Courtyard Houses: Starting with the principle of hard work paying off

Chapter 107 Qin Huairu is numb (5k)

There is strength in numbers.

This statement is not without merit.

If Li Hongmei and Li Hongbing's parents were still alive, or if they had other elders to support them, even if they had more siblings, Jia Zhangshi wouldn't have dared to bully them so recklessly, slandering and badmouthing them everywhere in the courtyard.

Throughout history, countless families have longed for prosperity and no one desires a decline in their population.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the domestic population experienced a period of rapid growth for a long time. This was not only due to the influence of peacetime, but also not solely due to policies and a lack of entertainment activities.

In rural areas, families with few brothers, especially those without sons, are often easily bullied.

This situation is particularly prominent and very real.

Guo Youzhong knew a little about why Li Hongbing had gone to Fengzeyuan to become an apprentice.

Guo Youzhong invited Liang Damin and the others over today not only to help with the wedding gifts, but also to support his young apprentice, Li Hongbing.

Guo Youzhong is a righteous person, but his thinking is not stubborn or conservative. Judging from his actions today, he is still very protective of his own.

Li Hongbing was somewhat aware of Guo Youzhong's intentions, but he did not reveal them.

It's still early.

Zhao Weiguo hadn't come to fetch the bride yet, so Li Hongbing entertained his fellow disciples while chatting with them to strengthen their bond.

Even though it was their first meeting, the shared master Guo Youzhong and the lineage of their respective schools gave them a special sense of kinship.

The relationship between the two fellow disciples is closer than that of brothers, even if they are not.

"Hey, isn't this Master Dong?"

As they were talking, a person passing by outside the door caught Liang Damin's attention.

Li Hongbing looked over upon hearing the voice, but the person had already disappeared, so he asked curiously, "Senior Brother, who was that?"

"Dong Congyou, Chef Dong of Emei Restaurant."

Fearing that Li Hongbing might not recognize him, Liang Damin announced the man's name and then carefully explained, "He knows our master and they've crossed paths before. They're friends, but not particularly close. He's our senior."

After hearing Liang Damin's explanation, Li Hongbing not only knew who the other party was, but also understood his relationship with his master.

No matter where you are, with a senior like Liang Damin to guide you, you don't have to worry about offending people unknowingly.

If nothing unexpected happens, the other party should be Sha Zhu's master at the Emei Restaurant.

The identities and circumstances match perfectly.

The only one who could be here and recognized by Liang Damin is probably him.

"Come on, I'll take you to say hello."

Just as Liang Damin was wondering why Dong Congyou was there, Li Hongbing told him what he had guessed and understood. Liang Damin immediately stood up and said to Li Hongbing.

Dong Congyou is of the same generation as their master, so he is their senior. Although their lineages and culinary styles are different, they are all in the same circle.

Since we've run into each other here, we can't pretend we haven't met before, or it would be very impolite.

Taking my junior apprentice Li Hongbing on a visit is also a way to help him expand his network.

If they meet again in the future, or if anything happens, they can be given some help out for the sake of their master, Guo Youzhong.

Li Hongbing naturally wouldn't refuse.

soon.

With Li Hongbing included, the group of nearly ten fellow apprentices headed to the Central Court in a grand procession.

only.

When they saw Li Hongbing "leading" people over, Jia Zhangshi and Yi Zhonghai both became nervous.

Being a cook is physically demanding; you need plenty of strength.

People like Liang Damin are all physically weak; even those who are a little thin are all very lean and wiry.

Seeing their imposing manner, Madam Jia thought they were there to start a fight, and she hurriedly warned, "Li Hongbing, I'm warning you, today is a joyous day for our Jia family. Don't be ungrateful and come looking for trouble."

"Where did this old hag come from? We brothers are looking for someone, what's it to you?"

Without Li Hongbing needing to say anything, one of the senior brothers, who had a fiery temper, directly retorted on his behalf.

"You... you..."

Madam Jia was trembling with anger, but seeing that Liang Damin and the others were all strong and muscular, she became somewhat intimidated.

Liang Damin glanced at Jia Zhangshi but ignored her. Instead, he led Li Hongbing and the others to Dong Congyou, Shazhu's master, and bowed slightly, saying, "Master Dong, it's been a while. How have you been?"

The others also greeted them.

"Damin, Xinming, what brings you fellow disciples here?"

Upon seeing Liang Damin and his group, Dong Congyou seemed to remember something and couldn't help but laugh, "I was wondering why I saw so many bicycles outside when I came in. It turns out it was you guys."

"Master Dong, today is our junior brother's sister's wedding, and our master asked us to come and help out."

Liang Damin explained, then pushed Li Hongbing forward and introduced him to Dong Congyou: "Master Dong, this is our master's new apprentice, and also our junior brother, Li Hongbing."

"Hello, Master Dong!"

Upon seeing this, Li Hongbing bowed and greeted him.

"Alright, so you're the apprentice Master Guo recently took on?"

Dong Congyou couldn't help but glance at Li Hongbing twice, and said with a smile, "Master Guo hasn't taken on any apprentices for several years. I thought he wasn't planning to take any more, but you've made him break the precedent."

I'd heard Sha Zhu mention you before, and I was quite surprised. It's such a coincidence that you two live in the same courtyard; it's really fate..."

As a senior, Dong Congyou was greeted by Liang Damin, who specially brought his junior, Li Hongbing, to pay his respects, which shows how much respect he deserved.

Moreover, he felt proud to be seen in front of so many outsiders.

Furthermore, Guo Youzhong is far more famous than him.

Everyone is eager to please Li Hongbing, Guo Youzhong's newly accepted disciple. Dong Congyou was naturally very polite to Li Hongbing and took the initiative to get closer to him.

Out of the corner of his eye, Dong Congyou glanced at Sha Zhu, who was grinning with his big teeth, and was furious. He kicked Sha Zhu in the leg and scolded him irritably, "Aren't you going to greet your Senior Brother Liang and the others?"

He didn't use much force, but compared to Liang Damin, or even the young Li Hongbing, his apprentice seemed a bit wooden.

Shame!

Although Liang Damin is of the same generation as Sha Zhu, he has long been the head chef of Dongxinglou.

Strictly speaking, he is definitely a senior in Sha Zhu's cooking skills, but he has absolutely no sense of propriety.

Guo Youzhong is not only highly skilled and famous, but he is also unparalleled in teaching apprentices.

Few of their peers did not envy and admire them.

According to Sha Zhu, Li Hongbing is a year younger than him, but in terms of manners and etiquette, he is far superior.

No wonder I heard that Guo Youzhong values ​​and cherishes this newly accepted disciple very much.

Don't say anything else.

The fact that Guo Youzhong specially sent his most important disciples over today for Li Hongbing's sister's wedding speaks volumes.

The slow-witted Sha Zhu felt a little wronged and could only greet Liang Damin and the others one by one.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Liang Damin quickly led Li Hongbing and the others away.

Today, Dong Congyou was specially invited by the Jia family to cook, so Li Hongbing couldn't very well invite him over for tea on the spot. He could only wait for another opportunity.

Although he didn't get along with the Jia family, Li Hongbing wouldn't mind causing a scene, but that would obviously put Dong Congyou in a difficult position.

Moreover, the most important thing today is Li Hongmei's wedding, and Li Hongbing doesn't want to let the Jia family ruin his mood.

However, when Jia Zhangshi saw that they completely disregarded her and walked away so casually, she couldn't help but grit her teeth in anger.

Along with Dong Congyou and Shazhu, who had just been chatting and laughing with Li Hongbing and the others, Jia Zhangshi also felt a little more dissatisfied.

This is the preparation site for their wedding banquet, and it's also the Jia family's home ground. They're acting so bluntly and arrogantly.

Unfortunately, nobody cared.

After Liang Damin and Li Hongbing returned, everyone continued with their work, but no one paid attention to Jia Zhangshi's mood.

Not long after.

Zhao Weiguo then rode his bicycle, leading his close colleagues and former comrades-in-arms, to the courtyard to pick up his bride.

They each had a bicycle.

Whether the bicycle was borrowed or they put together the money themselves, they certainly showed off their status.

The moment Zhao Weiguo entered the room, he was stunned by Li Hongmei's beauty as she wore her wedding dress.

As the factory's most beautiful girl, how could Li Hongmei not be pretty? Zhao Weiguo had to beat out a bunch of suitors to win Li Hongmei's heart.

However, this was the first time he had ever seen Li Hongmei in her wedding dress.

I was truly amazed.

Not only him, but even the coworkers and comrades who accompanied him to pick up the bride were incredibly envious.

Zhao Weiguo really made a profit.

"you are so Beautiful!"

Standing before Li Hongmei, Zhao Weiguo spoke from the bottom of his heart.

Even though they had been dating for over a year, Li Hongmei and Zhao Weiguo had never done anything inappropriate, though they had held hands and hugged each other. But when Zhao Weiguo uttered such simple yet heartfelt praise, Li Hongmei still couldn't help but feel shy and happy.

However, looking at Li Hongmei's gorgeous wedding dress and then at her own, although it was also a newly made dress, the difference was enormous.

Compared to him, Zhao Weiguo felt somewhat embarrassed.

Seemingly realizing this, Li Hongbing approached Zhao Weiguo and said somewhat helplessly, "Brother Weiguo, why don't you try this on?"

I was so focused on making wedding dresses for myself and Li Hongmei that I forgot about Zhao Weiguo.

He wasn't even in charge of preparing the groom's wedding attire.

However, if the bride and groom's appearance on the day is too different, it could easily make Zhao Weiguo lose face or even become a laughing stock.

Li Hongmei is basking in the limelight, but it's not a good thing if Zhao Weiguo loses face.

Zhao Weiguo and Li Hongbing are actually not that different in height and build.

Li Hongbing was well taken care of by his family since childhood and rarely went hungry. In recent years, he has rarely lacked oil and fat. He is much taller than his peers and is about the same height as Zhao Weiguo, who is not a big guy.

Although the suit he was wearing was custom-made for Li Hongbing, Zhao Weiguo might also be able to fit into it, which is why Li Hongbing came up with this idea.

"Isn't this appropriate?"

Zhao Weiguo was a little embarrassed.

On her wedding day, how could she possibly steal her brother-in-law's clothes?

Moreover, Li Hongbing's formal attire clearly looked expensive, just like the wedding dress Li Hongmei wore.

"Nothing inappropriate."

Even though Li Hongmei hasn't officially married into the family yet, Li Hongbing, as her younger brother, still has to consider the feelings of his future brother-in-law, Zhao Weiguo.

then.

Li Hongbing and Zhao Weiguo then went to another room and changed their clothes.

"It's alright! It suits me quite well."

Although it wasn't specially made for Zhao Weiguo, it didn't fit him as well as it did for Li Hongbing, but it didn't look too out of place either.

As for Li Hongbing...

He didn't wear Zhao Weiguo's clothes. During this time, Li Hongmei used the fabric she bought to make several new outfits for him, and Li Hongbing just picked one to wear.

Anyway, it's not his wedding day, so whether he shows off or not isn't that important.

If she continued wearing that same suit, she would actually steal the spotlight from Zhao Weiguo, the groom.

This was a situation that Li Hongbing hadn't considered before, but now that he's adjusted in time, there's no problem.

After changing into Li Hongbing's formal attire, Zhao Weiguo and Li Hongmei stood together, giving off a rather handsome and beautiful vibe.

Although Zhao Weiguo wasn't the typical pretty boy, he had regular features and was quite handsome.

otherwise.

Li Hongmei couldn't possibly have chosen him from among so many suitors.

Even if Li Hongmei isn't completely obsessed with looks, given her own excellence in that area, it's impossible for her to be completely indiscriminate about the appearance of her future partner.

They were going to the Zhao family's house later, so they didn't plan to delay. They quickly took the wedding candies they had prepared and prepared to deliver them to each household in the courtyard.

Many people, including those in the front yard, went to help the Jia family, but upon hearing that Li Hongmei and her son-in-law were going to deliver wedding candy, they all rushed home.

It's true that everyone is helping the Jia family, but today is also Li Hongmei's wedding day, so they can't neglect the Li family. If they offend Li Hongbing, they'll only be making trouble for themselves.

not to mention.

Li Hongbing and Li Hongmei were much more popular in the courtyard than the Jia family.

It's just that the Li family isn't holding a banquet today; otherwise, we might not be able to help out at anyone else's house!

"Hongmei, I wish you two a loving marriage, many children, and a long and happy life together!"

"Thank you for your kind words, Aunt Yan!"

"Oh dear, there's too much candy. Take some back with you, or we won't run out later."

"No need, no need, there's enough candy. You have a lot of children, so please take more."

"Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!"

"Aunt Yang..."

"..."

Although Li Hongbing did not plan to hold a banquet in the courtyard, he prepared plenty of wedding candies, melon seeds, and peanuts. When Li Hongmei distributed wedding candies to everyone in the courtyard, she was not stingy, which surprised and delighted everyone.

They went all the way to the Intermediate People's Court, skipping directly the Jia and Yi families.

Since Li Hongbing had already decided to cut ties with the Jia and Yi families, Li Hongmei, as his older sister, naturally couldn't undermine him on his wedding day, so she specifically reminded Zhao Weiguo.

This situation has been observed by many people.

As the couple involved, Jia Zhangshi and Yi Zhonghai naturally couldn't have missed this, and their expressions turned rather unpleasant.

Li Hongmei didn't deliberately target the deaf old woman in the backyard. Considering the old woman's advanced age, she still sent her some wedding candy.

The old deaf man was tactful and offered a few auspicious blessings with a smile.

Ever since being frightened into the hospital by Li Hongbing, the deaf old woman has become much more well-behaved.

Li Hongbing usually wouldn't bother her, let alone on this joyous occasion.

When they returned to the front yard, Liang Damin and his men had already loaded the dowry onto the vehicles. Two tricycles were completely full, and several bicycles were also loaded with a lot of things.

Even though Zhao Weiguo was prepared, he was still somewhat shocked by the sheer amount of dowry.

Not to mention his comrades and coworkers.

There are no secrets that stay hidden forever. The Zhao family naturally heard about the dowry that Li Hongbing had prepared for Li Hongmei, but they didn't want to inquire about it too much, lest people think they were after her dowry.

These dowries, once they arrived at the Zhao family, also belonged to Li Hongmei.

Even Zhao's parents, as the in-laws, couldn't have designs on the dowry, otherwise they would be gossiped about.

In real life, items like blankets and thermos flasks are shared by Li Hongmei and Zhao Weiguo.

If they live with their parents-in-law and have a large dowry, no one will say anything if they get Li Hongmei's consent or if Li Hongmei voluntarily shares some with them.

As for large items like sewing machines and bicycles, they would inevitably bear Li Hongmei's personal mark. Not only her parents-in-law, but even her husband Zhao Weiguo, wouldn't dare to have any improper thoughts about them.

everything's ready.

After checking that nothing was missed, Li Hongbing locked his own door and prepared to go to the Zhao family's house with Zhao Weiguo and Li Hongmei.

As Li Hongmei's only family member, Li Hongbing had to, and could only, personally handle the wedding procession.

I just got outside.

Two tricycles loaded with dowry items, along with more than a dozen bicycles, had already attracted the attention of onlookers.

Seeing this, Li Hongbing hurriedly went back to get the wedding candies he hadn't finished distributing earlier, and together with Liang Damin and a few other senior brothers, they distributed the candies outside.

Everyone who sees it has a share!
He quickly received a chorus of congratulations.

Li Hongbing doesn't lack these candies; they're just meant to bring good fortune and make everyone happy.

Although we don't live in the same compound, we're neighbors nearby. We bump into each other occasionally, and if we know each other, we'll greet each other.

at this time.

A discordant sound rang out from outside the crowd.

"Step aside!"

"Make way, what are you all doing blocking this way?"

"I'm getting married today, so please don't let this interfere with our family's happy occasion."

"What!"

"Be careful!"

"..."

As the crowd parted to make way, Li Hongbing saw Jia Dongxu, who was grumbling and pushing his bicycle, appear in front of him.

Behind Jia Dongxu, Qin Huairu, dressed in red, followed closely behind.

Wearing a red top, red pants, and red embroidered shoes, she was truly red from head to toe, looking quite "festive".

Qin Huairu was originally sitting on the back of the bicycle, but she had to get off because too many people were blocking the way.

This made Jia Dongxu very dissatisfied with the people who were gathered there, not knowing what they were doing.

When he saw Li Hongbing handing out candy, he immediately understood what was going on, and his dissatisfaction swelled even more.

What a coincidence!
Li Hongbing glanced at Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu beside him, but ignored them. After distributing the last bit of candy in the bag, he went straight to his bicycle and said to Zhao Weiguo, "Brother Weiguo, let's go!"

At this time.

Qin Huairu also saw Li Hongmei sitting on the back of Zhao Weiguo's bicycle.

Qin Huairu, who was originally very confident in her appearance, was immediately drawn to Li Hongmei, who was beaming with happiness and looking radiant.

In an instant, Qin Huairu lowered her head in shame.

Seeing the embroidered shoes on her feet and comparing them to the wedding dress Li Hongmei was wearing, Qin Huairu became completely depressed.

When she glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw Jia Dongxu staring ahead with a look of jealousy, while Zhao Weiguo and Li Hongmei were gazing happily at each other not far away, she felt a mix of emotions.

(End of this chapter)