Chapter 330: Dining Together with He Zuming

Truly, Mr. He.

I hurried out of the shop,

then spread my arms, stepped forward and embraced He Zuming,

"Mr. He, it's really you. It's been almost ten years since I last saw you."

"Heh, Jianqiang, you still remember the old man. Sit inside quickly; it's cold outside. Sijiucheng is much colder than where we are." He Zuming laughed.

I took He Zuming's hand and went inside,

Zhu Sheng also stood up,

"Mr. He, what are you treating Mr. Zhao with today?"

He Zuming raised the wine and cooked dishes and said, "I earned a hundred yuan today, spent it all on wine and food; we'll just eat these."

I said, "Mr. He, Zhu Sheng, let's go to a restaurant outside; it's too cold to eat here."

Zhu Sheng laughed, "I told you I wouldn't let you buy; you still don't believe it, right? Once Jianqiang arrives, we'll have good food."

"Jianqiang's first time here, I must extend my hospitality as a host. Whether the wine and dishes are good or bad, it's my sincere intention," He Zuming also said with a smile.

"Mr. He, hold the things you bought; how about we go to a restaurant for hot pot? That would also count as your hospitality. I never expected to meet Mr. He in Sijiucheng. I'm so happy today," I said excitedly.

"Jianqiang, the reason I brought you to Sijiucheng is mainly to meet Mr. He," Zhu Sheng said.

"Alright, Old Zhu, stop belittling me. I, He someone, have whatever virtue and ability that makes Jianqiang miss me. Let's go, we'll have hot pot. There's a decent charcoal hot pot here, the lamb inside is excellent. I've been wanting to eat it," He Zuming said, opening the small shop's door.

I and Zhu Sheng followed behind him.

"You old He, you want to eat yet are willing to spend your own money, but you wait until Zhao Jianqiang comes before eating—how stingy," Zhu Sheng teased from behind.

It seemed Zhu Sheng and He Zuming were very familiar with each other.

The three of us laughed and walked to a hot pot restaurant called Bai Jiashun.

Inside the shop, He Zuming requested a private room.

I ordered a large platter of lamb and other hot pot ingredients.

At that moment my phone rang,

I saw it was a call from Ding Li,

"Zhao Ge, where are you? Why can't I find you," Ding Li asked over the phone.

"Ding Li, come to the Bai Jiashun hot pot shop on You'anlu; I'm waiting for you in room 202 on the second floor," I said.

"Okay, Zhao Ge, I'll be there soon," Ding Li said and hung up.

I then entered the room,

He Zuming was the oldest, so I let him sit at the head.

He Zuming said, "Sigh, Jianqiang, no need to assign seats; for hot pot we can sit wherever we like."

"Jianqiang, have you contacted that Ding Li? When will he arrive," Zhu Sheng asked.

"I just called; he'll be here shortly," I said.

"Mr. Zhao also brought someone else," He Zuming asked.

"Yes, Mr. He, his name is Ding Li, also from Zaocheng; he drove me, so it's a good chance for Mr. He to see this person," I said.

"Fine, this physiognomy can only account for 50%; a person's loyalty and treachery requires bone‑feeling," He Zuming said.

"Later, when you shake his hand, feel his hand," I said.

"First feel it, then we'll talk," He Zuming said as he sat down at a spot.

"Old He, aren't you the Divine Fortune Calculator? Then calculate Ding Li's age," Zhu Sheng teased He Zuming.

"Heh, Zhu Sheng, you don't believe me? I've already calculated his age; he's thirty‑six, this year is his zodiac year," He Zuming twirled his beard and said.

"Alright, I'll ask Ding Li his age later; if you get it wrong, you'll have to drink as penalty," Zhu Sheng laughed.

We were just talking,

Ding Li knocked on the door outside,

I said, "Come in."

Ding Li pushed the door open and entered,

Seeing two strangers inside,

"Zhao Ge, who are these two gentlemen and how should I address them," Ding Li hurriedly said to me.

I introduced to Ding Li, "This is Mr. Zhu, this is Mr. He; they're both from Zaocheng, they've been in Sijiucheng, working as Beijing Drifters."

I didn't dare mention Zhu Sheng's status.

Ding Li quickly extended his hand,

"Hello, Mr. He, Mr. Zhu, I'm Ding Li. Pleased to meet you both,"

Ding Li shook hands with He Zuming and Zhu Sheng respectively.

He Zuming nodded toward me while shaking Ding Li's hand.

I understood He Zuming's meaning: it was reassurance.

After the four of us sat down,

Zhu Sheng asked Ding Li, "Brother, you look much younger; may I ask how old you are today."

Ding Li replied, "Mr. Zhu, I'm just thirty‑six this year."

"Oh, impressive, Old He, how did you calculate that," Zhu Sheng immediately gave He Zuming a thumbs up.

"Heh, Old Zhu, I can't tell you this; if I did, it would be like letting you steal my rice bowl in the future," He Zuming said with a laugh.

At this time the waiter brought the pot up, then carried the meat and vegetables over.

I told Ding Li to pour the wine quickly.

At this moment He Zuming lifted his wine glass and said, "Jianqiang, let me extend my hospitality and toast you first. You've traveled a long way and endured hardship."

Jianqiang and I have been friends for years; today I first met Brother Ding.

Although it's only the fifteenth, the year isn't over yet; here He Zuming wishes everyone a happy New Year.

We all happily raised our cups and drank the wine.

I took two bites of the hotpot lamb, felt it especially fragrant, and said, "Mr. He, the lamb here is truly fragrant."

"Who dares to cause trouble in Sijiucheng?" He Zuming laughed.

"Yes, only here can you eat authentic hotpot lamb. Jianqiang, you should know that many of the foods here are special tribute items, so they're delicious." Zhu Sheng also said.

"Having eaten such delicious lamb, and meeting my two teachers and two old friends, I am happy from the heart."

"I never expected to meet Mr. He in Sijiucheng." I said.

"There are many unexpected things. Jianqiang, Mr. He contributed the most this time; without him, I wouldn't have been able to see you." Zhu Sheng immediately said.

"It's a small matter, nothing to worry about. Old Zhu, it's your turn to drink." He Zuming said.

"Alright, I use this place, Sijiucheng, to welcome my old friend Zhao Jianqiang and Brother Ding's arrival."

"Today we will surely enjoy ourselves and return satisfied." Zhu Sheng said, then downed his drink in one gulp.

Zhu Sheng just said He Zuming helped; He Zuming could help Zhu Sheng—has He Zuming become this capable now?

I find it hard to believe.

I quickly finished my drink, then took big bites of the lamb.

Ding Li took out cigarettes and gave one to each of us.

Ding Li said: "Mr. He, Mr. Zhu, Brother Zhao, I'm the youngest here; in the past, in Zaocheng I had heard of Mr. He's reputation."

"Being able to meet Mr. He here today is a fortune. In that case, I will first offer Mr. He a cup, I'd like him to read my face, and I want to ask about my future luck."

After speaking, Ding Li raised his cup to toast He Zuming,

Zhu Sheng laughed: "Old He, they want you to read his face; I want to listen too."

He Zuming then stroked his beard and laughed: "Brother Ding, you want to read your face and ask about your fortune,"

"From the moment you entered, I observed you; your long, slender fingers indicate you should pursue literary pursuits. Your appearance is ordinary, unsuitable for a leader, fit for a supporting role."

"These years you've had bad luck—truly neither literary nor martial accomplishments, achieving nothing."

"But this year is a turning point for fortune,"

"From this year onward, you will benefit from meeting important persons and be successful in great undertakings."

"That is, you will meet helpful patrons. Thereafter everything will go smoothly."

Upon hearing He Zuming say that, Ding Li immediately happily said: "Mr. He, I understand; the benefactor you spoke of is Brother Zhao sitting here. Thank you for your guidance."