Chapter 139: The First Visit

Zhong Yuxiu nodded and asked no more. There were some things one could ask about, and others one could not; one had to have a good sense of propriety.

A flicker of a smile passed through Yan Rushan's eyes. "My father's unit is stationed on the outskirts of Shangjing. It’s quite remote—hard to find and not easy to talk about."

"I understand. Military matters are not to be inquired after; I know that much." When Zhong Yuxiu said this, Yan Hejun’s expression softened. He realized she was a young woman who understood the score, which put him at ease.

"What do you mean 'not to be inquired after'? When there's an opportunity later, Grandfather will take you to visit the base—and not to that little backwater place where your Uncle Yan is stationed," Yan Guofeng said, directly undercutting his son. Yan Hejun lowered his eyes silently, offering no rebuttal.

When someone spoke like that, she dared not simply agree. "Grandfather Yan, I was just asking out of curiosity. In truth, I have less interest in the military than I do in my new research."

"Good, good. You focus on your research and strive to come up with a new invention soon," Yan Guofeng said with a smile. "You are busy with your studies and your work, so you must pay attention to your health. Your health is the capital of the revolution; put your well-being above all else!"

Zhong Yuxiu nodded obediently. "I will listen to Grandfather Yan."

"Ah, what a good child."

The jump in tone and attitude was quite significant. Zhong Yuxiu pursed her lips and smiled. Yan Rushan spoke up directly, "Grandfather, the range hood Yuxiu invented is quite excellent. Should we install one in our house?"

"A range hood? What use is that thing? At most, it just vents some fumes, and it consumes electricity." It wasn’t that he couldn't afford the electricity, but having lived for thousands of years in this manner, the older generation naturally felt such things were unnecessary.

Yan Hejun asked, "What kind of range hood?"

"It’s a machine for extracting cooking fumes in the kitchen. The orders from abroad are quite substantial," Yan Rushan explained.

"How large are the orders from abroad?"

Yan Rushan paused. "I don’t know the exact number, but they are quite large. The higher-ups place great importance on it; if you don't believe me, ask Grandfather."

"It is selling very well abroad, and the orders have been non-stop," Yan Guofeng said calmly. He was well aware that his son’s information was lagging; having spent years in the military with no interest in matters outside his gates, he was naturally behind the times. "The little electric scooters and range hoods that Yuxiu invented are selling very well. Her other inventions are also gradually being popularized and applied. The sales of these scooters and hoods have relieved a great deal of our economic pressure."

"The key is that this child even handed the patent rights over to the state. The patents are hers, but the state manages them." He was a wise person; how much money could one person spend, and how much could they actually hold onto? Partnering with the state not only brought money and fame but also established an unassailable patron.

That was why he valued Zhong Yuxiu so much—there was a reason for it.

Yan Hejun’s expression shifted. "Since it’s so good, let’s install one in our home and see how it works."

Zhong Yuxiu smiled without a word.

"Grandfather, Dad, Yuxiu has one at her place. If you are worried it’s not useful or unnecessary, you can go see the one already in use. If you think it’s good, then we can buy one and install it," Yan Rushan suggested, then asked Zhong Yuxiu, "Yuxiu, is that alright?"

Zhong Yuxiu had no strong feelings either way. "If Grandfather Yan and Uncle Yan want to see it, you are welcome to come to my place. I’ll have Gou Dan demonstrate it for you."

"That works," Yan Hejun immediately agreed.

Yan Guofeng shot him a glance. "Could anything Yuxiu invents be bad? What are you thinking? Move along. If you want to buy it, just buy it. Is our family so strapped for cash that we can't afford a range hood?"

"I was just afraid you wouldn't be satisfied in the end!" Yan Hejun deflected the blame, causing the corners of Yan Guofeng’s mouth to twitch in annoyance.

Zhong Yuxiu found it amusing, and the smile showed naturally on her pretty face, making Yan Hejun feel uncharacteristically sheepish.

"A range hood can extract drifting grease and smoke, and even some harmful gases. For some, it might be optional, but I find it very useful. Every time Gou Dan cooks at Yuxiu’s place and turns on the range hood, you can't see a trace of smoke in the kitchen." Aside from the oil splashing out of the pan, which was unavoidable, it was quite effective.

Yan Hejun looked at his son. "Let’s go over to Yuxiu’s place later. If it’s good, we’ll install one. Our family certainly isn't short on that kind of money." Primarily, he wanted to see it for himself as soon as possible.

"Very well, we'll go later."

As they were talking, Yan Ruhai walked out. "Grandfather, Dad, older brother, sister-in-law, dinner is ready."

"Understood, let’s take our seats." The old man rose and headed toward the dining room, with Yan Hejun following closely behind.

Yan Rushan escorted them to the table. "I’ll go help bring out the dishes."

"I’ll go too." Zhong Yuxiu quickly stood up. Although no one would blame a daughter-in-law for not helping on her first visit, there were only a few people in the house, and since Yan Rushan was going to help, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to sit still.

"Yuxiu, there is no need for you to go. In our family, we don't hold with those rules about what daughters-in-law or granddaughters-in-law must do. Sit comfortably and prepare to taste the meal your aunt has prepared."

Once Yan Guofeng spoke, Yan Rushan felt a weight lift. He truly didn't want Yuxiu to busy herself; she was an honored guest on her first visit, how could she be expected to work? Besides, his young lady rarely did chores at home—Gou Dan took care of everything—and he really couldn't bear to see her doing such things.

"Grandfather is right. Just sit and wait to eat."

After settling her down, Yan Rushan headed to the kitchen. Dishes were brought out one after another—some purchased from state-run restaurants, others cooked by Yan’s mother, Song Man. Although they weren't quite up to Gou Dan’s standard, the variety was quite good.

Once the food was served and the bowls and chopsticks were set, Song Man, Yan Rushan, and Yan Ruhai took their seats. Only after Yan Guofeng gave the word did they begin to eat.

Taking advantage of the moment before the chopsticks were used, Song Man placed a piece of meat into Zhong Yuxiu’s bowl. "I heard from Dashan that you like meat. Try your aunt’s cooking and see how it is. If you like it, I’ll make it for you at home later."

"Thank you, Auntie. Please eat as well; don't worry about serving me, I won't stand on ceremony," Zhong Yuxiu said with a smile as she ate the meat. She didn't forget to offer a compliment: "The meat is chewy and has a savory, spicy flavor."

"If you like it, eat more." Song Man continued to place more meat in her bowl.

Zhong Yuxiu paused inwardly, though her expression remained unchanged. The meat was indeed chewy, but it was also getting stuck in her teeth. Gou Dan would always marinate lean meat in bean starch for ten minutes before cooking, making it tender and smooth—much easier to eat.

Yan Rushan clearly noticed this. Afterward, whenever Song Man tried to serve her meat, he would intercept it, letting it land in his own bowl instead. He mostly served her the red-braised pork and braised chicken pieces from the state-run restaurant, as those were more to her taste.

By the end of the meal, the Yan family had shown great sincerity and expressed enough goodwill toward Zhong Yuxiu. Having eaten well and feeling in a good mood, the atmosphere was harmonious and pleasant.

After the meal, Yan Ruhai and Yan Rushan went to wash the dishes and tidy the kitchen, while Song Man sat with Yan Hejun, asking Zhong Yuxiu about her daily routine, whether she liked to go out, and if she was keeping up with her studies.