Courtyard House: The Fisherman Never Goes Sick

"Didn't he have an accident? Why is he back?"

However, no one could answer Qin Huairu's questions.

Just as Yang Wei was overseeing operations and production was beginning according to the day's plan, at nine o'clock, Yang Wei got up and walked towards the factory director's office. He was carrying a certificate, awarded for attending a state banquet. He had taken eight days off and needed to give the factory director an explanation; otherwise, it wouldn't be right.

Upon arriving at the factory manager's office, Yang Wei knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

Director Wang's voice rang out.

Yang Wei pushed open the door and walked in, a smile on his face. "Factory manager, I'm back."

"I've come to report to you with victory and achievements!" Yang Wei said as soon as he entered the room.

"Did it work?"

"Yes, the certificate is here, please take a look!"

Yang Wei handed the certificate in his hand to him.

Factory Director Wang's face immediately lit up with excitement. He had managed this factory for so many years, but it hadn't achieved anything significant, remaining rather mediocre. Now, suddenly, a huge windfall had landed on his head, leaving him feeling dizzy and disoriented.

He couldn't wait to pick up the certificate. Seeing that it was clearly written on and stamped with the appropriate seal, the contents of the certificate almost made him jump up.

"Head chef?"

Overjoyed, Factory Director Wang looked at Yang Wei and asked incredulously.

"Well, I was lucky enough to get first place in the test. According to the rules of state banquets, the first place goes to the head chef!" Yang Wei grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Good, good, good, you really make me proud!"

"Making you the head chef of this cafeteria was absolutely the best decision I've ever made!"

"Xiao Yang, you're truly remarkable. You haven't let me down, despite all my hard work and expectations!"

Touching the certificate with both hands, Factory Director Wang said with deep emotion, "With this certificate, who would dare say that Wang Xinmin is just occupying a position without doing any work?"

"It's all thanks to your excellent leadership and discerning eye, Factory Manager!"

"Without your great help, I would not have achieved what I have today, let alone successfully completed the tasks assigned to me by the organization."

After the two of them flattered each other for a while in the office, Yang Wei prepared to say goodbye and leave.

"Factory manager, I still have a lot of things to do in the canteen, so I'll head back now and won't disturb your work any longer."

"Okay, you can go back now. I'll keep this certificate for the next couple of days. I'll admire it for a couple of days and then I'll give it back to you."

"Don't worry, I will definitely not treat you unfairly for bringing such an honor to our steel rolling mill this time."

"Thank you, factory manager!"

After saying that, Yang Wei turned and left.

Before the morning was over, just as we were about to leave work at noon, the steel rolling mill's loudspeaker broadcast an appointment notice.

"Attention all workers, attention all workers, an announcement is now being made."

"Yang Wei, the canteen supervisor, represented Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill in the national banquet chef challenge and won first place, becoming the head chef of the national banquet. He returned successfully after eight days, bringing unparalleled glory to our steel rolling mill. Now, after unanimous deliberation by the factory leadership, it has been decided to appoint Yang Wei as the honorary deputy director of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. This is to inform you..."

The announcement caused an uproar throughout the factory!

When the loudspeaker at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill broadcast an announcement, it had an explosive effect. All the workers in the production workshop instantly stopped what they were doing, standing frozen in place, dumbfounded.

"Holy crap, Chef Yang went to a state banquet?!"

"Still the head chef??"

"That's amazing! The factory manager and his team are ruthless; they made him an honorary deputy factory manager!"

"Isn't that what you should do? If you could get a certificate as a chef for state banquets, you could become an honorary deputy factory director too!!"

After a moment of silence, all the workers began to chatter amongst themselves. However, their words were laced with sarcasm and envy.

Perhaps in the entire factory, only Sha Zhu was genuinely happy for Yang Wei.

Sha Zhu, who was leading his men and dealing with things, grinned and chuckled foolishly.

"Did you hear that? That's Brother Yang!!"

"The person I, He Yuzhu, admire most is none other than Brother Yang!"

"I told you guys, but you didn't believe me. Now you know how powerful Brother Yang is, right?" Sha Zhu said boastfully to his men.

"Yes, yes, Section Chief, you have excellent vision and foresight."

"Chef Yang... no, we should call him Factory Director Yang now. He's really amazing, a chef who can cook for state banquets!!" Several subordinates flattered him while expressing their admiration.

But in the cafeteria, it's a mixed bag of joy and sorrow!

A while ago, Sha Zhu came over, and Qin Huairu begged and pleaded with him to teach her how to cook. She actually managed to cook a few big pot dishes herself. Han Rui was too chubby, and Sha Zhu, being a superficial guy, actually ignored her.

Now that Yang Wei has returned, things have naturally returned to normal.

Uncle Xu led a group to steam buns. Han Rui led Liu Lan and others to stir-fry the vegetables in a large pot.

Han Rui hadn't closed her mouth all morning, she was all smiles. Now, hearing this announcement, her smile widened even further.

"Master, congratulations on becoming the factory manager!"

After returning today, Han Rui asked if she could call him "Master." Yang Wei thought for a moment and then acquiesced.

Since we've decided to take on an apprentice, let's do it. It won't have a huge impact on him, and even if he has to leave in the future, having someone like him in the kitchen will give him peace of mind.

Through his observations over the past few days, he also discovered that Han Rui was just a silly, chubby girl, straightforward and without any ill intentions.

This was exactly what Yang Wei wanted.

It's a good idea to place one of my people here, so I can stay informed about any changes happening in the cafeteria later.

However, Qin Huairu, who was busy bringing the stir-fried dishes to the front window, looked grim.

Even the way others looked at Qin Huairu was tinged with amusement.

These days, since Yang Wei left, she's the only one in the entire cafeteria who's been jumping around so much.

Now that Yang Wei is back, she immediately reverts to her original form.

If Yang Wei hadn't sought revenge later, she might still be able to stay here.

However, if Yang Wei were to calculate the costs, it's uncertain whether she could stay in the cafeteria any longer.

Therefore, these people had no sympathy for Qin Huairu; on the contrary, they were waiting to see her make a fool of herself.

There are no absolutely good or bad people in this world.

Similarly, everyone has some compassion.

However, compassion is not unlimited; it has its limits.

If it was your own doing, then you've exhausted all your sympathy.

What remains is not sympathy, but disgust.

Qin Huairu's sympathy level has clearly been maxed out in the hearts of the people in the cafeteria.

"Master Yang, you've kept this a secret really well! We had no idea!"

"I didn't realize you'd been away for the past few days. So you've been busy with something important!!"

Uncle Xu walked up to Yang Wei, his tone more respectful than before.

This is how ordinary people survive.

Previously, Yang Wei was at most a canteen supervisor, and he couldn't do anything to them.

Even if someone makes a mistake, the worst that can happen is that they are removed from the cafeteria and reassigned to the production workshop.

However, Yang Wei's status has now changed; he has become the honorary deputy factory director.

Although she was still in charge of the cafeteria, her status had risen.

If we were to grant them permission, we would definitely be capable of doing so.

Under such circumstances, these people felt more awe towards Yang Wei.

"Who can guarantee the quality of chefs for state banquets?"

"When I went there, I wasn't sure at all, but who knew I'd actually be selected. So I've been staying at the state guesthouse ever since, and they won't let me out."

"Even if I wanted to come back and tell you, I couldn't."

"Alright, it's nothing serious. Let's get back to work, we'll be off work and having dinner soon!"

Yang Wei gave a brief explanation and then ordered everyone to get to work.

Han Rui became even happier.

I never imagined that I would become the apprentice of a chef who serves at state banquets.

Although Yang Wei has only taught her one dish so far.

However, this already made her very satisfied.

Their enthusiasm for work grew even stronger.

Seeing the changes in everyone's expressions, Yang Wei smiled slightly.

It seems that no matter when, a change in status can bring greater power!

He shook his head, continued sitting there drinking tea, and waited for everyone to finish their work so they could eat together.

As for what Director Wang will do with that certificate.

Yang Wei knew it without even having to guess.

He definitely wants to show off to his clients and let them know.

A chef specializing in state banquets appeared at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill; he was also the head chef.

This is the most awesome gimmick ever.

"The Courtyard: The Fisherman Never Goes Homeless" is currently being serialized on Cola Novels and is not to be missed!

No luck.

In order to enjoy a meal prepared by a chef specializing in state banquets, the steel rolling mill's business will only get better and better in the future.

At that time, Director Wang will rely on him more and more.

He will have more freedom in this factory.

At that time, he will be able to do more and more things.

This is a win-win situation, and Yang Wei is not opposed to it at all.

On the contrary, they hoped that the certificate would bring more customers to the steel rolling mill.

In this way, Yang Wei's importance will become irreplaceable.

Only by doing this can Yang Wei truly rest easy.

After getting off work that afternoon, Yang Wei picked up his bicycle and headed straight for the courtyard house.

I haven't visited my master for so many days.

Now that we're back, it wouldn't be appropriate to leave now.

Moreover, the money left for Xue Hongmei might not even be enough.

I should go and take a look.

How well the two get along is something you don't want to wait until you arrive and find that Xue Hongmei has already been driven away by the old man; that would be a joke.

When he got home, Yang Wei told Lou Xiao'e what had happened.

"Honey, I have to go see Grandpa tonight. It's been so long since I last visited him. I wonder how Xue Hongmei is taking care of him?" Yang Wei returned home and went into the kitchen to cook.

He said to Lou Xiao'e, who was leaning against the door.

"Okay, go ahead."

"But come back soon. Grandma asked me again today why there's still no sign of pregnancy, and told us to try harder."

"Do you think there's something wrong with my health?"

Lou Xiao'e was reasonable, but then she asked in a somewhat downcast tone.

"Wife, getting pregnant isn't that easy."

"There are many, many things involved here. It's not just about your mood, but also about time and posture. There are a lot of details. I'll explain them to you in detail when I get back tonight, and then you'll understand."

"Don't worry, we're both in good health, there won't be any problems."

Yang Wei is very familiar with the original work.

Lou Xiao'e is absolutely healthy.

The reason there has been no movement is probably due to Yang Wei's problem.

There is a problem between the body and the soul.

This kind of thing can't be solved by forcing it, nor can it be solved by taking medicine.

We can only take it one step at a time.

After finishing his meal, Yang Wei pushed his bicycle and headed to the old man's residence near Zhengyangmen.

The people from the courtyard houses they encountered along the way, when they saw Yang Wei.

They were all very polite, and their words had become respectful.

Yang Wei experienced the changes brought about by his new identity once again.

I felt this even more deeply in this courtyard house.

Leaving the courtyard and free from the crowd, Yang Wei rode his bicycle straight to the old man's small courtyard.

These past few days at the state guesthouse haven't been entirely fruitless; he still has some ingredients and fine wine stored in his system space. Before leaving, Yang Wei specifically sought out Xu Guoqing and obtained a few bottles of good wine from him. Some of this wine was prepared for his grandfather, while the rest was intended as a gift for his father-in-law, Lou Xiao'e's father.

They traveled quickly and soon arrived at their destination.

Upon reaching the door, Yang Wei did not rush inside. Instead, he opened the door, walked in, and stopped at the corner.

Yang Wei took out some good wine, opened the bottle, and gently blew a puff into the yard.

Inside the room, the old man, who was eating the meal prepared by Xue Hongmei, suddenly opened his eyes and sat up.

"Yes, my grandson has brought the wine!"

This seemingly random sentence left Xue Hongmei, who was busy working nearby, completely bewildered and filled with confusion.

"Get your ass in here right now!"

The old man called out again towards the outside.

Upon hearing his voice, Yang Wei chuckled, grabbed the wine, and quickly walked into the house.

"Sister Xue!"

He first greeted Xue Hongmei. Then, sitting on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) and leaning against the eight-immortal table, Yang Wei said with a smile, "Haven't seen you for a few days, and your nose has really become even more sensitive. Look, what's this?"

He proudly placed two bottles of specially supplied Zhuyeqing liquor in front of the old man.

"Bamboo Leaf Viper, good stuff!"

"Pour it for me quickly, let Grandpa have a taste!" the old man urged impatiently.

"Oh dear, old man, you've had quite a bit to drink today. Let's drink again tomorrow!"

Seeing that the old man was about to drink again, Xue Hongmei suddenly spoke up.

"Just one drink, okay? Not much!" the old man said suddenly in a very gentle tone.

This immediately improved Yang Wei's impression of Xue Hongmei. "Wow, after just a few days, she's already made the old man so obedient."

"Alright then, it's a deal, just one drink, no more!"

"Okay, I understand!"

"Stop looking, hurry up and pour it!" The old man nodded and then urged Yang Wei.

"Alright, that's settled!"

Yang Wei quickly poured the wine for the old man. He watched as the old man took a sip, then drank it all in one gulp. After smacking his lips and savoring the taste for a while, he looked back at the bottle in Yang Wei's hand.

However, Xue Hongmei stepped forward and collected all the wine.

After Xue Hongmei took the wine out, Yang Wei looked at the old man.

"Master, what's going on?"

"Being so obedient isn't like you at all!" Yang Wei asked with a smile.

"The red plum blossoms are lovely!"

The single sentence, "Not bad," left Yang Wei somewhat bewildered.

Keep in mind, the old man is only fifty-two years old. Could it be that he's having ulterior motives?

This was not his intention at all! He brought Xue Hongmei in simply to have someone to take care of his daily life, not to find a woman to keep him warm in bed.

It's not that the old man can't find a companion. It's just that doing it so hastily is absolutely unacceptable. The old man has so many valuable possessions. If he finds an unreliable companion, it will be a huge problem after he passes away, causing utter chaos.

The items Yang Wei has seen that belong to the old man, judging by their value in later years, are worth at least a billion. They could even be worth more if they find a buyer who shares his taste.

Don't underestimate these items just because they're worthless now. Once the market opens up further and various forms of capital flood in, people will have more money and start focusing on antiques. Due to both their inherent value and speculation, the value of these antiques will skyrocket.

"Master, you wouldn't be thinking of..."

As Yang Wei spoke, he gestured towards Xue Hongmei outside. He believed the old man understood what he meant. Therefore, he looked at the old man with a puzzled expression, waiting for his answer.

"Get out of here, what are you talking about with your master?"

"I mean, Hongmei is a good person to me. She knows I drink too much, which is bad for my health. She takes good care of me. How old am I, your master? How old is she?"

The old man glared at Yang Wei and cursed.

"Okay, as long as you keep that in mind."

"I don't care about anything else. By the way, let me tell you about the state banquet."

After finishing speaking, Yang Wei recounted the details of the state banquet to the old man. Finally, he also briefly mentioned Yang Yourong's situation.

"Master, although I have some opinions on the future development of society and the economy, these opinions are really insignificant in the face of the nation."

"These people are targeting me now, which is very troublesome. What do you think I should do?"

As Yang Wei finished speaking, he asked with a hint of melancholy.

"I don't understand those things, and I don't know what socio-economics is. But I do know one thing: the iron law of history."

"What seems inevitable in hindsight is always not obvious at the time."

"So perhaps only when these things actually happen in the future will we know whether what you're talking about is truly insignificant or as heavy as Mount Tai!!"

The old man's research on history is unparalleled, with few people in the entire country able to match it. Therefore, Yang Wei wholeheartedly agreed with the old man's words.

Indeed, many things seem inevitable in hindsight, but at the time, they were not apparent at all. Changes happen gradually, accumulating little by little until a certain amount is reached before a qualitative change occurs.

Yang Wei nodded and chatted with the old man for a long time before getting up to leave.

Before leaving, he spoke a few more words with Xue Hongmei. He essentially reminded her to be mindful of her status. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, she could tell from the other woman's expression what Yang Wei meant. She understood.

As he was leaving, Yang Wei said with a smile, "Sister Xue, don't misunderstand. I didn't expect you to gain the old man's approval in such a short time. This is enough to show that you are kind and trustworthy. Therefore, I have decided that your salary this month will be increased to twenty-five."

"Here's ten yuan and some food coupons. Take these. If you need more in a few days, just wait for me and let me know!"