The Life of a Son-in-Law in a Courtyard House

Yang Dalin looked at the group of little guys who were practically drooling with greed.

With a wave of his hand, he said, "Alright, why not? Go wash your hands. Once they're clean, come report to me."

The children were so happy to hear that they all rushed to wash their hands.

Soon, Tian Ge's two sons finished washing.

I wiped it on my body, thinking it would dry me off, and prepared to get ahead of everyone else.

Yang Dalin had them line up, with the youngest girls at the front and the oldest at the back.

Yang Dalin is also a bit of a doting father. Although he was never married in his previous life, he still liked girls.

He first asked his neighbors, Li Dasheng and Hou Shuangxi's wives, "Sisters-in-law, are the steamed buns ready yet?"

"Alright, Dalinzi."

"Alright, sister-in-law, give them each a steamed bun, and I'll give them each a pig's trotter to gnaw on first."

Li Dasheng's wife was a little embarrassed and reached out to grab her own child to hit him.

"You've got a sweet tooth, but your Uncle Lin's guests haven't arrived yet."

Hou Shuangxi's wife also reached out when she saw this.

Yang Dalin quickly stopped them: "Sister-in-law, it's alright. The children get hungry quickly, let them eat first."

"Don't be so polite, everyone come on in. Each of you should have a steamed bun and a pig's trotter to start with."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Dasheng and Hou Shuangxi left work one after the other.

Tian Xueyi and Qi Desheng followed behind.

Next up are Mr. and Mrs. Wang Tonglin.

Yang Dalin quickly told them to sit down.

As soon as Tian Xueyi sat down, he asked, "Dalinzi, what was all that noise in the yard just now?"

Yang Dalin said, "It's alright, Brother Tian. The kids are hungry. We haven't all arrived yet, so I thought I'd get them some food first."

Children are very active and get hungry early.

"Oh, is that so? Then go ahead and give it to us. We're just here to celebrate your move, it's not that formal."

"Yes, that's what I think too."

Since the owner has given his approval, no one will have any objections.

Qi Desheng and Grandpa Wang would have no objections.

Yang Dalin then brought out a plate of pig's trotters and a plate of steamed buns, giving each of the children a steamed bun and a pig's trotter to start eating.

A short while later, Gong Xuemei arrived with her two children.

The two little ones immediately joined in gnawing on pig's trotters.

Gong Xuemei washed her hands and joined in the kitchen to help.

Yang Dalin handed the man cigarettes, poured him tea, and then went to the cellar to take out two small jars of wine.

Let them smoke and drink tea first.

Finally, each table was served a pot of braised lamb chops. This dish had few ribs but lots of meat, and most importantly, the broth was very oily and flavorful.

The children can dip their steamed buns in the soup later.

Just as the lamb chops were served, Aunt Qi and the others arrived.

Qi Xiaoning, that little girl, loves to join in the fun, so she took the initiative to sit at the children's table, intending to take advantage of her age to grab some food.

Once everyone was present, Yang Dalin poured wine for the adults, while the women who didn't drink alcohol drank soda.

This is the old-brand soda from Beijing that Yang Dalin bought, Beibingyang soda.

Even the children have soft drinks.

A lively dinner party then began.

This is a detached house with its own courtyard.

There aren't many outsiders around, so we can eat and drink behind closed doors and no one can see us.

I believe that neither Hou Shuangxi nor Li Dasheng's families would go out and spread rumors.

Yang Dalin's cold dishes are made without sugar, seasonings, or oil, so they're definitely tastier than what he makes at home.

Several dishes, including pig's head and pig's trotters, were ordered by signing in.

Yang Dalin said it was wild boar meat, and everyone knew the truth, so they just ate it and didn't say anything.

The lamb offal and lamb chops were both made from yellow sheep hunted by Yang Dalin. If someone knew this, Yang Dalin could explain it.

Yang Dalin also brought out some wolf bone wine tonight and let the men drink some.

The men who drank alcohol all tried it, as it was good for their health.

Yang Dalin did not take the tiger penis wine or other items out.

While drinking, Yang Dalin winked at Qi Desheng and Tian Xueyi, implying that he would deliver the drinks to them separately later.

Don't make a fuss now.

Yang Dalin's table had one group of people drinking alcohol, while another table of women who didn't drink were slowly eating.

The children at both tables quickly finished eating all their food.

Everyone ate until their bellies were round and full.

Yang Dalin went over and asked, "Have you all eaten?"

"You didn't eat well, I'll go get you some more."

"I'm full, Uncle Lin."

"I'm full too, Brother Dalin."

Some called him "brother," others "uncle," and they all patted their round little bellies as they answered.

Seeing that they had all eaten their fill, Yang Dalin told them to sit and play for a while, to rest, and not to run around too much right after eating.

We can chat for a while, get to know each other, or play a game of Gomoku or something.

These kids now regard Qi Xiaoning as their leader, so Yang Dalin has instructed Qi Xiaoning, the leader of the kids, to keep an eye on them.

Qi Xiaoning is a lively and energetic person who also likes to be the leader of the children.

In no time, Qi Xiaoning had assigned the kids to their respective groups.

Some chatted, while others drew squares on the table and played various board games.

We can't let them run around right after they've eaten; they can only sit and play for a while.

Seeing that the kids were behaving themselves, Yang Dalin returned to the main table.

Let's continue chatting.

Everyone chatted until almost 9 p.m. before the hot pot feast finally ended.

Before leaving, the women helped tidy up and wash everything that needed to be washed.

Yang Dalin saw everyone off, and Aunt Qi helped tidy up the kitchen.

There was still a lot of leftover food on the main table, so Yang Dalin shared it with his two neighbors.

The other party couldn't refuse, so they accepted it.

At this time, leftover food at the banquet is considered good stuff, and people won't refuse to eat it because they think it's unclean.

Only then did Aunt Qi have a chance to ask him, somewhat unhappily, "Dalinzi, are you thinking of moving here? Don't you like living at home anymore?"

Yang Dalin quickly explained to Aunt Qi, "No, Aunt Qi, I was just thinking that since it's getting hot and I have a lunch break at work, I'll stay here during my lunch break and go home in the evening."

If I don't go home, who will wash my dirty clothes? And who will cook dinner for me?

"You brat, I thought you didn't want to live at home anymore."

"No, Auntie, don't misunderstand. I'm just worried that if no one lives here after it's been cleaned up, it won't be good for the house."

Also, if there's a heavy rain or the weather isn't good, I'll stay here. It's closer to my workplace, so I don't have to run back in the pouring rain.

Normally I would still go home to live.

"Hmm, if that's the case, then it's alright."

If it rains heavily or the weather gets bad, you can stay here temporarily.

"Okay, I understand, Auntie. By the way, Auntie, you can stay in the west room of the main house tonight. Don't go back. I've prepared the bedding and toiletries."

Look, I even set up a wooden frame today, and I put two buckets of water on it to dry.

I'll move you to the main room tonight. I've also prepared three bath tubs so you can take a bath at home.

Otherwise, it's just inconvenient to clean.

If there isn't enough hot water, I'll boil two more kettles.

You, Yanhua, and Xiaoning can also come and stay here occasionally; it's a spacious and convenient place.

"Silly child, this is your house. You can live in the main room, and I'll live in the east wing."

"Auntie, let's not worry about that. I've stayed in the east wing a few times, so I'll continue living here. We'll talk about it later."

You can just relax and stay for one night.

Tomorrow morning after breakfast, Ma San and I will take you back.

I'll only come here occasionally during my lunch break or when the weather is bad; otherwise, I'll stay at home.

You, Sister Yan, and Xiaoning should also tell them that if anyone in the courtyard asks, you should say that you took us to visit relatives. It's too far, so we'll stay there tonight. Don't mention that I own this house yet.

This will prevent some people from having ulterior motives again.

Aunt Qi patted Yang Dalin on the shoulder and said, "Auntie knows, we each brought a set of clothes with us when we came. We'll tell you we're going to visit your boss's house with you later."

When I said I was visiting relatives, everyone in the neighborhood knew I didn't have any relatives left.

The reason given wasn't to visit your superior or to see the children you rescued; since it's too far, staying at their home is better.

Yang Dalin thought about it and realized that Aunt Qi was the most thoughtful: "Okay, Auntie will do as you say."

We're staying with the rescued children.