Early morning in a courtyard house.
Early risers noticed something strange: Jia Zhangshi, who usually loved to sleep in, was cooking early in the morning. Some curious old women couldn't resist coming over to ask her about it.
"Jia Zhangshi, the sun has risen in the west! You can actually cook? Where's your daughter-in-law? Did you drive her away?"
Well, just from that tone, I can tell this person goes to bed early and doesn't know what happened last night.
Madam Jia glanced at the newcomer, who was Widow Wang from the backyard. Widow Wang and Madam Jia usually didn't get along, and the two often undermined each other and would fight whenever they met.
"Widow Wang, you're making trouble so early in the morning with your jinxed mouth. If you can't speak properly, then don't speak at all. What do you mean my daughter-in-law ran away? My daughter-in-law is perfectly fine! She gave birth to a big, healthy baby boy last night. I'm a grandma now."
After a bout of vomiting, Jia Zhangshi immediately felt refreshed, as if she had drunk an ice-cold cola on a sweltering summer day.
Widow Wang was dumbfounded. Qin Huairu went to give birth last night, and no one told me!
"What's so great about having a baby? It's like nobody's ever had one before."
Seeing that she couldn't gain any advantage, Widow Wang threw down a remark and left dejectedly.
"You, Widow Wang, are good at having children, but they're all just money-losing commodities."
Although Widow Wang backed down and left, Madam Jia Zhang didn't want to miss this opportunity to strike back at Widow Wang, so she added insult to injury.
Widow Wang, who had walked away, almost tripped and fell when she heard these words.
The commotion that started early in the morning quickly dissipated, and no one paid any attention to it.
But the news that Qin Huairu had given birth to a son spread throughout the entire courtyard in no time.
Three days later, Qin Huairu was discharged from the hospital, and Jia Dongxu delivered red eggs to every household, receiving congratulations from everyone.
Qin Huairu stayed home to recover after childbirth with peace of mind. Jia Zhangshi, who took care of her, did not cause any trouble because Jia Dongxu had given the naming rights of their son to Jia Zhangshi.
Just like in the original story, Jia Zhangshi gave her grandson the nickname Banggeng and the formal name Jia Geng. When Jia Dongxu learned of his son's name, he argued with Jia Zhangshi, but he couldn't win against her. Jia Zhangshi made the final decision, and it could not be changed.
Time flies, and more than twenty days have passed in the blink of an eye. In three more days, Bang Geng will be a month old.
At Yi Zhonghai's home, Jia Dongxu was discussing their son's one-month celebration with Yi Zhonghai.
"Master, the baby is almost a month old, and I'm thinking of having a small feast then."
Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai nodded and said...
"Yes, of course. It's good to have some fun and create a festive atmosphere. If you need any help, just tell the master. Don't be shy."
After hearing Yi Zhonghai's words, Jia Dongxu didn't hold back.
"Master, everything else is easy to handle, but what about the chef?"
Jia Dongxu paused for a moment, looking at Yi Zhonghai.
"Chef, don't we already have someone in our hospital? Just ask Sha Zhu for help. What, would Sha Zhu charge you?"
Yi Zhonghai spoke in a grand and dignified manner, as if asking you, Sha Zhu, to cook was a favor to you, Sha Zhu. It is clear that this person harbors malicious intentions.
Jia Dongxu was waiting for Yi Zhonghai to say this; he wanted to get something for free, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.
“Master, what you said is true, but you also know that it's all my mother's fault for being so talkative and easily offending people. Our family doesn't get along with Sha Zhu, so…”
Seeing Jia Dongxu stammering, Yi Zhonghai understood, "Damn it, he wants me to be the villain! This wicked disciple."
Regardless of Yi Zhonghai's feelings, Jia Dongxu was happy and left Yi Zhonghai's house contentedly.
After Jia Dongxu walked away, Yi Zhonghai pondered for a moment and then walked towards Sha Zhu's house.
Is Sha Zhu home?
Who is it?
Hearing someone call out, Sha Zhu, who had just opened the door, casually asked.
Seeing Sha Zhu open the door, Yi Zhonghai looked at Sha Zhu standing behind the door, who showed no intention of inviting him in. He couldn't help but feel dissatisfied, but since he had come to ask for help, Yi Zhonghai suppressed his dissatisfaction, organized his thoughts, and then spoke.
"Hey, you silly Zhu! An old man wants to talk to you. Let's go inside."
Only when Yi Zhonghai said he had something to do did Sha Zhu reluctantly open the door and let Yi Zhonghai in.
"Sir, you're a rare guest. What brings you here today?"
Yi Zhonghai could tell that Sha Zhu was harboring resentment.
"Isn't it because Grandpa is usually too busy? You child, are you angry with Grandpa? Well, I happen to have something to discuss with you today."
"Speak, I'm listening, old man."
Sha Zhu spoke in a calm tone, showing no sign of impatience whatsoever. Yi Zhonghai thought to himself, "Sha Zhu is still the same Sha Zhu; he can fool me with just a few words." Then he added.
"As you know, your brother Dongxu's child will be a month old soon, and he wants you to help him cook. But he's too busy, so as his chef, I'll arrange for you to join us. What do you think...?"
Yi Zhonghai left his sentence unfinished, glancing at Sha Zhu, as if to say, "It's your turn." Sha Zhu understood immediately and, not wanting to disappoint Yi Zhonghai, replied directly.
“Okay, no problem. What day? How many tables are there in total? What dishes are we going to have? Just give me the details.”
Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai realized that it was a done deal, and it had to be Sha Zhu.
"Oh, it'll be three days from noon. There will be three tables in total. Jia Dongxu will buy the food then. You can handle it yourself."
After Yi Zhonghai finished speaking, he was about to leave. He thought he had done a good job today. But then Sha Zhu said something that made Yi Zhonghai furious.
All I heard Sha Zhu say was...
"Alright, sir, I'll take half a day off. The three tables of food will cost 30,000 yuan. Since they're all from the same courtyard, I'll give you a discount and let's say 20,000 yuan."
"Why do you need money? We're all from the same hospital, we should help each other out. You help me today, I'll help you tomorrow. Let me tell you, Shazhu, you can't be obsessed with money."
Yi Zhonghai began his moral blackmail tactic, relentlessly brainwashing Sha Zhu, but Sha Zhu was no longer the same Sha Zhu; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he had turned evil.
Sha Zhu watched Yi Zhonghai quietly until Yi Zhonghai finished his performance, then slowly spoke.
"Uncle, even if I reduce my 30,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, isn't that enough to help? Besides, I'll have my salary deducted if I take leave. Who will help me when I have no food? Why don't you find someone willing to help cook for him?"
Yi Zhonghai knew he had messed up tonight. Sha Zhu had changed; the obedient Sha Zhu of the past would never return.
Yi Zhonghai regretted it; he regretted coming tonight.
(Special thanks to "Vice President Huang who loves preserved fruits"—your support is what motivates me to keep going. Thank you!)
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