Chapter Sixteen: Take It Slow

No wonder he reacted so strongly; the information packed into Yushui’s words was overwhelming.

Just a few days ago, she wanted Qin Nairu to be her sister-in-law. How did the top candidate suddenly shift to Haitang Yu? Did Haitang Yu know about this?

He Yuzhu was momentarily stunned, unsure of what to say.

He looked at Yushui, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Seeing He Yuzhu silent for so long, wearing a bewildered expression, Yushui couldn’t help but speak again.

“Hey, brother, there’s something else I need to tell you,” Yushui whispered mysteriously as she leaned closer to He Yuzhu.

“What is it? Why so secretive?” He Yuzhu put down his cup, curious as he looked at his sister.

“Haitang Yu told me she wants to be your wife!” Yushui said, then covered her mouth, laughing softly.

“Pfft—!” He Yuzhu spit out the water he had just taken into his mouth, suddenly coughing, his face flushed red and tears coming to his eyes.

“Cough, cough… You little rascal, what nonsense are you talking?” He Yuzhu coughed while chiding his sister.

But to be honest, a ripple stirred in his heart.

Haitang Yu—the bold, straightforward girl—actually had feelings for him?

After coughing for a while, He Yuzhu finally recovered, wiping the water from the corners of his mouth and glancing at his sister with a shy smile.

“Is this news reliable? Did Haitang Yu really say that?” His voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

“Of course it’s reliable! I heard it with my own ears!” Yushui patted her chest, swearing her truthfulness.

He Yuzhu fell silent for a moment, his emotions a swirl of complexity.

To be honest, he didn’t dislike Haitang Yu—in fact, he even felt a little fondness for her.

But the news came so suddenly that he felt at a loss for a moment.

…

Unintentionally, Yushui’s words planted the seed for Haitang Yu’s plan to pursue He Yuzhu.

Haitang Yu was indeed a daring girl; once she decided on something, she pursued it without hesitation.

When she realized her feelings for He Yuzhu, she resolved to chase after him.

Unlike other girls who might be shy or reserved, she boldly expressed her feelings openly.

She knew that love required courage—and above all, action.

In the past few days,

a rumor spread through the Red Star Steel Mill like a spring breeze: the talented Haitang Yu from the publicity department had developed a keen interest in the canteen chef, He Yuzhu.

Overnight, this news swept through every corner of the factory.

“Master, you’re about to enter the realm of love—why don’t you pay more attention to your appearance?” One day in the canteen, apprentice Ma Hua saw He Yuzhu dressed in the plainest clothes and couldn’t help but tease him.

He Yuzhu wore a deep blue cotton jacket with a conspicuous patch on the cuff, standing out all the more.

He patted his clothes and said earnestly to Ma Hua, “What’s wrong with my clothes? We working-class folks value practicality—we can’t be tainted by those capitalist frills.

I have to keep it grounded and simple!”

Just as he finished speaking, Liu Lan came over, gossiping eagerly, “He Yuzhu, I hear something in your words—is it that you and Haitang Yu have caught each other’s eyes already?”

He Yuzhu frowned helplessly and asked Liu Lan, “Where did you hear that? I don’t even know myself.”

Liu Lan insisted, “A few days ago, whenever anyone mentioned Haitang Yu, you hurried to distance yourself.

But now, you never mention it at all? That’s quite a change.”

Liu Lan’s voice was loud enough that everyone in the kitchen overheard, casting curious looks.

Under their gaze, He Yuzhu sighed and said helplessly, “I’ve said it so many times before, but no one listens.

Guess what you want—consider me deaf.”

With that, He Yuzhu tossed his apron to Ma Hua and spread his arms, waiting for him to tie it on.

While tying the apron, Ma Hua leaned close to He Yuzhu and whispered, “Master, we’re all betting privately on how long you can hold out before Haitang Yu catches you.

I’ve put quite a bit of money on this—hang in there, don’t let your apprentice lose too badly.”

He Yuzhu shot Ma Hua a sideways glance and grumbled, “Stop stirring up trouble.”

Ma Hua wasn’t offended. As he turned his head, he saw someone standing at the door and smiled even wider.

“Comrade Yu, why are you standing at the door? Come in and have a seat!”

“Looking for Master He? He’s right here!” Ma Hua greeted warmly.

He Yuzhu, originally with his back turned to Haitang Yu, was nudged by Ma Hua and turned around, meeting Haitang Yu’s gaze face to face.

He nodded slightly in greeting.

Haitang Yu wasn’t deterred by He Yuzhu’s coolness; instead, she smiled and stepped inside, carrying a bag.

Looking at He Yuzhu, she said gently, “Master He, I specially made roasted duck for you. Try it and see how it tastes.

If there’s anything not quite right, don’t hide it—just tell me directly.

That way, I can improve my cooking skills too.”

He Yuzhu wanted to refuse, but Haitang Yu had already grasped his hand and firmly pressed the bag into it.

This scene made the onlookers who had been watching in secret unable to hold back their amazement.

Haitang Yu’s cheeks flushed slightly as she quickly said a few words of thanks and turned to leave the kitchen.

Once Haitang Yu left, the kitchen staff completely loosened up.

They gathered around, chattering excitedly.

“Master He, not to be nosy, but a girl like Haitang Yu is hard to find even if you searched by lantern light!”

“Exactly! Haitang Yu is a rare flower—not only beautiful but tall and elegant.

Most importantly, she’s educated and cultured.

If you marry her, you’ll have truly found a treasure!”

“Master He, don’t be too picky.

If I were you, I’d have said yes long ago.

You’re always so cold and indifferent—what’s wrong with Haitang Yu?”

Faced with the crowd’s chatter, He Yuzhu quietly bowed his head, saying nothing.

To say he felt no stirrings at all would be nonsense.

After all, Haitang Yu was a renowned beauty from the courtyard—a perfect blend of looks and talent. Which man wouldn’t be moved?

But He Yuzhu had his principles; he wouldn’t let mere beauty cloud his judgment.

He thought to himself, “This matter needs to be handled slowly. No rush.”