siheyuan: I transmigrated into love in courtyard

The next morning, as usual, I got up and prepared for work. The air was crisp, and the streets were still quiet as I made my way to the kitchen.

When I arrived, Ma Hua and Liu Lan were already there, preparing the ingredients for the day's meals. Ma Hua, ever the diligent one, was sharpening knives, while Liu Lan was rinsing vegetables. They both glanced at me as I entered, offering slight nods before continuing their tasks.

I joined them, starting my usual preparations. Despite my recent promotion, I didn't intend to slack off or let my guard down. I needed to cement my position in the kitchen, ensuring that everyone recognized my authority.

An hour passed, and as expected, Shazhu came strolling in late, acting as if nothing was wrong. He yawned and scratched his head lazily before plopping down on a stool and pouring himself a cup of tea.

This time, however, I wasn't going to let it slide.

I turned to him and spoke in a calm yet firm voice. "Shazhu, from now on, if you come late, your salary will be deducted."

Shazhu's face twisted in anger. "What did you say?"

"I think you heard me clearly," I replied evenly. "Director Yang gave me full authority over the kitchen. If you come late again, expect your wages to take a hit."

For a moment, he seemed ready to explode, his fists clenching, but he ultimately restrained himself. He gritted his teeth but didn't dare to lash out in front of Ma Hua and Liu Lan. He had no choice but to accept it for now. Instead, he sat down and fumed silently.

I could tell he was waiting for an opportunity. He wanted to see if I could truly handle the kitchen. If my cooking was subpar, he would use it against me to regain his position.

The Afternoon Meal: Proving My Skill

When lunchtime arrived, it was my turn to cook. With my master-level cooking skills, I moved effortlessly through the kitchen, preparing the dishes with precision and speed.

Ma Hua and Liu Lan were awestruck by my efficiency. They had never seen anyone work with such grace and control. The scent of the food filled the kitchen, wafting into the factory halls, making stomachs growl before the meal was even served.

When the workers finally sat down to eat, the murmurs of satisfaction and delight spread quickly. Some of them even got up to request second servings, something that rarely happened before.

Shazhu, who had been watching all this unfold, finally took a bite of the food.

The moment the flavors hit his tongue, his eyes widened in disbelief. He looked down at the plate, as if unable to comprehend how someone could cook at this level. His face darkened, and a deep worry settled in his gut.

For the first time, he felt threatened.

'If Lin Feng continues like this… I might never get my position back,' he thought anxiously.

But there was nothing he could do. He knew the reality: The factory valued results, and right now, I was producing far superior food. He had no excuse to complain, nor could he challenge my authority without looking petty and weak.

Shazhu's Leftovers and Qin Huairu's Inquiry

At the end of the day, as expected, Shazhu packed some leftovers. I didn't stop him.

I could have, but I knew better. This was a useful leverage point for me in the future. Let him continue his habit—one day, it would serve my interests.

Shazhu, completely unaware of my thoughts, took the food and headed home.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Qin Huairu was already waiting for him. The moment she spotted him, her face lit up with a well-practiced, gentle smile.

"Shazhu, you're back," she greeted him sweetly, her eyes drifting toward the container in his hands.

Shazhu instinctively handed the food over. "Here, take it. It's still warm."

Qin Huairu accepted it without hesitation, her fingers lightly brushing against his in a calculated gesture of familiarity.

Then, she glanced at him, her expression shifting to one of concern. "I heard about what happened at the factory today… is it true?"

Shazhu, despite his earlier worries, forced a smile. "Don't worry about me. I'll get promoted again in three months. This is just temporary."

Qin Huairu studied him carefully. She could tell he wasn't as confident as he tried to appear. The man who had once held a secure position at the factory was now visibly shaken, even if he tried to hide it.

She sighed softly, giving him a sympathetic look. "I believe in you, Shazhu."

Those words, though simple, reassured him. He didn't realize she was merely stringing him along, making sure he remained loyal and useful to her family.

Meanwhile, I watched everything from a distance.

I knew exactly what was happening. Qin Huairu was using her usual tricks to keep Shazhu wrapped around her finger. She had no love for him—only a need for his resources.

But things had changed.

Shazhu's position was unstable, and if he truly lost power, Qin Huairu would start looking for another provider.

'She won't be able to rely on him forever,' I thought to myself.

And when that time came… I would be ready.