I Was Reborn into the Past and Saved My Stunning Sister-in-Law at the Beginning - Chapter 42:

Chapter 42: Lou Xiaoe

At Secretary Xu’s house.

“Lou Xiaoe, I have to say, that kid is quite interesting. He shut First Uncle up with just a few words.” Xu Damao always thought of himself as a smart man, but this move made even him have to admit defeat.

“He really does have some tricks up his sleeve. Why don’t you go and get to know him? After all, you’ll be living in the same Courtyard from now on.” Even if Lou Xiaoe didn’t say it, Xu Damao already had this intention.

“The key point is that kid is close with He Yuzhu. You know how I’ve never gotten along with He Yuzhu since we were young.” Every time they met, they clashed, neither yielding to the other. If the argument got too intense, fighting was also common.

“Who cares if he’s friends with He Yuzhu or not? You’re the one who wants to befriend him. Besides, if you two keep fighting every day in the Courtyard, it will just make you both laughingstocks.”

Lou Xiaoe spoke as she prepared dinner. On the chopping board were two glossy sausages. While other families had already finished their preserved meats early in the winter, only their family still had some to eat in the summer.

“You’re right. But Lou Xiaoe, you’re acting a bit strange today. You’ve never cared about anyone in the Courtyard before. Tell me, is it because that kid is tall and handsome and you’ve developed some thoughts about him?” After all, Xu Feng’s tall and handsome appearance was well-known, hard not to make Xu Damao suspicious.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Do you think we’re still dating?”

…

Xu Feng went to the department store and bought a bamboo mat, a pillow, and a blanket. In the hot summer, these three things were enough. The price wasn’t much, at least for him.

As for cooking utensils, most households in the city used honeycomb briquettes for boiling water and cooking since there was no wood to chop. A few wealthier families used gas cylinders, but Xu Feng wasn’t considering that. First, it was cumbersome to use and inconvenient to replace, and second, as a newcomer, he naturally wanted to stay low-key. Besides, in this era, cooking wasn’t as fancy as later times; honeycomb briquettes were enough.

He carried everything back on his bicycle. By the time he returned to the Courtyard, the smell of food was already in the air.

He Yuzhu came out of the kitchen upon hearing the sound. “Just one dish left. Put your things in your room and come over.”

In these times, having stir-fried dishes at every meal was rare. Only a high-salaried bachelor like He Yuzhu could live like this.

“Alright.”

Xu Feng went back home, spread the bamboo mat, put the rest of the items aside, and decided to tidy up later.

Before dinner, Xu Feng went to the public tap to wash his hands. Coincidentally, Yu Li was washing dishes there, her expression showing clear frustration as she scrubbed the bowls so hard they clanged.

“Did you break that bowl the other day? I had to leave in a hurry, sorry about that.” Xu Feng couldn’t help but start a conversation when he saw her—an old habit he just couldn’t change.

Yu Li was startled by the sudden voice next to her. After realizing it was Xu Feng, her demeanor softened a lot.

“It’s nothing, nothing. It was my fault, too. I just didn’t expect you to be assigned to this Courtyard.”

Yu Li’s tone was extremely gentle, even tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Yeah, what a coincidence. Well, I’m going over to Brother Zhu’s place for dinner. You carry on.”

With people coming and going in the Courtyard, Xu Feng couldn’t keep chatting with someone else’s wife.

Brother Zhu’s house was right across, and the smell of food was already strong from afar.

When he entered, there was half a roasted chicken, a plate of braised pork, and a dish of vinegar cabbage on the table—all excellent dishes to go with rice.

“Have a drink to relax. Later, I’ll cook some noodles for you.” The two sat down face to face without any formalities.

Xu Feng was about to try the chicken when a voice came from outside.

“I brought a plate of meat over to crash your dinner. He Yuzhu, you can’t kick me out this time!” If not for being embarrassed, Xu Damao would still be lying on his kang at this hour. Since his plans were disrupted, he might as well take this chance to get acquainted.

“Guests are guests. Sit.”

Old Beijingers were all about keeping up appearances. Guests couldn’t be kicked out. Besides, Xu Damao was sensible, unlike that Yan Jiecheng, a freeloader who only knew how to take advantage.

He Yuzhu stood up, fetched a glass, opened a bottle of Red Star Erguotou, and poured each person a full cup.

“One cup each. Let’s not overdo it.”

He Yuzhu had an average tolerance for alcohol, and this cup was just right for him.

“Look at you, acting like a wimp. Who drinks only one cup?” Xu Damao couldn’t help but tease. Who drinks just one cup of liquor?

“Screw you, who are you calling a wimp? Tonight, I’ll drink with you until you throw up!” With that, the two of them started drinking competitively, and Xu Feng could only play along.

Before they even had a proper conversation, the bottle of Red Star Erguotou was already empty.

Both of them were the kind who couldn’t hold their liquor but still refused to admit defeat.

“Come on, open another one!”