Chapter 383 Borrowing Light
The news of Liu Zhiye and his wife's return spread quickly throughout the courtyard like a spring breeze. The neighbors were truly happy about their return, and their faces were filled with joy.

This couple has long been well-known among the neighbors, not only because of their moral character that has won everyone's respect, but also because of their prominent status - one is a division-level cadre, and the other is a deputy-division-level street office cadre who holds real power.

Such an identity is often unattainable in the eyes of ordinary people.

However, what is admirable is that Liu Zhiye and his wife did not become arrogant because of this. Instead, they integrated into this courtyard full of the flavor of everyday life with a normal heart.

The couple is always so kind and amiable when dealing with people, without any airs at all, which makes people feel very close to them.

Not only have they won the respect of more people, but their presence has also made this small courtyard more warm and harmonious.

Ge Shuping, Sha Zhu, Xu Damao and other loyal followers of Liu Zhiye, together with the brothers Yan Jiefang, Yan Jiecheng and Liu Guangfu, they and their families - the gentle Lou Xiaoe, the fierce Wang Qiuju, the quiet Du Juan, the intellectual Ran Qiuye, and the new bride Yu Li, who had just stepped into the threshold of the Yan family and became Yan Jiecheng's wife - packed Liu Zhiye's east wing and made it very lively.

Yan Jiefang's wedding was scheduled for an auspicious day in early December, but Liu Zhiye was unable to attend in person due to his busy schedule at the Military Academy.

Therefore, Gan Ning had to attend as a representative and witness the happy moment of the newlyweds.

Liu Zhiye's absence left a slight regret in the Yan family's heart. Originally, they were looking forward to Liu Zhiye's arrival, hoping to take this opportunity to add a bit of glory and glory among relatives and friends, and make the Yan family's face more glamorous.

However, this carefully planned "wishful thinking" ultimately failed due to the helplessness of reality, leaving behind a regret that was not fulfilled.

Yu Li was lucky enough to see Gan Ning's beauty. At that moment, Gan Ning's unique temperament was like a spring breeze blowing on her face, which made her feel ashamed and secretly admired her, as if she had met a fairy that was hard to find in the world. She couldn't help but wonder: "For such an extraordinary woman, what kind of person with outstanding temperament would be her partner to match her?"

When she finally saw Liu Zhiye's true appearance, she had a concrete understanding of the extraordinary person her husband's family had talked about. It was true that a great reputation was a real talent.

Liu Zhiye sat at the center of the crowd, with a handsome face as if carved, extraordinary temperament, and a kingly demeanor.

He was tall and straight, mighty yet elegant. His every move showed calmness and confidence. His restrained light seemed to be able to see into people's hearts. All kinds of compliments quietly gathered in Yuli's heart, painting a vivid picture of a hero.

This couple is indeed, "Hydrangea and Peony - a match made in heaven"

"One set goes with another set - a crooked pot goes with a flat stove"

"The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd - a match made in heaven"

"A high-waisted skirt for a cute woman - a perfect match."

……

Yu Li didn't know where she learned so many Chinese idioms, and her mind was full of thoughts.

Liu Zhiye's return was like a spring breeze, allowing everyone to find support instantly.

Not only did the younger generation flock to the event, but even the three managers, Yan Bugui, Liu Haizhong and Yi Zhonghai, all humbled themselves and joined in the lively conversation.

Everyone was clear-headed, and no one was stupid. Back then, when Liu Zhiye first returned from military service, he was unknown and just a minor character. The three uncles were still able to act like elders and maintain some reserve.

Now, Liu Zhiye is no longer the same as before, he holds an important position, and his future is limitless. How can such an opportunity be missed? If you don't make friends with him before he soars to the sky, wouldn't it be even more difficult to get close to him when he soars to the sky?
Therefore, we have to admit that scholars are indeed more intelligent than others. Looking back, when Liu Zhiye had not yet emerged, the old Yan family had keenly noticed his potential and moved closer to him with all their strength.

The effectiveness of this move was obvious. The Yan family was able to undergo a complete transformation and became a well-known wealthy family. The neighbors all looked at them with envy, and they knew clearly in their hearts that all this was due to Liu Zhiye's cultivation.

Apart from the Yan family, Liu Zhiye's family's kindness to Sha Zhu is extremely deep.

Not only was he lucky enough to marry a beautiful and virtuous wife, but under Liu Zhiye's care, he became a backbone cadre in the factory canteen. He lived a prosperous life and looked like a respectable person.

Liu Zhiye took great care of Xu Damao. The latter's ability to function with ease in the Red Star Factory and even in many public institutions was actually due to Liu Zhiye's great help and careful cultivation.

At first, there were misunderstandings and conflicts between Yi Zhonghai and Liu Zhiye, but as time passed, he came to his senses.

Upon careful consideration, if it weren't for Liu Zhiye, how could the Yi family have a son as well-behaved, sensible, and diligent as Yi Yuanchao?

Liu Zhiye not only brought a child to the Yi family, but also solved their worries in their old age. This kindness weighs heavily on my heart and its importance is beyond words.

Even Liu Haizhong's family was able to solve Liu Guangfu's work problem by relying on Liu Zhiye in time. This move undoubtedly solved the urgent problem for Liu Haizhong's family and was truly a timely help.

Apart from this, other families were a little slow to realize it. When they finally realized it and wanted to follow suit, they had already missed the opportunity. Liu Zhiye was like a roc spreading its wings, soaring up to 90,000 miles, and it was not easy for ordinary people to approach him.

…………

It's rare for Liu Zhiye to come home, so naturally everyone wants to get together to celebrate.

Outside the house, the cold wind and flying snowflakes create a quiet and cool atmosphere unique to winter.

Considering that there were many people coming to Liu Zhiye's house tonight, in order to add some warmth and liveliness, two steaming hot pots were specially placed at home. The steam was lingering, and the warmth dispelled the severe cold of winter. Everyone sat around, eating and talking, laughing and talking continuously, and the atmosphere was particularly harmonious.

Sha Zhu's knife skills are really amazing. He specially put on a white coat, a special knife for slicing mutton, a cutting board, and a roll of hand cloth to measure the thickness of the meat slices.

The knife pulled the meat forward and released it backward. The mutton fell in rolls on the blade one by one, and a piece of meat was placed on the white plate.

Sha Zhu has been in this business for nearly twenty years. From initially learning from an apprentice to now running a canteen on his own, he has always respected traditional craftsmanship and emphasized inheritance.

Authentic old Beijing hot pot meat requires copper pot charcoal fire, and the meat must be hand-cut fresh meat. There are also some rules for eating copper pot hot pot meat. The water temperature right after the pot is put into the pot is most suitable for hot pot tripe. When the water is hot again, add the following meats. The big three-leg (upper part of the hind leg) has both fat and lean meats. People who are afraid of getting too greasy should choose to eat it when they are the hungriest.

The little trident (the upper part of the front leg) is fat and lean, and as it gradually gets into shape, this delicacy is not to be missed.

The cucumber strips (inside the hind legs) or the crotch (buttocks) are thinner and are placed at the end to make people feel satisfied. Pick up 2-3 slices of meat, don't put down the chopsticks, and move them up and down a few times.

Finally, of course, you have to have some vegetables to relieve the greasiness, the three traditional Beijing dishes: cabbage, vermicelli, and frozen tofu.

Of course, seafood is the star of Liu Zhiye's hot pot feast. The table is full of delicious seafood, including the plumpness of swimming crabs, the sweetness of small blue dragons, the plumpness of large prawns, the tenderness of mud shrimps, the unique flavor of shrimps, the springy teeth of abalone, the softness of sea cucumbers, the sweetness of clams, and the deliciousness of striped clams... Each one is carefully selected to satisfy your craving for the ocean.

As for where these delicacies came from, there is no need to ask. Naturally, Liu Zhiye "collected" them easily by just taking a stroll outside.

After the ingredients are ready, everyone officially starts eating. There are also some rules for eating this dish. The base of the pot: one cup of water, two or three pieces of green onions and ginger. The base of the copper pot hot pot used by the old Beijing people is completely different from the Sichuan hot pot. Only a few pieces of green onions and a few slices of ginger can be seen in the charcoal pot.

However, if conditions permit, you can also use broth. If not, just use water.

The clear soup base in the crooked old pot was steaming, the fire tube was blackened by the charcoal fire, and a few pieces of fruit wood charcoal were stuffed in, letting the fragrance of the fruit wood and the aroma of the meat boil together.

A worn-out copper isolation sheet that looks like it has been used for a long time is inserted into the pot. This is a two-pot pot that does not interfere with each other.

Liu Zhiye and others are very particular about the way they eat it. They first prepare a small condiment with the right saltiness, such as sesame paste, fermented tofu, chives, and the indispensable chopped green onions, coriander, and chili oil.

There are also many details to consider when cooking shabu-shabu. The tripe should not leave the chopsticks, and the mutton should be sliced ​​a few times to ensure the soup is clear. Take it out, dip it in the sauce and chew it carefully, tasting the aroma of the sauce and mutton mixed in the mouth.

When eating hotpot, wine is an indispensable companion. In the past, ordinary people preferred the mellow "Erguotou" and the sweet "Tongzhou Laojiao".

Now, the trend has changed, and Liujiazhuang's "wild mountain wine" has quietly become popular among the people. The price of this wine is affordable, which does not burden the people at all, and its taste is so good that it can compete with many famous wines, which is rare.

The men raised their glasses and drank, while the women's tables were also filled with soft "wild fruit wine". The wine was crystal clear and had a light taste, like a gentle version of champagne.

As the aroma of the wine grew stronger, the women became more and more intoxicated by the feeling. Although the alcohol content was not high, it was enough to make people's cheeks flush and their eyes blurry.

Only Ran Qiuye, who was pregnant, remained awake. She looked at her sisters with a smile, her face filled with maternal radiance.

The other women, all with rosy cheeks and smiling faces, added a touch of warmth and liveliness to the party.

Lou Xiao'e drank the most, and maybe it was because of the stimulation, but she drank a little too much and was a little drunk.

Ran Qiuye got married two years later than Lou Xiaoe, but she is now pregnant, while there is still no movement in her belly.

This difference may have stirred up ripples in her heart, making her behavior tonight even more unspeakably sad.

"Xiao'e, drink slowly and eat more meat. Your health is important." Gan Ning, a thoughtful woman, noticed Lou Xiao'e's abnormality with sharp eyes and roughly understood what was bothering her.

She spoke softly, trying to comfort Lou Xiao'e: "Xiao'e, are you still worried about the child? Relax, there will be a way."

Lou Xiao'e and Gan Ning were close friends, and they often shared private conversations. With a bit of worry in her eyes, she nodded gently and spoke in a low voice: "We have tried various methods, visited many hospitals, and consulted countless doctors, but the matter of having children has never improved. Sister Gan Ning, do you think I really can't have children?" Her words revealed her inner anxiety and helplessness.

Gan Ning was also extremely anxious when she saw this. She gently patted the back of Lou Xiao'e's hand and said in a firm and warm tone, "Xiao'e, don't worry. I happen to know a top expert in obstetrics and gynecology. This person enjoys a high reputation in this field and has superb medical skills. If you are willing, I will take you to visit her immediately and let her take a closer look at you..."

When Lou Xiao'e heard this, her eyes suddenly lit up with joy, and she excitedly confirmed: "Sister Gan Ning, are you telling the truth? That's great! Thank you so much!" After she finished speaking, tears welled up in her eyes, but they fell with a smile. She seemed to be instantly surrounded by a warm power, and the spark of hope was rekindled in her heart.

The women sat around on the warm kang, tasting delicious food amid laughter and enjoying the warm winter time.

The men gathered in the spacious and bright living room, with the steaming hot pot bubbling beside the stove. They raised their glasses to drink, chatting and laughing. The severe cold outside seemed to isolate them, leaving only the warmth in the room and the friendship between brothers, which became stronger on this winter night.

Liu Zhiye's ears were extremely sharp, and even the mosquito-like whispers between Gan Ning and Lou Xiao'e could not escape his ears.

With a slight thought in his mind, he winked at Damao beside him and said, "Da Mao, come on, accompany me outside to get some fresh air and some water."

Although Xu Damao had some doubts in his heart, he did not ask any further questions. He quickly drank the remaining wine in the glass, then followed Liu Zhiye's steps and walked out of the house.

The two walked out of the room. Liu Zhiye took out a cigarette from his pocket and gently handed it to Xu Damao, with a mysterious smile on his face: "Come, Damao, try this, it's a special cigarette for the chief. There's only one box of this treasure. There were so many people just now that I couldn't bear to share it with you."

Xu Damao quickly took it and said with a smile: "Hey! Then I must taste the flavor of this cigarette. I am the first person in my life to smoke such a high-end cigarette!"

He was not happy because of the cigarettes, but was actually moved by Liu Zhiye's unique attitude towards him. "See, see, in Brother Liu's heart, I, Xu Damao, am the person closest to him."

In the midst of the snow and wind, the two of them lit up their cigarettes at the same time. Amid the smoke, Liu Zhiye spoke first: "Da Mao, last time, it was all thanks to you, otherwise the consequences would have been disastrous. I've always wanted to find an opportunity to say thank you to you in person, but I never had the time."

Upon hearing this, Xu Damao quickly waved his hand and said with a smile: "Brother Liu, it's too polite for you to say that. What is our relationship? You are my real brother. It is my duty to help you solve your problems." His words were full of sincerity, as if he felt extremely honored to help Liu Zhiye out of trouble.

Liu Zhiye's words of thanks were like a ray of warm sunshine in winter, shining into Xu Damao's heart and making him feel unprecedented ease and satisfaction.

It seemed as if even the cold snow around was melted by this friendship, and all the fatigue in my body also dissipated.

Liu Zhiye raised a smile and nodded gently to him, his eyes flashing with an elusive light, as if he was thinking about something.

After a while, he spoke again, his tone a little serious: "I remember that when you visited my house last time, my old man took your pulse and concluded that the source of the disease actually came from you. To be honest, this disease is quite tricky and it may not be easy to treat."

Xu Damao was startled and immediately changed his expression and said, "Brother, don't scare me. Is my illness really that serious?"

Liu Zhiye nodded seriously and said, "Suwen·Ancient Innocence" says: "When a man is 28, his kidney qi is strong, the essence arrives, the essence overflows, the yin and yang are in harmony, so he can have children... When he is 78, his liver qi is weak, his tendons cannot move, the essence is exhausted, the essence is low, the kidneys are weak, and his body is in poor shape... his hair is white, his body is heavy, his steps are unsteady, and he has no children." "The Secret Records of the Stone Chamber·The Secret Method of Tongue Diagnosis of Cold Diseases·On Offspring" talks about the "six diseases" of cold kidney essence, weak kidney yang, insufficient kidney essence, phlegm and dampness obstruction, yin deficiency and fire, and liver depression and qi stagnation. Ye Tianshi said, "The method of seeking children is no more than the two key points of nourishing essence for men and nourishing blood for women." Zhang Jingyue emphasized: "All male and female pregnancies are caused by qi and blood."

Hearing this, Xu Damao was bewildered, shaking his head like a rattle, with confusion in his eyes. He said bluntly: "Brother Liu, I don't understand a word of your profound words. Just tell me directly, what should I do next!"

Liu Zhiye smiled and said, "The kidney is the basis of fertility. The size of a man's fertility is determined by the strength of his kidney essence and the surplus or deficit of his natal essence... The treatment of male infertility should start with the kidney, while taking into account the overall condition of the liver, qi, and blood, and treating it comprehensively..."

"If the kidney qi is weak, the kidney essence is insufficient, the kidney yang fire is weak, and sexual intercourse is excessive, the essence, blood, and kidney yang are damaged, then the kidney essence will be damaged, the Ren and Du meridians will be blocked, and the sperm chamber will be deprived of nourishment, making it difficult for the woman to conceive..."

"So, Damao, you must abstain from sex first, and don't mess around outside anymore. With the help of the doctor's medication and acupuncture treatment, you still have hope of recovery. Otherwise, you may suffer from kidney failure."

Hearing this, Xu Damao forced a smile on his face and quickly explained, "Brother Liu, listen to me, those rumors outside are really not true. I, Xu Damao, swear to heaven that I am absolutely not doing anything nonsense. You have to believe me."

As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Liu Zhiye, only to see a meaningful smile on his face, which seemed to contain thousands of words, making his heart beat fast. Xu Damao's words gradually faded away, and he could only shut his mouth helplessly, knowing that any sophistry in front of Liu Zhiye was futile.

"Hey, brother, you are wise and wise. Nothing can be hidden from your eyes. I know I was wrong, and I will never make the same mistake again..."

Liu Zhiye knew Xu Damao's temper very well. With a hint of warning in his tone, he said directly: "Your life is your own. If you continue to indulge yourself, even the gods may not be able to save you!"

Xu Damao's face turned pale. He didn't expect it to be so serious. "I won't dare to do it again. I won't dare to do it again. I will definitely remember your words."

(End of this chapter)