Chapter Twenty: Watching a Movie
His attire left the neighbors in the courtyard utterly stunned.
“Oh my, isn’t that Zhuzi? How come he looks so dashing today? Like a movie star from a calendar!”
“Master He, that outfit of yours must’ve cost a pretty penny. Lucky you earn fifty bucks a month, or else you couldn’t afford it!”
“Zhuzi, if you had dressed like this a few years ago, you’d probably have married by now. No need to wait till now!”
He Yuzhu listened to the neighbors’ teasing with a heart full of delight.
He smiled warmly, greeting everyone, then swiftly made his way toward the gate.
He had arranged to watch a movie with Yu Haitang, and time was of the essence.
After getting off the bus, He Yuzhu jogged to the cinema.
Sweat dripping, he stood before Yu Haitang, panting, “Sorry, Haitang, I’m late. I really hate to keep you waiting.”
At the first glance, Yu Haitang almost didn’t recognize him.
Surprised, she said, “Yuzhu, you look so handsome today—completely different from usual.”
He Yuzhu scratched his head bashfully, “Well, I dressed up just for you. Let’s hurry in, the movie’s about to start.”
They found seats inside the theater.
The screen was filled with couples side by side, making He Yuzhu’s heart ache with longing.
He stole a glance at Yu Haitang and caught her looking back; their eyes met midair, as if exchanging countless unspoken words.
Yet neither dared to reach out and hold the other’s hand.
Only when the movie ended and the lights brightened did they muster the courage to tentatively touch hands.
At that moment, their hearts raced as if the entire world had paused.
Finally, their fingers intertwined tightly.
Hand in hand, they stepped out of the cinema.
The outside world was still noisy, but their hearts brimmed with quiet joy and contentment.
The two wandered aimlessly for a long time, speaking not a word.
It wasn’t until He Yuzhu’s stomach growled that he broke the silence. “Haitang, are you hungry? Shall we find somewhere to eat?”
Yu Haitang nodded obediently. “Sure, Yuzhu. Do you know any good places?”
He Yuzhu thought a moment. “I know a restaurant serving Tan family cuisine—it’s pretty good. Though it’s pricey, an occasional indulgence won’t hurt.”
Yu Haitang brightened. “Great! I’ve never tried Tan family cuisine. I’ve heard it’s expensive and never had the chance.”
Tan family cuisine was once an exclusive delight of noble households, its dignity and elegance unchanged even today.
Though times have changed and common folk may now step inside, the cost behind those exquisite dishes still deters most.
Standing before the restaurant’s door, Yu Haitang’s eyes shimmered with both anticipation and hesitation.
She tugged He Yuzhu’s sleeve softly. “Maybe we should go somewhere else. It really is too expensive.”
Seeing the faint worry on her face, He Yuzhu smiled warmly.
Without a word, he gently grasped her hand and led her inside.
Inside, He Yuzhu seemed transported to another world.
He browsed the menu with practiced ease, ordering dishes confidently as if price was no concern.
After ordering seven or eight dishes, Yu Haitang finally spoke up. “Enough, don’t order more. We won’t finish it all.”
But He Yuzhu appeared not to hear. Looking at the waiter, he resolutely added, “One more serving of the bird’s nest soup, Tan family’s signature dish—we can’t miss it.”
Yu Haitang shook her head helplessly, silently thinking: This meal’s going to cost a fortune.
Yet when the beautifully presented dishes were brought out, all her worries vanished.
The cooking skills of Tan family cuisine lived up to its reputation—roasting, stewing, simmering, baking, steaming—all mastered perfectly. The flavors were balanced, satisfying her palate exquisitely.
Yu Haitang ate heartily until her belly was full and round before stopping.
He Yuzhu maintained his calm and elegance, as if this meal was just a small event in everyday life.
At the bill, Yu Haitang’s heart ached slightly for He Yuzhu upon seeing the sum.
The meal cost nearly a quarter of his monthly wage.
Yet He Yuzhu swiped his card as usual, unfazed as if it meant nothing.
Outside the restaurant, Yu Haitang couldn’t hold back. “Do you know how much this meal cost? It’s way too expensive!”
He Yuzhu laughed, draping an arm around her shoulder. “Hey, we don’t eat at places like this every day. A little splurge now and then is fine.”
Looking into his smiling eyes, Yu Haitang’s fondness for him deepened.
She disliked stingy men; his generous, easygoing nature suited her perfectly.
Besides, she guessed that if he could freely spend on food like this, his family wealth must be solid.
Such a man was truly a rare find.
Just as Yu Haitang indulged in these pleasant thoughts, a sudden loud noise shattered her reverie.
She clutched her forehead, exclaiming, “Ouch, that hurts!”
He Yuzhu turned toward the sound and saw a small stone rolling on the ground.
Scanning the area, he soon spotted a few familiar figures—Qin Huairu’s three children: Bang Geng, Xiao Dang, and Huai Hua.
The three kids were hiding nearby, secretly watching them.
“Wait here,” He Yuzhu said, gently patting Yu Haitang’s shoulder and whispering in her ear, then strode toward the children.
In moments, he returned holding a struggling little boy with one hand, followed by two frightened girls.
These were indeed Qin Huairu’s children: Bang Geng, Xiao Dang, and Huai Hua.
“Apologize,” He Yuzhu commanded sternly to Bang Geng, his tone leaving no room for argument.
But the mischievous boy resisted fiercely, punching and kicking even as He Yuzhu held him aloft.
Unwilling to waste time, He Yuzhu unsparingly gave Bang Geng a sharp slap on the rear.
The crisp sound echoed, and tears sprang to the boy’s eyes, while the two girls burst into tears from the sudden turmoil.