Sun Douzi was a hardworking, somewhat sensitive, yet open-hearted person; otherwise, he wouldn’t have bluntly said, “I’ve decided to go work at the Tang family’s place and find a job.” Perhaps he wasn’t sure if Boss Tang would agree, wondering if their “relationship” had reached that level yet.

Tang Xianling had already noticed this. He was about to speak, but was first struck by Douzi’s “I’m pregnant.” His gaze fixed on her protruding belly, and he was lost in thought for a long moment.

“…Mr. Tang? Mr. Tang?”

Tang Xianling finally snapped back to reality. He licked his lips and said dryly, “I didn’t expect you to be pregnant—” So in this world, men really can get pregnant.

Although he’d known before that men could bear children, seeing it with his own eyes was a different matter. This was much more direct.

“I never expected this. It’s been four years, and now this baby has come. Any time would have been fine, but right now…” Sun Douzi spoke with a deep frown.

Seeing Douzi’s expression, Tang Xianling hurriedly said, “You need to relax. Having a child is a blessing. Uncle Cui’s condition isn’t serious—he’ll recover with some rest. The whole family is together. Just hang in there for the next six months, and once you collect the rent next year, things will start looking up.”

“If things really get desperate, talk to Old Man Cui and suggest to the tenants that if they pay their rent early this year, you’ll give them a discount.”

In short, there were many options; the Cui family wasn’t in a desperate situation yet. Since Douzi was pregnant, he couldn’t afford to worry too much.

“That’s a good idea,” Sun Douzi said, his eyes lighting up. “We’re fine as far as food and drink go, but we have to pay for Father’s medicine first.”

Tang Xianling nodded, glanced at Douzi, and brought the conversation back to where it had started. “You said you came to my place looking for work. I was initially stunned by the news that you’re pregnant, but now I’ll tell you this: given your character and that of Old Man Cui, I’m definitely willing to have you work here.”

Sun Douzi pressed his lips together and smiled softly. Boss Tang really did care about him—it wasn’t just a misunderstanding on his part.

Tang Xianling wasn’t just saying nice things to make Douzi feel better; he meant it. As he spoke, a thought suddenly struck him. “I hadn’t considered it before, but you really are the right person for the job. It’s just a shame you’re pregnant now, and Uncle Cui is ill…”

What a pity!!!

Seeing that Boss Tang’s expression shifted from joy to regret, Sun Douzi immediately asked curiously what was wrong.

“I don’t want to run the breakfast service anymore—it’s too much work. I’d planned to hand the business over to my older sister, but she turned it down. So I’ve been thinking of hiring someone to run the breakfast service, but I haven’t found the right person.” Tang Xianling saw the eager look in Douzi’s eyes, then glanced at her belly, and immediately dismissed the idea.

Sun Douzi understood. He didn’t ask why he wasn’t making breakfast or why it was such a shame to give up such a profitable business. Instead, he felt a flicker of interest and placed his hand on his belly.

“You mustn’t get any wild ideas,” Tang Xianling said first, his expression serious. “Now that the baby is on the way, if you don’t want this child—”

Sun Douzi hurriedly replied, “I want it.”

“That’s the spirit. You and Old Man Cui have a good relationship. You’re facing some difficulties now, but if you two stick together, you’ll get through it.”

“I know. I won’t say the baby came at a bad time anymore.” After hearing Mr. Tang’s words, Sun Douzi suddenly realized that he had been hoping for and looking forward to this child all along.

He added, “Lately, I’ve been saying all sorts of discouraging things.”

Tang Xianling comforted him, “It’s not your fault. Whether it’s a woman or a man, once a child is conceived, it’s normal to feel emotional, have wild thoughts, and experience some ups and downs.” He was telling the truth!

The two chatted for a while. Seeing that it was getting late and he needed to go home to work and prepare dinner, Tang Xianling bid Douzi farewell. As he walked out, he said, “Once things settle down at your place, feel free to drop by my house for a chat. Don’t keep it all bottled up inside.”

“I know, thank you,” Sun Douzi said. “Don’t mention it.”

As Tang Xianling walked home, he couldn’t help but think: What a pity. If Douzi were to start a breakfast business, he’d be a great candidate. He’s down-to-earth and hardworking. The Cui family isn’t short on money—they aren’t the kind of people who’d sacrifice principles for profit. Cui Dabao is a decent guy too, though a bit lazy.

Still, the Cui family’s relationships were straightforward, and they’d been long-time residents of the neighborhood for generations.

If they could collaborate long-term and forge a stable, close bond between the two families, he could even offer them a share of the profits. What a pity.

Another two busy days passed. Lately, the number of boxed meals had dropped from seventy to fifty, while the volume of grilled meat had increased. Tang Xianling did the math and realized that selling grilled meat alone was more profitable than the boxed meals.

Tang Xianling:…

It’s been raining nonstop lately, and the weather has turned cool. Sitting in the shop in the evening, ordering some skewers and complimentary edamame and peanuts, paired with some herbal tea and yogurt, and chatting leisurely with friends—it’s truly a pleasant and refreshing experience.

Customers who come for the barbecue prefer to sit at the outdoor tables rather than inside the restaurant—the indoor customers are mostly there for boxed meals, and they tend to arrive a bit earlier.

Grill-goers tend to arrive a bit later, just as the sun has set and there’s still a lingering warmth in the air, though a slight breeze is blowing. Sitting outside, they order a plate of skewers, and as they eat, the aroma wafts through the air, drawing passersby and locals who stop to ask, “What’s that? How much is it?”

…In any case, most of them would end up buying a few skewers.

On Thursdays, Tang Xianling also made some small flatbreads for customers to wrap around the skewers—they were incredibly popular, and suddenly, the demand for boxed lunches dropped a bit.

“Actually, I think it would be best if Boss Tang served boxed lunches at noon and grilled meat in the evening.” 

“That’s right, that’s right. I could definitely make it over for lunch at noon.”

“It would be great if we could order à la carte.”

Some wanted boxed lunches at noon, while others preferred to order à la carte to eat what they liked. However, most people were still enthusiastic about the barbecue currently on offer, though there were also those who didn’t care for it, complaining that the strong smell left their clothes reeking.

With more customers came a variety of tastes and preferences.

In any case, Friday finally arrived. As he closed the shop door and hung up the “Closed” sign, Tang Xianling stood inside his shop, his face worn with fatigue but his eyes sparkling. Even in the pitch-black darkness, one could see his eyes shining brightly and his joy.

Brother Tang placed his hands on his hips and laughed heartily three times.

“Finally, the weekend is here!!!”

Huangfu Tieniu chuckled and stroked his husband’s cheek. “Take these two days to rest properly. I’ll cook.” 

“Deal!” Tang Xianling agreed, then tilted his head slightly. “Wait, let me think—is there anything I’ve been craving this week?” 

“Sure, take your time.”

Tang Xianling: “No way, I’m too tired to think straight. I can’t think of anything I want to eat right now.”

“That’s just awful.”

“I’m not a foodie anymore.”

Huangfu Tieniu was heartbroken. “Don’t worry about it. Once you’ve had a good night’s sleep and rested up, I’ll go buy whatever you’re craving.” Just as the two were talking, Mother’s voice rang out from the back yard: “Wu-ger—”

“Coming,” Tang Xianling replied. What did Mother want? Huangfu Tieniu said, “You go ahead. I’ll tidy up here.”

His mother and Aunt Tong were cleaning and scrubbing in the kitchen at the back of the yard, while Huangfu Tieniu placed the stools from in front of the shop onto the tables so they’d be easier to sweep later. He also stacked the extra tables against the wall and arranged the stools neatly.

When Tang Xianling reached the backyard, it was already getting dark. He saw that it was Old Man Cui and Sun Douzi, both carrying things in their hands. He was taken aback but said politely, “Why bring things to my house? You’re too kind.”

“It’s nothing much—just some chess pieces I made myself,” Sun Douzi said.

Upon hearing this, Tang Xianling readily accepted the gift and led the two into the main hall to talk. “Please have a seat. I’ll go find some candles.” He could tell they had come to see him about something, and he wondered to himself, “Could it be about the breakfast business I mentioned earlier?”

But Douzi was pregnant now—surely Cui Dabao wouldn’t make him get up early to come to his house and sell breakfast? Father Cui was seriously ill, and the medical expenses were high; even so, Douzi shouldn’t have to be the one making breakfast.

Making a pregnant man get up early to stand by the oven baking flatbreads in the sweltering heat all morning long—that’s truly hard work.

When it came to breakfast at his house, he was solely in charge of cooking, while Tieniu and his mother handled all the other prep work and carrying supplies. One person alone definitely couldn’t manage it; there was just too much to do. Seeing how Cui Dabao treated Douzi, he didn’t seem like the type to do such things. A thought crossed his mind: Could it be that Old Man Cui had come—to cook?!

When Tang Xianling thought of this, he first dismissed it as impossible, but upon further reflection, it didn’t seem so far-fetched. Cui Dabao was a man, after all, and at the very least, he was strong. Getting up early was no big deal—he’d been staking out their shop every day without showing any signs of sleepiness.

And when it came to kneading dough, there was no question about it. Cui Dabao loved it, too.

If Cui Dabao were to take over this business, it would indeed be better.

The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. That way, he could focus on running his little restaurant—at least it would be much less stressful. This week, he’d been so busy he’d lost his appetite! If things kept up like this, he might even lose all desire for his own husband Tieniu’s handsome face.

Terrifying!!!

After all, one must “eat well and sleep soundly.”

Huangfu Tieniu had just finished tidying up the shop when he saw his husband carrying a candlestick toward the main hall. Tang Xianling also spotted Tieniu, so he stopped in his tracks and said, “Old Man Cui and Master Sun are here. I suppose it’s about this morning’s breakfast.”

“You really are exhausted,” Huangfu Tieniu said.

Tang Xianling: …True enough. The couple hadn’t even opened their mouths yet, and he’d already excitedly guessed most of it. What if they’d just come to pay a visit?

“But your guess isn’t entirely off the mark.”

Tang Xianling:!

“Fine, you’ve been teasing me back and forth.” Big Brother Tang punched his husband playfully.

Huangfu Tieniu took the punch, laughed, and casually took the candlestick from his husband’s hand, saying, “Now you’re lively and full of energy—not as listless as you were just now.”

“I’ve really been hoping someone would take over the morning meal. I know I need to choose the right person to avoid unnecessary trouble later, but this is just too exhausting.”

The two headed to the main hall. Huangfu Tieniu set down the candlestick, and the four exchanged brief greetings.

Huangfu Tieniu poured tea for the guests. Just as Tang Xianling opened his mouth to say, “Coming so late…”—Sun Douzi apologized first, speaking bluntly: “About the breakfast shop you mentioned earlier, I told Dabao when he came back, and we’ve been thinking it over.”

“Let me speak.” Cui Dabao released her husband’s hand, stood up, and said with great solemnity, “Mr. Tang, if your breakfast shop is hiring, could you entrust this position to me? I will certainly do my best.”

With that, he bowed deeply to Mr. Tang.

Tang Xianling realized what was happening and hurriedly stood up, inviting Cui Dabao to sit. “Don’t be so formal.”

“One must act like one is asking for a favor,” Cui Dabao replied unconcerned. “This is what I ought to do. I can’t spend the first half of my life having my father run around begging on my behalf, and the second half relying on Douzi to plead for me. What kind of man would I be then?”

Though the light was dim, Tang Xianling could see the sincerity and openness in Cui Dabao’s eyes. He didn’t feel humiliated by having to come beg or bow to him; rather, he was genuinely and wholeheartedly determined to turn over a new leaf.

Tang Xianling could say with certainty that even if he refused Cui Dabao and Douzi today, the couple would not harbor any resentment or dissatisfaction toward him.

People like this would treat him and their neighbors with the same integrity.

“Sit down,” Tang Xianling said, looking at the two of them. “I’d like to discuss with you both how to conduct business, as well as the matter of money.”

Cui Dabao was taken aback for a moment, but quickly caught on. He sat down and patted his husband’s hand. Douzi had been worried for him the whole way, afraid that Boss Tang wouldn’t want him. He, too, felt uneasy—he used to be that kind of person, unable to stick with his studies for long, and giving up on whatever he did after just a short while when he got tired.

“We open early in the morning, at the end of the second hour, so we have to get ready an hour in advance.”

“We open around 6:50 in the morning, so you’ll need to get up around 4:00 to prepare.”

“…I plan to turn this shop into a restaurant, so eventually I’ll set aside a small section for breakfast service. For the first year, I’ll provide the breakfast ingredients and pay you one and a half taels of silver each month. If you do well and can keep it going, I’ll give you an extra two months’ wages at the end of the year.” Now that Tang Xianling was the boss, he was already making grand promises to his employees—but in his family, these promises were meant to be kept.

Naturally, he hoped Cui Dabao would stick with the job for the long haul.

“If you can stick it out for three years, I’ll give you a share of the profits from the breakfast business after that.”

This wage was considered generous for a waiter or server at a shop in Fengyuan City, but if he ran his own stall—like those few stalls in the outer districts that imitated the Tang family’s breakfast—he could earn that much in just a day or two.

When it came to hiring staff, Tang Xianling dealt with Cui Dabao directly. But when it came to his older sister, that was a different matter. Although he held the Cui family in high regard, business was business, and he felt it was best to lay everything out upfront.

“I’m in. So when should I come learn how to make the bread? I promise I won’t tell a soul—it won’t get out,” Cui Dabao said. 

Tang Xianling: “…Tomorrow, then.”

To be able to sleep in more in the future, he had to get busy now. The sooner he taught Old Man Cui how to make pancakes, the sooner he could open his little restaurant and get a full night’s sleep. Boss Tang simmered some chicken soup for himself and slurped it down in big gulps.

Cui Dabao hadn’t expected things to move this fast. Not only had Boss Tang agreed so decisively, but he also wanted to sign a written agreement with him. Once the document was drafted, Cui read it, signed his name, and pressed his thumbprint on it. Curious, he asked, “Everyone in our neighborhood knows my temperament—I’m unreliable and never stick with anything for long. How come Boss Tang agreed so readily?”

As if he were afraid Cui Dabao would run off and back out.

“I trust your character,” Tang Xianling said, tucking away the contract with a light, cheerful smile. He finally wouldn’t have to get up early anymore!!!

“I heard a while back that you were working as a follower to those rich men. If you can handle that, what’s so hard about running a proper breakfast shop? Besides, you’re broad-minded and witty, and most importantly, you love to eat. Maybe you didn’t stick with other jobs before because they weren’t what you really wanted to do…” Overcome with joy, Big Boss Tang began by giving his employee a pep talk.

Upon hearing this, Cui Dabao, who had been feeling a bit anxious—fearing he wouldn’t be able to make the buns well—began to reflect. He realized that Boss Tang’s words made sense; perhaps he really had just chosen the wrong line of work before.

It was getting late, so after discussing the matter, they agreed that he would come in at nine o’clock the next morning to learn how to make breakfast pastries.

Cui Dabao was quite ambitious. Having been thoroughly inspired by Boss Tang’s words, he was the first to suggest that he would arrive early the next morning to study diligently—he was practically eager to come before dawn. This alarmed Boss Tang, who quickly reassured him that there was no need to come so early; nine or ten o’clock would be fine.

“…I was a slow learner when I was in school, so I’d better come early. My dad always said, ‘The slow bird must fly first.’”

Mr. Tang, who dreaded getting up early himself, put on a righteous face: “I think you have a real knack for making breakfast. If you can eat it, you can make it. Don’t say you’re slow or anything like that, or Douzi will get upset. You don’t need to come that early—just stick to the agreed-upon time. Once the weekend is over, if you haven’t mastered it yet, you can come early for breakfast next week.”

“Well then…”

Sun Douzi tugged at the man’s hand. “Listen to Boss Tang.”

Cui Dabao’s “ambition” immediately shifted: “Alright, I’ll listen to the boss.”

“Not bad, not bad.” Tang Xianling nodded with a smile and saw the two out of his house. As soon as the door closed, Tang Xianling was overjoyed, exclaiming, “Oh my goodness!” Jiang Yun had just seen off Aunt Tong and A-Liang, and she’d actually guessed what was going on, but seeing her Wu-ger so happy, she played along, asking, “What’s the matter? Why did Old Man Cui and Mr. Sun come so late?”

“We’ve found someone for the breakfast business!”

Mr. Tang was so happy he almost wanted to give Tieniu a kiss! 

Jiang Yun: “That scared me.”

In the alley, Cui Dabao held his husband’s hand while carrying a lantern in the other hand, shining it directly at his husband’s feet. It was dark, and since his husband was pregnant—and it had been raining for days—he was worried the ground might be slippery. They’d originally agreed that he alone would come today, but Douzi was concerned for him.

Thinking of this, Cui Dabao felt a whirlwind of emotions. He truly was a lucky man—his father had doted on him in his youth, and now Douzi cared for him in every way. Though his heart had felt heavy just moments ago, the words that came out were full of vitality: “That’s great, Douzi. Once I learn how to make scallion pancakes, I’ll make them for you.”

“Sure.” Seeing that the man had shed the despondency of the past few days, Sun Douzi was happier than ever. “Yours will definitely be delicious. You’ll definitely learn how to make them.”

“I think so too,” Cui Dabao said, now brimming with confidence. “I’ve got a steady job now. I’ve worked it out with the tenants about the money for Dad’s medicine—don’t worry about that. Plus, the brick kiln made a little profit. It’s not much, but it’s enough to keep the family fed and clothed.”

“It’s been hard on you…”

“When we had money, it all went to feed my big appetite. Now that Douzi is about to have a child, we’re living hand-to-mouth.”

Sun Douzi shook the hands they were holding and said, “Don’t think that way. A while back, I felt the same as you—not because you were spending money, but because I felt that having a child was a burden on the family—”

“Don’t worry. I stopped thinking that way a long time ago. The other day, when Mr. Tang came to visit Dad, he was asleep, so the two of us talked in the courtyard… After that, I realized I couldn’t bear to part with the child either. Our life now is so much better than it used to be—there’s nothing to be sad about.”

The two gradually opened up to each other, and the worry on their faces gave way to smiles. Father was doing well, they had a child, and Dabao had found a job—how wonderful it all was.

When the two returned home, they locked the door and went straight to Father’s room to check on him—asking how he was feeling, if he wanted a drink of water, or if he needed to use the bathroom. These were the tasks Cui Dabao personally took care of.

Father Cui was heavy-set; supported by his son, he leaned back against the bed. Seeing how happy Dabao and Douzi looked, he knew it had worked out. Tears welled up in his old eyes. “You must have worked hard making breakfast—getting up so early.”

Cui Dabao had expected his father to say something like “You’ve put me through so much hardship.” It pained him to hear it; even now, his father still indulged him.

“My son has truly grown up and become capable.” Though his heart ached for his son, Father Cui spoke words of encouragement. Turning to Douzi, he reassured him, “Don’t feel sorry for him. He’s about to become a father. Learning to cook breakfast is him acquiring a skill for himself—it’s a good thing, far better than just loafing around.”

Cui Dabao couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Father, you used to call me a good-for-nothing, saying things like, ‘My son can earn money just by saying a few words.’ Why have you changed your tune now?”

Father Cui chuckled heartily. “You rascal. I can’t go against your wishes—do whatever you like. But don’t think just because our family isn’t wealthy, and I seem easygoing and unpretentious, that you’ll last long as a good-for-nothing.”

Running errands and sucking up to young masters and rich kids—that’s not Dabao’s style. Dabao can keep him happy, and he can keep Douzi happy, but he can’t keep strangers happy for long.

“Working for Mr. Tang isn’t shameful. It’s honest work—you’re using your own two hands. Sure, it’s tiring, but you’ve got to stick with it. If you really can’t take it anymore, remember to tell Mr. Tang well in advance and apologize to him.” Father Cui had originally planned to pay some compensation, but his family was now broke.

Cui Dabao: “Father, don’t you believe in me anymore? What Mr. Tang said today really made sense to me. You sent me to learn to read and write before, but I didn’t like studying characters or reading books—it was so boring. Mr. Tang said that since I love to eat, maybe this line of work is just right for me. I just hadn’t found the right path before.”

“That’s true—I hadn’t really thought of it that way.” Father Cui didn’t want to dampen his son’s enthusiasm. Seeing Dabao so full of drive was a good thing. He was getting old, and each year was harder than the last. He used to think that as long as they had the house and yard to rent out, Dabao and Douzi wouldn’t go hungry, but after this incident, he realized that it would be good for Dabao to learn a trade.

“Then give it your all, Dabao. If you ever get tired, once I’m back on my feet, I won’t go to the kiln factory anymore—I’ll come to the shop to help you out.”

Father Cui had broken his arm—the very one he used most often—and on top of that, he’d “gotten into a fight” with the kiln factory owner. Since Father Cui was already quite old, the factory owner had made it clear he didn’t want him working there anymore.

“You’ll have to ask the boss. I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone about the method I learned this morning.” 

“I’ll just greet customers and collect money—I’m not learning that stuff.” Father Cui glared at his son.

Cui Dabao stepped forward and patted his father on the chest, trying to calm him down. “Oh, you’re really upset. Don’t get mad, don’t get mad…”

The father and son were all smiles; they weren’t actually angry at all—they were just bickering and teasing each other as usual. Sun Douzi watched from the side, happy to see them. He wasn’t as articulate as Dabao, but seeing his father so cheerful and full of energy made him feel better.

There’s no hurdle a family can’t overcome. 

The next day.

Tang Xianling had slept soundly. He hummed a tune while brushing his teeth and washing his face. After spitting out the rinse water and seeing his mother wasn’t there, he first tugged on Tieniu’s neck and planted a kiss on Tieniu’s mouth. “Good morning, Tieniu, my little classmate! Let me see—how come you look even more handsome today!”

“One more!”

He was showing off again.

Huangfu Tieniu loved it when Xianling acted like this—cheerful and happy, saying whatever came to mind. Even though the courtyard gate was unlocked in broad daylight and his mother could return at any moment, he still let his husband tease him, bending over quite willingly and leaning in.

Tang Xianling: Hehehe. Kiss, kiss, kiss.

A loud, wet smacking sound.

“…Yikes!” Jiang Yun returned carrying a steaming breakfast. She’d been so focused on rushing in that by the time she saw what Tieniu and Wu-ger were up to under the eaves, it was already too late to pretend her footsteps were heavy.

Tang Xianling, his lips red: …

Huangfu Tieniu’s face flushed red as well.

In the end, Boss Tang was the one with the thicker skin. Pretending nothing had happened, he grinned and said, “What did you buy, Mom? I’m actually hungry.”

“Steamed—steamed dumplings, and a bowl of congee,” Jiang Yun hurriedly replied, not daring to look over there anymore, and rushed into the kitchen. “I’ll serve it into our bowl.”

“Mom, the bowl you’re holding is our bowl.”

“Oh, right. Then I’ll take it to the main hall for you. You can eat there.” Jiang Yun came back out of the kitchen carrying the food basket.

Tang Xianling watched his mother’s retreating figure and decided to say nothing. He turned to look at Tieniu; the two of them locked eyes, and both smiled. Tieniu’s ears and neck turned red, but he was happy too.

“Want another one?”

Huangfu Tieniu: “From now on, Mother will have to knock before coming in.”

“……” Tang Xianling stubbornly retorted, snorting, “Who said that? I was asking if you’d like to have another serving after you’ve already eaten.”

Huangfu Tieniu chuckled and took the blame, saying, “Then it’s my fault for misinterpreting.”

“Exactly.” Seizing the opportunity, Big Brother Tang flapped his wings happily. “I’m off to eat breakfast~.”

Takeoff.

Huangfu Tieniu took his husband’s toothbrush holder and returned it to its place on the bathroom shelf.

Just as Tang Xianling finished eating, Cui Dabao arrived. Sun Douzi wasn’t there, and Tang Xianling knew exactly why—Douzi had to stay home to look after his father-in-law. The two didn’t exchange many words. Tang Xianling led Cui Dabao into the kitchen and began teaching him how to cook.

“I won’t do it myself; just do as I say.” Tang Xianling didn’t get his hands dirty.