had almost finished eating, Yang Ping put down his silver chopsticks and said, "Comrade Yao, I came here today to see Chen Gaofei."

Yao Fengze immediately stood up: "Okay, I'll take you to the kitchen right away."

Yang Ping nodded in acknowledgment.

He then strolled around the restaurant as if it were his own place, his gaze casually sweeping across the various areas.

The kitchen is located deep in the courtyard.

The chefs were busy at the stove, the water splashing as they washed the vegetables, and everyone had something to do.

Yao Fengze led Yang Ping to this place.

"Gao Fei, this Comrade Yang is looking for you. Let's talk in your room."

He called out directly inside.

"Coming!"

Chen Gaofei stepped out in response.

This was a dark-skinned middle-aged man, about five feet tall, dressed simply but neatly and cleanly without any patches—a head chef in a restaurant, he was doing alright.

"Mr. Yang, let's go to the backyard."

He began to speak.

Yang Ping nodded without saying a word, and silently followed him as he turned around.

Those busy around noticed this and remained silent.

Since it was the manager's arrangement, no one dared to say anything.

***

The two stepped out of the kitchen side door one after the other.

"Comrade Yang, our crew's quarters are just behind here."

Chen Gaofei pointed to a blue brick archway not far away and introduced it.

"It's close by, which makes it convenient to get to work."

Yang Ping continued the conversation.

"Being close has its advantages, but it also has its troubles."

When the shop is too busy, even if you're taking a break, you'll be called in to lend a hand.

Chen Gaofei smiled and shook his head.

Yang Ping nodded again.

That makes sense. If you live close by, and you're not out and about, it's normal for the shop to call you when they need someone.

They walked and talked as they headed toward the courtyard.

"Lou Xiao'e! You stop right there!"

Suddenly, a shout came from ahead.

Yang Ping looked up and saw Lou Xiao'e running with disheveled hair, her chest heaving rapidly, and her face full of anxiety.

Not far behind her, the sound of footsteps and voices chasing after her was getting closer and closer.

Lou Xiao'e's breathing was erratic, and her footsteps tapped out a frantic rhythm on the stone pavement.

Clearly, someone was chasing her.

Yang Ping hadn't figured out the situation yet, but his body reacted before he could think—he grabbed the running figure and pulled him into the courtyard, giving Chen Gaofei a wink.

Chen Gaofei understood immediately, and quickly and smoothly closed the door and bolted it shut.

Yang Ping put her index finger to her lips and gestured for Lou Xiao'e to be quiet.

"Search that way!"

"The rest of you, go to the other side! We absolutely have to bring Lou** back today!"

The pursuers' voices came through the door, rough and anxious.

Seeing their target disappear, they quickly dispersed, their hurried footsteps fading into the distance in different directions.

Seven or eight minutes passed, and it became completely quiet outside.

Yang Ping then lowered his voice and said, "We're safe for now."

"Comrade, thank you."

Lou Xiao'e clutched her chest, her breathing still catching in her throat.

"You're welcome."

Yang Ping smiled, her tone carrying a hint of familiarity, "It's quite a coincidence, we almost ended up living in the same courtyard."

Lou Xiao'e raised her eyes, her gaze filled with confusion.

"I live in Xu Damao's courtyard."

Yang Ping said frankly, "I saw you two on a blind date that day and thought it was going to work out, but I didn't expect you to leave without saying a word later."

He has no intention of hiding this connection.

Meeting Lou Xiao'e is an opportunity—this woman who returned from Hong Kong could easily help Sha Zhu with millions of dollars in the future. If we can build a good relationship, perhaps this opportunity will also fall into my lap.

Lou Xiao'e suddenly realized, and a bitter smile appeared on her lips.

"It's your good fortune that you didn't marry Xu Damao."

That person is inherently wicked; anyone who lives with him will suffer.

If I had known his background earlier, I probably would have stayed far away from him.

Yang Ping spoke calmly, yet each word was clear.

"well……"

Lou Xiao'e sighed softly, a look of weariness creeping into her eyes. "If only my parents were as understanding as you are."

I wouldn't go so far as to... run away from home.

"What exactly happened?"

Yang Ping gazed at her, his voice softening.

Yang Ping was a little curious and asked.

Lou Xiao'e sighed: "My family is pressuring me to get married again."

After I left your courtyard and went back, my father still wanted me to marry Xu Damao, but I refused.

Then he wanted to assign someone else, and I couldn't stand it anymore, so I just ran away.

She paused for a moment, then continued, "My family has been sending people to look for me for the past three days. I was almost caught by them just now, but luckily you pulled me away."

After listening to Lou Xiao'e's account, Yang Ping finally understood what had happened.

This girl is quite stubborn and has her own ideas. She refuses to bow down to her parents' pressure, which makes her somewhat like a modern woman.

On second thought, I realized that I also bear some responsibility for Lou Xiao'e's current predicament—if I hadn't tried to deal with Xu Damao back then, things might not have come to this.

However, he did not regret it.

"How long do you plan to hide?"

Yang Ping asked.

"Hide as long as you can."

Anyway, I don't want to get married right now. If you keep pressuring me, I'll go to Hong Kong and stay with my aunt.

Lou Xiao'e had clearly already planned her escape route.

Yang Ping smiled wryly upon hearing this and said, "Since I've run into them today, I can't just ignore it."

I have a friend who can arrange for you to stay temporarily, until you're ready to go back.

He thought of Yao Fengze.

As the owner of Fengzeyuan, arranging a quiet place to stay shouldn't be difficult.

"Okay, thank you very much."

Lou Xiao'e readily agreed.

She really had nowhere to go right now, so staying at Yang Ping's friend's place was a solution.

"Let's go."

Yang Ping pushed open the door.

Learning to cook can wait; let's settle Lou Xiao'e first.

Yao Fengze did not leave and remained waiting outside.

As a loyal follower, he was always devoted to his master's affairs.

Yang Ping stepped forward: "Comrade Yao, could you please find a quiet place for my friend to stay for a few days?"

When Yang Ping led Lou Xiao'e into the courtyard, Yao Fengze was standing under the eaves.

The sparse afternoon sunlight slanted across the eaves, casting a clear line of light and shadow on his gray-blue robe.

He turned around at the sound, his face displaying the usual, appropriate politeness.

"Coincidentally, there happens to be an empty space in the back courtyard."

Yao Fengze's voice was steady, without any discernible emotion.