Siheyuan: Tanjia Cuisine He Daqing, destroying Yi Zhonghai

A complex emotion flashed in He Daqing's eyes. He patted Sha Zhu's hand and smiled, "Sha Zhu, you are a good boy. I know you are sincere, but people are old and have to face some things by themselves. However, I feel at ease with you by my side."

Sha Zhu nodded, and secretly vowed in his heart that he must use his actions to make his master feel at ease. He knew that his master's knot could not be untied overnight, but he was willing to use time and patience to accompany and support him, so that he could feel that he was still needed.

Since then, Sha Zhu has paid more attention to letting his chef participate in the restaurant's affairs. Although he no longer lets him work personally, he always takes the initiative to ask He Daqing for advice on important decisions, or deliberately asks his chef for help when he encounters a difficult problem in the kitchen. He Daqing understands Sha Zhu's intentions and slowly begins to accept this new role. Although he is no longer the protagonist, he is still the strongest support behind Sha Zhu.

Slowly, He Daqing's mood seemed to improve. Although he was still a little uncomfortable, he began to get used to and accept this change. He no longer dwelled on what he had lost, but learned to cherish every day. He knew that although he was no longer the one standing at the forefront of the kitchen, his experience and wisdom were still priceless, and Sha Zhu still needed him.

Although He Daqing gradually adapted to the new pace of life, the contradictions and uneasiness in his heart could never be completely calmed down. Every night when he sat alone in the kitchen, he felt a slight discomfort in his stomach, and many complex emotions always emerged in his mind. Those youthful vigor and vitality now seemed to have become a thing of the past, and the reality before him forced him to face his own powerlessness.

Finally, one night, He Daqing could no longer suppress his inner boredom. He tossed and turned in bed, with waves of dull pain in his stomach. The loneliness in his heart was like a huge rock pressing on his chest, making it almost impossible for him to breathe. He knew that if he continued like this, he would only feel more and more uncomfortable. Maybe it was time to confront Sha Zhu.

The next morning, He Daqing got up earlier than usual. He walked slowly into the kitchen and saw Sha Zhu busy preparing breakfast. When Sha Zhu saw He Daqing coming in, he smiled and said hello: "Master, why did you get up so early today? Do you want me to cook some millet porridge for you? It's light and good for your stomach."

He Daqing nodded, but his expression was a little solemn. Sha Zhu noticed that the master looked a little strange, so he quickly put down his work, walked over and asked, "Master, are you feeling unwell? Didn't you sleep well last night?"

He Daqing looked at Sha Zhu, and suddenly a complex emotion surged in his heart. He knew that Sha Zhu had always cared about him, but some things still needed to be made clear. He sighed and slowly said, "Sha Zhu, I have something to talk to you about. It's still early, let's find a place to sit down and talk."

When Sha Zhu heard this, he suddenly felt nervous. He had never seen his master so serious, and he couldn't help wondering what his master was going to say. He nodded, and helped He Daqing walk to a stone table in the yard. After they sat down, Sha Zhu quietly waited for He Daqing to speak.

He Daqing looked at Sha Zhu with a complicated expression in his eyes. He hesitated for a moment and finally said, "Sha Zhu, we have been master and apprentice for many years. I am really happy to see you grow from a young boy to the man you are now. However, I have been thinking recently that it may be time to clarify some things with you."

Sha Zhu's heart sank, and he whispered, "Master, please tell me, no matter what, I'll listen."

He Daqing paused, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but he soon confirmed his thoughts and continued, "Shazhu, I'm old and my health is not as good as before. Recently, I always feel that I am a burden to you. You are an excellent chef, and now the restaurant's business is getting better and better. I know that this is all the result of your hard work. But I can't seem to be of any help except causing trouble for you."

"Master, how can you say that?" Sha Zhu interrupted hastily, his face full of anxiety, "You have always been my support. Without you, I can't hold on at all!"

He Daqing looked at his apprentice's anxious face, and his heart ached. He reached out and patted Sha Zhu's shoulder, and slowly said, "Sha Zhu, I know you are good to me, and I also know what you are thinking. However, over the years, I feel more and more that I am gradually losing control of my life, especially when I see how capable you are now, I can't help but feel a sense of loss in my heart."

Sha Zhu was stunned. He had never thought that his master would feel this way. In his mind, He Daqing had always been the omnipotent man. Now, hearing his master say this, Sha Zhu felt sad and helpless. He held He Daqing's hand, his voice choking: "Master, don't think like that. You are the person I respect the most. Without you, I would never have achieved what I have today. I hope you can always be by my side, continue to teach me and support me."

When He Daqing heard what Sha Zhu said, a touch of emotion flashed in his eyes, but he still felt the heaviness of powerlessness. He knew that Sha Zhu was sincere, but he also knew that he could no longer share the heavy responsibility for Sha Zhu like he did in the past, and he couldn't even fully control his own body. He sighed and continued, "Sha Zhu, I know you really want to help me, but there are some things I have to face myself. I am old, and I am no longer the He Daqing who can do everything. Perhaps, it is time for you to hold up the sky by yourself."

"Master, please don't say that." Sha Zhu said anxiously, "I have never thought about supporting myself. I need you by my side. You taught me not only cooking skills, but also the principles of being a person and doing things. Without you, I would not be able to get to where I am today."

He Daqing listened to his apprentice's words, feeling touched and helpless. He knew that Sha Zhu really wanted him to stay, but he also understood that time was irreversible and his physical and mental state were no longer as good as before. He didn't want his apprentice to stagnate because of him, but he also couldn't bear to see Sha Zhu feel confused and painful because of this.

"Shazhu, the master is not leaving you, but I hope you understand that there are some things I can no longer do, and you have to learn to handle them on your own." He Daqing said earnestly, "You are already an excellent chef, and the current restaurant is managed by you. I believe you can continue to do better. As for me, I will be by your side and watch you go further."