Courtyard House: The Fisherman Never Goes Sick

"Besides, the Jia family still receives a monthly allowance from Sha Zhu! At least half of his thirty-nine yuan salary goes to the Jia family, right?" Yang Wei's words caused a moment of silence.

"Yang Wei, you're talking nonsense! How could I possibly give out that much money!" He Yuzhu said anxiously, her face turning red and her voice rising.

Yang Wei, however, was too lazy to argue with him. Everyone in the courtyard knew exactly what was going on. They all clearly saw how much Sha Zhu had been sending to the Jia family. Not to mention, he brought back lunchboxes from the factory every few days—they were practically lavish; who had ever seen such lavish meals?

"If you calculate it that way, the Jia family is much wealthier than the Third Uncle's family!"

"More than that, they're better than most families in our department!"

"My family barely scrapes by on five yuan a month, while his family each has to contribute more than six yuan a month!"

"No wonder Jia Zhangshi is so plump!"

"From now on, I won't dare to give any more aid."

Everyone chimed in with their opinions, causing Madam Jia's face to flush red and then pale. This was her greatest fear—how would the Jia family survive without anyone to support them?

"Shazhu," Yang Wei turned to He Yuzhu, his voice deepening, "The Jia family is in such a state, and you let Bang Geng steal from your own family, and you even encouraged him to steal from others? What are you up to?"

"I..." He Yuzhu opened his mouth, but choked. He had never considered that Yang Wei's little trick had turned the Jia family into a "wealthy household"?

"You want him to develop a habit of stealing, become a repeat offender, and end up in jail, right?"

"Bang Geng wasn't this bold before. It's because you've spoiled and protected him time and time again that he's become like this! If he ever gets arrested, it'll be all your fault, you silly Zhu!"

Yang Wei's words were sharp and forceful, leaving He Yuzhu completely bewildered—how could this be blamed on me?

"That's right! Sha Zhu, you're corrupting the child! Bang Geng wasn't bad to begin with, it's all your fault for leading him astray!" Yan Bugui quickly chimed in. Yang Wei had stood up for him, so naturally he had to take his side.

"Exactly! Bang Geng's love of stealing is all your fault for spoiling him!"

"If he goes to jail, you'll be held responsible!"

"How could you say something like, 'It's right for Bang Geng to steal Yang Wei's stuff'?"

"Stealing from anyone is wrong!"

The families in the courtyard who had been "visited" by the beatings couldn't hold back any longer. Before, with He Yuzhu protecting them, they dared not speak out against their anger, but now that Yang Wei was leading the charge, who wouldn't want to take the opportunity to vent their frustrations?

The crowd started chattering, leaving He Yuzhu speechless. Madam Jia was also bewildered; why was the wind suddenly blowing in favor of the Jia family?

Yi Zhonghai secretly rejoiced, thankful that he hadn't spoken up for the Jia family earlier, otherwise he would surely have been among those being criticized.

"Actually," Yang Wei suddenly changed the subject, "Bang Geng isn't a bad kid by nature."

Everyone was taken aback, looking at each other—why was Yang Wei speaking up for Bang Geng?

Madam Jia was also taken aback, almost moved to tears, but upon seeing that it was Yang Wei, her face fell again. What kind of nice things could this scoundrel possibly say?

"He's become like this entirely because the adults spoiled him!" Yang Wei's tone became serious. "To bring him back to the right path, I've decided to report him to the police and send him to a juvenile detention center. That's better than him ending up in prison!"

The crowd's lips twitched as they listened—putting a stick in there and still talking about "thinking of the people"?

"I knew you were up to no good! Yang Wei, you heartless bastard, you just don't want our Jia family to have an easy time!" Jia Zhangshi shouted, jumping up and down.

"Mrs. Jia, I'm doing this for Bang Geng's sake." Yang Wei slowly extended his hand. "Of course, if you don't want Bang Geng to spend the New Year in the juvenile detention center, that's fine too—pay me twenty yuan and return the turtle to me as is."

"Twenty dollars?! Why don't you just rob me?!" Jia Zhangshi was so angry that she trembled all over.

"Tsk tsk, didn't you just ask me to pay you twenty yuan?" Yang Wei tilted his head, staring at Jia Zhangshi with a half-smile.

"No money!" Jia Zhangshi's face darkened, and her neck stiffened.

"No money? Then I'm sorry, I can only ask the police to come and teach this scoundrel a lesson." Yang Wei shrugged.

"Yang Wei, we're all neighbors, why make a scene and call the police? Let's resolve things in the courtyard ourselves!" Yi Zhonghai interjected, frowning—why are we always bringing things out into the open? What about the red flag that's been raised in the courtyard?

"Uncle, this isn't mediation, it's condoning the gangsters' wrongdoing!" Yang Wei's expression turned serious.

"Exactly! Sir, your protectiveness is off the charts!"

"If this continues, Bang Geng will really become a habitual thief!"

"If you end up in jail, both you and Sha Zhu will be held responsible!"

A barrage of criticism rained down from all around, leaving Yi Zhonghai stunned—had he really become an accomplice? He shrank back, not daring to utter another word.

"Hurry up, Jia Zhangshi, twenty yuan, plus my turtle back. Otherwise, I'll really call the police." Yang Wei took a step forward.

"No money!" Madam Jia insisted. The Jia family hadn't even received any compensation, and now they wanted to get money out of her? No way!

"Alright, then call the police." Yang Wei turned and shouted into the crowd, "Can any neighbor do me a favor and tell them my house was broken into and a big turtle was stolen? I'll give them 50 cents for their help!"

"Holy crap!" A young man's voice boomed like thunder. Before anyone else could react, he had already darted up to Yang Wei.

"Alright, you're the one." Yang Wei chuckled, took out fifty cents and handed it over. The young man took the money, twirled it between his fingers, and turned to rush out.

"He really gave me 50 cents!" A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Even the old man was slapping his thigh in regret—if he had been a step faster, the money would have been his.

"Wait!" Madam Jia cried out in alarm, grabbing the young man's sleeve. If the police came, he'd have a criminal record. How would he ever find a job or a wife? The Jia family line couldn't end!

"What, you're willing to pay?" Yang Wei raised an eyebrow.

"I'll pay you twenty yuan, okay?" Jia Zhangshi's face was as black as the bottom of a pot, and she squeezed out the words through clenched teeth.

The young man stopped in his tracks and stared longingly at Yang Wei.

"Give me the money." Yang Wei held out his hand.

Instead of taking money from her own pocket, Jia Zhangshi's eyes first darted to Yi Zhonghai and He Yuzhu—she couldn't bear to part with her life savings of twenty yuan, so she had to squeeze some out of these two "blood bags."

Yi Zhonghai immediately turned his head to look at the sky, pretending not to see it. Yesterday, Yang Wei was still spreading rumors that he was having an affair with Jia Zhangshi. Now that he's asking for money, isn't that confirming it?

He Yuzhu didn't turn his head, but when he thought about how many kilograms of flour twenty yuan could buy, his feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, and he didn't move an inch.

Jia Zhangshi gritted her teeth, pulled out a handkerchief pouch from her bosom, counted out twenty yuan with a shaky handkerchief, and threw it on the ground: "Yang Wei, you slacker, pay me back your stinking money!"

He Yushui bent down to pick it up, brushed off the dust, and handed it to Yang Wei. Yang Wei took the money, flicked the bill with his finger—twenty yuan, enough to buy so many nice things!

"You idiot Zhu! You heartless bastard, you're the one who ruined my son!"

When everyone turned around, Jia Dongxu was being helped to sit in a rattan chair, pointing at He Yuzhu and cursing him with spittle flying everywhere.

"Jia Dongxu, I... how did I harm your son?" He Yuzhu was stunned—he had just paid five yuan for medical expenses, and now they were enemies?

"How did it happen? Yang Wei just explained it clearly! If you hadn't let Bang Geng steal from your family, if you hadn't said 'a child stealing doesn't count as stealing,' would Bang Geng have stolen Yang Wei's turtle? If he hadn't been bitten by the turtle, would he have injured his genitals? Would our Jia family line have almost ended? Would Yang Wei have called the police?" Jia Dongxu became increasingly agitated, his finger almost poking He Yuzhu's nose. "It's all your fault, He Yuzhu! You have to compensate our Jia family for their losses!"

He Yuzhu was so angry that he trembled all over – all these years of helping the Jia family had turned into an enemy.

What chilled him to the bone was that Qin Huairu, standing beside him, also frowned, her eyes filled with resentment, as if she truly felt that he had spoiled Banggeng.

"That's right, it's all your fault, you silly Zhu! Pay up!" Jia Zhangshi immediately shouted, spitting all over He Yuzhu's face.

"The medical expenses for Bang Geng, plus the losses we incurred from the shock, and the compensation we gave to Yang Wei, totaled thirty-five yuan!"

With her hands on her hips, Jia Zhangshi spat directly at He Yuzhu's face. Unable to squeeze any money out of Yang Wei, she could only fleece this "fat sheep," Sha Zhu.

The courtyard was packed with people, who were thoroughly amused. Originally, Sha Zhu had teamed up with the Jia family against Yang Wei, but who knew they'd turn on him so suddenly? The Jia family truly had "ungrateful wretches" etched on their faces, Yang Wei thought with a cold laugh. As for Sha Zhu, he was just a brainless sycophant who'd gone completely off on his way to lick Qin Huairu's boots.

Alright, here's a nightmare charm for you, so even you, silly Zhu, will have a "happy" night!

With a thought, Yang Wei silently released the Nightmare Talisman from the system's inventory, transforming it into an invisible wisp of gray smoke that burrowed into the back of He Yuzhu's neck.

Sha Zhu was holding onto his pocket, not wanting to take out any money, but when he saw Qin Huairu with her eyes downcast and not saying a word, he panicked—what if he upset her? How could he possibly fawn over her in the future? Then he thought about it again, and realized that Bang Geng's fall was indeed related to his pushing and shoving... He gritted his teeth, took out three ten-yuan bills and five one-yuan bills, and handed them over.

Jia Zhangshi snatched the money, counted it twice with saliva, her wrinkled face beaming like a chrysanthemum, and then turned and left.

Yang Wei shook his head as he watched: This silly Zhu really knows how to lick a lip.

He Yushui was so angry that her face turned pale and her lips trembled.

"Brother Wei..." The young man next to him, clutching five cents, sidled up and stared longingly at Yang Wei, clearly reluctant to part with this "huge sum of money."

"Here, buy yourself a pack of cigarettes." Yang Wei waved his hand.

"Thank you, Brother Wei!" The young man was so happy that he scratched his head, and the people around him were envious—Yang Wei was really generous! He should try to curry favor with him in the future, because who knows, he might get a few cents from him someday.

"Alright, alright, everyone disperse!" Yan Bugui waved his arm and called out to the crowd.

The crowd gradually dispersed. A short while later, Jia Zhangshi returned, carrying the turtle. Reluctantly, she slammed it down in front of Yang Wei's door, the shell thudding with a dull thud. She glared at him and snorted, "Here you go! Don't say the Jia family is reneging on our debt!"

"That old hag, is she looking for death?" Yang Wei's eyes turned cold.

Remembering he still had one "Little Man Talisman" left in the system, he stared at Jia Zhangshi's hunched back and silently chanted, "Little Man Talisman, go!"

A dark streak of light flashed past and disappeared into Jia Zhangshi's heart.

Yang Wei's lips curled up—from now on, this old hag will be disliked wherever she goes, and she'll have a hard time getting back at her.

He carried the turtle into the house. The bull penis on the stove was already half-cooked, and the whole house smelled of meat. Tonight's pot of bull penis stewed turtle was going to be very nourishing.

Yang Wei had just placed the turtle in the basin when Yu Li pushed the door open and came in—she had been too embarrassed to come closer because there were so many people around.

"Yang Wei, let me help you with the housework!" She put her cloth bag on the table and came over with a smile.

"Put the housework aside for now," Yang Wei said, picking up the turtle and shaking it. "Learn how to clean this thing first, then I'll make turtle soup."

"How do you clean a turtle?" Yu Li stared at the hard shell, truly at a loss—this thing was so round, how could she possibly handle it?

"Sit down, I'll teach you." Yang Wei pulled her to squat by the basin. Yu Li smiled and obediently came closer. But turtles are wild, and they curled up into a ball as soon as they were touched. Yu Li was so scared that she shrank back. Yang Wei had no choice but to put his hand on hers and slowly rub the mud on the shell with her.

Meanwhile, inside the Jia family's house, Banggeng was rummaging through chests and cabinets looking for something.

Ever since he last tasted a soft-shelled turtle, he'd been itching for it—the flavor was so fresh and warm, even more enticing than eating a candied hawthorn.

"Bang Geng, what are you flipping through?" Jia Zhangshi came in carrying a bowl and saw that he had flipped through it in a mess.

"Grandma, where's Yang Wei's turtle?" Banggeng looked up, his eyes shining.

"Sent it back!" Madam Jia scolded, pouting. "That boy is so stingy, he wouldn't even leave a turtle for our Jia family, even after we paid him compensation!"

Banggeng's face fell instantly—if the turtle was sent back, where could he find that same taste again? But remembering how the turtle had bitten his hand last time, he hesitated again: even if the turtle were still there, he would still have to think for a long time.

He scratched his head and went out the door, thinking of a replacement. Just as he reached the alley entrance, he saw Xu Damao swaggering towards him carrying two chickens—Xu Damao was wearing a new cloth shirt, his lips curled into a wide smile, and he shouted to everyone he saw, "Just came from showing a movie in the countryside, the villagers insisted on giving these to me!"

"Da Mao, got chicken again?" Aunt Li from next door chimed in. "You haven't finished those two from last time, have you?"

"Hey, the villagers love me, they're unhappy if I don't take their money!" Xu Damao said, tilting his head back, extremely proud.

Banggeng stared at the two chickens, his eyes suddenly lighting up—chickens are soft and squishy, ​​they won't bite, right?

In Yang Wei's kitchen, he had just pulled a bullwhip from the system's inventory when Yu Li came over.

"Yang Wei, what is this? Is it edible? Why is it so long?" She reached out and took it, pinching and looking at it from left to right, as if she were touching a novel object.

Yang Wei laughed: "This is bull penis, used for stewing soft-shelled turtle."

"Bull... bull penis?" Yu Li's face flushed red to her ears, like a ripe apple. She quickly shoved the thing back into his hand. "This... this is edible?"

"This is a very nourishing thing, hurry up and wash it." Yang Wei took the bullwhip and handed her a piece of cloth. Yu Li held the cloth, her fingertips burning, and lowered her head, not daring to look. She rubbed it haphazardly a couple of times and handed it back.

Yang Wei put the bull penis and turtle into the pot together, and within half an hour, the aroma filled the house. Just as it was simmering, a system notification suddenly sounded: "Master, for making turtle soup, you are rewarded with three catties of longan."

"You can get a reward for making soup?" Yang Wei laughed as he lifted the lid of the pot, and steam carrying a delicious aroma wafted out.

He ladled the soup into a bowl and placed it on the table: "Yu Li, come and have some bull penis and turtle soup!"

"I won't eat it!" Yu Li took a step back, her face still red. "That...that thing..."

"It's very nourishing, it would be a waste not to eat it." Yang Wei picked up a piece of turtle and handed it over.

Yu Li covered her face, turned around, and left, saying, "You eat by yourself! I'm going back to my room..."

Yu Li felt embarrassed to stay at Yang Wei's place to eat bull penis, so she turned to leave.

"Don't rush, come on, take some milk candy back with you." Yang Wei called out to her, grabbing several handfuls of White Rabbit milk candies and stuffing them into her hands, not forgetting to remind her, "Remember to keep some for yourself, don't give them all to those little brats!"

"Okay!" Yu Li felt a sweet warmth in her heart, put the candy in her pocket, and then went out.

Yang Wei, meanwhile, began to devour his food with gusto. The bull penis produced by the system was far more fragrant than any version he had ever tasted in his previous life. It looked soft, but it was chewy and resilient, like a QQ candy, becoming more flavorful with each chew. "Truly a great tonic!" he thought to himself. If he had eaten such a large meal in his previous life, he might have gotten a nosebleed the next day, but now he had no worries; his body's genes had been modified and could withstand it.

While eating, he pulled out a bottle of soda from the system's inventory and chugged it down. This soda was a reward he got from a previous mission; it was practically nonexistent these days. If anyone saw him doing this, they'd be shocked.

Yang Wei ate to his heart's content, but the "birds" in the courtyard were all unhappy. The aroma wafting from Yang Wei's room once again wafted into their noses.

At the Jia family home, Jia Zhangshi sniffed and said, "What is Yang Wei stewing? It smells incredibly delicious."

Although Jia Dongxu was paralyzed, he was still quite worldly. He had drunk turtle soup before and could guess from the smell, "It's probably turtle soup." Moreover, the smell was stronger and more enticing than the one he had drunk before. The thought that the soup was made with turtles that had been gnawed on by skewered twigs made Jia Zhangshi's face turn black instantly, and she immediately began to curse Yang Wei.

At an elderly man's house, an older woman frowned and said, "Yang Wei is making soup again today, and it sounds like turtle soup!"

"That heartless bastard, he'll eat his own words sooner or later!" Yi Zhonghai gritted his teeth. He had been holding back his hatred for Yang Wei, who had publicly humiliated him.

The second uncle chimed in, "Stew turtle soup? They'll be in deep trouble at the factory sooner or later!"

The Third Uncle's house, however, was filled with joy. Yu Li was with Yang Wei, and perhaps if Yang Wei was in a good mood, he would let Yu Li bring back a turtle, and they could benefit from it too. Of course, they only dared to guess it was a turtle; they couldn't be sure.

Just then, Yu Li returned. Everyone eagerly crowded around her, only to find she had just a few White Rabbit milk candies in her hand. The candies were nice, but compared to the turtle, they were far less appealing.

"Yu Li, what is Yang Wei stewing that smells so good? Is it turtle?" Yan Jiecheng asked, unwilling to give up.

Yu Li honestly replied, "He stewed turtle with bull penis."

Bullwhip!

Upon hearing this, Yan Bugui and Yan Jiecheng's eyes lit up, and their energy surged up all over them.

This is a man's motivation!

Young people are full of energy and don't mind sleeping in cold pits. Although Su Ye didn't have a habit of deliberately exercising, years of working at the canteen stove, tossing woks, stir-frying, carrying grain and vegetables, had long since made him physically strong. In addition, with the enhancements secretly given by the system, he was currently at the peak of his physical condition. If it weren't for thinking about Lou Xiao'e, he could really have "stood it out" with her and continued the night until dawn.

Finally, looking at Lou Xiao'e nestled in his arms like a lazy little kitten, Su Ye smiled. In just four months in this world, not only had he settled down and started a family, but he'd also found a girl he truly loved, and who genuinely treated him well. For many, this would be an immense blessing. The loneliness of his previous solitary existence contrasted sharply with the warmth of having someone to comfort him in bed—the difference was so sweet it made one's heart flutter.

A smile spread across her face as Su Ye slowly closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep.

The next day, he had to get up and go to work. These days, there's no such thing as a wedding leave; once you're married, you have to dutifully work fourteen shifts. Su Ye's movement of getting up woke Lou Xiao'e, and he quickly and gently coaxed her, "Wife, sleep a little longer. I'll go cook, and I'll call you when it's ready." Before leaving, he gave her a peck on the cheek. Lou Xiao'e mumbled "Okay," turned over, and fell back asleep. Although she was tired last night, she understood that this was how things should be between husband and wife. Remembering the things her mother had told her before their marriage, her cheeks flushed again.

A humming tune drifted from the kitchen in the early morning as Su Ye quickly prepared breakfast. She called Lou Xiao'e to get up and eat, then helped the old lady wash up. The warm days for the family of three officially began from that day.

After tidying up, Su Ye said to the grandmother and granddaughter, "Grandma, wife, I'm going to work. If you don't want to cook, just buy something ready-made. Here's the money and food coupons. I'll cook when I get back tonight, so be good and wait for me at home." Lou Xiao'e took the money and coupons and nodded, "Be careful at work, I'll take care of things at home."

Su Ye hopped on his bicycle and pedaled toward the factory. Along the way, acquaintances would greet him with smiles: "Su Ye, how was your wedding day?" "Having a wife makes all the difference!" he would reply to each one. As he entered the canteen, his subordinates would surround him to offer their congratulations: "Happy wedding, Master Su!" "Congratulations, Brother Su!" He would take out the remaining wedding candies and distribute them to everyone: "Let's share in the joy!" After a few lively words, they would start working.

Life settled into a routine, but Su Ye found contentment. He prepared meals according to plan each day, and he didn't have to lift a finger to get lunch. Days passed in this way. A week went by, and the two had found their rhythm in their newlywed life, maintaining their nightly "must-do." Thanks to this nourishment, Lou Xiao'e gradually transformed from a young girl into a mature woman. Su Ye had tasted this pleasure, but unlike Sha Zhu, he didn't recklessly ruin his body. He diligently prepared various nourishing foods for her every day. Unfortunately, a week later, Lou Xiao'e started her period, so he had to temporarily put aside his desires and conserve his energy for the next time.

After the midday banquet concluded, Director Wang found Su Ye in a private room and asked, "How are things going with your marriage?" He only sat down to speak after seeing off the guests.

"Thanks to the factory director, it's all good." Su Ye smiled. "I didn't have a chance to thank you and the leaders for attending the wedding, but I've always remembered it." The two were already familiar with each other, so they didn't hold back as much when they spoke. In addition, because of Lou Xiao'e's father's connection, Factory Director Wang treated him even more politely: "We're all family in the factory, no need to thank me."

"Your skills have helped the factory attract a lot of customers; we should be thanking you," Factory Manager Wang waved his hand, bringing the topic back to reality.

"Don't say that," Director Wang waved his hand, his smile revealing his sincerity. "You have a discerning eye. Without your promotion, how could I have become the head chef of the canteen? Besides, without your introduction, how could I have met Xiao'e? In the end, you are our matchmaker."

Su Ye spoke sincerely. Indeed, if it weren't for Director Wang's introduction, how could he have gotten to know Lou Xiao'e so quickly? Not to mention, he had won over the Lou family of three with his culinary skills. He truly remembered this kindness, without a trace of politeness.

Factory Director Wang could tell he was sincere, so he nodded, his expression gradually darkening: "Master Su, I called you here for the same old reason. But this time, the guest's identity is special, so there's no refusing. You have to show off all your skills, don't hold back. I'll go with you later, remember: only bring your skills, do more and say less, preferably nothing at all. Don't divulge a single word of what you see or hear without permission."

"Can you do it?"

Seeing Director Wang's serious expression, Su Ye was secretly delighted. The big boss he had been waiting for was finally going to show up!

"You can rest assured," he patted his chest. "Don't you know my character? I guarantee I'll complete the task, I won't hold back, and I won't bring shame to the factory!"

Factory Director Wang smiled and said, "Okay, I trust you to get things done." He added, "The factory has decided that your salary will be raised to level five starting next month, fifty-one yuan per month." With that, he turned and left, not giving Su Ye a chance to be polite.

Su Ye knew perfectly well what meeting the high-ranking official meant. Lou Xiao'e's family connections were key to the trip to Hong Kong, and this high-ranking official… those who knew, knew. These days, having such a connection was more valuable than anything else. Food is the most important thing for people, and a reliable chef is a necessity for leaders. To do a good job, one must first eat well.

"Finally, I've been waiting for this." He hummed a little tune as he left the private room, his steps light as he returned to the cafeteria. As for a raise? In his opinion, it was insignificant. Once his relationship with the big boss was stable, whether he would keep his job was another matter entirely.

The kitchen staff had long noticed his close relationship with Factory Director Wang, and now that he was back, even the usually nitpicky Sha Zhu came over: "Brother Su, what can I do for you?"

Su Ye took a sip of tea from his enamel mug: "No entertaining duties tonight. The factory manager said there's going to be a major sanitation inspection, so everyone should clean up inside and out this afternoon. Sha Zhu, you lead Uncle Xu in the work."

"Alright, Su-ge!" Silly Zhu patted his chest, "I guarantee it'll be so shiny you can see your reflection!"

The kitchen immediately sprang into action. Although oil and fat were scarce these days, the kitchen was still filled with the smell of cooking, and over time the walls and stoves were covered in grease. Everyone carried ladders and hot water, wiping and scrubbing, making for a lively scene.

When Su Ye got home that evening, Lou Xiao'e was in the kitchen preparing ingredients, wearing an apron. He parked his bicycle, tiptoed behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pecked her on the cheek: "Wife, did you miss me?"

Lou Xiao'e's body stiffened abruptly, then went limp, her ear tips turning red: "Oh dear, how embarrassing! It would be so shameful if someone saw us!"

"If I hug my own wife, who dares to gossip?" Su Ye deliberately raised his voice, smugly. "Who else is to interfere in my affairs?"

"Keep your voice down!" Lou Xiao'e pinched his arm anxiously. "Are you afraid the neighbors won't hear you?"

Su Ye chuckled, turned her around, and pulled her into his arms, rubbing his chin against the top of her head: "What are you afraid of? I love my wife, it's perfectly aboveboard!"

Lou Xiao'e was nowhere near as shameless as Su Ye. Seeing him shouting, she immediately blushed and stomped her foot, "Hehe, I won't say anymore! Move aside, leave it to my man, he'll cook you something delicious!"

Su Ye washed his hands, then turned around and asked Lou Xiao'e to tie an apron, while he went into the kitchen to busy himself. Lou Xiao'e didn't move, but leaned against the door frame and watched, her eyes wide open, memorizing his chopping techniques and the force he used to stir-fry, looking as serious as if she were learning some important skill.

"Wife, come inside, the cooking fumes are choking!" Su Ye noticed she was still standing and straightened up to call out.

"It's okay, I'm not afraid." Lou Xiao'e shook her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingertips. "Besides, I also want to learn to cook from you. I can't rely on you for everything in the future, can I? You're tired from work, and I want you to be able to have something hot to eat when you come home."

Su Ye's heart warmed, as if a small stove were burning inside: "Wife, you're so good to me." He smiled and leaned closer, "Come on, let me smell you!"

Lou Xiao'e, embarrassed, pushed him away: "Stop fooling around, hurry up and cook!"

There was some playful banter in the kitchen, and soon the dishes were on the table. The three of them sat down to eat, and the old lady ate with great relish. After cleaning up, Su Ye chatted with the old lady for a while before getting up and saying, "I'm going to my master's place tonight. You don't need to wait for me; get some rest."

"Then be careful on the road." Lou Xiao'e handed her a coat.

"Okay," Su Ye replied, turning and leaving the room.

Today is Tuesday, and as usual, I have to go to Grandpa Guan's for class. Ever since Ran Qiuye left, Su Ye hasn't stepped into the library. Sitting there, his mind is filled with her image, making him feel suffocated. "I wonder how that girl is doing at university?" He sighed, kicking a pebble on the road. "These days, without cell phones, you can only contact her by public phone or by letter. It's so troublesome." Then he thought, "Oh well, I'll write her a letter tomorrow and ask. Consider it a love letter; it'll be something to remember her by later."

Lost in thought, we arrived at Old Man Guan's residence at Zhengyangmen. Pushing open the door, we found the old man curled up on the kang (a heated brick bed). His kang was different from others; it wasn't the large, horizontal kang commonly seen in Northeast China, but a narrow, vertical one, which looked like a shrunken version of a traditional earthen kang.

"Master, have you eaten?" Su Ye asked with a smile as he leaned closer.

"You little rascal, I thought you wouldn't come on time anymore after you got married!" Old Master Guan glanced at him sideways, but there was a hint of laughter in his tone. "I didn't expect you to be so capable, willing to let your wife come and keep this old man company."

"How could I dare?" Su Ye pulled out a bottle of Moutai from behind his back. "You are my master. A teacher for a day is a father for life. How could I forget the day we agreed upon? Look what this is?"

That was a special-supply Moutai he'd "borrowed" from his father-in-law, Boss Lou—a 58 Golden Wheel brand, 55% ABV, soy sauce-flavored. Old Master Guan's nose twitched, and his eyes lit up: "58 Golden Wheel Moutai? Impressive! Where did you get it?"

He sat up straight, snatched the bottle, and examined it closely, tracing the label with his fingers as if it were a rare treasure.

"Hehe, it's from my father-in-law. I know you like to drink it, so I'm giving it to you as a special gift!" Su Ye said matter-of-factly, accepting the favor without hesitation.

"No doubt about it!" Old Master Guan hugged the wine to his chest, pointed to the Erguotou on the table, "This hasn't been opened yet, drink this first, that Erguotou is freshly opened."

Su Ye smiled helplessly. Whether it was Moutai or Erguotou, it was all his "contribution." So now he can't even have a sip of Moutai. This old man is really good at scheming.

There was no other way, so in the end I just ate some peanuts, drank Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), and listened to the old man's story. The liquor burned my throat and warmed it, and the old man's voice, full of life and warmth, was even more reassuring than Moutai.

It was already 10 p.m. when Su Ye left the old man's place.

By the end, the old man was already a little confused.

Seeing this, Su Ye dared not let him continue drinking.

I helped him lie down, covered him with a summer blanket, tidied the table, and then turned to leave, closing the door behind me.

In this era, it's just as good.

It's entirely possible to leave doors unlocked at night, and even consider not locking them when leaving the house.

Because theft is such a rare occurrence.

However, once someone is caught, that person is finished.

When Su Ye returned to the courtyard house.

I tried to walk as quietly as possible, not daring to make any noise, for fear of waking the old lady.

As for Lou Xiao'e, Su Ye was certain that she was still awake.

I went into the bedroom, took off my clothes, and got into bed.

He saw Lou Xiao'e staring at Su Ye with her cat-like eyes wide open. "Why aren't you asleep yet?" Su Ye asked knowingly.

"I can't sleep soundly when you're not back, I'm scared!" Lou Xiao'e said with a pout.

"Hehe, you can't sleep because you haven't gotten your husband's body yet, right?" Su Ye said, while her hands were also getting restless.

"Oh, you're so annoying! Why is this the only thing on Meiwei's mind?" "We've been married for so long, why aren't you done yet?" Lou Xiao'e complained, fidgeting as she spoke.

"Nonsense, with such a beautiful wife, if I ever get tired of her, am I even a man?" "Don't talk about such a short time, even a lifetime, two lifetimes." "Your man, I'll never get enough of you!" After saying that, a wave of intense pleasure surged through him.