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

Chapter 63 The Zhao Family Visits
night.

When Li Hongbing returned from outside and learned what had happened in the courtyard, he almost burst out laughing.

Yi Zhonghai and Jia Dongxu are truly worthy of being master and apprentice; they both possess comedic talent.

It's a pity I got back late tonight and couldn't catch a glimpse of the drama unfolding there.

"Hongbing, there's something I want to tell you."

Seeing Li Hongmei's serious expression, even with a hint of hesitation, Li Hongbing took it to heart and asked curiously, "Sister, what's wrong?"

"I've talked to Weiguo about what you told me last time. He said he's already discussed it with his parents and they want to visit you on your next day off. If you agree, I'll have him bring the matchmaker with him."

Upon hearing Li Hongmei's words, Li Hongbing was taken aback.

Soon, Li Hongbing remembered when Li Hongmei had mentioned the last time.

It was the time when Li Hongbing took the initiative to mention her marriage to Zhao Weiguo to Li Hongmei.

But then nothing happened.

Li Hongbing thought there was something going on, but he didn't expect that Li Hongmei had only recently brought it up with Zhao Weiguo.

"Sis, have you thought this through?"

Since Li Hongmei took the initiative to speak, it meant that she and Zhao Weiguo had already discussed it and made the decision to get married together. However, Li Hongbing still wanted to confirm it one more time.

"Ok!"

Li Hongmei nodded.

Li Hongmei hadn't mentioned to Zhao Weiguo before that Li Hongbing had asked her to propose marriage, mainly because she wasn't entirely comfortable with Li Hongbing.

but now.

Li Hongbing has already become Guo Youzhong's apprentice, so there's no need to worry about his future.

Judging from the current situation, no one in the courtyard can bully Li Hongbing, so as her older sister, she can now rest assured and get married.

"Okay, I'll cook something delicious for Brother Weiguo and the others myself on that day."

In this matter, Li Hongbing naturally respected Li Hongmei's decision. What he needed to do was support her, not hinder her.

Because he hasn't been in this era for very long, and due to work commitments, Li Hongbing has never met Zhao Weiguo.

However, based on his memory, Li Hongbing had a good impression of Li Hongmei's boyfriend.

Otherwise.

He would not agree to the marriage, and he would never have proactively told Li Hongmei about having Zhao Weiguo find a matchmaker to propose marriage.

On this day...

Li Hongmei took a day off, and Li Hongbing also went out early in the morning to the market to select and buy fresh ingredients.

Because he arrived early, Li Hongbing didn't just buy ribs at the meat stall like last time; he grabbed a good piece of pork belly and a large pork knuckle.

Besides.

Li Hongbing also bought some fish, shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings such as scallions, ginger, and garlic.

Today he plans to prepare a six-dish meal with a soup.

In addition to braised pork knuckle and steamed pork with rice flour, there are also braised prawns and braised fish slices, plus a fish soup and stir-fried seasonal vegetables.

Most of these classic Shandong dishes were learned by Li Hongbing in the kitchen.

This is not only an opportunity to put our skills into practice, but also a chance to impress Li Hongmei's future in-laws, give them face, and boost their reputation.

"Hongbing, why are you buying so much stuff? Are you really making a big deal out of this today?"

"Of course, I only have one sister, and I can't let anyone look down on me."

"Your sister is so lucky to have a brother like you. I don't know what good fortune she accumulated in her past life."

"You can't say that. My sister treats me very well, and I'm very fortunate to have her."

"Yes, yes, look at me, I can't even speak..."

"..."

The news that Li Hongmei's fiancé was bringing a matchmaker to propose marriage today has already spread throughout the courtyard. The fact that Li Hongmei had taken leave has sparked curiosity.

Neither Li Hongmei nor Li Hongbing intended to hide this matter.

If someone asks, I'll just say it directly.

Anyway, once Zhao Weiguo brings the matchmaker to the door, it's impossible to hide it, so it's better to be open about it.

The fact that someone in the courtyard was going to get married, and that it was Li Hongmei, already attracted a lot of attention.

Many people were envious when they saw Li Hongbing leave early in the morning and bring back so many nice things.

It's not just that people envy the good relationship between Li Hongbing and Li Hongmei, but also their current standard of living, which is a whole level above everyone else's.

Everyone in the compound now knows that Li Hongbing received a huge sum of five million yuan from the Lou family because he saved Director Lou's daughter. It's normal for Li Hongbing to eat stewed meat every day.

However, Li Hongbing did not do that.

Firstly, that would be too eye-catching and easily attract hatred.

Secondly, with this kind of spending, this huge sum of "five million" won't last long.

For Li Hongbing, having a good meal once or twice occasionally, and having enough oil and fat in his stomach most of the time, is enough.

Like today.

Even if Li Hongbing spent a lot of money buying these things, the people in the courtyard would only feel envy, jealousy, and hatred, and wouldn't have any suspicions.

After returning home, Li Hongbing, with Li Hongmei's help, began to prepare the ingredients and cook.

If we wait until almost noon to start, we probably won't even have time to eat.

This big pork knuckle takes a lot of effort to make.

The braised pork knuckle that Li Hongbing is preparing needs to be stewed until it's seven or eight tenths cooked, then braised in sauce and steamed, and finally braised and fried.

The process is one aspect, but the most important thing is time.

Li Hongbing not only put his heart and soul into making these dishes, but also spared no expense.

In the morning, Zhao Weiguo and her parents, along with a matchmaker, arrived at the house. Before they even entered the courtyard, they could smell the fragrant aroma wafting from inside.

"Whose cooking is this? It smells so good!"

"Could it be Hongmei's family?"

"Who knows!"

"I heard that your future daughter-in-law's younger brother is not only an apprentice at Fengzeyuan, but also a disciple of Master Guo Youzhong. That's quite remarkable. You are truly blessed to have found such a family."

"Oh dear, Hongmei is indeed a good girl, but the people cooking now may not necessarily be from their family."

"..."

When the future son-in-law came to propose marriage, the woman's family naturally had to make some preparations. So when they smelled these fragrances, Zhao's parents and the matchmaker couldn't help but start guessing.

Zhao Weiguo and Li Hongmei met through free choice, not through a blind date, so the matchmaker was invited on short notice.

However, before visiting the woman's family today, the professional matchmaker naturally learned about their situation in advance and gathered all the information.

The matchmaker's flattery pleased Zhao's parents.

Previously, Zhao Weiguo had taken Li Hongmei home for a meal, and they had met before.

They were actually quite satisfied with Li Hongmei.

However, when they were discussing marriage, they encountered obstacles and put it on hold.

Their son was determined to wait for Li Hongmei, and they had no choice but to compromise.

I originally thought it would take another two or three years, but things took an unexpected turn, and today I can finally get what I wanted and accomplish this good thing.

soon.

The four people entered the front yard.

When Zhao's parents visited for the first time, they didn't even need to ask around before seeing Li Hongmei busily working, and smiles appeared on their faces.

(End of this chapter)