Courtyard House: Wudang Disciple Sweeps Through the Compound

Li Huaide frowned, his mind clear as day. He knew that Chen Wenqi was not someone to be trifled with, much less someone to be trifled with. Moreover, recalling the whole incident, it was indeed Sha Zhu who had been unreasonable first.

He immediately hardened his usually smooth face, pointed at Sha Zhu, and sternly rebuked him:

"Enough, He Yuzhu! You have such a bad temper! This time you're being docked half a month's salary and placed on probation. If you dare to do it again, I won't let you off easily!"

After finishing his reprimand, Li Huaide immediately put on a smile, turned to Chen Wenqi, and softened his tone, asking with a hint of probing:

"Director Chen, do you think this approach is fair?"

"Director Li is fair and impartial in handling affairs. He is truly a good leader for our working class. I fully agree with him."

Chen Wenqi responded with a perfectly measured humble smile, neither arrogant nor servile.

Although Li Huaide was greedy and lustful, his reputation in private was not good.

However, in the original work, he is portrayed as a character with a strong sense of the big picture.

Even though Sha Zhu had embarrassed him in public many times, he was still able to put aside past grievances and make good use of the other party's strengths.

Moreover, he always keeps his promises and pays to do what he promises, so he is quite reliable in terms of credit.

Thinking of this, Chen Wenqi couldn't help but feel quite satisfied.

Li Huaide also patted his shoulder lightly and said with a hearty laugh:

Director Chen just started his new job at our steel rolling mill and encountered such a nasty thing; it's really bad luck.

Here's what I'll do: I'll arrange a meal for you in the cafeteria tonight, a special welcome dinner to calm your nerves.

There's no need to trouble you, factory manager, with the welcome banquet.

Chen Wenqi politely declined, his expression revealing a degree of clarity and restraint.

The country is still in a difficult period, and food rations have not yet fully returned to normal.

We cannot offer any special treatment, much less engage in extravagance and waste.

1966 was ultimately the last year of natural disasters.

Although the overall situation has eased slightly, people's food supply remains very tight.

Most people can only eat about 80% of their normal portion size, and it's common for them to go hungry.

Since you insist on this, then let's do it your way.

Li Huaide didn't press the matter further, and instead spoke earnestly:

If you encounter any difficulties at the factory in the future,

Whether it's work-related or personal, feel free to come to me directly; don't hesitate to ask.

He patted Chen Wenqi's shoulder hard again, then put his hands behind his back, turned around and slowly left.

Watching Li Huaide's receding figure, Sha Zhu, lying on the ground, felt his resentment almost overflowing.

He originally intended to take this opportunity to give Chen Wenqi a hard time and properly control this new director.

Who knew that his attempt to steal a chicken would backfire so badly, leaving him not only badly beaten,

They even lost half a month's salary and completely lost face.

This feeling is stuck in my chest; I can't swallow it down, and I can't spit it out.

Chen Wenqi lost the will to continue queuing for food.

The canteen at this steel rolling mill, nominally a staff canteen, was actually nothing more than a simple kitchen serving bland, watery soup.

The so-called meat dish was basically just boiled cabbage in water, with hardly a drop of oil in sight.

He was carrying a rather shabby-looking lunchbox, inside which lay two shriveled cornbread buns all by themselves.

Chen Wenqi turned around and walked straight towards the entrance of the cafeteria.

Seeing this, Ding Yaqin quickly took small, quick steps to catch up.

Chen Wenqi, are you alright? What you just saw really scared me.

Ding Yaqin's face was full of concern, and her bright eyes were filled with worry.

What could be wrong? I'm perfectly fine.

Chen Wenqi turned his head and smiled at her lightly, trying to dispel the somewhat heavy atmosphere.

How about... I share some of my food with you? I took a bit too much.

I can't finish this huge pot of food by myself, it would be such a waste to throw it away.

Ding Yaqin pointed to the few vegetable leaves in her lunchbox and made a sincere suggestion.

No, thank you for your kindness.

Chen Wenqi waved his hand and shook the lunchbox in his hand, explaining:

Actually, I brought my own lunch.

Today I'm just curious and want to see what the legendary "4-3-3" supply system in the cafeteria looks like.

Upon inspection, it turned out to be nothing but clear broth and water, with not a trace of meat.

Forget it, I'll just bring my own lunch from now on, so I don't have to suffer like this anymore.

That scene was really scary.

I thought that since Deputy Factory Director Li was here, I would definitely side with him, and you would definitely suffer the consequences.

Ding Yaqin patted her chest in lingering fear and said with lingering apprehension.

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

Chen Wenqi smiled calmly, his tone carrying a hint of composure and confidence.

My organizational affiliation is still with the military hospital; I'm only temporarily assigned to the steel rolling mill to help out.

If things don't go well at work, I'll just apply to go back to the hospital.

We can't just sit here and swallow our anger and let others bully us over such a small matter.

I really envy you.

Looking at Chen Wenqi's carefree expression, Ding Yaqin felt a pang of sadness welling up in her heart.

How could she not want to apply to university and continue her studies?

But reality is too cruel.

Just that rigorous political vetting process alone,

With a family background like hers,

It's practically an insurmountable chasm.

What's there to envy?

Chen Wenqi said softly, trying to comfort him.

Your medical background is even more solid than mine.

As long as you calm down and continuously improve your medical skills,

There may be good prospects and development opportunities in the future.

If I encounter any problems I don't understand in the future...

When I ask you for advice,

You're not allowed to think I'm stupid, and you're definitely not allowed to be impatient with me.

Ding Yaqin blinked gently.

He asked with a sly smile.

no problem,

We are not only old classmates, but also good friends.

I will do my best to help in any way I can.

Chen Wenqi readily agreed.

Upon hearing this, Ding Yaqin

My heart felt as sweet as if it were soaked in honey.

She hadn't expected that Chen Wenqi had always considered her a close friend with whom he could confide.

Although the two actually spent a lot of time as classmates,

All in all, it was only a short two months.

During this brief time together,

Ding Yaqin increasingly felt that Chen Wenqi's image was admirable and reliable.

It was as if nothing in this world could stump him.

The two returned to the infirmary together.

Chen Wenqi put down his briefcase.

Gently unzip the zipper.

He carefully took out several exquisite double-layered lunch boxes from inside.

The moment the lid was opened,

A rich and enticing aroma of meat instantly filled the entire room.

The braised pork belly has a bright reddish-brown color and looks incredibly tempting.

The braised beef has a clear marbling and firm texture.

The sausages are plump and oily, with a wonderful aroma.

It filled two whole layers.

A box of glistening white rice was also served next to it.

And a box of fresh, green seasonal vegetables.

The enticing aroma...

Ding Yaqin was stunned on the spot.

She opened her mouth slightly.

It took a long time to close.

You...you actually brought so much delicious food?

Ding Yaqin stammered a little when she spoke.

His eyes were filled with disbelief.

Hmm, give it a try.

I made all of these myself.

The craftsmanship is passable.

Chen Wenqi picked up his chopsticks and greeted them warmly.

This rice is also of the highest quality, with a soft and sticky texture.

Don't be shy, quickly serve some and we can eat together.

This... isn't quite appropriate.

Although Ding Yaqin was verbally declining, her stomach betrayed her by starting to growl softly.

In this era of extreme scarcity of resources,

Even though her family was relatively well-off,

The amount of meat rationed each month was only a few ounces.

Wanting to eat a decent meat dish is simply a luxury.

Chen Wenqi didn't say anything more.

He skillfully scooped a large clump of fluffy white rice into Ding Yaqin's lunchbox.

He then picked up several more pieces of braised pork belly with alternating layers of fat and lean meat.

And add thick slices of braised beef.

Ding Yaqin held the warm lunchbox.

My nose tingled slightly.

A warm feeling instantly welled up in my heart.

His eyes were slightly moist.

In this era where even having enough to eat is a problem,

Such a friendship is especially precious.

She looked up at Chen Wenqi.

His gaze unconsciously revealed a hint of tenderness and admiration.

Then,

A blush instantly spread across her fair cheeks.

It spread all the way to behind the ears.

How does it taste? Is it to your liking?

While eating, Chen Wenqi casually asked.

Mmm! It's especially delicious!

I have never eaten such fragrant and flavorful meat before.

Even the rice here smells so much better than the rice in the cafeteria!

Ding Yaqin practically wolfed down her food.

He sincerely praised it.

These ingredients all come from the Xuanwu Secret Realm.

Its quality is far superior to anything found in this world.

The taste is naturally completely different.

Hey, what are you two doing hiding in the house?

They're eating so deliciously, I could smell the aroma from outside the door.

Just then, nurse Zhang Suzhen pushed open the door and walked in.

He spoke with a slightly teasing tone.

Upon hearing the words "young couple," Ding Yaqin

The blush that had just faded instantly returned.

She had such a high fever that even her neck started to feel hot.

She was too ashamed to look people in the eye.

Sister Zhang, please don't make jokes like that.

Chen Wenqi explained with a helpless smile.

Yaqin and I are just old classmates.

Oh, by the way, I happened to bring some of my homemade dishes with me today.

Why don't you try some too?

Wow, so much meat!

Zhang Suzhen's eyes lit up instantly.

They looked around the lunchbox in surprise.

Director, your standard of living is too high!

That's pure luxury!

Hehe, then I'll have to benefit from Yaqin's fame.

I took a bite to satisfy my craving.

When Ding Yaqin heard Chen Wenqi specifically clarify their relationship,

A faint sense of loss inexplicably swept through the depths of my heart.

However, reason quickly prevailed.

Yes, the two haven't known each other for very long.

Now we work under the same roof every day.

As long as you spend a lot of time together,

Feelings will naturally grow stronger over time.

Moreover, every time I get close to Chen Wenqi,

The vibrant masculine energy emanating from him

It always gave Ding Yaqin an indescribable sense of security and comfort.

Having tasted the delicious food brought by Chen Wenqi,

Zhang Suzhen was also deeply impressed by the taste, which was as if it were made by a god.