Chapter 113: Indulgence in Food, Drink, and Pleasure

After viewing the front, the two of them walked hand in hand around Tiananmen Square, circling it once; only when night was approaching did they finally stop.

Yan Rushan glanced at the time. “It’s getting late. Shall we have dinner?”

“Alright.” She withdrew her gaze from the grand architecture. Their afternoon hadn’t been filled with any special amusements; simply wandering had nearly consumed all their time.

Yan Rushan beckoned, and Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo came over from nearby.

“Comrade Yan, Comrade Zhong, are you heading back?”

“Yes, it’s getting dark. We’ll go for dinner first.” Yan Rushan held a camera in one hand and his beloved’s delicate fingers in the other, leading them toward where the car was parked.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo followed closely, stationed apart to better protect Zhong Yuxiu.

At the car, Yan Rushan opened the door and helped her inside, then followed after and handed the camera to the guard.

“We’re going to Quanjude. Take the camera back and have the photos developed as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Comrade Yan Rushan.” The guard accepted it, placing it to the side. When Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo were inside and the doors closed, he drove off.

Yan Rushan glanced sideways. “Comrade Hao, Comrade Tian, I’ll send you the photos once they’re ready.”

“Alright.” They’d managed to get themselves into a few photos during today’s outing; once developed, they could either keep them or boast about them to the rest of the security unit.

Outside Quanjude, people were coming and going—plenty even at night. Even without roast duck, there were other dishes to tempt the crowd.

Zhong Yuxiu invited the young guard Xiao Wang to join them, but he adamantly refused; finally, Yan Rushan, seeing this, simply pulled Zhong Yuxiu away.

“We’ll just pack him a meal later.”

“That’s fine then.” Zhong Yuxiu nodded reluctantly. The guard had spent a tiring day accompanying them, and it felt awkward that he wouldn’t even share a meal.

Yan Rushan went to the counter, gave the room number, and they were led inside. The private room wasn’t particularly luxurious, but in those times its decor was perfectly suitable—red and revolutionary.

“I ordered the dishes ahead of time; please send them in. Start with the roast duck,” Yan Rushan requested. The staff nodded and left, returning soon with a platter of sliced roast duck, dipping sauce, garnishes, and a tureen of duck bone soup.

“Help yourself, don’t be shy.” Yan Rushan handed her chopsticks, then wrapped a slice of roast duck in a soft pancake with sauce and garnish, rolling it up and offering it to her. “Eat as much as you like; I ordered two ducks, more than enough for us.”

Zhong Yuxiu finally relaxed and ate, savoring the roast duck she so dearly loved.

Other dishes were brought out one after another, but her favorite remained the duck—chewy, fragrant, and even more delicious with the sauce and accompaniments. Cucumber strips tucked inside added a crisp freshness.

By the end of the meal, the four of them had finished one duck, down to the last bite, along with all the side dishes and soup; the second duck was packed to go.

Back in the car, Zhong Yuxiu slumped into the seat, Yan Rushan offering his shoulder for her to rest against.

“If you like it so much, I’ll bring you again next time.”

“Once in a while is alright; it’s not worth coming often,” Zhong Yuxiu replied coolly. “Roast duck is delicious, but it’s best as an occasional treat. If you eat it all the time, you’ll tire of it. Our family’s Gou Dan cooks well enough.”

Yan Rushan chuckled, a deep, rolling laugh that shook his chest.

“Alright, whatever you say. We’ll come occasionally for a treat.”

His gentle coaxing pleased her, and Zhong Yuxiu smiled. “Let’s go home. I’m a little sleepy.”

“Just rest your eyes for a bit.” Yan Rushan looked ahead. “Xiao Wang, take us home.”

Zhong Yuxiu nodded, then passed the packed duck to Xiao Wang in the front seat. “Comrade Wang, you’ve worked hard today. We didn’t get to eat this second duck, so we brought it for you to thank you.”

“No need, no need,” Xiao Wang stammered, flustered as he drove on.

She placed it beside him. “It’s for you. You’ve been driving us around all day. We invited you to dine with us, but you refused, so you haven’t eaten. Take the duck home and have a bite.”

“I really don’t need it. I’ll have food when I get back.”

“It’s already dark; your father must’ve eaten by now, so you’ll miss dinner. Don’t argue. I’m exhausted and going to rest.” Zhong Yuxiu withdrew, leaning against Yan Rushan, closing her eyes and pretending to sleep.

Xiao Wang glanced in the rearview mirror; seeing her eyes closed, he sighed and looked at the parcel beside him. It was unmistakably roast duck, and he, having seen its worth in the company of elders, understood its value at a glance.

His monthly salary couldn’t buy even five ducks, such was its price.

How could he accept such a costly gift? He decided to give it to Hao Nan or Tian Shangguo when they got out.

Entering the compound, Xiao Wang delivered them home. After they got out, he took the oil-paper package of duck and came down. He intended to hand it to Hao Nan, but Hao Nan wasn’t fooled; as he approached, Hao Nan stepped aside, speaking to him.

“Comrade Wang, don’t try to get me in trouble.”

How was he causing trouble?

Xiao Wang was baffled. “I really can’t take it.”

“Then return it to Comrade Yan and Comrade Zhong and see if they’ll accept it,” Hao Nan replied coldly, turning to join Zhong Yuxiu.

Xiao Wang tried Tian Shangguo, but Tian Shangguo turned away. “Don’t look at me; I’m not in charge.”

Zhong Yuxiu and Yan Rushan watched the exchange, shaking their heads with a wry smile. “Comrade Wang, just keep it. No need to push it back and forth; it only creates awkwardness and hurts feelings. I already said, you’ve worked hard all day, this is your reward. If you keep refusing, we won’t dare ask you for help next time.”

“This…” Xiao Wang hesitated.

Yan Rushan added, “Take it, and head home. Tell Grandfather I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes.” Xiao Wang straightened, saluting instinctively.

“We’ll go inside, it’s cold out here.” Yan Rushan didn’t look at the others, taking Zhong Yuxiu’s hand and heading toward their door. At the entrance, Zhong Yuxiu unlocked it and they stepped inside.

“Comrade Wang, hurry home, it’s getting late,” Hao Nan said hurriedly, then left. Tian Shangguo followed, the two entering the gate one after the other.

Lights flickered on in the Zhong family’s little house, casting a soft glow over its exterior. Inside, the warm yellow light made it seem like daylight. Zhong Yuxiu settled onto the sofa with a contented sigh.

“It’s always most comfortable at home.”

Yan Rushan’s gaze lingered for a moment before he smiled. “When we have time, I’ll take you to walk the Great Wall.”

“We’ll see. You’ve been busy all day—go home, wash up, and get some rest. You have to rise early tomorrow; you’re always busy, so take care not to neglect your health.” Zhong Yuxiu mumbled softly, “When you’re young, you can push yourself, but when you’re old, you pay for it.”