Siheyuan: Tanjia Cuisine He Daqing, destroying Yi Zhonghai

He Daqing watched his nephew work hard day after day, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions. He watched He Yuzhu grow up, from an ignorant boy at the beginning to gradually learning how to master the essentials of cooking. Along the way, he was both a strict elder and a caring parent. Seeing He Yuzhu's progress in cooking, He Daqing felt both gratified and a little worried.

He knew that cooking was an unfathomable subject. Although He Yuzhu had already mastered many basic skills, the real test had just begun. The world in the kitchen seemed simple, but it contained infinite changes. A dish was not just a combination of ingredients, but also a fusion of skills and intentions. He Yuzhu still needed time to comprehend these.

He Daqing has a clear understanding of his craft. He knows that he is over 50 years old and time has left irreversible marks on him. His body is no longer as strong as when he was young, and the strength of his hands is gradually declining. This makes him have to face a fact: in the future, he will eventually pass on this unique skill, and He Yuzhu is his most suitable successor.

However, in addition to cooking, there was another thing in his mind that had always been lingering in his mind. That was the White Widow.

The White Widow is another name worth mentioning in the yard. She is about forty years old. After her husband died early, she raised a son alone and lived a hard life. Although life was difficult, the White Widow never bowed to fate. She was a strong woman who was usually taciturn and seemed to have buried all her emotions in her heart.

Widow Bai was a beauty when she was young, and she still retains a rare charm even now. Although there are traces of time on her face, there is a kind of softness and tenacity between her eyebrows. She is the kind of existence that cannot be ignored. Every time He Daqing sees her, he can't help but look at her a few more times. Although he tries to restrain himself, the inexplicable feelings in his heart often emerge in his mind.

He Daqing is not someone who is easily moved by emotions. He has experienced many ups and downs in his youth and has long been indifferent to the matter of emotions. However, the appearance of the White Widow has caused ripples in his long-silent heart. He admires her tenacity and independence, but also feels sorry for her life. Whenever he sees her picking those cheap ingredients alone in the vegetable market, He Daqing always feels a little pity in his heart. He knows that this woman has carried too many hardships and difficulties behind her.

Sometimes, He Daqing would find excuses to go to her house to do some repairs, help her fix some doors and windows, or check the kitchen stove. He tried not to be too attentive, but every time he saw the figure of the White Widow busying around with her head down, he would feel warm in his heart. Although she always thanked him lightly, she never said much, which made He Daqing feel a little helpless and sympathized with her loneliness even more.

This emotion has been pent up in He Daqing's heart for a long time, but he has never had the courage to take that step. He is a traditional person, living in this courtyard, he knows what kind of actions will cause others to talk about it. He doesn't want the White Widow to bear more pressure because of him, and this concern has made him hesitate to express his feelings.

However, every night when it was quiet, He Daqing sat alone on the stone bench in the yard, looking at the starry sky, and couldn't help thinking about the smiles and frowns of the White Widow. He knew that it was not a solution to go on like this, but he also knew that if he wanted to break this situation, he had to muster up the courage, but he had not found this courage yet.

One day, He Yuzhu was busy in the kitchen, while He Daqing was sitting beside him drinking tea and thinking about the White Widow. Suddenly, he put down his teacup, looked up at He Yuzhu who was cutting vegetables, and an idea flashed through his mind.

"Zhu Zi," He Daqing said, his voice somewhat thoughtful, "What do you think of the White Widow?"

He Yuzhu was startled by the sudden question, stopped the knife in his hand, and looked up at He Daqing. This question seemed a bit strange to him. His uncle rarely talked about things between neighbors. Why did he suddenly ask about the White Widow today?

"The White Widow?" He Yuzhu scratched his head, somewhat confused, but still answered seriously: "She is a nice person, usually doesn't talk much, but is very kind to others. Her son is also very sensible, good at studying, and polite."

He Daqing nodded, feeling a little touched. The son of the White Widow was indeed a well-behaved and sensible child, which was also an important support for her to persevere. Thinking of this, He Daqing felt even more sympathetic towards the White Widow.

"Well, she's a good woman." He Daqing said in a low voice, with a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

He Yuzhu heard something strange in his uncle's tone and couldn't help but look at him more. Although his uncle was usually serious, He Yuzhu could feel that his mood today seemed a little different. He suddenly thought of something and couldn't help asking, "Uncle, are you... interested in her?"

This sentence was a bit bold, and He Yuzhu felt a bit rash after he finished speaking. He knew that he might have said too much. After all, his uncle was always a calm and reserved person, so it seemed a bit inappropriate to ask directly.

He Daqing was stunned by the question, and then he coughed awkwardly, with an unnatural look on his face. Although he was older, he was still a little overwhelmed by such a direct question. However, he didn't want to hide too much in front of his nephew. After all, He Yuzhu had grown up and was no longer the child who knew nothing.

"Zhu Zi, don't say such things." He Daqing frowned slightly, but there was no blame in his voice.

Seeing that his uncle did not deny it, He Yuzhu felt that his guess was right. He put down the kitchen knife in his hand, walked up to He Daqing, and said seriously, "Uncle, I know you are a sensible person, but I think the White Widow is a good woman. If you really like her, I think you should give it a try."

He Daqing did not answer immediately, but remained silent for a moment. He knew very well what He Yuzhu meant, and he also knew his feelings for Bai Guafu. However, this relationship was both a hope and a concern for him.

"Uncle, I feel uncomfortable seeing you always living alone." He Yuzhu continued, with a hint of earnestness in his eyes, "You have given so much to this family, can't you think about yourself? I think the White Widow may also need someone to rely on."