Chapter Fourteen: Heartfelt Laughter

“But if I took your family’s belongings back with me, that would be abusing my power for personal gain, and that simply won’t do!”

Upon hearing this, the old commander burst into hearty laughter, and those around him were soon infected by He Yuzhu’s integrity, teasing him good-naturedly.

“He Yuzhu, I’ve never met someone so upright as you. Truly remarkable!”

“Not only is his cooking excellent, but his character is top-notch as well. Master He, your future is certainly bright!”

“Director Yang, you’re truly a capable leader. You must nurture such a fine comrade like He Yuzhu!”

...

In truth, He Yuzhu was not one to feign righteousness. He spoke this way because he had long known from the stories around the courtyard that the old commander was a man of integrity and impartiality, someone who admired comrades who strictly abided by discipline.

Thus, although He Yuzhu missed out on two precious boxes of Longjing tea this time, he won the old commander’s favor, an intangible value beyond measure.

What surprised He Yuzhu even more was that not only did he earn the old commander’s esteem, but Director Yang’s regard for him also grew immensely.

The very next day, as he stepped through the gates of the steel rolling mill, Director Yang announced his promotion to cafeteria director.

This news left He Yuzhu both astonished and thrilled; he knew it was the result of years of hard work and steadfast principles.

Meanwhile, He Yuzhu’s sister, He Yushui, had a close childhood friend named Yu Haitang. The two had grown up together and shared a deep bond.

On Labor Day, Yu Haitang took advantage of the holiday to visit He Yushui at their courtyard home.

“Haitang, look at this new scarf around my neck. I specially picked it out at the department store a couple of days ago. What do you think? Does it look good?” He Yushui stood before Yu Haitang, gently turning her neck to display the scarf from different angles, her face full of hopeful anticipation.

“This scarf is really nice—bright in color, and the fabric feels incredibly soft and cozy.”

“Yushui, I’m so jealous of you! Having a brother working at the factory, earning fifty big silver dollars a month!” Yu Haitang said with a hint of envy. She herself worked as a broadcaster in the publicity department at the Red Star Rolling Mill, and her income was worlds apart from He Yuzhu’s.

He Yushui laughed and shook her head, brushing off the envy. “What’s so great about that? My brother just cooks all day, always hovering around the stove.”

“So what if he cooks? These days, skilled artisans never lack for food or work! Look at your family’s table—plenty of meat and fish every meal. No wonder people get envious!” Yu Haitang retorted. She knew well that fifty silver dollars a month was among the highest salaries at the Red Star Rolling Mill, enough to spark envy in many.

“My brother just got lucky, showing his face in front of the old commander and earning the factory’s favor. That’s how he landed the cafeteria director job,” He Yushui said with a smirk, thinking her brother was simply blessed without much real skill.

“You can’t say that. Your brother is quick-witted, good with words, and capable. Otherwise, how could he become cafeteria director?” Yu Haitang disagreed, believing He Yuzhu must have some remarkable qualities.

He Yushui burst out laughing at Yu Haitang’s comment. “My brother? They call him Silly Zhu. The person you’re praising doesn’t sound like the same guy.”

“But honestly, my brother is clever, though his temper…” He Yushui was about to say more when a sudden, urgent knock interrupted her.

“Bang bang bang!” The knocking resounded sharply. He Yushui sighed resignedly. “Alright, this topic’s done for.”

Yu Haitang covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Let’s go, it’s mealtime. Time to eat.”

The meals for the He family were always prepared by He Yuzhu. As He Yushui put it, it was a job for a professional to handle.

Since they had guests today, He Yuzhu naturally put in extra effort, preparing a lavish lunch.

The table was laden with four dishes and one soup, a perfect balance of meat and vegetables, rich in color, aroma, and flavor.

Especially the braised pork—the glossy reddish-brown chunks, fat but not greasy, fragrant and enticing—simply whetted the appetite at first glance.

Yu Haitang’s eyes fixed on the braised pork as if magnetized, unable to look away.

She knew well that He Yuzhu’s braised pork was famous throughout the Red Star Rolling Mill. Having tasted it once before, its flavor still lingered vividly in her memory.

“Haitang, just looking won’t fill you up. Come, sit down and eat,” He Yuzhu smiled warmly, inviting her.

Embarrassed, Yu Haitang withdrew her gaze, smiled awkwardly, and accepted the rice bowl He Yuzhu handed her. Gratefully, she said, “Master He, thank you for personally cooking this meal. I’m truly honored.”

Yu Haitang’s sincere gratitude shone in her eyes, filled with admiration for He Yuzhu’s culinary skill.

“Don’t be so formal with my brother,” He Yushui chimed in, beaming at Yu Haitang. “For him, whipping up a table like this is a piece of cake, as easy as pie.”

He Yuzhu laughed heartily at his sister’s words and said cheerfully, “Haitang, since you came to visit Yushui, as your older brother, I must give you a proper welcome.

Here, try this braised pork—I specially prepared it for you.”

With that, He Yuzhu gently placed the fragrant, beautifully cooked braised pork before Yu Haitang.

This gesture stirred a warm current in Yu Haitang’s heart, quickening her pulse.

For her, this meal was not just a feast for the palate but a touching experience for the soul.

He Yuzhu was not only a superb cook but also well-versed in history and culture, with a charming way of speaking.

Like a storyteller, he recounted the romantic anecdotes of past dynasties and famous figures with captivating flair.

Yu Haitang listened entranced, discovering that this man before her possessed not only exceptional culinary skills but also a wealth of knowledge and an open-minded outlook on life.

Previously, Yu Haitang had heard many rumors about He Yuzhu.

Some whispered that he shared an inseparable bond with the gentle and virtuous widow Qin from the courtyard.

Such news spread rapidly, causing many to look at him with new eyes, especially those who once held prejudices now viewing him with curiosity and scrutiny.

At first, Yu Haitang’s impression of He Yuzhu was less than favorable. She thought him eccentric, careless, and the rumors made it hard to hold him in high regard.

Yet, fate is unpredictable. Just a few days prior, at a martial arts contest hosted by the courtyard leaders, He Yuzhu shone brilliantly. With his solid skills and sharp mind, he not only won the crowd’s applause but was unexpectedly promoted to manager of the Red Star Ironworks cafeteria.