Courtyard House: I'm surrounded by celestial beauties on either side.

In the kitchen, Fang Chengxuan, along with Ma Hua and Liu Yang, were preparing a dinner for Director Yang to entertain the guests.

The menu includes four cold dishes, four hot dishes, and one soup: cucumber salad, lotus root salad, bean sprouts, and preserved eggs; spicy stir-fried pork ribs, stir-fried pork with celery and lotus root, boiled fish, and braised pork; and a fish ball soup.

These dishes may look ordinary, but they are made with high-quality ingredients. Fang Chengxuan did not cut back on the ingredients specially approved by Director Yang.

"Bring the dishes up," Fang Chengxuan instructed after washing his hands.

After delivering the vegetables, Ma Hua returned and relayed the message: "Manager, Factory Director Yang requests your presence."

Fang Chengxuan, who was cleaning the stove, stopped what he was doing, took off his apron, and said, "You guys clean up the rest." After saying that, he walked towards the factory manager's office.

Before even reaching the door, Xu Damao's booming voice could be heard urging people to drink: "It's my honor to drink with all of you leaders! My rule for toasting is one big, three small, two fives, ten..."

Fang Chengxuan suddenly remembered that after the banquet in the original novel, He Yuzhu tied up the drunk Xu Damao.

Now that he's in charge, I wonder if the same thing will happen again.

After knocking and entering, Director Yang warmly introduced, "This is our new canteen manager, whose cooking skills are top-notch."

"Come on, Xiao Fang, let's toast to all the leaders."

Fang Chengxuan raised his glass and smiled: "I am deeply grateful for the appreciation of the leaders. This is the greatest affirmation for a chef."

Several leaders, seeing his proper demeanor and comparing him to the arrogant He Yuzhu of the past, immediately developed a favorable impression of him.

When someone invited him to cook at another factory, Fang Chengxuan cleverly replied, "That depends on Director Yang's arrangements; I'm his subordinate." This made everyone burst into laughter.

Factory Director Yang happily pulled him to his seat and introduced the leaders present one by one.

Fang Chengxuan greeted him politely, sat quietly beside him, and watched Xu Damao talk on and on.

After the banquet, Xu Damao was completely drunk.

Factory Director Yang said to Fang Chengxuan, "Your cooking is excellent. I'll give you a raise in three months."

Please take Xu Damao home.

"Thank you, Factory Manager." Fang Chengxuan turned to his apprentices and said, "You can divide the rest of the dishes among yourselves. I'll take Xu Damao home."

Ma Hua and Liu Yang were both surprised and delighted: "Manager, you don't want it?"

"You've worked hard." Fang Chengxuan helped Xu Damao walk out, where they met Zhang Yangde at the factory gate.

"Brother Zhang hasn't left yet?" Fang Chengxuan was somewhat surprised.

Zhang Yangde's eyes flickered: "There are still some things to do at the factory."

What are you doing...?

"I took my drunk neighbor home," Fang Chengxuan said with a smile. "I was thinking of inviting you to dinner."

Zhang Yangde's eyes lit up and he immediately stepped forward to help: "The factory matters aren't urgent, I'll help you support him."

Fang Chengxuan released his grip, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Brother Zhang has really been a great help; Xu Damao's weight is really a problem."

He flexed his left wrist, watching Zhang Yangde struggle to help Xu Damao, and knew perfectly well that this neighbor had come for He Yuzhu's lunchbox.

Ever since He Yuzhu became the canteen manager, the lunchboxes he brings back every night have become highly sought after. Today, the factory director is hosting a banquet, and Zhang Yangde is sure to be there waiting for the food.

When they realized they couldn't gain anything, they gave up and did nothing, but as soon as they heard there was food to eat, they immediately changed their tune.

Fang Chengxuan rubbed his wrist and chuckled to himself. The intricacies of human relationships in this courtyard were truly fascinating.

"It's a promise, I'll treat Brother Zhang to a meal once I find a job." Fang Chengxuan walked beside him, letting Zhang Yangde grimace as he supported the drunkard.

Zhang Yangde suddenly stared at him: "Fang Chengxuan, Sha Zhu was handcuffed by the police, wasn't it you who reported him?"

"What?!" Fang Chengxuan stopped abruptly, his brows furrowed. "He Yuzhu has been arrested?"

"Don't play dumb." Zhang Yangde squinted at him, "I heard that because of the fight, your ** were all showing."

Fang Chengxuan shrugged: "I just reported to the steel rolling mill this morning and was busy preparing for the leaders' dinner. I don't have time to worry about these things." Then he changed the subject, "Brother Zhang, what would you like to eat? I'll go buy the groceries first."

Hearing the promise of "ribs and pork belly," Zhang Yangde's eyes lit up, and he eagerly hoisted Xu Damao onto his shoulder: "Go ahead and do it!"

When Fang Chengxuan returned from the pigeon market, he carried a heavy net bag: two pounds of pork belly sizzling with oil, spare ribs swaying beside the blackfish, and Sesame Official brand liquor and orange juice clinking together.

An enticing aroma soon wafted from the kitchen, causing Zhang Yangde to lean against the doorframe and swallow hard.

"We'll start the feast after delivering the food to the old lady." Fang Chengxuan went out carrying four aluminum lunch boxes. When he came back, he saw that Zhang Yangde had already torn off the last bit of meat from the ribs.

"You're a real shill!" Zhang Yangde said, downing his liquor, then suddenly lowered his voice: "About my sister-in-law..."

"I just started working, how could I think about starting a family?" Fang Chengxuan said with a smile, pushing the leftovers towards his wife. "Why don't you take some back for your wife to try?"

After seeing Zhang Yangde off, whose pockets were full of takeout boxes, Fang Chengxuan ran into Yi Zhonghai when he went to pick up Fang Lianyun.

An old man was anxiously watching a deaf old woman pretending to be asleep: "Sha Zhu is going to hold a grudge against you for taking care of him in his old age..."

"It's none of my business." Fang Chengxuan took his sister's hand and turned around, the moonlight casting long shadows of the two of them.

As soon as they reached the door, they heard Yi Zhonghai yelling at the top of his lungs, "Old lady, only Sha Zhu in the whole compound is capable of taking care of you in your old age. That Fang Chengxuan is a menace! This is a petition signed by everyone, agreeing to kick him out. All that's left is for you to sign it!"

Fang Chengxuan's hand, which was about to knock on the door, froze in mid-air, his eyes slightly narrowed.

"Grandma, for Sha Zhu's sake, and for your own old age, please sign it quickly! Let our compound return to its former peace!" Yi Zhonghai's tone was firm and unyielding.

"What? You're not bringing me food anymore? Fine, don't bother! I have my food ration book, I don't need this!" came the old woman's voice from inside the house, pretending to be deaf and dumb.

Yi Zhonghai, panting heavily with anger, suppressed his rage and said, "Old lady, why are you doing this? Ever since Fang Chengxuan came to our courtyard, three people have already been arrested! This is outrageous!"

The old lady continued to feign ignorance: "Huh? That's incredible, you're even giving it away?"

Fang Chengxuan, standing outside the door, curled his lips into a mocking smile and lightly knocked: "Grandma, are you awake?"

"You're awake, come in." The old lady suddenly became deaf.

Fang Chengxuan pushed open the door and entered, seeing Yi Zhonghai with his back to him, gesturing with his arms up and down to indicate his name.

"Good morning," Fang Chengxuan greeted casually, placing the lunchbox on the table.

Fang Lianyun skipped over, holding up a piece of candied orange and stuffing it into the old lady's mouth: "Grandma, have some candy!"

"Sweetie, you eat it yourself." The old lady smiled, her face full of wrinkles.

Fang Chengxuan opened the lunchbox, and the aroma of fish porridge immediately filled the room.

Yi Zhonghai stared at the food, his brows furrowed in worry.

"Please eat what Lianyun gave you. It's rare for this child to be so generous," Fang Chengxuan said with a smile.

The old lady patted Lianyun's head: "Our Lianyun is the most sensible."

"Grandma, I need to go see Director Wang today to see if I can hire a nanny."

"Lianyun will stay here with you for a day." Fang Chengxuan said, helping Lianyun put the candy on the lid of the lunchbox.

Seeing the little girl give away one of her only two candies, Fang Chengxuan's heart melted.

He handed over the chopsticks: "I'm the cafeteria manager now, so supporting one more person isn't a problem."

The old lady paused, glancing at him quickly.

"When I was a scoundrel, it was you who took Lianyun in."

"No one is perfect, you won't be without someone to take care of you in your old age." Fang Chengxuan said calmly.

The old lady turned her face away and quietly wiped her eyes.

"I'm going to work now. I'll bring you a puppy tonight," Fang Chengxuan said, bending down to Lianyun.

"Really?" The little girl's eyes sparkled, and she jumped up and down happily.

Yi Zhonghai slammed the door and left with a gloomy face.

The old lady looked at the swaying curtain and sighed deeply.

At the entrance of the courtyard, Xu Damao saw Fang Chengxuan, turned around, got into his car, and drove away.

Zhang Yangde rubbed his hands together and said, "I heard they were trying to get rid of you in the meeting last night..."

"Ha, they really think they're something special." Fang Chengxuan caught sight of Yi Zhonghai and deliberately raised his voice.

Upon arriving at the cafeteria, purchasing agent Wang Xingfa rushed over: "Manager! The supplier has suddenly cut off supplies; our inventory will only last three days!"

Fang Chengxuan looked up at him—the man looked anxious, but his eyes were very steady.

His eyes darkened, and his lips tightened. "You compile the supply list and the original supplier list. I'll handle this."

Wang Xingfa immediately nodded and bowed: "Yes, manager, I'll go prepare right away." As he turned around, the respectful expression on his face vanished instantly, replaced by an undisguised sarcasm.

Fang Chengxuan watched Wang Xingfa's retreating figure, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Wang Xingfa seems to have forgotten that his initial role as manager was in charge of purchasing.

"Ma Hua, Liu Yang, come here for a moment." Fang Chengxuan beckoned to the two of them.

The two put down their work and walked over, looking somewhat reserved.

"Manager, what are your instructions?" Ma Hua asked cautiously.

Fang Chengxuan smiled gently: "Don't be nervous."

Ma Hua, you've been working in the kitchen for many years now. Now we're putting you in charge of large-scale cooking, with Liu Yang assisting you. Can you handle it?

Ma Hua nervously rubbed his apron: "I can stir-fry it, but I'm afraid I won't get the flavor right."

"The portions of the large pot of vegetables are fixed, so just use yesterday's proportions."

"I'll prepare the seasonings; you just need to cook," Fang Chengxuan said after a moment's thought.

Ma Hua was still somewhat hesitant: "Manager, I'm afraid I'll mess this up..."

"Don't worry, the cafeteria doesn't have enough ingredients. I have to go out for a bit and I might not be back by noon."

"I've already spoken to the factory manager, so just go for it." Fang Chengxuan patted him on the shoulder. "Have confidence in yourself. It doesn't matter if the taste is a little off."

Seeing that MCA still lacked confidence, Fang Chengxuan turned around and took out five bottles of his homemade Lao Gan Ma chili sauce from the rest area.

"This is my special sauce. Even people who can't cook can make delicious dishes with it."

"If it doesn't taste right, just add a spoonful of this." He placed the sauce on the cutting board and encouraged, "Try it, I believe in you."

He then said to Liu Yang, "You two are the youngest in the kitchen, and I plan to focus on training you."

You should learn from the MCA first.

Liu Yang nodded quickly: "I will definitely study hard."

Fang Chengxuan led the two to the stove and explained in detail the amount of seasonings needed for each pot of food.

Seeing them diligently taking notes, he smiled with satisfaction and turned to head to the factory manager's office.

"Factory manager, the supplier has suddenly stopped supplying, and the canteen's inventory is running low. I have to go out and deal with it."

"I might not be back for lunch, so MCA will temporarily take over as head chef. The food might not taste as good," Fang Chengxuan reported.

Factory Director Yang was taken aback at first—He Yuzhu had never reported his whereabouts before, and could come and go as he pleased.

He then smiled and said, "I understand, go ahead."

From now on, you'll be in full charge of the cafeteria; I trust you.

"Thank you for your trust, factory manager. I will certainly live up to your expectations," Fang Chengxuan said sincerely.

Factory Director Yang remembered that Fang Chengxuan said he was one of his soldiers, and seeing how concerned he was, he smiled and took out a case of soda from the cabinet: "This is what the factory gives to the leaders, take a case."

Return the bottle to the HR department after you finish drinking.

"Thank you, Factory Director." Fang Chengxuan gratefully accepted the gift.

As he left, carrying a bottle of soda through the factory area, he attracted a lot of attention.

This special treatment made the other cadres look at him with new respect.

Back in the kitchen, Fang Chengxuan, holding the supply list, said to Wang Xingfa, who had ulterior motives, "Want to come along?"

Wang Xingfa chuckled twice: "Manager, I'd like to go too, but the warehouse still needs inventory..."

"Then you should take good care of the inventory." Fang Chengxuan said, then turned and left.

The kitchen staff watched his departing figure, then glanced at Wang Xingfa's face, which instantly changed color.

Liu Yang nudged his sister Liu Lan: "Sister, Wang Xingfa is clearly trying to trip up the manager."

Liu Lan stroked the soda bottle in her hand: "Manager Fang is capable, no need to worry." After saying that, she left the kitchen.

Fang Chengxuan returned the remaining soft drinks to the courtyard house, pondering as he walked: "How should the daily procurement of the steel rolling mill be managed in a reasonable manner?" He headed straight for the neighborhood committee.

In the neighborhood committee office, Director Wang was comforting a middle-aged woman who was crying: "Try to think positively, there's no hurdle you can't overcome."

The woman sobbed, "Director Wang, I really can't go on living like this."

After my wife passed away, my adopted nephew took over the house and kicked me out.

I fled here from famine years ago, and I haven't had a family home for a long time...

Fang Chengxuan stood awkwardly at the door and happened to witness this scene.

"It's you." Director Wang recognized him, pointed to the chair next to him, and said, "Sit down first." He continued to the woman, "Don't do anything rash, the neighborhood committee will definitely help you solve this."

"How can this be resolved? My husband and I didn't get a marriage certificate back then. After he left, I became an outsider..." the woman said, wiping away her tears.

Director Wang looked troubled.

The middle-aged woman was indeed in a difficult situation, as the other party insisted that she did not have a marriage certificate and maintained that she was just the family's nanny.

"Don't rush, have some water and calm down." Director Wang handed her a teacup and called over a colleague to look after her.

"Xiao Fang, what brings you here? Is it about work? I'm so sorry, the neighborhood committee has been too busy lately and hasn't had time to arrange anything for you." Director Wang poured a glass of water from an enamel mug and handed it to Fang Chengxuan.