Chapter 10: The Car Borrowing Incident

Chapter 10: The Bicycle Borrowing Incident

After Director Wang left, He Yuzhu returned to the room to continue organizing the ancient books he had purchased that afternoon. Among these books, aside from sixteen volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia, there were books from various dynasties. One ancient book without a clear era, titled "The Classic of Wine," caught He Yuzhu’s interest. Flipping through it, he found it detailed the methods of brewing alcohol.

With this book, the grains stored in his space would have a purpose; brewing wine would also be easier to sell. His cash on hand was running low.

Glancing at the pocket watch he had just bought, it was five o’clock—time to prepare a meal for Yushui.

He Yuzhu placed all the books on the shelves in the study room within his space. Seeing Yushui still engrossed in the little comic book he had bought her, he went to the kitchen to start making braised pork.

The courtyard gradually became noisy as workers and students returned home. News of He Yuzhu’s bicycle purchase had spread.

“Dumb Zhu, you bought a bicycle?” Xu Damao called out.

“Xu Damao, are you itching for a beating? Don’t call me ‘dumb Zhu’ anymore,” He Yuzhu snapped, stepping out angrily.

Seeing He Yuzhu’s fierce demeanor, Xu Damao hesitated but stubbornly said, “Dumb Zhu, where did you get the money to buy a bike?”

“Mind your own business where I got the money. Call me ‘dumb Zhu’ one more time and see what happens,” He Yuzhu said, clenching his fists and glaring fiercely.

“Give me the keys, I want to try riding it,” Xu Damao said.

“Do you know how to ride? Go ahead, try it,” He Yuzhu replied.

“No, but I can learn,” Xu Damao grinned mischievously.

“Get lost,” He Yuzhu retorted.

Neighbors gathered around the bicycle, some envious, others jealous, all greeting He Yuzhu and asking to borrow the bike for a ride.

“Zhu, neighbors should help each other. Since you bought a bike, you have to lend it out when someone needs it,” Yi Zhonghai said as he walked over.

“Yeah, Dumb Zhu, lend me the bike. I’ll ride it to school tomorrow,” Xu Damao immediately chimed in. “If you don’t lend it, you’re not being a good neighbor.”

“Xu Damao, go away. If anyone really needs to borrow it, that’s fine. But if you’re just showing off by borrowing it, forget it,” He Yuzhu said firmly.

“Zhu’s right. If it’s urgent, lending it is fine. But if everyone keeps borrowing for no reason, your bike will turn into a public bike. Has anyone ever shared their own stuff like that?” Third Uncle Yan Bugui said. Seeing He Yuzhu’s bike, he wanted to buy one too but feared being taken advantage of, so he quickly supported He Yuzhu’s stance.

Seeing no chance of benefit, the onlookers dispersed.

Back in the kitchen, He Yuzhu began cutting meat to make braised pork. Slowly, the rich aroma of the dish spread throughout the courtyard.

At the Jia family’s house, Lady Zhang Jia’s mouth watered at the smell. She cursed, “Useless fool, a losing bet, eating meat every day but never thinking of being filial. Bring me a bowl of that meat.”

“Mom, stop scolding. Tomorrow I’ll buy meat. I’m now an official worker at the steel factory, learning skills from Uncle Yi. My wages will definitely increase. Our family can afford meat,” Jia Dongxu soothed her.

He Yuzhu finished the braised pork, scooped a small bowl for himself, and placed the rest on the table. He reheated the leftover boiled fish from noon and set it on the table.

“Yushui, wash your hands and come eat. Stop playing,” He Yuzhu called.

“Yushui, you start eating first. I’m going to bring some meat to the deaf old lady in the backyard,” He Yuzhu said when he saw Yushui finishing her hand washing.

“Brother, why do we have to bring her meat?” Yushui asked.

“Why, don’t you like the deaf old lady?”

“Um, she doesn’t like me,” Yushui answered.

“We’re siblings, still very young, and we leave early and return late. We hardly interact with others in the courtyard. People might bully us, so we need to maintain good relations with some folks. Then, if anything happens, someone will inform us and stand up for us.”

“The deaf old lady, Uncle Yi gave her the title of ‘old ancestor.’ She’s a bit sexist and old, only scheming over food. We’re not lacking a little now, so giving her some meat will make her protect us.”

“Like the fish we gave Third Uncle this morning—though I don’t know what he thought later, he still spoke up for me.”

Seeing Yushui’s confused look, He Yuzhu could only say, “Some things you don’t understand now. Just remember to listen to me. Don’t listen to what others say. If anything happens, tell me, okay?”

“Okay, I always listen to you, Brother,” Yushui obediently said.

“All right, then eat quickly. I’ll deliver the meat to the old lady.”

He Yuzhu carried the meat to the backyard and arrived at the old lady’s door just as Aunt One finished delivering her meal.

Aunt One was a kind woman. After Yi Zhonghai became the head elder, the street office assigned the care of the five-guarantee deaf old lady to him, but it was Aunt One who handled all the work.

“Aunt One, you’re here again to bring food for the old lady,” He Yuzhu greeted.

“Yes, Zhu. What’s this?” Aunt One asked.

“Oh, today’s my day off. I cut some meat and made braised pork to replenish Yushui. I thought I’d bring some over for the old lady. Would you like some?” He Yuzhu replied.

“No, Zhu, you go on in. I should get back to eat,” Aunt One said.

“Old lady, I brought you some meat,” He Yuzhu said as he stepped inside.

“My dear grandson, what tasty food have you brought Grandma?” the deaf old lady said.

“Braised pork,” He Yuzhu placed the bowl down.

“Dear grandson, have you eaten? Eat some with me.”

“No, Yushui is still waiting for me,” He Yuzhu replied.

He Yuzhu bid the old lady farewell and returned home.

Seeing Yushui had yet to pick up her chopsticks, he asked, “Yushui, why aren’t you eating yet?”

“I’m waiting for you to come back so we can eat together,” Yushui said.

“You’re so good. Here’s a piece of braised pork as a reward,” He Yuzhu said, picking up a piece and bringing it to Yushui’s lips.

“Mmm, delicious!” Yushui exclaimed after taking a bite.

“If it’s good, eat more.”

After they finished their meal, He Yuzhu cleaned up and washed Yushui’s feet.

Yushui sat on the bed reading her comic book.

He Yuzhu studied the "Classic of Wine" he had bought and examined the grains stored in his space to determine what kinds of wine he could brew.

He finally chose three types: a white spirit, a yellow wine, and a fruit wine. The fruit wine would vary depending on the fruit used.

He only needed to purchase some brewing tools to get started.

“Brother, I’m sleepy,” Yushui called out.

“If you’re sleepy, then go to bed,” He Yuzhu said as he came to her bedside.

“Brother, tell me a story,” Yushui coaxed.

“All right, lie down quickly. I’ll tell you a story,” He Yuzhu said, tucking the blanket around her.

He picked up the Journey to the West book he had bought earlier to pass the time and began telling the story. Before long, Yushui fell asleep.

Sleepiness overcame He Yuzhu as well, and he closed his eyes to rest.