When guests come, Ma Shou often has to greet them, so naturally he can't continue to take the children to set off firecrackers.
Congcong and the two younger ones looked disappointed, but fortunately, the younger ones were forgetful and soon started playing around in the house.
Zheng Juan was also a little surprised when she saw Hao Dongmei helping her father and mother Hao come in.
My husband had just beaten up another husband's husband yesterday, and they had a quarrel. Wang Zhong even gave up the idea of dividing the family.
It's only been one night.
"Aunt Qu, why don't you go take a look. Bingkun is stubborn and I'm afraid of him..." Zheng Juan whispered to Qu Xiuzhen with an apologetic look.
Qu Xiuzhen thought for a while, then put down the dumpling wrapper in her hand, wiped her flour-covered hands on her apron, and took off her apron: "Okay, it's almost done anyway, I'll leave the rest to you. Yes, I’ll go take a look.”
Just now, when Wang Zhong suddenly dropped what he was doing and ran out, Qu Xiuzhen felt something was wrong. Now, hearing Zheng Juan's tone, it was obvious that something was going on here.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Qu Xiuzhen took off her apron, she saw Wang Zhong walking towards the restaurant. He took the apron boat that he had just placed on the chair, returned to the chopping board, and made dumplings.
"Comrade Lao Qu, we have a guest at home, why don't you go and greet us quickly?" Qu Xiuzhen had not yet put down the apron in her hand.
Qu Xiuzhen was stunned for a moment, a little confused about Wang Zhong's intention. She looked at Wang Zhong and shook his head, putting down the apron in his hand: "Then the kitchen will be reserved for you two today!"
"Don't worry, I promise I won't disappoint you." Wang Zhong said with a smile, as if he had no other emotions at all.
Just kidding, the level 3 cooking skills of a hotel chef are only at this level. Even Zheng Juan'er's cooking skills are almost surpassing those of others under Wang Zhong's training.
The fillings for the dumplings were prepared by Zheng Juan herself, including leek and egg fillings, cabbage and pork fillings, pork and green onion fillings, and pork and mushroom fillings, a total of four fillings.
After a while, there were more than a hundred pot lids neatly stacked on the wooden pot lid, and there were still a lot of dumpling skins and fillings left.
"Bingkun, check if the water is boiling!" The only time Zheng Juan would give instructions to Wang Zhong was when cooking.
The water had already boiled. Wang Zhong held the lid of the pot and put the dumplings into the pot one by one. He closed the lid and rolled it three times. The first pot of steaming dumplings came out of the pot.
Then he poured a second pot into it.
“It’s time to eat dumplings!”
Congcong was the first one to rush to the table impatiently, followed closely by the two younger ones, and then the old people.
······
On the dining table, there were several large plates of steaming dumplings, as well as several steaming hard dishes that were also freshly cooked.
The seats were not that particular. The three Hao family members sat on the west side, while Qu Xiuzhen, Lao Ma, Zheng Juan, Wang Zhong and the children sat apart from each other.
Zhou Cong is sandwiched between the old couple, Zhou Ming is between Qu Xiuzhen and Zheng Juan, and Zhou Ling is beside Wang Zhong and Zheng Juan.
A large square dining table was crowded around, and the old couple kept putting tongs and vegetables into the bowls of several children.
Congcong was good at using chopsticks and her eating style was a little more elegant, but the two younger ones could only hold spoons, and their mouths were full of oil when they ate.
Hao Dongmei looked at the three children of the Hao family sitting across from them with envy. Her complex eyes shone with unprecedented maternal love.
Unfortunately, she will never have another child in her life.
Thinking of this, Hao Dongmei felt sad and heartbroken.
In the past few years since Hao's father and Hao's mother recovered, through connections, her mother, Jin Yueji, had found countless majors and medical experts to diagnose her. She didn't miss any of the big hospitals in Yanjing. She went to them all, but the result was... It's all the same.
She, Hao Dongmei, has lost the possibility of having children in her life.
"The dumplings are really well made, and the food is delicious. It's full of flavor and color. I'm almost as good as the chef in the hotel." After all, he is also the leader of Jiang Liao, so Father Hao can still say polite words.
"That's right, Juan'er's skills are incredible." Qu Xiuzhen said from her heart: "Juan'er and I have also learned it. The stuffing is the same, the seasonings are the same, but it can be made." The taste is just a little bit worse than Juan’er’s.”
Qu Xiuzhen was both regretful and puzzled.
Zheng Juan's cheeks were slightly red and she smiled and said: "You have just learned it for a short time. You can do it a few more times and gradually become familiar with it."
"Dongmei, you and Zheng Juan are sisters-in-law. If you have time in the future, you can learn more about making dumplings and cooking with Zheng Juan." Hao's father smiled and told Hao Dongmei beside him.
"As a daughter-in-law, you still need to learn these basic things."
"Okay dad!"
"Zheng Juan, if our Dongmei does something bad in the future, you should be more careful and considerate." Jin Yueji said to Zheng Juan.
Zheng Juan looked horrified and waved her hands repeatedly: "I should learn more like my sister-in-law."
"Dongmei is not as capable as you." Father Hao said with a smile.
Wang Zhong suddenly interrupted: "Making dumplings looks simple, but in fact there are many ways to do it. The seasonings and meat fillings are the same. The time and order of adding the seasonings, the technique and degree of the fillings, and the cooking time are different. The taste may be different.”
"It's true!" Qu Xiuzhen made no secret of her dislike for Wang Zhong and deliberately teased him.
Wang Zhong smiled and said: "Tell me, the ingredients are the same, but why do the food made by the master chef in the hotel and those at the small restaurants and roadside stalls taste different?"
Qu Xiuzhen glared at Wang Zhong. This kid liked to argue with her more and more, and she didn't know how to cooperate.
Wang Zhong, however, acted as if he hadn't noticed, and took two dumplings stuffed with pork and mushrooms for his daughter, "Come on, Lingling, let's eat two more."
Lingling took the wooden spoon and raised her little head buried in the bowl: "Thank you, Dad!"
Wang Zhong raised his hand and rubbed the little girl's head, with a doting look on his face: "You're so good!"
"Dad! I want it too!"
Zhou Ming on the side also raised his head and said.
"Grandma, give it to Mingming!" Qu Xiuzhen hurriedly pinched two for Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming laughed so hard that he could hardly close his mouth from ear to ear and said happily, "Thank you, Grandma Qu." Qu Xiuzhen was very happy. When Lao Ma saw this, he also imitated In this way, I gave Zhou Cong a full bowl.
"Grandpa Ma, I can't eat so much." Poor Zhou Cong rubbed his belly and looked worried at the dumplings piled up like a hill in the bowl.
Ma Shouchang said seriously: "Children just need to eat more so that they can grow taller and stronger."
"Thank you, Grandpa Ma!" Zhou Cong could only turn his grief and anger into motivation, and he worked hard to fight with the dumplings in the bowl.
The three members of the Hao family looked at the scene where Ma Shouchang and his wife and several children were as close as grandparents. Their hearts were filled with ripples, especially Hao's father and Jin Yueji. But even if they were envious, they could only watch. Son.
"Bingkun!" Hao's father suddenly said: "I heard from Dongmei and Bingyi that you are studying in Yanjing with your family now?"
"Yes!"
"Yanjing is no better than Jichun. You and your family have a lot of expenses!" With a smile on his face, Father Hao took off his leadership arrogance and seemed quite approachable.
"The cost is indeed higher than that of Jichun, but it is not much higher and is within the acceptable range."
"In two years, you will graduate. Do you plan to continue your studies? Or join the workforce?"
“Get to work!”
"Are you planning to stay in Yanjing or return to Jichun?"
"..."
Wang Zhong was also speechless. He asked questions as soon as he came up. He really didn't regard himself as an outsider!
Wang Zhong was a little confused, whether this was a test or something else.
"Oh? If I go back to Jichun, will you always arrange work for me?"
The smile on Father Hao's face froze for a moment, but it was only for a moment, and it returned to normal in an instant: "It's not impossible. The top students in the Department of Architecture of Shuimu University are popular top talents no matter where they are!"
"This is great!" Ma Shouchang clapped his thigh, a little excited: "Now the policies are getting better and better. In the future, Jichun and even the entire Jiangliao Province will definitely have a completely new look. Many places will definitely have to be re-planned by then. These All require a lot of talent.”
"I'll bring a few more classmates back then!"
Lao Ma is Lao Ma, his thinking is clear and his vision is quite far-sighted.
"Comrade Lao Ma, please give up your thoughts immediately. Do you think I can get along in the officialdom with my temperament?"
"Why not!" Lao Ma said, "You don't know how long it will take for you to get into trouble!"
"Yeah, old song!"
"It's you, hurry up and eat your dumplings!" Qu Xiuzhen rolled her eyes at Ma Shouchang, picked up a dumpling and threw it into his bowl.
"So you have no intention of entering politics?" Hao's father said with a trace of regret on his face: "That's really a pity."
"It's no pity. To strive to realize the four modernizations, you don't necessarily have to join politics and become an official!"
Qu Xiuzhen said: "That's a good saying! In order to realize the four modernizations, all walks of life need to work together and move forward together."
"······"
When the topic changed, Father Hao asked enviously: "Old Ma, why do I see these children are so close to you! Is there any way?"
Ma Shouchang was very happy and laughed and said: "This can't be taught. Maybe it's because my old horse is born to please children."
"You're shameless!" Qu Xiuzhen rolled her eyes at Lao Ma, not forgetting her previous sentence.
Ma Shouchang seemed as if he hadn't heard anything and still looked complacent.
Father Hao smiled and did not answer.
Jin Yueji suddenly said to Wang Zhong: "Bingkun, I heard from Bingyi and Dongmei that you had a little conflict with your family?"
Wang Zhong smiled and said: "I didn't expect that such a trivial matter in our family could reach Director Jin's ears. However, Director Jin is busy with things. It's better not to waste Director Jin's time with my trivial matter."
"Hey! What are you talking about? Dongmei is your sister-in-law, and our two families are in-laws. That is one family. What does one family say?" Jin Yueji said these unintentional words, but she didn't even notice it at all. blush.
Wang Zhongdao: "I have to correct Director Jin's words."
"Yesterday, I made an agreement with my eldest brother and the others. Our family will live alone. From now on, the old Zhou family will be inherited by my eldest brother. These brothers are still clear about settling the accounts. Isn't this statement of a family a bit disrespectful? appropriate."
Ma Shouchang and Qu Xiuzhen also tasted it. Ma Shouchang was about to add a few words, but was stopped by Qu Xiuzhen's look.
Jin Yueji's expression suddenly changed, her smile was gone, her expression was swaying, and her tone was much stiffer: "So, it's me who is meddling in other people's business."
Wang Zhong was still smiling and said calmly: "As the saying goes, it is difficult for an upright official to take care of household affairs. Both of them are leaders. They are usually busy with national affairs. How can they be so troublesome with matters that are small for the parents? Where are you two?"
Hao Dongmei winked at her mother repeatedly. Neither Hao Dongmei nor Zhou Bingyi dared to tell them what happened yesterday. They just said that Wang Zhong had some conflicts at home. They never imagined that it would be such a coincidence that they met Wang Zhong's family at Ma's house.
"Lao Jin, since this little comrade has his own plans, let's not talk too much!" Hao's father said.
Wang Zhong smiled and said: "The big leaders should be considerate of us ordinary people."
Jin Yueji's face suddenly darkened. Wasn't Wang Zhong's words an insinuation that she was inconsiderate of them.
"Okay, okay!" Upon seeing this, Qu Xiuzhen hurried out to smooth things over.
"It's Chinese New Year, we finally get together, and there is such a big table of rich and delicious dishes. Why are you talking about those terrible things? Everyone eats quickly. It won't taste good when it gets cold. .”
"Yes, yes! Eat quickly, eat quickly!"
Ma Shouchang also quickly greeted everyone.
After eating, the three members of the Hao family hurriedly said goodbye.
After sending the three people away, Zheng Juan cleaned up the mess, Ma Shouchang took the children, and Qu Xiuzhen pulled Wang Zhong aside to scold them with a straight face.
"Zhou Bingkun, what's wrong with you today!"
Not to mention, she was worthy of being the former president of the High Court. Qu Xiuzhen's serious face was really majestic.
Wang Zhong looked aggrieved: "Aunt Qu, you can't blame me for this. It's because they didn't understand the situation themselves and just messed it up."
"You're still reasonable!" Qu Xiuzhen glared at Wang Zhong: "What's going on?"
Wang Zhong explained all the causes and consequences of this matter.
After hearing this, Qu Xiuzhen's expression became a little rich, and then she sighed, stared at Wang Zhong for a while, and then said: "After all, that's your dad, you can't do that to him."
Wang Zhong's mood was also a little low: "I don't want to either, but sometimes, when the mood comes, I really can't control it."
As he spoke, he shook his head: "I would like to remain rational all the time, but I can't do it!"
"The love is deep and the responsibility is deep. Maybe your father has high expectations for you, so he is so strict with you!" Qu Xiuzhen comforted.
"That's what I once said to myself." Wang Zhong shook his head with a self-deprecating look on his face: "But the facts prove that this is not the case."
In the original body's memory, whenever there was any conflict between the three brothers and sisters of the Zhou family, it must be the original body's fault. When Zhou Zhi came up, he would punish the original body severely and it was normal for him to kick him. Son.
Sometimes Wang Zhong even doubted whether the original person was Zhou Zhigang's biological son.
"Forget it, you're in trouble!" Qu Xiuzhen said with emotion: "It's true that your father is such an excellent child, why can't he see you?"
If anyone wants to say who knows Wang Zhong best, apart from Zheng Juan, who sleeps with him day and night, it is Qu Xiuzhen.
Among the young people in the soy sauce factory, the one whom Qu Xiuzhen was most optimistic about was not Tang Xiangyang, who came from a scholarly family, nor Lu Chuan, but Wang Zhong, who only had a first-year junior high school education.
In terms of conversation and knowledge, let alone the soy sauce factory, even in the whole Jichun, there are few people of the same age who are better than Wang Zhong in Qu Xiuzhen's eyes.
"How many parents can truly make a bowl of water even?" Wang Zhong smiled helplessly: "Actually, I don't complain about my parents. It's just that many times, in many things, I feel unfair and aggrieved."
"Maybe I'm too greedy. My parents brought me into this world and raised me to adulthood. They have already fulfilled their obligations."
"Hey!" Qu Xiuzhen sighed, thinking of her son's family far away in Shanghai, and her heart suddenly became filled with mixed feelings: "Every family has sutras that are difficult to recite!"
