Siheyuan: Tanjia Cuisine He Daqing, destroying Yi Zhonghai

"Am I getting old?" He Daqing couldn't help asking himself. He watched He Yuzhu's progress and it seemed as if he saw himself back then, when he also worked tirelessly and climbed step by step. However, now he felt that he was gradually retreating behind the scenes, as if he had become an old man who no longer needed to fight.

One day, when He Yuzhu was busy in the kitchen, he found He Daqing sitting in the corner, looking at him silently. He Yuzhu felt something was wrong, so he put down his work, walked over and asked with concern: "Master, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"

He Daqing came back to his senses and forced a smile, "It's okay, maybe I'm just old and my physical strength is not as good as before."

He Yuzhu looked at He Daqing and suddenly felt uneasy. He suddenly realized that the old man who had led him to the path of being a chef was gradually getting old. He Yuzhu's heart tightened and he quickly said, "Master, please don't say that. You are the soul of our store, and everyone depends on your guidance!"

He Daqing felt a little relieved after hearing this, but it was followed by a more complicated emotion. He knew that He Yuzhu really respected him and knew He Yuzhu's intentions, but he also knew that his era was gradually fading away. When people get old, they will be replaced by young people one day. This is the law of nature and cannot be violated.

However, He Daqing still felt somewhat unwilling. Sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night and look at the roof, feeling empty inside. He knew he should be happy for He Yuzhu and that he had contributed to his success, but this sense of honor could hardly dispel the depression in his heart.

He Daqing also tried to distract himself with other things. He tried to chat with neighbors more, go for more walks, and even thought about finding some new hobbies outside the kitchen. However, every time he saw He Yuzhu continue to make great strides in the restaurant, he couldn't help but wonder in his heart: What else can I do? Can I play a bigger role?

This emotion reached its peak after He Yuzhu had a major breakthrough. That day, the restaurant received an important guest, a food critic with a high reputation in Beijing. This critic has always been known for being picky, and every comment he made could affect the reputation of a restaurant. When he sat down, the atmosphere in the room became tense.

He Yuzhu knew this was a rare opportunity, and he wanted to make the best dish to prove himself. He chose the restaurant's signature dish - a classic braised pork. The essence of this dish lies in the control of heat and the balance of flavors, which He Yuzhu has practiced countless times.

When the braised pork was served, everyone held their breath. The critic tasted it carefully, then nodded slowly, with a rare smile on his face. He said to the manager: "This dish is very good, especially the layering of flavors. It's rare to see such a careful preparation."

When this sentence reached the kitchen, He Yuzhu was so excited that he almost jumped up. He knew what this moment meant. He succeeded. He finally proved his strength under the most demanding test.

However, when he returned home and wanted to share the good news with He Daqing, he found that He Daqing had already returned to the house and closed the door. He Yuzhu stood outside the door, wanting to knock but hesitated. He knew that He Daqing might not want to see his excitement at the moment, because it would make him feel more lonely.

In the end, He Yuzhu did not knock on the door, but just stood outside the door quietly for a while, and then quietly returned to his room. He wondered if he had not done well enough, why did the master always look worried recently? Shouldn't he focus all the attention on himself and ignore the old man?

He Daqing didn't sleep well that night. He lay in bed, thinking about the past few days. He thought about He Yuzhu's success and his own fate of being replaced, and his heart was filled with bitterness. He knew that he shouldn't be so negative, but this emotion seemed to weigh on his heart and linger.

He Daqing knew in his heart that he couldn't go on like this. He thought about his original expectations for He Yuzhu and his previous dreams. He couldn't let these negative emotions continue to affect him. He had to continue to work hard, not only for himself, but also for He Yuzhu. Perhaps, he should let go of his self-esteem, continue to play his role, and become a better guide for He Yuzhu.

He Daqing has been getting up lately, especially in the middle of the night, because he always wakes up because of stomach discomfort. The small light at the head of the bed is dimly lit, and he sits quietly on the edge of the bed, feeling a dull pain in his abdomen. He sighs and thinks to himself: "This body is getting less and less useful. I'm really old."

He remembered that when he was young, he was strong and never felt tired whether he stayed up late to prepare food or stood in front of the stove all day. At that time, he also had a good appetite and could enjoy greasy dishes and spicy seasonings without any scruples. But now, not only has his appetite decreased, but even some of the food he once loved has become difficult for him to swallow.

He Daqing stood up, put on his coat, went to the kitchen, and boiled a pot of hot water. He knew that drinking hot water could relieve stomach discomfort. After the water boiled, he poured a cup, carried it back to the yard, sat on a rattan chair, and quietly looked at the night sky.

The night was quiet, with only the occasional sound of wind and a few dogs barking in the distance. He took a sip of hot water and felt the warm liquid flowing through his throat, bringing a hint of warmth, but this warmth could not dispel the depression in his heart. He thought of the conversation with He Yuzhu during the day. He Yuzhu's concerned eyes warmed his heart, but at the same time made him feel more helpless about his old age.

"I'm old, really old." He Daqing thought silently. He knew that he could not handle the busy kitchen like before, but deep down, he still had a deep love for food and cooking. He didn't want to quit just like that. He wanted to make use of his remaining energy and do something for He Yuzhu and the restaurant.

At this time, the door of the yard rang a few times. He Daqing looked up and saw He Yuzhu standing at the door with a small bag in his hand. He had obviously just returned, and his face was a little tired, but still energetic.

"Master, why haven't you slept yet? Are you feeling unwell?" He Yuzhu walked over and saw the hot water in He Daqing's hand and asked with concern.