Wishing everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival! May the moon be full and people be reunited! (chuckles) The fifth watch! The fifth watch!
"I bought a small two-courtyard house, it's a siheyuan (traditional courtyard house), it's really nice!"
"It's too small. I've prepared a large three-courtyard house for you, with all the furniture and household items ready."
"Why would I live in such a big yard by myself? No, I'll just live in my own home."
"That house is in your name, it's yours. Here, this is the deed."
"I don't want to."
“Hongmei, just take it if your brother Zhang gives it to you. It’s nothing.”
"No, I still can't have it."
"This house covers last year's interest, so take it. We haven't seen each other for over a year, and we've become quite estranged."
"Then let's calculate it as interest for three years."
Zhang Shouyi had no choice but to agree. "Fine, whatever you say goes."
Zhang Hongmei happily accepted the property deed, carefully examined it, and confirmed that the owner's name was indeed hers.
I carefully folded it and put it in my shirt pocket.
"Now you can move in, right?"
"No, I'll be fine living in the small courtyard by myself. It'll feel too empty if it's too big. But I don't need to buy any furniture; I can just move it over there."
Zhang Shouyi had absolute respect for Zhang Hongmei. He would never force her to do anything.
"Then I'll take you to the Overseas Chinese Store this afternoon. They have everything there."
"I've made plans to go with Jingze tomorrow; he has overseas Chinese tickets."
"We need to buy a bicycle too, right?"
"Yes, I saw it on the third floor of the building today. They even have women's ones. I'll buy one tomorrow. Also, I have a bicycle ticket, a special ticket for the military."
“You’ve thought of everything. Okay, but I’ll still take you to the Overseas Chinese Store this afternoon.”
"Okay, let's go take a look. I heard they also have chocolate, bread, butter and stuff like that. I'll buy the butter and make my own bread."
"Okay, you can buy whatever you want, take your pick."
"Brother Zhang, do you have time? Don't you have to go to work this afternoon?"
"Now that you're here, how can I not keep you company? I've taken the day off. I'll take you out for Peking duck for lunch and hot pot for dinner."
"Sure, I've been craving hot pot for ages. I'm going to use these few days to try all the delicious food in the capital."
"Your ambition is quite noble; I'll have lunch with you every day."
"Come on, you're so busy with work. And eating with you isn't comfortable. I just wander around and eat wherever I happen to be. Once we've made a reservation, it just doesn't feel the same."
"Should I find someone to keep you company?"
"No need, Liu Jingze is here. We go to the same school and study together, so he has time these days."
"Liu Jingze, you two came together, right?"
"yes."
"Hehe, alright, have fun. Don't worry, no one in the capital can bully you."
“I’m not a shrew who fights everywhere I go. I’m a civilized person.”
“Yes, you are a civilized person. There used to be an old saying, ‘Even a seventh-rank official is above the prime minister’s gate.’ That is to say, the people here are somewhat arrogant and xenophobic. But remember this, don’t be afraid of trouble. We work so hard, if we can’t even protect you and let you suffer, then we’ll have no face.”
“Yes, Brother Zhang is right. Don’t be afraid if someone tries to cause trouble, I’ll take care of them. I’ll take you to meet the powerful and influential people in the capital when I have the chance.”
"Are there still powerful and wealthy people around?"
"Hehe, it's always there."
"Dad, go change your clothes, let's go eat."
“Hongmei said she wants to eat hot pot with mutton, so let’s go eat that for lunch and have roast duck for dinner.”
"Okay, let's go eat mutton."
"Brother Shouyi, I'm going to get the car."
"Go ahead, let's take two cars. Xiao Li is outside. After we finish eating, we'll go for a walk. You can take my dad and bring him back."
Xiao Shun, go and get the overseas Chinese tickets first.
"Alright, Brother Shouyi."
Zhang Shouyi looked at Zhang Hongmei sitting on the sofa with a little nervousness; now there were only the two of them left in the living room.
Zhang Hongmei felt a little uncomfortable; she was nervous and felt pressured when she was with Zhang Shouyi.
"What's wrong? Why are you being so distant with me?"
"No, I'm just a little nervous. Maybe it's because your aura is too strong."
"Is that so? To you, I'm still the same person I always was. We've only been apart for a year, but it feels like we haven't seen each other for over a decade. Hongmei, I don't want this. What I can't accept the most is your estrangement."
"I didn't, I really didn't."
"Okay, okay, I know, I'm just a little nervous. Hongmei, which major are you planning to choose?" Zhang Shouyi quickly changed the subject, and the girl's face turned red with anxiety.
"I'll probably choose economics as my major."
"That works too. You're quick-witted and cautious, so studying economics would be a good option."
"Brother Shouyi, I've brought the tickets over."
"Okay, go see why my dad hasn't come down yet?"
"I'm here. Let's go, it's a happy day." Zhang Xingguo had specially changed into a new outfit and straightened his clothes after coming down.
"So impressive!" Zhang Hongmei gave Zhang Xingguo a thumbs up, praising him.
"That's right."
"Dad, the three of us can ride in my car, and Xiaoshun can follow behind. After dinner, I'll take Hongmei for a walk."
"Okay, I have a meeting this afternoon, you two go have some fun."
The group arrived at the restaurant and requested a private room.
"Deputy Secretary, everything is ready. Please enjoy your meal."
"Wait a minute, Hongmei, think about what else you'd like to eat?"
"This is good enough. If you have any tofu, please bring a plate."
"Comrade, is it white tofu or blood tofu?"
"You also have blood tofu? Then one plate of each, and another plate of cabbage leaves."
"Please wait a moment, it will be right there."
"Hongmei, you still like to eat blood tofu?"
"Yes, lamb blood tofu is delicate, and it's nice to have it once in a while."
"I remember now, shall I order milk for you? I'll deliver a bottle to you every morning?" Zhang Shouyi slowly put mutton into the copper pot, not forgetting to ask Zhang Hongmei.
"Can I still order milk?"
"Sure, it was originally for us, but I rarely drink it, so I'll send it to you instead. This is good for young girls."
"Uncle Zhang, aren't you going to drink?"
"No, I don't like the taste."
"After I take you home tonight and find out the address, I'll tell them tomorrow, and you'll be able to drink it the day after tomorrow."
“Great! I don’t like milk powder. Fresh milk would be even better. I can also make bread and other desserts.”
"Make it for me when I get there."
"No problem, I'll make all the ones I know, and we'll see which one tastes good and which one you like."
Wang Xiaoshun was beaming with happiness. If the commander had food, he was sure he'd have some too. Hongmei's arrival was a blessing. He'd check with the logistics department more often these next few days; if only they had pork and fish, braised pork belly, and sauerkraut fish. Just thinking about it made his mouth water; even hot pot couldn't compare to those two dishes.
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