Wang Jianye's home has a spacious courtyard with blue bricks on the ground, which is smooth and flat due to years of trampling.

On the east side of the yard, there is a small flower bed with several roses planted in it, which are blooming beautifully in this season.

To the west is a grape trellis with vines winding up and bunches of unripe fruits hanging among the green leaves.

The door of the main room was open, and the furnishings inside were simple and tidy.

An old-fashioned eight-immortal table was placed in the middle of the room, and the tabletop was wiped spotlessly clean.
On it is placed a blue and white porcelain vase with a few freshly picked wild flowers in it, adding a bit of vitality to the room.

Against the wall is a set of solid wooden wardrobes. Although the carvings on the doors have faded a little, you can still see their exquisiteness of the past.

The kang was covered with a blue and white coarse cloth sheet and several quilts were neatly stacked on it.

There were red paper-cuts pasted on the windows, and sunlight shone through the windows onto the kang, creating mottled light and shadows.

In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the courtyard golden.

Wang Jianye dragged his tired body and walked slowly on the way home.

His steps were heavy, his brows were furrowed, and his mind was still thinking about the day's work.

Today's business was a bit tricky. The customers had high demands. In order to satisfy them, Wang Jianye put a lot of thought and worry into it.

But he knew in his heart that all this was for his family to live a better life.

Thinking of his family, a smile unconsciously appeared on Wang Jianye's face.

He thought of his gentle and virtuous wife, Chen Kejia, who always kept the house in order; he thought of his smart and sensible son, Wang Mujia, who worked hard in the Academy of Sciences and brought honor to the family;

He also has his lively and lovely daughter Wang Bingbing, whose sweet smile can always dispel the fatigue in his heart.

However, he had no idea that today was his birthday.

At this time at home, Chen Kejia was busy in the kitchen.

She was wearing an apron, her hair was casually tied behind her head, and a gentle smile was on her face.

She kneaded the dough skillfully, and the dough seemed to come alive in her hands.

Her eyes were focused and serious, and every movement was full of love and care for Wang Jianye.

Chen Kejia put the kneaded dough on the chopping board and slowly rolled it out with a rolling pin. The dough gradually became thinner and more even under the rolling pin.

As she rolled the dough, she thought about what Wang Jianye had contributed to the family over the years, and her heart was filled with gratitude and heartache.

Wang Mujia and Wang Bingbing are also making careful preparations for their father's birthday.

They came to the cake shop, which was filled with sweet smells.

Wang Mujia carefully selected the cake. His eyes swept over the exquisite cakes one after another, and finally he chose a two-layer cake with "Happy Birthday" written on it.

Wang Bingbing said excitedly, "Brother, Dad will be very happy when he sees this cake."

Wang Mujia smiled and nodded: "Yes, let's think about how to give him a surprise."

The two discussed for a long time and finally came up with a perfect plan.

Wang Jianye finally returned home. The moment he pushed open the gate, he felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

"Now that you're back, what do you want to eat?" Chen Kejia asked, poking her head out from the kitchen.

Wang Jianye walked into the room and sat down on a chair. "Just make some noodles."

Chen Kejia smiled, turned around and continued to work.

After a while, the sound of chopping vegetables and the gurgling sound of boiling water came from the kitchen.

Wang Mujia and Wang Bingbing quietly walked into the house, hid behind the door, and prepared to give their father a surprise.

Chen Kejia came out with a pot of steaming longevity noodles and placed it on the table.

At this moment, Wang Mujia and Wang Bingbing jumped out from behind the door and shouted in unison: "Dad, happy birthday!"

Wang Jianye was stunned by this sudden surprise, and then a smile of surprise and emotion appeared on his face.

The whole family sat around the table, and a warm atmosphere filled the air.

Wang Bingbing picked up a noodle and handed it to Wang Jianye, "Dad, try it first."

Wang Jianye ate it with a smile, "Mm, delicious, it still tastes better at home."

Wang Mujia also smiled and said, "Dad, this is Mom's intention."

Everyone ate and chatted, sharing interesting things in life.

Wang Jianye was eating noodles, his thoughts gradually drifting away.

He remembered when he just got married and had Wang Mujia, the child's crying and laughter made that small family full of vitality.

Later, Wang Bingbing was born and the family became even more lively.

Thinking of this, Wang Jianye said with emotion: "Watching you grow up little by little over the years, all the hard work is worth it."

Wang Bingbing took out a carefully wrapped gift and handed it to Wang Jianye, "Dad, this is what I prepared for you."

Wang Jianye took the gift, opened it and saw that it was a warm scarf.

"Dad, you won't be cold if you wear it in winter," said Wang Bingbing.

Wang Jianye was so moved that he was speechless and just hugged the scarf tightly in his arms.

Wang Mujia also presented his own gift, a book about cooking, "Dad, you like to study food, I'm sure you like this recipe."

Wang Jianye took the book and patted Wang Mujia on the shoulder, "That's thoughtful."

As the night deepened, the moonlight sprinkled like water in the front courtyard.

The roses in the yard looked even more beautiful under the moonlight, and the grape leaves swayed gently, making rustling sounds.

The breeze blows, bringing a hint of coolness, making people feel extremely comfortable.

The family sat in the yard to enjoy the cool air and looked up at the starry sky.

Wang Mujia said: "Dad, our family will get better and better in the future."

Wang Jianye nodded, "Yes, as long as our family is together, we can overcome any difficulties."

Wang Bingbing leaned against Chen Kejia and said, "I will work hard in the future to make our family happier."

Chen Kejia smiled and said, "As a family, we all have the same aspirations and work together. The future will surely be bright."

Under the moonlight, the family's figures were stretched out, and their laughter and words seemed particularly warm in this quiet night.

……

As usual, Wang Jianye walked into Wang's Hotel with steady and powerful steps.

His face showed some fatigue, but still showed determination.

At this time, Chen Xiaoyang, Ma Hua, Wang Yijun, Cheng Jie and other disciples were already waiting here. Chen Xiaoyang's bright eyes were shining with excitement. When he saw his master, he couldn't wait to greet him, "Master, you are here."

He kept rubbing his hands together, unable to conceal his excitement.

Ma Hua looked serious and followed Chen Xiaoyang closely, "Master, let's celebrate your birthday."

His brows were slightly furrowed, and his eyes were full of sincerity.

Wang Yijun also hurriedly said, "Master, tomorrow is Friday, our store will be closed for the afternoon, and we will celebrate at Wang's All-inclusive Restaurant."

His face was filled with an expectant smile, as if he had already seen the joyful scene.

Cheng Jie nodded and said, "Yes, Master, this is our heartfelt gift." His eyes were full of eagerness.

Wang Jianye frowned slightly, feeling a little conflicted.

On the one hand, he is well aware of the importance of business and is worried about the impact of closing the business;
On the other hand, looking at his disciples’ eyes full of expectation and sincerity, he felt moved.

"How can this be possible? Business cannot be delayed." Wang Jianye's voice was firm, yet a little hesitant.

Chen Xiaoyang said hurriedly: "Master, please agree to it. We are all looking forward to it."

His face was full of anxiety and he gestured with his hands, trying to convince his master.

Ma Hua also advised: "Master, we have made all the arrangements. It will not affect the business." His expression was very serious and his eyes were firm.

Wang Jianye looked at the enthusiastic faces of his disciples, and the struggle in his heart became more intense.

He knew that he should focus on business, but he couldn't bear to reject his apprentices' kindness.

"Okay, you kids." Wang Jianye smiled helplessly, but his eyes were full of relief and emotion.

When the disciples heard this, they cheered.

Chen Xiaoyang jumped up excitedly, "Great! Master agreed!"

Ma Hua immediately turned around and ran into the house, "I'll get a pen and paper and make a list."

Wang Yijun smiled and said to Wang Jianye: "Master, just wait and have fun tomorrow."

Cheng Jie also said: "Master, I will make sure you have an unforgettable birthday this time."

Afterwards, Chen Xiaoyang and Ma Hua got together to discuss the preparations.

Chen Xiaoyang said excitedly: "We have to buy a big carp. Master likes braised carp the most."

His eyes were shining, as if he had already seen the delicious carp being served on the table.

Ma Hua nodded seriously, "Yes, the carp must be lively and fresh!" As he said this, he gestured with his hands to indicate the size of the fish.

They came to the market, and Chen Xiaoyang squatted in front of a fish stall, choosing carefully.

"Boss, are your fish fresh?" he asked while stirring the water in the fish tank with his hands.

The boss smiled and replied: "Young man, this fish I just caught from the river, it is absolutely fresh!"

Chen Xiaoyang was still worried, so he looked at the fish's eyes and scales carefully again, then nodded with satisfaction.

Ma Hua was at a meat stall nearby, bargaining with the stall owner: "Boss, your meat is too expensive, can you make it cheaper?"

The stall owner said helplessly: "Young man, this is top-quality pork belly. Look at the fat and lean parts. It's so good."

Ma Hua insisted: "If it's cheaper, we will buy more."

In the end, they bought their favorite ingredients at a satisfactory price.

After people from other restaurants in the city learned about Wang Jianye’s birthday, they also started to prepare.

Gao Qianjin and Li Hui from Tianfu Food House discussed: "We have to prepare a special gift for Master Wang. We can't lose face for Tianfu Food House."

Chef Xu of Cuihualou said to Manager Zhang, "It's Chef Wang's birthday, we can't be careless and have to choose a gift carefully."

As night fell, the courtyard gradually became quiet. Although the apprentices had been busy all day, they were too excited to fall asleep when they lay in bed.

Chen Xiaoyang tossed and turned, thinking to himself: "I must make Master happy tomorrow. This is our intention."

Ma Hua looked at the ceiling and vowed secretly: "I must prepare the ingredients properly so that Master can have the most delicious meal."

Cheng Jie was imagining the Wang's All-Inclusive Hotel after it was decorated tomorrow: "It will be full of ribbons and lanterns. Master will definitely like it."

The next morning, as soon as the sun shone into the yard, the apprentices began to get busy again.

Chen Xiaoyang was handling the ingredients skillfully in the kitchen. His technique was neat and quick, and he was humming a little tune.

Ma Hua was hanging lanterns in Wang's Quanxi Restaurant. He carefully climbed up the ladder and hung red lanterns one by one under the eaves.

Cheng Jie was searching for decorations in the house, muttering to himself as he searched: "This ribbon is nice, and that balloon is pretty, too."

Qin Huairu was directing the decoration of the venue, "Put a few more pots of flowers here to make it look festive."

Sha Zhu was busy in the kitchen preparing food, "I have to show off my cooking skills today so that Brother Wang can have a good taste."

All kinds of sounds filled Wang's restaurants, including the sound of cutting vegetables, the sound of moving things, and people's laughter.

Soon, people from various restaurants in the city came with gifts.

Gao Qianjin and Li Hui from Tianfu Food House presented a set of exquisite kitchenware, "Master Wang, happy birthday to you! This is a little gift from us."

Cuihualou's Chef Xu and Manager Zhang brought a precious landscape painting, "Master Wang, this painting wishes you a better career!"

Wang Jianye greeted them one by one with a smile, his eyes full of surprise and gratitude.

"Thank you, everyone. Thank you! Come in and sit down."

All Wang's restaurants are bustling with activity and filled with warmth and joy.

All the Wang family restaurants were brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The birthday party began, and Chen Xiaoyang stood up first. A sincere smile spread across his face, and his eyes were full of respect for Wang Jianye.

"Master, on this special day, I wish you good fortune and a long life! I will always keep your teachings in mind. It is you who led me into the world of cooking and helped me find the direction of my life."

Ma Hua stood up immediately, his expression excited and sincere.

"Master, we have seen your hard work over the years. You are like a bright light, illuminating the way forward for us. I wish you a good mood every day and everything goes well in the future!"

Wang Yijun couldn't help himself. He cleared his throat and said, "Master, your cooking skills are beyond reproach, and your character is a role model for us to learn from. I wish you a happy birthday, good health, and even better cooking skills!"

Cheng Jie stood up, a little nervous, but his eyes were determined. "Master, it is my honor to be your apprentice. Your patient guidance has helped me make continuous progress. I hope your life will be as colorful and delicious as the dishes you cook!"

Sha Zhu smiled and patted Cheng Jie on the shoulder, then turned to Wang Jianye and said loudly: "Brother Wang, we have known each other for so long, and you have always been the big brother in my heart. I wish you a happy birthday and may you be happy every day!"

Qin Huairu stood up slowly, her voice gentle and pleasant. "Boss, Wang's All-System Hotel has achieved its current glory because of you. May your future be like this table full of delicacies, full of surprises and beauty."

Gao Qianjin stood up, bowed and said, "Master Wang, your name is well-known in this city. I wish you a happy birthday and a prosperous business!"

Chef Xu said slowly, "Master Wang, your cooking skills are admirable. I wish you a happy and prosperous future every year!" (End of this chapter)