Courtyard Houses: The Great Masters of a Nation Hidden Within

Jia Dongxu was quite perceptive and quickly said, "I understand, you're only doing this because of my master's sake. You don't know, I'm incredibly slow-witted. I've been stuck at the level of a third-grade fitter for many years, and I've finally gotten this opportunity to take a different path. I really don't know how to thank you enough."

The two chatted politely for a while, exchanging thanks. Seeing that the atmosphere had warmed up, Jia Dongxu took the wine out of his bag and placed it on the table: "Technician Gao, I know you don't lack anything and don't want anything from me, but I still have to show my appreciation. These are the only two bottles of wine I can offer. Please have a taste when you have time."

The wine was stored by Yi Zhonghai for many years; it was genuine, high-quality wine. Yi Zhonghai wouldn't have allowed Jia Dongxu to give it as a gift to anyone else.

But Gao Jianguo didn't want to take on these things. He didn't come to this courtyard to cause trouble; he wanted to get things done properly, and he didn't need them.

But there's a trick to refusing gifts. If you refuse them badly, not only will they not remember your kindness, but some people might even make an enemy of you.

If you directly refuse to talk to an honest person like Jia Dongxu, he will probably feel even more confused and uneasy.

After thinking for a moment, Gao Jianguo smiled and said to Jia Dongxu, "Good stuff, but don't leave it here. Here's what we'll do: I'll get you another chicken, and you can take them to Shazhu's place later and tell him it was me who suggested it. Ask him to get it ready tomorrow afternoon, and the three of us can have a good drink with dinner tomorrow night."

This completely baffled Jia Dongxu. Did he accept it or not?

However, he understood the general meaning: it's about not being formal with you and letting's get together for a drink.

Feeling dizzy, Jia Dongxu took the wine and chicken to Sha Zhu's house.

When Sha Zhu saw Jia Dongxu coming over with wine and chicken, he immediately teased him, "Hey, Lao Jia, are you trying to invite me to dinner? If you're going to invite me, at least cook it properly and bring it over. Who makes their guest cook for themselves?"

Unexpectedly, Jia Dongxu nodded: "I should treat you to a meal, but why do you have to cook?"

Sha Zhu chuckled: "Huh? What's going on here?"

Jia Dongxu recounted how he tried to deliver wine to Gao Jianguo, but ended up sending a chicken to Sha Zhu instead of the wine. However, he didn't explain why he wanted to thank Gao Jianguo.

Despite the name "Shazhu" containing the word "silly," he's anything but simple-minded; you can tell just by watching TV.

Although he hasn't yet reached the point where he's full of wicked ideas, he's still quite clever. The nickname "Silly Pillar" mostly refers to his stubborn nature.

Upon hearing Jia Dongxu's explanation, he immediately understood: "Alright, leave the things here, and have dinner at my place tomorrow night."

He chuckled to himself as he said this: "Hey, you're sitting inside, and food and drinks just fall from the sky. That's why they say even the hungriest person won't starve."

Jia Dongxu was a little unsure and asked Shazhu, "Shazhu, what do you mean by 'senior technician'? I'm a bit confused and uneasy."

Sha Zhu patted his chest confidently: "Hey, don't worry about it. Jianguo is a man of principle; what he says is what he means. There's no need to hesitate. As for the wine and chicken, I reckon he appreciates the gesture, but if he doesn't accept it, you might overthink it. If he does accept it, he's not doing this for you. So he simply added another chicken himself, and we can all eat together. That way, it's acceptable to everyone, and everyone has an explanation. Jianguo is a cultured man; he handles things meticulously. Just relax and come over for dinner tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Jia Dongxu felt a little relieved and went back to report to Yi Zhonghai.

After listening to Jia Dongxu's words, Yi Zhonghai's face was full of admiration: "Jianguo is indeed a thoughtful person. Shazhu's assessment that he is both scholarly and martial is absolutely true. If you treat him well, you can be his friend for life."

Jia Dongxu nodded vigorously, "Yes, Master. A man of both literary and martial talents?"

Yi Zhonghai tucked his chin in: "That's right. I heard from the old ladies in the courtyard that he used to be on the battlefield, the kind who has the lives of Japanese soldiers on his hands. The other day, Sha Zhu and Xu Damao were arguing about Sha Zhu finding a girlfriend, and I saw him hold Sha Zhu down from his temper with one hand."

Jia Dongxu knew exactly how powerful the "Courtyard War God" was, and upon hearing this, he shrank back, exclaiming, "Damn, awesome!"

The next day was Tuesday, and before the formalities were even completed, Yi Zhonghai led Jia Dongxu straight into the technical department.