Siheyuan: Tanjia Cuisine He Daqing, destroying Yi Zhonghai

That night, after the restaurant closed, He Yuzhu cleaned up the kitchen and stayed in the back kitchen. He knew that the chef would definitely stay to clean it one last time. Sure enough, He Daqing still adhered to his daily habit and wiped the stove carefully with a rag.

"Master, let's talk." He Yuzhu finally mustered up the courage to speak, with a hint of pleading in his tone.

He Daqing was stunned for a moment, then looked up at He Yuzhu, with a hint of hesitation in his eyes. After a while, he sighed softly: "Xiao Zhuzi, I actually have nothing to say. You did a good job, and I am very happy."

He Yuzhu shook his head and said sincerely: "Master, I know you are unhappy. Is it because I did something wrong? Tell me, and I will definitely change."

He Daqing was silent for a moment, and finally spoke: "Xiao Zhuzi, I know you have been busy recently and have done a good job. It's just... hey, Master, I may be really old. Seeing you so capable, I feel happy but also a little... indescribable feeling."

He Yuzhu looked at the wrinkles at the corners of He Daqing's eyes and felt uncomfortable. He suddenly realized that the master might feel that he was gradually losing his position and role in the kitchen, and he felt forgotten.

"Master, my restaurant has become what it is today thanks to your teaching from the beginning to the end. You are always the most important." He Yuzhu said sincerely, "In fact, I have always had an idea, which is to ask you to teach me more, especially those old recipes and traditional skills. I know that you still have a lot to teach me, and I have always wanted to learn."

He Daqing's eyes flashed with surprise. He originally thought that He Yuzhu had surpassed him and no longer needed his teaching. Hearing these words, he felt a warm current in his heart. He suppressed his inner touch and said lightly: "Xiao Zhuzi, your words make me feel much better. Since you are willing to learn, I am naturally happy to teach you."

In the following days, He Daqing picked himself up and began to carefully sort out the recipes and skills he had accumulated over the years. He found that although He Yuzhu had made some achievements in innovation and modern dishes, there was still room for improvement in some traditional skills. This gave him a long-lost sense of satisfaction and mission.

He Yuzhu also felt the renewed vitality of his master. He studied with his master every day, especially on those complicated traditional dishes. He always listened to his master's instructions patiently and practiced repeatedly. This interaction between master and apprentice gradually improved He Daqing's mood. Although he knew that he would have to quit one day, he was still able to contribute to He Yuzhu's growth, which made him feel fulfilled.

One day, He Yuzhu was practicing a traditional braised pork in the kitchen. This dish requires precise control of the heat and seasoning, and the original flavor will be lost if not carefully controlled. He Daqing stood by, watching He Yuzhu's operation, nodding from time to time, and occasionally giving reminders.

"The heat is almost right, you can collect the sauce now." He Daqing said slowly.

He Yuzhu heard this and immediately began to collect the sauce, but he noticed that the chef's tone was filled with a gentle expectation, which made him more focused, fearing that he would disappoint the chef. Finally, the braised pork was served on the plate, with a ruddy color and a fragrant aroma.

He Daqing picked up the plate, tasted it carefully, and then nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, it's better than last time. If you practice a few more times, the taste will be stronger."

He Yuzhu nodded happily, but he was a little unwilling in his heart. He knew that the master was encouraging him, but he still wanted to do better: "Master, I think this dish is still a little lacking, can you please demonstrate it again?"

He Daqing's heart was moved, and he was pleased with He Yuzhu's modesty and ambition. He nodded and demonstrated how to control the heat and seasoning, and stopped from time to time to explain the details to He Yuzhu. This process of teaching by example helped He Daqing regain his former confidence and sense of accomplishment.

As time went by, He Daqing's mood gradually improved. He found that he could still play an important role in He Yuzhu's restaurant, and the relationship between the master and the apprentice became more harmonious. He Daqing's depression gradually dissipated, and was replaced by a new sense of mission. He knew that he still had a lot to teach He Yuzhu, and these knowledge and skills were the cornerstone of He Yuzhu's future development.

One night, after the restaurant closed, He Yuzhu stayed behind to help He Daqing clean up the kitchen. While wiping the stove, he smiled and said to He Daqing, "Master, I have a plan and I want to hear your opinion."

He Daqing smiled slightly: "Tell me, what's the plan?"

He Yuzhu's eyes flashed with determination: "I want to set up a special area for 'traditional dishes' in the restaurant to showcase the old recipes you taught me, so that more people can know the taste of these classics."

He Daqing felt warm at the thought. He knew that He Yuzhu was looking for a place for him to continue to play a role, and that this was a recognition of his hard work over the years. He Daqing nodded gently, tears in his eyes: "Xiao Zhuzi, this is a good idea. Let's pass on the old craftsmanship and let more people taste the authentic taste."

He Yuzhu also felt relieved, knowing that he not only inherited the master's skills, but also received his spiritual recognition. He was determined to continue this inheritance and not let the master's hard work go to waste.

He Daqing's sleep quality has been getting worse recently. He always tossed and turned at night and had to get up to go to the bathroom from time to time. He knew that his stomach was not good, and it had not been a day or two, but the situation seemed to be worse recently. During the day, he was busy guiding He Yuzhu to practice. At night, he often felt a vague discomfort in his stomach, as if a long-hidden disease was causing trouble.

Late that night, He Daqing was once again awakened by the discomfort in his stomach. He gently lifted the quilt and sat on the edge of the bed to relax. The room was silent, with only the shadows of the trees outside the window swaying gently in the breeze. He Daqing slowly stood up and walked to the bathroom with a cane. Although he moved slowly, the sour feeling in his stomach was like an invisible hand gently pulling his nerves with every step.

After returning from the bathroom, He Daqing did not lie down immediately, but sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window at the night. His thoughts slowly drifted back to the past years, when he was still young and strong, and he did not feel tired even after cooking for a whole day. But now, his old body seemed to be getting weaker with each passing day.