Chapter 1668
Failure
With no classes that evening, Zhang Yuan returned to his small courtyard house in Fuyuan Hutong.
"Dandan, go get me some medicinal wine."
My lower back is still not feeling right.
Cheng Hao is in good health and has plenty of strength.
In addition, I've recently been preparing for the movie "American Dreams in China".
To portray Yu Minhong, especially during his university years, one cannot be as physically robust as when filming action scenes.
Not suitable.
Rural kids don't usually have such muscular builds; he's a Peking University student, not a manual laborer.
So he not only gave up all strength training, but also started dieting to lose weight and put his body into "energy-saving mode".
This condition significantly reduced his defensive capabilities, as he no longer had the support of muscle.
"Sister Cheng Hao is here!"
Just as the assistant was about to go look for it, a familiar face appeared.
The older sister rode her women's bicycle to the entrance of the courtyard house.
"I'll help you move the car in."
"Just leave it at the door."
“No way, Zhang Yuan’s bicycle was stolen last time.” The assistant said, carrying the bicycle over the threshold.
Cheng was speechless for a while, it was stolen from the Central Academy of Drama.
"I could tell from your expression that things weren't good."
"You work hard, so you should take care of your health." The kind lady stepped forward with her handbag on her back and took out a bottle of imported safflower oil from it.
"This isn't hard work, it's you kicking..."
"Hmm?" Cheng Hao made a sound through his nose, interrupting with silence.
"Alright, you can apply the medicine yourself."
"I'll be going now if there's nothing else," she said, placing the safflower oil on the small table in the yard.
He glanced casually at everything in the courtyard.
A sense of familiarity welled up inside me.
There is also a warmth that feels like home.
The trees have grown much thicker, and the flowers in the flowerbeds are still in full bloom.
It seems that everything is still the same as before.
It has changed a little, but not much.
I feel like nothing has changed.
She also hoped that nothing had changed.
Zhang Yuan saw that she was about to leave after she finished speaking, but she didn't leave immediately, and he knew what was going on.
I told you that Faye Wong and Nicholas Tse were wasting their time chatting all night!
Does Young Master Xie have a back problem?
He's starting to have some doubts now.
It has to be me!
What nonsense! A bunch of weirdos, a bunch of idiots, a bunch of idiots, a bunch of idiots, a bunch of idiots.
I don't care about that, communicating directly with your body is much more direct!
This is not considered vulgar.
After all, language appeared relatively late in the process of human evolution, and writing appeared even later.
How did men and women communicate when there was no language or writing?
Besides using hand gestures, people also naturally confirm whether they are compatible by spending time together!
First, check if the body is healthy enough to meet basic reproductive needs.
What should I call this?
This is called following your instincts and returning to the source.
Enough with the nonsense, everything is understood without words.
This explains why, when pursuing girls, the artsy type is more likely to suffer losses, while the blond type gains the upper hand.
Those who are indecisive are still struggling with how to express their feelings, while those who are straightforward and direct have already established a relationship.
When hearts are connected, people naturally come together; it's that simple.
Seeing this, he quickly stopped them.
"Don't go! You brought me medicine, I have to repay you in some way."
"Let's just grab a quick meal so you don't have to cook at home; it's too much trouble for one person."
"It's lively and crowded here."
You have to give them face and coax them.
"How did you know I was alone?" the older sister asked, putting on airs.
"I guessed, sit down." He quickly got up and pulled her, having to ask her three or four times.
"Sit down for a while. Now that you're here, I have to cook for you myself."
"I'm quick, it'll be done in no time."
"Don't rush, let's apply the medicine first."
She proactively applied the safflower oil to him with her hands before letting him do as he pleased.
After he finished his work, Cheng Hao strolled around the yard a few times, looking around, smelling the flowers and plants, and greeting the aunt and uncle in the house.
He then chatted with his assistant for a while.
Zhao Dandan could sense that Sister Cheng Hao was in a good mood.
Looks like they're going home.
Have Zhang Yuan and she made up?
also.
You get an extra red envelope during holidays and festivals, how wonderful!
Zhao Dandan has even less female intuition; she mostly compensates with her muscles.
But you can also sense the relaxation and naturalness in Cheng Hao.
Zhang Yuan's culinary skills were indeed learned from the head chef.
Every chef, whether from a small restaurant or a renowned master chef, must start from the basics, working their way up from chopping and preparing ingredients. This is called the foundation.
No one starts stir-frying right away.
Those who start cooking as soon as they step on the stove are called "wild chefs" in the industry. Most of them are people who learn by themselves without a master.
When placed next to those with proper lineage, the difference is easily noticeable.
Just like actors who have attended the Central Academy of Drama or Beijing Film Academy versus those who haven't, even experts can tell the difference.
Zhang Yuan filled the gap in "untrained actors" at the Central Academy of Drama.
No need to add anything about stir-frying; I know the process inside and out, and my movements are fluid.
Within half an hour, they served up shredded pork with garlic sauce, stir-fried beef, jellyfish salad, smashed cucumber, steamed fish, and tomato and egg soup.
Of course, it's still necessary to ask the aunt to help chop the vegetables and beat the eggs.
If a restaurant kitchen didn't have this level of efficiency, diners would be furious.
"You can do anything." Cheng Kan glanced at the dishes on the table.
It was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, and a sense of pride inexplicably rose within me.
"Let's talk while we eat."
They talked while eating, but Cheng Hao hadn't said more than a few words before criticizing his attitude towards studying.
"Don't think that just because you've won a few awards or acted in many plays, you can skip class."
"I do not have……"
"I saw it all, you're always looking at your phone!" Teacher Chen frowned, her expression quite authoritative.
"I occasionally have business, but lately I've been busy with the IPO, so there's a lot to do."
"I know your abilities; you can handle both your studies and official duties well. You're capable."
"You are a typical example of someone who relies on talent but doesn't work hard in your studies." Teacher Chen used the standard method of praising first and then criticizing.
"You need to do more than just be an actor; you also need to be a role model in the industry."
"It's not enough to just be good at acting; you also need a solid theoretical foundation, otherwise how can you convince people?"
"If you don't respect others, how can you continue to advance in this industry?"
"Besides, you often go abroad to film, so you have the responsibility to represent Chinese actors."
"Only when you take up this banner can you be seen by more capable people."
Once Cheng Hao's teacher mode is activated, he speaks fluently and eloquently.
Zhang Yuan's head was buzzing.
I felt like I had encountered a teacher making a home visit.
He now understands why teachers are one of the four professions that Chinese people don't want to marry.
They have high expectations, manage a lot, and it's hard to argue back.
Every time Zhang Yuan said he knew, she would just make excuses.
If you try to change the subject, she'll say you're not serious.
With his teacher's status, he can't win.
He can only utilize his strengths.
If I can't beat you, can't I at least mess you up?
"Teacher Chen, I have a question."
He raised his hand in the standard Ultraman pose.
"Go ahead and say it," Cheng Hao nodded in reply, while taking a sip of tomato and egg soup with a spoon to moisten his throat.
"Does our current relationship count as a teacher-student romance?"
Cough cough cough...
Teacher Chen almost vomited from the choking.
She rolled her eyes at him, annoyed, and said, "Why do you always bring up taboo topics?"
Is it even allowed to say this?
"Don't mention those three words!" She pointed at Zhang Yuan.
"Especially at school."
"What you did today was excessive; no one can know about it."
"Do you know that ever since the nursery rhyme incident... right? You must know, you were involved."
“After this incident, the school’s regulations became very strict.”
“Any transgression between teachers and students will be severely punished.” Zhang Yuan rested his chin on his hand and looked at her.
Punishment?
Who dares to punish me?
Who dares to punish you?
According to you, Huang Lei should be executed for marrying his own student.
The saying goes, "If you don't weigh it, it's nothing; but if you do, it's a ton."
The key is whether anyone reports it and whether anyone investigates.
Who dares to report me or hold me accountable?
“But we’ve spent so much time together after class, doesn’t that count as being in a relationship?” Zhang Yuan spread his hands and said with a smile.
Cheng Hao: ...
"I!"
"you!"
Seeing that she seemed to be looking for a suitable tool, Zhang Yuan quickly backed down.
"Just kidding."
"I promise I won't tell."
"absolute!"
"Phew..." The older sister was angry, but not really that angry, mainly embarrassed and annoyed.
How did I cooperate with you?
How shameless!
In such a sacred place.
This is the place where educators sow the seeds of knowledge among students.
You've learned quite a bit...
His interference disrupted Cheng Hao's teaching style, causing her to relax considerably.
They finally started chatting about everyday things.
"You've only eaten a few bites?"
A short while later, I saw her put down her chopsticks.
"I'm not a teenager anymore. I can't eat too much at night, or it will affect my figure."
"How can a performance teacher who has terrible physical form teach and nurture students?"
"Okay, okay, stop if you're not going to eat. I'll make less next time." He interrupted as soon as he heard the word "teacher".
"I'm going to take a shower first," she said, getting up.
"One for me?"
"Get out of the way, what's the rush?" She gave him a gentle glare.
"Don't hold me up... get me a set of pajamas."
"Okay!" Zhang Yuan immediately got up to make the arrangements.
The older sister went to the bedroom to prepare for a shower.
After leaving the restaurant and explaining the pajamas to his assistant, Zhang Yuan felt that something was amiss.
Before they could react, someone came in from outside the door.
"Hey, you're here today?"
Brother Qian and his wife led Guo Xiaobao into the courtyard.
He was carrying several large sacks.
Every now and then, Brother Qian would ask someone to send over some vegetables grown at the animal park, which they could never finish eating.
We were lucky today; the three of us went out for fun.
Actually, it's a family of four, and right now, Sister-in-law Qian is already pregnant with her second child.
The lower abdomen is slightly protruding, but not noticeably.
His apprentice, Yu Siyang, was also carrying a bamboo basket filled with carrots and green peppers.
"Master, this is for you!"
He speaks clearly now, unlike a few years ago when he was as ambiguous.
"I suspect you brought me two dishes that you don't like yourself." Zhang Yuan stroked his chin and squatted down.
"No, I love to eat it, so I made it especially for you." The child's eyes darted around.
"Then I'll make it for you now."
"Master, I still have homework to do, I'm leaving now." The boy put down the basket and ran away.
“You definitely got that cunning from him.” Zhang Yuan glanced at Brother Qian.
"have you eaten?"
"How about we order some?"
Then he invited the family of three to sit down.
I didn't eat much of the food I just had.
Brother Qian didn't mind and picked up his chopsticks to eat.
When entertaining guests for a meal, the more distant or unfamiliar the relationship, the more solemn the occasion should be, and the dishes should be appropriate and carefully selected.
The closer the relationship, the more casual the interactions.
Leftovers or even a simple stew will do; that's what true friends and family do.
The reason why the TV series "Da Ming Dynasty 1566" is so good is because of its meticulous details.
Inside, Yan Song encountered his student Hu Zongxian who came to his door late at night. Knowing that Hu Zongxian had not eaten, Yan Song ordered his men to heat up the leftovers from the evening and bring them to him.
With Yan Song's circumstances, he could cook whenever his family wanted to eat, with a cook available 24 hours a day.
But because he was a student, and the best student at that, he was allowed to eat my leftovers.
This is called intimacy; most people don't even get this treatment.
I fried another batch of chicken nuggets just for my apprentice. These are usually something my assistant uses to snack on when he's feeling peckish; there's plenty in the kitchen freezer.
Kids love fried chicken but don't like green peppers and carrots.
The couple ate whatever they wanted and chatted with him.
"I'll see in a while, maybe I'll buy a house in New York or somewhere else."
"If you ever travel to North America in the future, you can just stay at my house."
"Thanks in advance. I'm also considering taking my son abroad to broaden his horizons and see if there are any international summer camps we can participate in," Qian said while eating.
"It's good to broaden one's horizons and learn English, but the child is still young, so don't send him abroad too easily."
"Wait until you're older before studying abroad; it's chaotic outside," Zhang Yuan advised.
"Of course, I'd be reluctant to leave." Brother Qian would never do something as foolish as leaving his wife and kids abroad while he earns money and sends it overseas.
"De Gang is just like you, saying he wants to buy houses and land in Australia."
"I went to see it, it's alright."
"Okay, I'll go take a look when I have time."
He answered casually, saying he had no intention of retiring abroad.
I don't really understand those people who don't even speak English but still want to live abroad permanently when they get old.
Isn't this just heading towards dying far from home?
"Zhang Yuan!"
As we were having dinner, we heard a stern shout from outside the restaurant, followed by the door being pushed open.
"Brother Qian is here! Hello everyone?"
The older sister, who had been glaring angrily just moments before, instantly changed her expression.
He's a good actor after all; his facial expressions are very well controlled.
"You're here too. We just happened to bring some food. Hope we're not bothering you."
"No, I have something to do and I'm about to leave."
"Take your time, no rush," she said with a smile and a wave, then picked up her bag and turned to leave.
"Please have a seat, I'll see her out." Zhang Yuan quickly got up and left.
"Didn't you want pajamas?"
"Dandan went to buy it for you."
I had clearly planned to stay overnight, and I was even thinking of doing some ab workouts.
How could they just leave like that?
"Keep it for yourself," Cheng Hao said, glaring at him.
"I don't look good in lace."
Cheng Hao: ...
She took a deep breath to calm down.
"I'm asking you, whose clothes are in the bedroom closet?"
Zhang Yuan: ...
This time, it was his turn to be speechless.
I said I felt like something was wrong!
When Brother Qian arrived, I was so busy that I forgot about him.
Yang Mi, that little girl, has already "occupied" my room. She deliberately left a bunch of clothes and daily necessities in my bedroom and hasn't taken them away!
"Would you believe me if I said it was Dandan's?"
He could only make something up on the spot.
You're kidding me!
"Have you no shame? Dandan is a decent person, how can you talk such nonsense?"
Cheng Hao put her hands on her hips in annoyance.
"What size are the bras in the closet? Could they be hers?"
That's how you judged it... Zhang Yuan understands now.
Yang Mi's size is indeed rare among Chinese people.
“You…” The older sister took another deep breath.
He then picked up his bicycle and drove off.
Zhang Yuan stretched out his arm, but ultimately didn't chase after him.
He sat silently on the threshold.
Yang Mi succeeded.
But I failed… (End of Chapter)