Chapter 2673
Dinner Party
Chapter 2673 Dinner Party
Sunday.
Yang Xiaotao brought the child back to the courtyard house early in the morning and then started working in the kitchen.
Old Huang had originally agreed to have a get-together, but after searching around, the group still couldn't find a suitable place.
Therefore, Yang Xiaotao's courtyard house became the first choice for the group.
Yang Xiaotao had no choice but to prepare in advance.
As for what to eat, Yang Xiaotao also had ideas.
On such a cold day, hot pot is the perfect choice.
Since the vegetables are readily available, just prepare some tofu, eggs, and meat; it's simple and convenient.
As for the soul of hot pot, the soup base and dipping sauce, those are plentiful.
Not to mention that there are quite a few items that have been redeemed in advance in the system space, my family has also made a lot of seasonings over the years, as well as a lot of salted duck eggs and salted goose eggs.
There are even more cold side dishes now.
Eating hot pot is a breeze.
yard.
Old Ye was sunbathing with the old Taoist priest, while his children were doing their homework.
After Yang Xiaotao finished cleaning up the hot pot, he went to the yard and saw Duanwu lying on a stool, biting a pencil stub.
Yang Xiaotao walked over, glanced at the test paper on the table, and frowned slightly.
Standing to the side, Elder Ye waved Yang Xiaotao's hand repeatedly, saying, "Don't stand there, it'll put pressure on the child."
Yang Xiaotao left after hearing this, then walked over to the old Taoist priest and asked, "Still want to smoke?"
The old Taoist priest glanced at Yang Xiaotao. "I'm just sick, not dead."
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao took out a cigarette from his pocket, and the old Taoist priest took one out and lit it himself.
The day before yesterday, the old Taoist got up to use the restroom and fell on his way back to the house. Fortunately, the Celestial Venerable called out from behind, and Yang Xiaotao was woken up by Xiao Wei, so he went to the backyard to help him.
However, the blow was quite severe, and I rested in the yard for two days.
"I'm telling you, you're such a grown man, can't you watch where you're walking at night?"
"We have flashlights and light bulbs at home, why are you trying to save on electricity bills?"
Yang Xiaotao kept complaining, but the old Taoist ignored him and continued smoking.
After a while, Duanwu came over with the exam paper, looked at Yang Xiaotao, and finally gave the exam paper to Teacher Ye.
He was afraid he wouldn't be able to control his father's slaps.
Old Ye took the exam paper, then glared at Yang Xiaotao.
Yang Xiaotao could only take the cigarette and walk to the other side with the old Taoist priest, but his eyes were still looking this way.
Old Ye looked at it quickly, then nodded repeatedly, occasionally smiling.
"Dragon Boat Festival, come on."
Duanwu immediately walked over and saw Old Ye pointing to a question on the test paper, saying, "Look, this tree is eight meters long. If it is cut in half, how many meters long is each piece?"
As he spoke, Old Ye drew a line on the third one and even added a dot in the middle.
Upon hearing this question, Yang Xiaotao unconsciously took a step forward.
Many people in the courtyard also gathered around, after all, the children in the courtyard were all Old Master Ye's 'students'.
Duanwu looked at the lines on the ground, hesitant to speak.
Yang Xiaotao was a little anxious. He took out a wooden stick used for practicing thrusting from the side and handed it to him. "Look, this stick is eight meters long. If you cut it in half, how many meters will each piece be?"
"It's so simple, why even think about it?"
Duanwu shrank his head and said, "Eight, eight meters."
"What? Think about it again!"
Yang Xiaotao gripped the wooden stick tightly, and Duanwu shrank his neck!
Old Master Ye also frowned.
The people in the surrounding courtyards were speechless.
But considering that Duanwu is only six years old this year, I don't think it's a big deal.
After all, the child is still young.
After Yang Xiaotao spoke, Ran Qiuye also came out to inquire about the situation.
Upon hearing what Duanwu said, Ran Qiuye, as a teacher, immediately felt compelled to step forward and give him a good talking-to.
But Old Ye gestured for Yang Xiaotao and the other man to calm down, then asked softly, "Duanwu, tell Grandpa, even though you've cut the log, why is it still eight meters long?"
Duanwu glanced at Old Ye, then at the stick in Yang Xiaotao's hand, and whispered, "I... I think we can cut it vertically."
"So, it's still eight meters."
Upon hearing this, all around fell silent.
Yang Xiaotao picked up the stick in his hand and froze on the spot.
Hahaha
"Good, well said, well done."
Old Ye patted Duanwu's head and said, "Well said, you got this question right."
"Let's play."
Then he looked at Yang Xiaotao and Ran Qiuye, "We are always stuck in our ways of thinking, always feeling that experience should be a certain way."
"It's still the children's world, where there are so many more discoveries."
Yang Xiaotao chuckled awkwardly, then put the stick aside. He always felt that Duanwu's thought process was different from ordinary people!
Ran Qiuye seemed to be deep in thought, then bowed to Elder Ye and said, "Teacher Ye, we were narrow-minded!"
"Perhaps we should listen more to the children's thoughts."
Yang Xiaotao nodded in agreement, "That's right!"
"However, the practice problems still need to be solved!"
The children in the courtyard had only listened to half of what Yang Xiaotao was saying when they heard him talk about doing practice problems, and their faces immediately fell.
They knew very well at school that the older students gave them an exam paper almost every day.
Every time the results were announced, howling could be heard throughout the village at night…
The thought that this test-taking strategy was proposed by their own father sent shivers down the spines of the children.
However, Yang Xiaotao, Ran Qiuye, and the others clearly ignored the children's thoughts.
They've all been through it all.
He knew perfectly well that admission depended on grades.
This is a stepping stone.
At least for now, that seems to be the case for most people.
After a little incident, the atmosphere in the courtyard became even more cheerful.
A short while later, Yang Youning, along with Chen Gong, Wang Guodong, Sun Guo, and Xu Yuanshan, arrived together, and Yang Xiaotao hurriedly went out to greet them.
The group consisted of veterans from the steel rolling mill era, and their gathering brought back a wave of nostalgia.
Originally, Li Hongfeng, Liang Zuoxin, and Lao Hong were supposed to come along, but they all declined, saying they had other things to do.
Yang Xiaotao understood what the others were thinking and didn't force them.
After sitting in the courtyard for a while, they heard the sound of a car coming from outside the alley.
Then Yang Xiaotao got up and led everyone to the gate, where they saw Huang Lao, Xia Lao, and four others coming out of the alley.
"Old leader!"
Yang Xiaotao quickly stepped forward, and Old Huang and the others also came to the door with smiles.
The two immediately stepped forward to greet each other.
"I was just saying on the way here that this courtyard house is the best. It's spacious and lively with lots of people."
Old Huang said with a smile, while Old Xia added, "And you don't have to worry about cooking."
Old Sun nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, we should just eat what's served."
Old Huang had no choice but to smile at Yang Xiaotao, saying, "Come on, let's go inside."
As he spoke, he followed Yang Xiaotao inside, but as soon as he stepped through the gate, he turned back to Old Xia and said, "By the way, take the wine."
"This is a joint operation between our First Ministry of Machine Building and the Ninth Ministry of Machine Building, so we can't afford to lose face later."
After saying that, he walked in without looking back.
Upon hearing this, Xia Lao, Niu Lao, and the others immediately scratched their heads, then understood what Huang Lao meant.
This is a drinking contest to see who's the best.
Then, as if remembering something else, he suddenly found himself speechless.
Comparing Yang Xiaotao's drinking skills is less interesting than comparing his ability to hold his pee while drinking water.
The group passed through the hanging flower gate and arrived at the central courtyard, where Ran Qiuye and her child greeted them.
Old Huang led his men forward to greet them, and then praised the Yang family's children.
"We didn't prepare much today. Since there are a lot of us, we'll just have hot pot."
"Please don't mind, my former leaders."
After Yang Xiaotao and the others took their seats, the hot pot was brought to the table, and Wang Guodong and Sun Guo helped serve the dishes.
"Oh, hot pot is so good!" "This weather is perfect for hot pot."
Old Sun helped set out the bowls and chopsticks. The room was full of grown men, so Yang Xiaotao didn't need Ran Qiuye and the others' help. It was even more lively to talk with the door closed.
As the hot pot broth boiled, everyone started throwing meat and vegetables into the pot without any hesitation.
"The essence of this hot pot lies in the dipping sauce."
Old Li from the First Ministry of Machine Building had a piece of tofu on his chopsticks, and some chili oil on his lips, but his eyes were full of satisfaction.
"I've tried so many hot pot dipping sauces, but Xiao Yang's is the spiciest, the most fragrant, and the best."
As he spoke, he dipped the tofu in the sauce and popped it into his mouth.
Sighs and hot gasps continued to rise, making Old Niu next to him laugh. He then joked, "Don't let Old Li's unrefined appearance fool you, he's quite knowledgeable about food."
"Go to hell with your old cow, how is my appearance not presentable?"
Old Li picked up a cabbage leaf with his chopsticks and said proudly, "Back in the day, I, Old Li, chased after the prettiest girl in the whole hospital."
"With this skill, she got him. Now she's cooking and doing laundry for me at home."
Old Niu snorted coldly, "Back then, I don't know who was the one who kept pestering me, almost to the point of kneeling on the ground."
Old Li wasn't annoyed at all; instead, he laughed and said, "Hehe, that's called tactic. You're too straightforward, Old Niu, that won't work."
Old Niu ignored him, picked up the cucumber and pickled vegetables on the table and threw them into his mouth, crunching away.
Everyone at the table laughed and talked about funny things from back then, as well as the situation with the tunnel boring machine.
"Oh dear, it's only 2.5 million Alliance coins per plane. Compared to planes that cost tens of millions, it's nothing, nothing at all."
Old Sun chuckled to himself. The main production departments of the tunnel boring machines were all under his command, so he was naturally pleased.
Yang Xiaotao immediately shook his head upon hearing this, "Old Sun, that's not how you do it."
"The manufacturing cost of this aircraft is also high. After it is made, it needs to undergo various tests, which is also very costly."
"You've made quite a bit of money."
Chen Gong laughed from the side, "That's right, we used to be so happy to earn ten thousand yuan or so. You can't take steamed buns for granted."
Old Sun just smiled, then raised his wine glass and said to everyone, "Eat, eat."
Yang Xiaotao prepared a lot of pork and mutton this time. Since everyone was a man, they ate without any worries and slurped it down.
"My dear former leader, I'd like to offer you a toast to thank you for your continued support over the years."
After everyone had a bite to eat, Yang Xiaotao raised his glass to Old Huang and said...
Old Huang put down his chopsticks, his eyes narrowed. "Don't try that on me, kid. Toasting is fine, but keep the pleasantries to yourself."
Yang Xiaotao turned his head away, "Yes, yes, I was being too polite."
Old Huang raised his glass, the two clinked glasses, and then both drank it down in one gulp.
As the two began toasting, the door to the 'drinking culture' at the dinner table was instantly opened.
"Mr. Xia, I'd like to offer you a toast."
Yang Youning immediately picked up his wine glass. Xia Lao, who was holding a salted duck egg and holding it with chopsticks, heard the sound and quickly put the salted duck egg down. Then he picked up his glass and said, "Little Yang, we can drink together, but there's something I need to remind you of."
Yang Youning immediately picked up his wine glass and stood up. "Old leader, please speak."
Old Xia nodded. "You started out as the director of a steel rolling mill, then became the director of a machinery factory, and now you're an important leader in the Ninth Department. But you need to be even stricter with yourself."
Then he looked at Chen Gong and the others beside him, "Not just you, but also Chen Gong, Yuanshan, and all of you!"
“I’ve watched this journey from the steel rolling mill to where it is today. As your old leader, I’m going to say a few words today. If you think they’re agreeable, then think about them. If you don’t, then don’t take them to heart.”
As soon as Elder Xia spoke, Chen Gong, Xu Yuanshan, and the others stood up one after another, holding their wine cups.
Yang Xiaotao also stood up.
To be honest, Elder Xia deserves a lot of credit for the establishment of the Nine Departments.
If it weren't for Mr. Xia's strong opposition during his time at the steel rolling mill, which led the mill onto the path of mechanical development, and his vigorous support for the development of machine tools and machinery manufacturing during his time at the machinery factory, and his willingness to transfer the chemical plant and steel plant to the machinery factory despite pressure, there would be no Ninth Department today.
For Yang Xiaotao and his companions, Old Xia was a benefactor on their journey.
"Old leader, please speak, we are all listening."
Yang Youning spoke sincerely, and Old Xia, sitting upright in his chair, also became serious in his tone.
“You guys have done a great job over the years, but I think you’re still young.”
"There are still many things waiting for you to accomplish and build."
"Be brave enough to accept challenges, take responsibility, and set higher goals for yourself."
"Instead of being complacent and losing that initial drive."
As he spoke, Old Xia stood up from his seat.
Old Huang, Old Sun, and the others all nodded silently.
Only Old Xia would dare to say such a thing.
“I believe that each and every one of you could have done better.”
"It all depends on whether you want to do it or not."
After Xia finished speaking, he raised his glass and said, "You can do even better."
Yang Youning and the others felt a burning sensation all over their bodies and their faces were burning hot, but they also felt a strange impulse in their hearts.
"Our former leader, we will certainly live up to your high expectations."
After Yang Youning finished speaking, Xu Yuanshan held the cup with both hands and said, "We will always remember your teachings."
"Yes, old leader, we will always remember you."
As they spoke, their glasses clinked together.
Yang Xiaotao and the others sat down again, and Old Huang took the opportunity to say, "What Old Xia said earlier, we are all getting old."
"In another year or two, it will be time for me to retire."
As soon as Huang spoke, the atmosphere at the table fell silent.
Age is an issue that no one can ignore.
"We've been looking for a successor for years."
Old Xia picked up his wine glass and took a sip.
"But finding a successor is not easy."
As he spoke, he glanced at Yang Xiaotao.
When he was at the machinery factory, he thought about training Yang Xiaotao well. Even if he couldn't take over immediately, he could provide a transition period. In ten years or so, Yang Xiaotao would be in his prime, which would be just right.
But who would have thought that Old Chen would snatch it away and make it into nine parts.
This has made their succession plan extremely difficult, to the point that no one has been able to find a smooth path so far.
No, it's not that there are no candidates.
But this person is in the Ninth Division.
That would be difficult to handle.
You can't exactly poach your son's people, can you? If word gets out, people will laugh at you.
Seeing the somewhat somber atmosphere at the table, Yang Xiaotao quickly changed the subject, "Boss, I heard that the Rockets from the Alliance have had another accident?"
Old Huang realized what was happening and immediately nodded, saying, "Yes, this time."
The meal lasted from noon until 3 p.m.
After Yang Xiaotao saw Xia Lao and the others off, Yang Youning, Xu Yuanshan and the others stood at the entrance of the courtyard, each smoking a cigarette, the air thick with smoke.
"Have you heard?"
Chen Gong leaned against the stone lion and nudged Yang Youning with his elbow.
The latter leaned to the side and remained silent.
Wang Guodong, who was sitting on the steps, turned his head and asked, "What have you heard this time?"
Chen Gong chuckled, "I heard that Lao Liu might be going back to the First Ministry of Machine Building."
"What?"
Yang Xiaotao looked up. "You mean Lao Liu?"
Yang Youning nodded, "I've also heard some news. Old Liu used to work at the Ministry of Machine Building. I guess he's being sent back to take over the position."
Yang Xiaotao was somewhat taken aback by what Yang Youning said.
How come he didn't know about this?
Seeing Yang Xiaotao's confusion, Chen Gong explained, "This is just hearsay; we'll have to wait for the higher-ups to make the final arrangements."
"However, it's not bad for Lao Liu to go to the First Ministry of Machine Building. At least we're still family."
Chen Gong said optimistically, and Yang Youning nodded in agreement.
Xu Yuanshan, Sun Guo, and the others all had the same expression.
Moreover, they have always kept Elder Xia's words in mind.
Take on more responsibility, be stricter with yourself, be brave enough to take on challenges, and don't be complacent.
This is to encourage them to make positive progress.
Only Yang Xiaotao, upon hearing this, took a deep drag on his cigarette to express his dissatisfaction.
Now that Liu Huaimin is gone, who will help us with the work?
(End of this chapter)