Chapter 42: Deaf Old Lady's Worry, Shazhu's Disappointment

Deaf Old Lady took the wine glass from Xu Huizhen's hand, lifted her neck, and drank it all in one gulp.

Since it's Guan Yushan's request, she won't be polite.

She handed the empty glass to Xu Huizhen, cheerfully saying:

"Huizhen, thank you for looking favorably on this old lady."

"I've taken your sentiment."

"From now on I really can't keep drinking your wine for free."

"I feel a bit guilty."

At this point, Deaf Old Lady noticed Xu Huizhen's gaze turning forward.

She turned her head and saw Yi Zhonghai and Nan Yi walking toward them.

"Old lady, let's go home."

After greeting Xu Huizhen, Yi Zhonghai steadied the Deaf Old Lady's arm and said happily,

"Zhonghai, why is Nan Yi with you?"

Deaf Old Lady glanced at Nan Yi, her brows slightly furrowing.

This seemed a bit ominous.

She knew tonight Yi Zhonghai was to give Lin Shengli a welcome banquet, and Tan Yanfan had already bought a lot of things.

In her view, tonight's chef could only be her "obedient grandson" Shazhu.

But Nan Yi was actually with Yi Zhonghai.

She worried Nan Yi would snatch the job that belonged to Shazhu.

Although Nan Yi is the head chef of the neighboring machine‑repair workshop, his cooking is no worse than Shazhu's.

But cooking is a greasy, lucrative job, and she naturally wants Shazhu to do it.

In her mind, she originally had two retirement candidates.

The first is Yi Zhonghai, the second is Shazhu.

She has already seen that, throughout the Siheyuan, only these two people are reliable and willing to support her in old age.

Yi Zhonghai is upright, has prestige, and good conditions.

Their couple also always treats her like a mother.

Shazhu is also nice to her, still a chef, his cooking is tasty, and he's younger.

With Shazhu around, no one dares to bully her anymore.

Of course, she still thinks it's not perfect enough.

Because the leftovers Shazhu brings from the canteen are rarely given to her; they all go to Qin Huairu.

This makes her feel somewhat uncomfortable.

At first she also had her eyes on Zheng Juan.

To say she's met many people, she thinks the kindest is none other than Zheng Juan.

Even though Zheng Juan has a big burden, a blind younger brother.

But she still wants to matchmake Zheng Juan with Shazhu.

With Zheng Juan's kindness and diligence and Shazhu's chef status, life will surely become more prosperous.

Then her future days will be very comfortable.

Unfortunately, Zheng Juan doesn't like Shazhu.

After Lin Shengli arrived, the Deaf Old Lady also thought it over carefully.

After all, she's not familiar with Lin Shengli; Lin Shengli only has a blood relation with Yi Zhonghai and has no relation to her.

She worries Lin Shengli won't support her in old age, and might even persuade Yi Zhonghai not to support her.

Everyone has selfish thoughts.

And because of Lin Shengli, Yi Zhonghai probably won't cling to her anymore in the future.

So, for now, she still mainly places her retirement hopes on Shazhu.

"Old lady, I'm cooking for Eldest Uncle tonight," Nan Yi said politely with a smile.

Although he knows the Deaf Old Lady has never liked him much, he still respects her relatively.

"Let's go, we'll talk as we walk," Yi Zhonghai said, supporting the Deaf Old Lady as they left.

After walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped, turned back toward Xu Huizhen still standing at the doorway, and said:

"Huizhen, if Quan Wu is free, invite him to the house for a drink."

Xu Huizhen laughed, "Ah, does he also have a share?"

"Eldest Uncle has a happy event?"

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said, "Hmm, my maternal nephew is coming."

"I'm happy today."

Xu Huizhen also joined the happiness: "Really? That's great."

"Alright, later I'll tell Quan Wu."

Returning to the Siheyuan, just as they entered the Qian Yuan, Yan Bu Gui happened to come out of his house.

"Yo, the old lady went for a walk."

Deaf Old Lady: "What did you say?"

Yan Bu Gui raised his voice: "I ask if you went for a walk again?"

Deaf Old Lady: "What?"

For people she doesn't like, she sometimes pretends not to hear.

Especially when it's something she doesn't want to hear, no matter who says it, she pretends not to hear.

Yi Zhonghai laughed and said, "Alright, this old lady can't hear again."

Yan Bu Gui felt bored, gave an embarrassed laugh, called Yi Zhonghai to the side, and whispered:

"Lao Yi, after thinking it over, I've decided to tell you."

"Otherwise I'd be unworthy of what you gave me today."

Yi Zhonghai furrowed his brow and asked, "What is it?"

Yan Bu Gui glanced at the Deaf Old Lady and Nan Yi, covered his mouth with his hand, and whispered a sentence.

Yi Zhonghai: "What did you say?"

Yan Bu Gui repeated it.

Now Yi Zhonghai heard it clearly, and his face instantly darkened.

Yan Bu Gui hurriedly said, "Lao Yi, she's just like that; don't take it too seriously, ah."

"As long as you know in your heart who treats you well and who doesn't."

"By the way, don't tell her I told you this."

Yi Zhonghai nodded: "Old Yan, let's go eat at my place later."

Yan Bu Gui happily said, "Ah, I'll definitely go."

Jia Family.

Qin Huairu looked at Jia Zhangshi sitting there with a dark face and said:

"Mom, Dong Xu, let's discuss this properly as a family."

"Let's discuss how to get through this immediate crisis."

Shazhu said carelessly, "It's not that serious; what crisis could there be?"

"Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt won't hold it against us."

"We've been neighbors for years; how could a mere nephew change that?"

"Just wait; tonight Eldest Uncle will surely invite Dong Xu for a drink—he's Eldest Uncle's favorite disciple."

Qin Huairu frowned slightly, wondering if she hadn't made herself clear enough.

I already said we're discussing it as a family.

Shazhu, can't you be a bit more perceptive?

Jia Dongxu: "Shazhu, you'd better go back first."

"We'll discuss it as a family."

Qin Huairu: "Or else, Shazhu, go to Eldest Uncle's place first."

"Be proactive; Eldest Uncle won't hold it against you."

"Go early, just in case something changes."

"If possible, the kids are still waiting for you to bring them something tasty."

Even the goddess has spoken—how could Shazhu possibly not listen?

He nodded, answered with a sound, and stood up.

Just as he stepped out, he saw Yi Zhonghai supporting the Deaf Old Lady as they just entered the central courtyard.

The Deaf Old Lady is his lucky charm.

He gave a quiet chuckle.

Then.

Pretending not to see, he strode toward home.

Yi Zhonghai actually refused his request, so he'll have to put on a show and make Yi Zhonghai come begging to him.

The Deaf Old Lady also saw him and quickly called out to stop him.

"Having the old lady summon me to cook? Humph, if she doesn't meet my conditions, I won't go."

Shazhu stopped his steps, thought to himself with satisfaction, and turned his body around.

When he saw Nan Yi behind Yi Zhonghai, he was dumbfounded.

This also increased his disappointment in Yi Zhonghai.

Nan Yi's cooking is no worse than his.

He usually doesn't interact much with Yi Zhonghai.

At this moment, being with Yi Zhonghai, even a fool would know Yi Zhonghai invited him to cook.

Eldest Uncle really, I just threw a little tantrum—why won't he let me cook?

If I don't cook, how can I bring something tasty to Qin Jie?

Ah, I can't let Qin Jie be disappointed.

Eldest Uncle, Eldest Uncle, how did you become like this?