[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji":3,"chapter-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-972":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Siheyuan: Food, Love, and Family in 1960s Beijing",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2315022,4526,"Chapter 972: His Backside Turned Red","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-972",972,"\u003Cp>“Li Ge, we…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Peng Xiaoli returned with the same two cars from yesterday to pick them up for work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun watched everyone laughing as they put on clothes and gloves, preparing to leave, unsure what they should do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emboldened by last night’s “closeness,” Zhou Xiaobai mustered courage and softly asked Li Xuewu: “What should we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned to look at them, ignoring Li Huai’s gaze, and smiled: “Still want to come with me to Yingcheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai noticed the curious stares from the others and blushed, lowering her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun, bolder, linked arms with Zhou Xiaobai: “We don’t know Tianjin well—don’t know where to go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe~ Not tired enough, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled, ruffled Zhou Xiaobai’s hair, flicked Luo Yun on the forehead, and pointed to the door: “Go change your clothes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Li Ge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai looked up at him in surprise, while Luo Yun already pulled her off to change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wear more—it’s a boat ride!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu called after them, then turned back to let Li Huai, fully dressed, go first as they stepped out of the entrance hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli stood at the door and murmured as Li Xuewu approached: “Leader, I’ll ride with them in the second car.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded casually: “Or just head straight to the dock and wait—find a camera for them to play with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With hands in his coat pockets, he followed Li Huai down the steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Miaomiao trailing behind, he turned and smiled: “Miaomiao, want to take a spin around Yingcheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded toward Peng Xiaoli on the entrance steps: “You can join them—if you don’t mind the cold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ahead—see the sights of Yingcheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai, now standing sideways, smiled at Zhou Miaomiao: “And don’t forget your service duties—don’t cause trouble for Comrade Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to be so serious—just treat it as an outing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu gestured toward the door with a smile and walked out with Li Huai; Li Haiyang was already waiting by the rear door of the first car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Deputy Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao’s voice came from behind, tinged with surprise, delight, and a touch of timidity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned and smiled, waved casually, and kept talking with Li Huai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once both men were in the car, Li Haiyang took the front passenger seat, asked a question, then signaled the driver to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai watched from the window as the two girls bounced happily out of the courtyard and sighed to Li Xuewu: “Youth is wonderful—just looking at them makes you feel young again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, it’s too noisy for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu complained with mild disdain, then pointed to Luo Yun, waving goodbye and grinning at their car: “That one’s the daughter of Deputy Luo from the Political Department of the 62nd Garrison Regiment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai hadn’t expected the girl tagging along with Li Xuewu had such a background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Huai could react further, Li Xuewu quietly added: “The girl beside her is the daughter of Deputy Zhou Zhenan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhou… Zhou Zhenan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai’s jaw nearly dropped—he stared, dumbfounded, at the reckless Li Xuewu. This kid was insane!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Got Gu Haitao as his father-in-law, and now he’s chasing Zhou Zhenan’s daughter as a mistress?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu saw Li Huai’s shock, surprise, and the icy dread in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t explain directly—instead, he said: “I’m friends with Luo Yun’s cousin—Huang Gan, from Dongcheng No. 1 Detention Center.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced back at the car behind them, saw it catching up, then continued: “Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun both work at our club—they’re just kids. Their families know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled at Li Huai: “Girls this age love exploring the unknown—no need to earn money, plenty of free time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~~ I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that their families were aware, Li Huai relaxed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago, when he heard Zhou Xiaobai’s background, he’d almost jumped out of the car and shouted he didn’t know Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That “if you’re gonna die, don’t drag me with you” kind of feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he understood—it was just two naive girls, sheltered at home, getting a taste of the outside world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Li Xuewu, no doubt, was connected to these big-compound kids through his status as Gu Haitao’s son-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between boys and girls, especially among the children of the compounds, who can really control them these days?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this age, they’re all running loose—no school, no work. Having a temporary job to keep them occupied, with family ties and connections, is relatively safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhou Xiaobai had come alone, Li Huai might’ve worried more—but since two girls went together, what could possibly go wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way Li Xuewu doted on them—like an older brother—it was clear these compound kids got along well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d always known Li Xuewu wouldn’t ignore his father-in-law’s connections—he’d maintain his network. And here it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai nodded, smiling: “Those two girls clearly aren’t from ordinary families.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just acting up because they’re young.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled: “Last Sunday, I was drinking with Huang Gan and others—we talked about the Chadian Farm, and I mentioned I’d be traveling to Tianjin. That’s why they got excited.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you fifty yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai studied Li Xuewu carefully, then laughed: “You talk like you’re older than me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu waved his hand: “If you hadn’t reminded me, I’d almost think I’m ready to retire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought so too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai chuckled: “Young people always hang out together—work is work, you must be serious on the job.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But outside of work, loosen up a bit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to Li Haiyang in the front seat: “Look at him—he copies you everywhere, already acting like an old man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Haiyang lowered his head, smiling shyly—he dared not speak out of turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You think leaders are joking—but they’re saying serious things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced ahead, following Li Huai’s line: “Haiyang is far stronger than me—he gets to learn from you. His future is limitless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah~ Everyone learns from me—who do I learn from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai smiled, watching the river scenery outside, then said: “I’d buy osmanthus and wine, but it’s never the same as youth’s joy—cherish your time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Old Li still restless from last night? Or hadn’t let Zhou Miaomiao have her fill? Why so many reflections today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always bringing up youth—could it be…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Trade Management Center, Andrew and his group, accompanied by Zhou Gancheng of the Foreign Affairs Force, descended after breakfast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Xuewu and the Foreign Affairs Office staff waited downstairs; Li Huai had other duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t slack off just because he was going to Yingcheng—how easy is it to be the top boss?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This morning, he’d inspect the investment and management of the Trade Management Center’s branch office; by noon, he’d head to Jingu to assess the construction of the cargo dispatch warehouse (Xingang).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he was in Tianjin, Han Director of the Seafood Company wouldn’t let him off—there’d be a banquet tonight too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaders don’t just work hard on weekends—business trips are even harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While handling these tasks, he couldn’t neglect work back in Beijing—he had to monitor and manage constantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wherever he went, his phone followed. Secretary Li Haiyang had to stay in constant contact with Deputy Director Ao Yu-hua of the Beijing Municipal Committee Office—it was protocol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you hear on the news that some official went missing for days, don’t think he went mountain-climbing with someone’s wife—he was detained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any official of higher rank or critical position never goes missing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Missing means self-isolation, cutting ties with work—that’s political suicide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, there were no cell phones, no 24\u002F7 availability—but keeping contact was even more vital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a major accident occurred at the steel mill, the chief supervisor had to be notified immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the chief supervisor couldn’t be reached, they’d be held responsible for the secondary accident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meaning: regardless of whether the accident was your fault, if they couldn’t reach you, you bore the blame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s rank didn’t reach that level, but due to his unique position, his fixed office had a phone line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say he’s often on field duty?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then think about why he insisted on using that self-modified command vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good morning, Mr. Andrew. How was your rest last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good morning, Mr. Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew smiled, shook Li Xuewu’s hand, then gestured for them to walk together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I love this place—especially the Haihe River in the distance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Li Xuewu and added: “The staff rest area is well-prepared—worth every penny.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu signaled Peng Xiaoli to open the car door, smiling: “Five thousand yuan in rent isn’t spent for nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew descended the steps and climbed into the car with Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng spoke to Gao Ya and Liu Shaozong, then hurried past Peng Xiaoli to take the front passenger seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli didn’t mind—he helped the other two leaders into the rear car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Qi watched all this, arranging his team onto the following bus while giving instructions to his aide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two sedans and one minibus drove along the street in front of the Trade Management Center toward the nearby dock highway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday, standing on the third floor and looking toward the river, the yacht seemed close—but actually walking to the dock would take over ten minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key issue is that the road to the dock isn’t suitable for walking; you must travel by vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the time it takes to let out a single fart, the three vehicles pulled up at the dock entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Foreign Affairs Office had already arranged reception here, and Andrew’s captain and crew were standing on board to welcome them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Representing the steel mill was Li Xuewu, accompanied by Xia Zhongquan, three shipbuilding experts, and several support staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Industry, Foreign Economic Relations, and Foreign Affairs each sent only one official as an attendant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest were all Andrew’s people, including his personal secretary, technical surveyors, engineering managers, and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This yacht is said to accommodate eight people for round-the-clock rest—that means true rest, complete relaxation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even with over twenty people aboard, it didn’t feel crowded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Qi, as head of the Foreign Affairs Office, saw them off here and will meet them back at this same dock tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This yacht looks tiny when you stand on a building and look at it—even though Andrew said the captain’s length is nearly forty meters, most people still can’t grasp its scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when you stand on the dock, inside the vessel, do you feel how much it can hold… how much it can hold, damn it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be formal—find a seat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the yacht’s salon, Andrew smiled and invited everyone to sit; the large four-seater sofa was very comfortable. Liu Shaozong and Gao Yaqin were both officials in the ministry, but they had never seen such luxury before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cabin had a living room, a bar, and a dining table—larger than their own living rooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng had seen fine things due to his work, but he had never seen such a high-end yacht.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stood in the salon, glancing here and there, no longer holding back their composure—only curiosity and admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun stood beside Li Xuewu, marveling at the salon interior, especially the bar counter, where shelves held every kind of foreign liquor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ahead, have fun—don’t be shy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew was very hospitable and generous; he smiled and gestured to the three women, then turned to Li Xuewu and said, “Mr. Li, let me show you around my boat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It would be my honor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled slightly; though he wasn’t impressed by yachts, he had never studied one in detail before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During his years working in Africa, these things sat at docks everywhere—he never bothered to board one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those so-called giant lobsters, he ate until he never wanted to see one again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now it was different: yachts had become his work. To know yourself and know your enemy, especially when your partner extends a voluntary invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patted Zhou Xiaobai on the shoulder, signaling her to enjoy herself, then nodded to Peng Xiaoli, indicating he should look after the guests here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he turned to follow Andrew into the boat, Zhou Gancheng called out and followed along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll come with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced back at him, then slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng was highly responsible and knew proper protocol—he followed silently behind them, like an invisible man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew didn’t mind; he understood the procedures of mainland foreign affairs personnel. He had nothing to hide here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the dining room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew smiled and said, “Look at the décor and layout—it’s identical to my home in Italy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added with a touch of emotion, “My father, wanting to ease my homesickness and longing, specially replicated the exact appearance of our family dining room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew pointed to the tableware in the cabinet and smiled, “Even these utensils match the exact style my mother used daily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great paternal love.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu offered appropriate praise and affirmation—billionaires, too, value family and parent-child bonds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially among Europe’s old-line families, lineage and heritage are paramount; Italians are among the most family-oriented in Europe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, only the wealthy can achieve what he now saw and heard—without money, claiming to replicate your home’s dining room on a yacht is pure nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just these silver candlesticks, classical wall paintings, and antique furniture could buy a house in Beijing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that’s Beijing real estate prices from this era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looking at what you’ve shown me, I’m so envious I’d like to take a transoceanic voyage myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Li Xuewu spread his hands and added with a wry smile, “But unfortunately, I know my father has no money—he could never move our dining room onto a yacht.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew burst into loud laughter; the two conversed fluently in French, not caring whether Zhou Gancheng, trailing behind like a spectator, understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, Zhou Gancheng understood—he was staring at Li Xuewu with a look of disbelief as Li mocked his own father while self-deprecating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, whether ordinary people or cadres, everyone held blind confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where they lacked, they emphasized strengths; if no strengths existed, they stressed spiritual resilience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very few were like Li Xuewu, who openly admitted his economic inferiority and responded to boasts with humor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What delighted Andrew and startled Zhou Gancheng most was that Li Xuewu used these realities as jokes, yet showed no trace of inferiority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re rich—I admire you, but I don’t worship you, don’t flatter you, and won’t spout empty slogans like “Don’t look down on the young poor; thirty years from now I’ll have this too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just for this, Zhou Gancheng couldn’t utter a word—at least when boarding, everyone else was astonished, while Li Xuewu was quietly observing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, Li Xuewu’s gaze was clear, free of excitement or envy—calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such composure wasn’t common—even Zhou Gancheng, who frequently dealt with foreigners, had never seen a yacht before. Li Xuewu’s ability to remain unimpressed spoke volumes about his character and conviction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only confidence brings calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew admired this poor-yet-unyielding demeanor, couldn’t understand the source of his confidence, and thus always treated him with respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, I’ll show you the engine room and bridge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grabbed Li Xuewu’s arm, gestured toward the door, and led the way to the bridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re about to set sail—let you experience the world’s most advanced navigation cabin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still boasting—but he had the right to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t understand ship navigation technology or maritime management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from the level of electrification in the bridge, he could see the gap between mainland vessels and foreign ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been inside the bridge of Dongfeng Shipping’s cargo ships—nothing compared to this yacht’s order and advancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this might be because he stood on a high-end yacht.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the abundance of instruments on the control panel confirmed that this wasn’t just marketing hype.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu’s probing gaze, Andrew guided him, without disturbing the crew, explaining each instrument’s function.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stood behind the captain, personally experiencing the standardized process of a vessel’s startup and departure from the dock into the channel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was entirely different from when he once piloted that iron-hulled boat in Yangcheng—like riding a motorcycle versus driving a four-wheeled car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you feel the vibrations and noise from the engine room now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew stomped his foot and gestured with his finger, explaining, “The loudest noise below deck comes from the engine—only the Ruo Xianjiang and the engine itself rival it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This yacht’s engine room has been fully insulated to reduce residual noise and vibration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped a point with his finger, explaining, “The flexible coupling is placed inside the engine room; the generator and engine are mounted on rubber to minimize vibration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pushing open the heavy door, Andrew introduced as he led Li Xuewu to the heart of the yacht—the engine room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was loud, deafeningly so—utterly unlike the quiet above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew raised his voice, pointing to the engine: “See? All surfaces in the engine room are wrapped in sound-absorbing material; the exhaust pipes are suspended; the cooling water pipes are encased in rubber sleeves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exiting the engine room and closing the door, the noise diminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pursed his lips and said seriously to Li Xuewu, “A yacht isn’t a fishing boat—the key is comfort. Noise is the worst enemy of afternoon tea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three returned to the comfort zone; Andrew shook his head slightly: “Earlier yachts used battery banks for power, but their usability was terrible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know why we use electricity now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew looked intently at Li Xuewu, posing a critical question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu thought, then answered, “Safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Correct!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew nodded happily: “Precisely. With electricity, we no longer need petroleum gas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Butane.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded understandingly: “That stuff is fine at home, but on a boat, it’s far too dangerous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you must know, most yachts and ships still use it as fuel—it’s lighter and more convenient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew shook his head slightly: “I’ve seen a yacht explode from liquefied petroleum gas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t say what happened next, only pursed his lips, shook his head, and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only those within the industry witness the true quality of a product.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like sausage makers who never eat sausage, instant noodle makers who avoid instant noodles, gas station workers who know which oil not to use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing the dining room, Andrew pointed to the floor and said, “After switching to generators, the kitchen can now use modern equipment to prepare gourmet meals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Like microwave ovens, large refrigerators, automatic water-supply coffee machines, and trash compactors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew patted a wall, pointing to the spot: “Inside here is an ice maker—it produces 2,000 ice cubes in 24 hours. My favorite!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, nice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled: “But it doesn’t suit Asian habits—we prefer stove-fired cooking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially this ice maker.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked to the spot where Andrew had just stood and touched the wall; there was a faint vibration—the compressor was running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re more accustomed to drinking warm boiled water; in our dietary customs, cold drinks are not kind to the stomach.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know—it’s just a cultural difference.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew pursed his lips and exaggeratedly widened his eyes, then spread his hands and said, “My homeland is farther away than the horizon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marco Polo took four years to reach here; I only needed less than a month.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled and said, “I know exactly how to sell yachts to Asians. Really, believe me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just a friendly reminder—no comparison intended.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded with a smile and said, “Take me to see the other areas. This might be my last time experiencing a luxury yacht.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t say that, my friend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew grinned and wagged his index finger at Li Xuewu: “In China there’s an old saying: ‘Golden scales aren’t…’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop! Mr. Andrew!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu grabbed his hand firmly and said seriously, “We don’t say that phrase anymore here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew, confused, shrugged and pursed his lips. “You know what I mean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand. Let’s move on to the next place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu was genuinely afraid he’d keep going and get himself into trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan Cheng followed behind, staring blankly at his back, wondering what was wrong with this kid—what was so bad about that phrase?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Li! Look quick!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun saw Li Xuewu and the others enter. Though Andrew was the host, she couldn’t hide her excitement and pointed at the cabinet in the bedroom: “It’s a television!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When visiting someone’s home, you must know proper manners.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said to her, “Don’t shout like that. You’re a grown girl now—how embarrassing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun’s excited face flushed red, and at Li Xuewu’s words, she instantly fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Zhou Xiaobai beside her changed expression and stood rigidly beside Luo Yun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew smiled at them, not understanding Li Xuewu’s words but sensing their meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Relax—this is a place for leisure and entertainment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pressed his hands down and smiled reassuringly: “All the entertainment facilities here are open to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he gestured to Li Xuewu to translate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at the two and said, “Follow the rules—you can play, but don’t make a racket. Understood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he introduced Andrew: “This is Mr. Andrew, a friendly foreign businessman. You must greet him properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sorry, Brother Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai held Luo Yun’s hand, seeing her head bowed, and voluntarily apologized to Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Relax, relax, Mr. Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew, standing nearby, knew Li Xuewu hadn’t translated his words. He signaled to Zhou Gan Cheng behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan Cheng looked at Li Xuewu, understood he was disciplining the girls, and quietly explained the reason to Andrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew smiled and turned on the television, tuned it to a program, and demonstrated the controls to the two girls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai glanced at Li Xuewu, then timidly lowered her head, unable to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew sighed and looked at Li Xuewu: “Mr. Li, you’re too serious. I’m your friend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled at the two girls and gestured toward the TV playing a foreign program: “Help yourselves—relax.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to the ceiling and explained to Li Xuewu: “My yacht has four televisions. If you’re outside the broadcast range, you can use a new ‘recorder’ to save programs and play them back through high-fidelity speakers. It can also receive radio broadcasts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew tapped a speaker in the corner of the room: “This yacht is equipped with Ampex stereo sound systems throughout, fully preserving the entertainment experience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yacht truly stunned them—those who had never seen a yacht or the outside world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the yacht, a private, luxurious atmosphere permeated everywhere; the exquisite carpet beneath their feet was said to have been custom-made by Andrew’s father in Denmark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew disliked artificial lighting, so he hid only a few lamps in the corners of the lounge and dining area, letting candles illuminate evening gatherings and create the ideal ambiance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the bathroom, Li Xuewu discovered gold-plated fixtures everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder Andrew kept boasting to him—he really had something to show off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Andrew introduced various antique collections on the ship—even the dining chairs and tables were sixteenth-century antiques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never boasted about the gold in the bathroom, perhaps thinking it beneath him—the classic noble’s demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What truly fascinated Li Xuewu was Andrew’s claim about the yacht’s long-range capability: beyond fuel and electricity, it also had a sophisticated freshwater system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, everyone would know reverse osmosis technology—common household water filters costing just a few thousand yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even now, a seawater desalination system already existed—and was fully installed on this yacht.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not reverse osmosis, but a system called a waste-heat evaporator: a machine that converted steam into fresh water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, Andrew had shown him the kitchen appliances; now, in the bathroom, he saw even more modern electrical devices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Air conditioning, automatic sprinklers, washing machines, drum dryers—all household appliances were present, as if he’d returned to the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the main bedroom where Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun were playing, Andrew explained why this vessel was called a “yacht,” not a “pleasure boat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides radar and autopilot systems, the ship was equipped with a precise bow thruster, a large anchor winch, and hydraulic steering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu was certain these devices had only ever appeared on warships—installing them on a yacht was extravagance beyond reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew said the yacht could further enhance comfort with two retractable fin stabilizers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With gyroscopic control and hydraulic drive, it reduced sea-induced rocking from 15% to 1.5%.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the risk of being thrown from bed in rough seas was greatly reduced, this cabin featured a large double bed instead of the traditional single, anti-roll beds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew glanced at the two girls peeking from the side and whispered to Li Xuewu: this double bed could be electrically… you know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fuck!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Foreign old men really knew how to play!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai was lucky he didn’t come aboard—if he knew such a divine weapon existed, tailor-made for middle-aged men, he’d be green with envy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Li Xuewu mentally condemned Andrew’s shamelessness and vulgarity, his gaze still fixed obediently on the bed that… moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even care when Andrew boasted about the yacht’s dedicated diving equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Diving? What’s the fun in that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew noticed Li Xuewu’s gaze and seemed to misunderstand his meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grinned mischievously and patted Zhou Gan Cheng’s arm, signaling Li Xuewu to rest—the trip to Yingcheng was still a long way off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he led the strangely glancing Zhou Gan Cheng out, Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun also quietly tried to slip away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where are you going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu plopped down on the bed, not even looking at them, still pondering the bed’s secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he called out to them: “Aren’t you going to watch TV?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What crap—it’s not even interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun was stubborn to the end—just moments ago, when Zhou Xiaobai glanced at him, her eyes had been glued to the TV.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s so bad, why did you scream to watch it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu scolded her, then lay down in the center of the bed and pressed the control button on the headboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! What’s this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai seemed to understand—seeing Li Xuewu’s waist lifting up and down, her face flushed crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled her hand away from Luo Yun, covered her face with both hands, turned her back, and blushed as she cried out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun, however, was a curious child. She knew exactly what this was—and what Li Xuewu’s current state meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t blush or hide; instead, she walked to the edge of the bed and asked curiously: “Is this thing comfortable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t know—I’ve never used it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at the control panel with multiple adjustment buttons, even frequency and intensity settings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right on it—how can you say you’ve never used it?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun knelt beside the bed, eyes wide, asking: “So you don’t have to exert yourself at all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Luo Yun! Don’t say that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai couldn’t bear hearing such shameful words—if Li Xuewu hadn’t stopped her, she’d have run out long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun glanced back at her, pouted, and said: “Now you’re shy? What about last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying that, she turned back to Li Xuewu and asked flatly: “So you two didn’t do anything all night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu was adjusting a new setting, but that didn’t stop him from flicking Luo Yun’s forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of nonsense are you thinking in that little head of yours?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The nonsense you’re doing right now~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun pouted and asked: “Brother Li, you like this thing—is there something wrong with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looking for a beating?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glared at her, threatening with his palm: “A grown girl saying things like this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun scratched the back of his neck indifferently and sneered, “Like anyone doesn’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re beyond saving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu pointed at her, sat up, and said, “I’m studying the principles of mechanical equipment, investigating the roots of capitalist decay, uncovering...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Li...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun stared at him in silence and said, “No wonder you became an official so young—you’ve got the nerve!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu jumped off the bed and gestured toward Zhou Xiaobai, who was standing by the door peeking over: “Xiaobai is the one who listens and understands—pure and kind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eeeeee~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun’s lip curled even further as she checked the control panel by the bedside and muttered, “So pure she likes kissing, so kind she can’t bear to let you sleep alone, huh... Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she finished speaking, Li Xuewu slapped her buttocks; she yelped and leapt from the edge of the bed to the middle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she was clutching her rear, face flushed, glaring at Li Xuewu with clenched lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Served you right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai walked back from the door, pouted at Luo Yun, and said, “You asked for it, talking nonsense like that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You did it, but you won’t let me say it?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun pouted back, scolding Zhou Xiaobai: “You’ve changed—forgetting loyalty for lust, consumed by desire!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mess with anything here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu walked to the door, opened it, and turned back to warn them: “Especially the TV—don’t watch that kind of stuff!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun lounged on the spot where Li Xuewu had just been lying, first replying, then whispering, “With something this fun, who’d watch TV?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Luo Yun!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu leave, Zhou Xiaobai went back to playing with the embarrassing thing; she jumped and shouted in anger, her face flushing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get down right now! Don’t play with that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching their lively antics, Li Xuewu chuckled and shook his head, stepping out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned to close the door, he still heard Luo Yun telling Zhou Xiaobai: “Check if I’ve got a palm print on my butt—it really hurt, my whole rear’s red.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Luo Yun!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Luo Yun so shameless, Zhou Xiaobai slapped her and said, “Put your clothes on...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The laughter and playfulness inside made Li Xuewu almost lose control—he nearly opened the door again to watch, or even test the bed’s real effects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how could a virtuous man like him do such a sordid thing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who among those present doesn’t know he’s a gentle, refined gentleman, pure and self-disciplined?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Vice Director Li”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Xuewu stepped out of the room, Zhou Miaomiao walked gracefully toward him down the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dancer by training, she was tall and slender, dressed fashionably, stepping across the carpet like a model.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t find a place to rest?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced behind her—the corridor was quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao shook her head slightly, pursed her lips, studied Li Xuewu for a moment, then smoothed her hair and whispered, “Is it convenient? I... I’d like to talk with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow in mild surprise; seeing her serious expression, he tilted his head toward the dining area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao nodded, her expression cautious as she walked ahead toward the dining room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After carefully observing her back again, Li Xuewu followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier invitation for her to join him was solely out of respect for Li Huai’s reputation and her nighttime probe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was fishing—but never expected the fish to bite on its own; what’s the point of his setup now?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could there be some other meaning...?\u003C\u002Fp>",5224,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","601b562b8bffcb40215a7795441585e0d51edf0961afec614cd5d5efcbcff073","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-973","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-971",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]