Chapter 140: The Lead—Xinghua Elementary School

“Dexing School? Are you perhaps referring to Xinghua Primary School near Zhengyangmen? Xinghua Primary used to be named Dexing Primary; it only changed its name in recent years,” an elderly man pondered uncertainly.

“Changed its name? Xinghua Primary? Near Zhengyangmen…”

To his surprise, there really was relevant information—it came effortlessly.

Xiao Weiguo felt a surge of joy in his heart.

“Thanks, sir. It’s because my younger brother and sister are moving to the city; I need to find appropriate schools for them. I’ve heard this school has a good reputation.”

“If you’re looking for schools, come to me. I know all the elementary and middle schools around here like the back of my hand. Why inquire about schools near Zhengyangmen when you don’t live there?” The elderly man feigned annoyance.

Xiao Weiguo thought to himself that since the man was now looking to him for help, it would be proper to offer a token of gratitude.

“All right then, when my brother and sister settle into the city and need to attend school, I’ll entrust everything to you. I’ve always known you, sir, to be the most helpful in our courtyard,” Xiao Weiguo said cheerfully, his mood buoyed by the detailed information he had uncovered.

As he chatted with the neighbors around the courtyard and helped Master Zhang with his work, dusk soon began to fall.

Tian Guixiang came carrying a large pot, followed by a young woman—likely her daughter-in-law—also holding something as they walked over.

“Everyone, stop what you’re doing; it’s time to eat.”

Xiao Weiguo was the first to step forward, helping Aunt Guixiang arrange the meal.

Lifting the lid off the large iron pot, a mouthwatering aroma wafted out.

Inside was a hearty stew of chicken and rabbit meat with potatoes, green beans, and some vermicelli mixed in—just looking at it stirred the appetite.

Nearby, a basket held thirty large steamed buns, still steaming hot.

“Master Zhang, come eat first. We can finish the rest tomorrow,” Xiao Weiguo said to the few still working inside.

“Ah, coming,” Master Zhang Shunde called out, beckoning his two apprentices. Yet one of the apprentices hesitated, embarrassed, and said, “Master, could we ask the homeowner if we could take some food home? My mother hasn’t had meat in a month; I want her to taste some.”

Zhang Shunde paused, a flicker of discomfort in his eyes. This was an unusual request—usually, meals were for those present, and leftovers were kept by the homeowner. There had even been times when the homeowners deliberately made the food less appetizing to discourage overeating.

But never mind, he decided to put aside his pride for this one. Judging by the homeowner, he didn’t seem too difficult to deal with.

Generally, one meal a day was considered adequate; only when working late into the night would dinner also be provided.

Zhang Shunde approached Xiao Weiguo quietly. “Master, there are too many people gathered around now. We don’t feel comfortable eating here. Could I have my two apprentices take the food home? I, the old man, will just eat at my place.”

Xiao Weiguo glanced around; indeed, the crowd was overwhelming. It was uncomfortable even for himself, let alone them.

“Master Zhang, what are you saying?”

“Alright then, let’s serve the food into bowls for them to take home. You, Master Zhang, and I will have dinner in my room. I even have a bottle of Erguotou,” Xiao Weiguo suggested.

Hearing mention of liquor, Zhang Shunde’s thirst stirred. His throat twitched as he said, “Thank you, Master.”

Xiao Weiguo fetched two large bowls, filling them generously with meat and vegetables, placing two large steamed buns atop each, and handed them to Zhang’s two apprentices.

Seeing there were plenty of buns left, he gave each apprentice two more to take home in their pockets.

The apprentices gratefully thanked him, their faces bright with joy at the prospect of a good meal.

Xiao Weiguo brought out his own pot and added some vegetables. When Aunt Guixiang’s big pot had only enough for two or three servings left, they stopped cooking. He reserved six buns for Aunt Guixiang and set aside the rest.

“Aunt Guixiang, you can take the leftovers home.”

“Oh, that’s too kind, Weiguo. There’s still so much food; just leave me a little.”

“Alright, Aunt Guixiang, Tiger is still waiting over there.”

Indeed, the children of the courtyard had gathered, staring eagerly at the food, some nearly drooling.

Among them was Zhai Baowa, who had stolen his coal once, watching cautiously. Since the last community meeting, the children no longer included him in their play.

Growth always exacts a price.

Leading Master Zhang Shunde to the drinking table, Xiao Weiguo asked Xiao Pingle to keep him company while he went to invite the elderly man over for a drink.

His family was not yet close with Master Zhang—they had only met the day before—so it was a bit awkward. Having the elderly man join would provide good company and help curry favor.

“Sir, are you busy? I just opened a bottle of wine. Come over and have some.”

The elderly man was inside, pondering whether to scrounge some meat. He hadn’t expected Xiao Weiguo to invite him, which greatly pleased him.

Striding confidently toward Xiao Weiguo’s room, he thought, this is what it means to have status—being the only one called.

Once seated, Xiao Weiguo brought out a plate of fried peanuts and another of shredded mixed vegetables, both prepared earlier and stored in his space.

The group ate from the big stew, accompanied by the two cold dishes, drinking Erguotou, chatting about all manner of things.

Unexpectedly, Master Zhang revealed his ancestors had been palace craftsmen, which explained his superb skills—a family legacy.

He mentioned his family still possessed golden bricks and floor tiles from the palace, as well as two beams made of golden-thread nanmu wood.

The source was likely from the two invasions by foreign powers, when treasures were taken from the palace. It was said the allied forces didn’t remove much; most was sold off locally in the ‘49 district.

By the time they had eaten halfway through, one bottle of wine was empty. Xiao Weiguo brought out another and they continued drinking.

Mostly, the three of them drank; Xiao Weiguo himself wasn’t much of a drinker. The liquor was fiery and harsh.

He could never understand how some people risked their lives over this stuff. Every northern winter, many froze to death at their doorsteps after heavy drinking.

After the meal, Xiao Weiguo asked Xiao Pingle to escort the elderly man back, while he sent Master Zhang to the neighboring courtyard.

On returning, he noticed a little boy crouched by the moon gate in the backyard, staring intently at his house, doing something unknown.

“Little one, what are you doing here?”

The boy quickly lowered his head upon seeing Xiao Weiguo.

At that moment, Aunt Tian Guixiang arrived carrying a large bowl of hangover soup, planning to bring it to Xiao Weiguo’s room to help them sober up and avoid feeling unwell the next day.

Seeing this, she told Xiao Weiguo, “This boy is from the Wang family in the middle courtyard, called Wang Goudan. He only lives with his grandfather. Life is tough for them; they mostly rely on street office subsidies to get by.”