Siheyuan: The romantic and suave Xu Damao

"Okay, big brother, I got it. Then I'll talk to them and let them cook in the warehouse. This way the food won't be blown out by the wind and they can avoid catching a cold." Huang Genwang nodded and responded.

"Well, tell them that they can cook in the warehouse, but they have to be careful and not break anything. Also, remember to clean the floor when you leave, so as not to cause trouble for others."

Xu Damao reminded again.

"Okay, no problem! You are so thoughtful, brother. I will call them in right away." Huang Genwang patted his chest and promised. After that, he turned around and went out to call for help.

After a while, Huang Genwang brought Uncle Zhao into the warehouse. A few other men followed behind him, two of them carrying a large pot, and the others holding stones, bricks and two buckets of water.

"Thank you, young man. It's windy outside and it's really difficult to light a fire." Uncle Zhao said to Huang Genwang gratefully.

"Hehe, these are all small matters, Uncle Zhao. Are you preparing to cook noodles?" Xu Damao asked with a smile.

"Well, it's so cold today, and we have to work at night. We can't let them eat steamed bread all the time." As Grandpa Zhao said this, he directed others to build a simple stove with stones and bricks.

These workers have been eating with Mr. Liu for a long time, the shortest being three or four years. They are Mr. Liu’s old team, so they can’t be treated unfairly. Come have a bowl of noodles later, too. A bowl of hot noodles warms you up.”

"Hey, no need. I'll just eat two sesame cakes. What kind of noodles are you going to make?"

"Cabbage noodles. When I came here today, I specially cut two large cabbages and brought them with me. I also brought some lard. When the noodles are cooked, heat up the lard and pour it into the pot. It will be so delicious."

As Uncle Zhao spoke, he couldn't help swallowing.

"That's great. Those guys are really hard-working. I happened to bring some eggs today. I'll put them in the pot later. You can decide whether to fry them directly or cook noodles or poach them."

After Xu Damao finished speaking, he stood up and took out a small basket of eggs from the basket, which weighed about five or six pounds, and handed it to Uncle Zhao.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I can't do that."

Uncle Zhao quickly waved his hand to refuse, but Xu Damao insisted on giving it to him. He said that he still had a lot of eggs at home, and these eggs were given to him by others. He couldn't finish them all by himself, so he wanted to give them to the workers.

Uncle Zhao was still a little embarrassed and didn't want Xu Damao's eggs.

After all, in his opinion, Xu Damao sold so much grain to the Second Master, which was a great bargain for him. He should secretly give benefits to Xu Damao instead of taking benefits from him.

"Don't be polite. I didn't give you these eggs for free. When the noodles are cooked, give each of us three a bowl of noodle soup with two poached eggs in it."

Xu Damao spoke slowly with a smile on his face and a sly look in his eyes. He was secretly pleased with himself, thinking that his request was not excessive.

"Well, thank you very much, brother!"

Uncle Zhao nodded and agreed with a smile, and bowed to Xu Damao to express his gratitude. Then he took the basket of eggs and walked back carefully.

A few meters away from Xu Damao and his team in the warehouse, several men were already busy. They built a crude pot rack with stones and bricks, and placed the large iron pot steadily on it. Then, someone started to bring firewood and prepare to make a fire to cook.

"Lao Li, you are a good cook. Put these eggs in the pot when you cook later."

Uncle Zhao walked to the stove and gave instructions to an older worker. His voice was loud and firm, revealing an unquestionable sense of authority.

"Got it, Old Zhao."

Old Li nodded and responded.

"This basket of eggs was given by the boss next door. When the noodles are ready, serve three bowls of soup. You don't need to put noodles in the bowls, just two poached eggs."

Uncle Zhao continued to give orders, glancing at the other workers. In the dim light of the lantern, he saw the looks of surprise on the porters' faces.

"Old Zhao, you are amazing. You got a basket of eggs just by saying a few words."

"It's not my skill. The guy saw how hard you were working and took out the eggs for us to cook."

"That's also your ability, Old Zhao!"

Another worker replied with a smile. They knew Mr. Zhao's temper very well. Although he was a little harsh sometimes, he treated everyone fairly. Moreover, the eggs this time were also a pleasant surprise, which made everyone feel particularly happy.

"Okay, Brother Zhao, but with these eggs, we don't have to add the lard to the pan at the end. It would be better to just fry the eggs directly. It will be more fragrant!"

Hearing this, Uncle Zhao also laughed: "Haha, OK, Lao Li, you are an expert, you have the final say."

Old Li said proudly: "Don't worry, Brother Zhao, I will show you my skills." As he spoke, he opened the lid of a clay pot on the ground, scooped out two spoonfuls of white lard from it with a spoon, and gently knocked it into the big pot.

Then, Lao Li sprinkled some salt into the pot and shouted to the people around him, "Crack ten eggs into it later."

"okay!"

Seven or eight men responded one after another, each holding an egg in their hands, and gathered around the pot, waiting for Lao Li's order.

When Lao Li saw that the fire was almost ready, he shouted, "Now, put the eggs in."

Following his order, seven or eight eggs were beaten into the pot at the same time. Suddenly, the eggs met the hot oil, making a crackling sound.

"Three more!"

Old Li gave the instructions while stirring the eggs in the pot with a spoon.

The aroma of lard and eggs filled the air. It was so fragrant that Xu Damao couldn't help sniffing.

Lao Li skillfully stir-fried the eggs, and soon the eggs became golden and crispy, emitting an enticing aroma. Everyone watching this scene couldn't help but salivate.

Old Li skillfully scrambled the eggs in the pot with the spatula. While stirring, he told people to add water to the pot. After adding two large buckets of water, he nodded with satisfaction.

After the water boiled, Lao Li put the noodles and chopped cabbage in, and then sprinkled a handful of salt into the pot.

After about three or four minutes, Lao Li scooped some cold water into the pot to stop the water from boiling. Then, several big men quickly cracked a dozen eggs into the pot. This time they were going to make poached eggs, and the cold water was added to set the shape of the poached eggs.