Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

Sheriff didn't even listen to the translator finish speaking. His eyes were already glued to the dishes on the table. He took a step, sat down with a "thud," grabbed his chopsticks, and reached for the nearest plate of braised meat.

He's been in China for a long time these past two years, and he's become better at using chopsticks than he is with a wrench.

The first bite—

His eyes widened suddenly, as if he had been struck by lightning.

The flavor was salty, savory, and rich, melting in your mouth, fatty yet not greasy. One bite, and the taste exploded on your tongue—a flavor from the depths of your memory.

Memories of sneaking into the kitchen to eat cold bread during the Siberian winter when I was a child suddenly came flooding back.

That blissful feeling of finally being full after being starving was awakened by this piece of meat.

"Delicious! So delicious!!"

He nodded vigorously, his mouth stuffed full, his voice muffled but powerful, "This is simply...revolutionary deliciousness!"

After saying that, Sharif immediately started using his chopsticks again, picking up a piece of food and putting it in his mouth, not letting any dish go to waste.

The moment he took the first bite, his brow twitched slightly; after the second bite, his eyes began to light up; and by the time the third dish entered his mouth, the shock on his face was impossible to hide—the flavors exploded on his tongue like a sudden storm of taste, with layers of freshness, aroma, spiciness, and richness churning in his mouth, far beyond what the word "delicious" could describe.

He stared blankly for a while, his face turning slightly red, before finally managing to utter, "It really...is so delicious!"

Before he finished speaking, his chopsticks were already flying towards the next dish, he just couldn't stop.

Director Zhang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was standing next to him, also tentatively took a bite. His eyes narrowed, and then he picked up another bite without hesitation, and another... In the blink of an eye, he had completely forgotten that he was there to discuss cooperation. He lowered his head and focused on the dishes on the table. Like Sharif, he ate with sweat on his forehead and a fascinated expression.

After the meal, even Director Zhang, who was usually very particular about his manners, was slumped in his chair, unable to move. His stomach was swollen like a fermented dough, and all he wanted to do was lie down and let his mind wander.

Only one thought remained in my mind: even if the sky falls, I need to rest first. Work? I'll think about it this afternoon!

But he came representing the country, so he couldn't say those words out loud.

While he was struggling with this, Director Yang had already seen through everything.

He glanced at the mess on the table, then at the group of well-fed, dazed engineers and technicians, and knew perfectly well that these people had eaten too much and all the blood was now going to their stomachs to fight the fire. How could they have the energy to talk about technology transfer? If he forced them to have a meeting now, he was afraid they would choke on the spot.

More importantly, if these foreigners' first impression of the steel rolling mill changes from "food hell" to "indigestion," then it would be a huge loss.

As for why he could sit so upright, it's simple—he couldn't beat them at all.

Watching the chopsticks sweep across the table like a whirlwind, he felt too embarrassed to approach.

But this battle was brilliantly fought! Just one meal was enough to completely subdue the polar bear expert; it was more effective than ten mobilization meetings.

If you don't know when to stop and insist on discussing blueprints and drawing circuits with them, then you're being foolish.

Factory Director Yang then stood up with a smile, his tone relaxed yet firm: "Director Zhang, Engineer Sharif, and all the experts, why don't you go and rest for a bit? We can discuss this in detail later when you're refreshed."

"Director Yang, this..."

Director Zhang was about to decline when the translator spoke up, and Sharif immediately nodded vigorously, rubbing his stomach and exclaiming, "Yes, yes, I must rest! Zhang, my mind is full of fragrance right now, I can't remember a single formula. Work? Let's talk about it when I wake up!"

Upon hearing this, Director Zhang readily agreed, "Alright, let's adjust our mindset first."

After speaking, the group of people swayed as they got up and moved unsteadily toward the lounge, looking like survivors who had just participated in a food festival.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Li Huaide and He Yuzhu were squatting in a corner, eating several plates of scraps with great enthusiasm.

Although the presentation was rough, like something you'd just grab at a construction site canteen, the taste was absolutely amazing—glistening chunks of meat, fragrant grilled sausages, and a dish of offal mixed with a secret sauce, the aroma was irresistible.

Under the scorching heat of the stove, the entire kitchen felt like a steamer. Beads of sweat streamed down Li Huaide's forehead, and his shirt was half-soaked, but his mouth never stopped. He chewed and mumbled, "Zhu Zi, what's that newly built iron box for?"

He pointed to the newly built oven in the corner, its dark bricks still radiating residual heat.

He Yuzhu wiped his sweat and grinned: "Baking bread is similar to roasting duck in a hanging oven."

However, this firepower is reliable; it would come in handy if those polar bears wanted some bread or pies.

"You're quite thoughtful." Li Huaide nodded, and was about to say a few more words of praise when a familiar voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"We've finished shopping, now we're going to rest."

As soon as he finished speaking, Director Yang pushed open the door and came in, a smug smile on his face.

But when her gaze fell on Li Huaide, her heart sank slightly.

He smiled calmly, exchanging pleasantries on the surface, but inwardly he felt a little uneasy—He Yuzhu was indeed from his steel mill, but this "delicious bomb" was dug out by Li Huaide himself.

If I had known his skills would impress everyone, I shouldn't have let him languish in logistics.

It was only at this moment that Director Yang truly realized: food is the most important thing for people, and appetite is the key to understanding people's hearts.

Even the most arrogant foreign experts can't resist the taste of authentic local cuisine.

"Deputy Director He, you really made yourself proud with this meal today." Director Yang patted his shoulder and laughed. "I've never seen you so dedicated before, but I've seen it for myself today—not to mention the foreigners, even I haven't recovered yet, and I want another bowl."

He Yuzhu was taken aback, and quickly waved his hand: "Factory manager, I made enough for two more people... I didn't expect them to eat so much."

"It's not your fault, it's not your fault!" Director Yang waved his hand and couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You didn't see that scene. Those polar bear experts were fighting over food like they hadn't eaten for three days. Even Director Zhang didn't care about his image."

"Everyone is going to lie down now; we probably won't be able to start work until the afternoon."

He spoke with great enthusiasm, his face beaming with pride.

Regardless of the circumstances, He Yuzhu works for his steel rolling mill, and this victory has been a huge win for the entire factory, making them all look good.

After listening, He Yuzhu seemed to understand something, wiped his mouth and said, "Then I'll change the menu tonight and make something appetizing and refreshing, something that's good for the stomach and invigorating."

However, factory manager, you should tell them in advance to take it easy—if they really get sick from eating it, even if it's their own gluttony, we won't be spared any trouble either.

Upon hearing this, Director Yang immediately became serious.

Exactly! If every meal were like today, with everyone taking a two-hour nap afterward, how would the production line function? Even if they didn't sleep, who could stand it when they came to give technical instructions while burping?

We have to eat this meal, but we can't let it disrupt our rhythm.

"Alright, I'll keep an eye on things and also find out more about Sharif's background, see if he's willing to leave the technology behind."

He Yuzhu's eyes darted around, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. He immediately had an idea. He looked at Li Huaide and Factory Director Yang, and said confidently, "Director Li, Factory Director Yang, I have a plan that might make those white bear engineers obediently hand over their real skills."

Li Huaide raised an eyebrow, and Factory Director Yang also became interested, both asking in unison, "Tell us about it!"

"Easy," He Yuzhu said unhurriedly. "I'll go all out for a few days, prepare a few hearty meals, and serve them delicacies from land and sea in rotation, so they'll eat until their mouths are full and they feel completely satisfied."

"You should strike while the iron is hot and mention that you'd like to learn some new technology—what if they still hold back and refuse to teach you?"

He paused, a sly glint in his eyes: "Then let's start lowering the standards."

Each meal is worse than the last; there's less meat, less oil, and the food is becoming increasingly vegetarian.

The hardest thing for people is going from enjoying happiness to suffering.

When they can't eat anymore, we'll explain with a troubled expression: "The factory isn't doing well, we can't get funding, so the meals have to be cut back... Look, even our senior workers and leaders are eating from the same pot, isn't that already generous enough?"

"If they still want to eat something good at that time, they will naturally have to bring out some dried goods to exchange for it."

Unless they're truly determined not to give a single penny—but then what's the point of keeping them in the Northeast? I think that polar bear Sharif is in charge; as long as he can't resist his cravings, he'll have to give in sooner or later.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Huaide and Factory Director Yang exchanged a glance, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded together.

"Brilliant, Pillar!" Li Huaide couldn't help but slap his thigh. "This trick is a bit underhanded, but it will definitely work against the polar bears! We treat them with all our hearts, provide them with good food and drink, and they still don't appreciate it? Then don't blame us for stopping."

Factory Director Yang snorted coldly, his eyes hardening: "That's settled then! The factory is indeed in dire straits. If they're willing to teach, I'll tighten my belt and make sure they live a life of luxury; but if they just want to eat and drink without giving back, wanting to eat dragon liver and phoenix marrow every day? No way!"

He turned to He Yuzhu and said crisply, "Deputy Director He, do as you say."

Go and talk to the other leaders, and tell them to cooperate in putting on a show, pretending to be poor and complaining—they all need to do it perfectly.

"No problem." He Yuzhu grinned. "I was even planning to let them order their own food."

As long as I can gather all the ingredients, I can conjure them up.

The more they get used to the food, the less they'll be able to survive outside the cafeteria—they'll be anxious on their own without us even having to urge them.

Upon hearing this, the two nodded repeatedly.

Who would have thought that He Yuzhu, who usually seems honest and unassuming, actually harbors so many cunning schemes? He usually keeps a low profile, but when it matters, he plays his open and scheming tricks flawlessly.

After seeing the two off, He Yuzhu didn't rest.

In the afternoon, I buried myself in the "Fundamentals of Mechanical Repair" book I had borrowed from the library, devouring it page by page, and my skill experience bar quietly rose in my mind.

After finishing the book, he strolled over to the greenhouse.

The steel rolling mill had accumulated a lot of fertilizer, and the smell was a bit overpowering, but fortunately the composting pit was built next to the toilet, so the workers just had to hold their noses and bear it when they came in and out.