When we arrived at the door of the workshop, the workers were busy.
When some workers saw Qian Wen and the others, they still remembered what happened yesterday and secretly looked at them while working. Those apprentices who wanted to talk to Qian Wenwu waved at him repeatedly, but were soon reprimanded by their workshop master.
Keep your head down and work honestly.
"The top two are late today."
A big man, nearly two meters tall, greeted Qiao Erqiang with a smile.
"Hello, master."
Qiao Erqiang smiled and waved.
"Second Qiang, is this your eldest brother?"
"Well, my eldest brother."
The workers and masters who were familiar with Qiao Erqiang smiled and chatted with him as they passed by.
Ma Suqin was at her work station, and Qiao Erqiang found her easily.
But when Ma Suqin saw them, she subconsciously wanted to say hello. Then she thought of something and hurriedly lowered her head and put her right hand on her cheek, as if to block something.
"master."
Qiao Erqiang walked to the work station and called with a smile.
"Second Qiang, you are late today. Get to work quickly, otherwise the director will see you and he will have to blame you."
Ma Suqin still didn't raise her head, busy with the work at hand.
"There are bruises on the left arm." Qian Wen, with sharp eyes, saw the details.
The careless Qiao Erqiang didn't notice anything yet, so he helped skillfully, "Master, I have to leave. I can't work in the factory anymore. From now on, you should try to use a cart for these heavy things.
Your next apprentice may be my second aunt’s cousin..."
Before Qiao Erqiang could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Ma Suqin's surprise.
"You're quitting the second job?"
Qiao Erqiang nodded, "My eldest brother found me a new job."
Ma Suqin was startled, then smiled and congratulated, "If you get a new job, do it well. No matter where you are, you will be the best."
Ma Suqin had lowered her head just now, but now when she raised her head, the cheeks she was trying to cover were exposed.
Qiao Erqiang also saw the injuries on Ma Suqin's face and exclaimed, "Master, why are there bruises at the corners of your eyes?"
Ma Suqin hurriedly covered her hands and looked around. Seeing that no one heard her, she breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Second Qiang, please keep your voice down.
I accidentally fell down yesterday, it’s okay.”
Qiao Erqiang wanted to ask more questions, but Qian Wen stepped forward to stop him.
Regardless of what caused the injury, this was not the way to ask in the workshop with so many acquaintances.
"Brother."
Qiao Erqiang looked at Qian Wen who stopped him in confusion.
Qian Wen ignored him, but looked at Ma Suqin with a faint smile, "Master Ma, thank you for taking care of the second strongman during this time.
You see, it's convenient for you that day, so Erqiang and I would like to treat you to a casual meal to thank you for taking care of him."
Ma Suqin waved her hand hurriedly, "No need, Erqiang is very easy to learn and is a good boy.
With him around, I feel a little more relaxed.
And I have to thank you all yesterday.”
Qian Wen looked around the workshop and saw many workers looking over. Because of what happened yesterday, they were quite eye-catching and they were greeted. It was time for them to leave.
Looking at Ma Suqin, "Just Sunday, Master Ma, don't refuse.
Our cousin has taken over the job of the second best, so we have to let Master Ma take more care of him, besides, it’s just a simple meal.”
During work hours, there are still some gossipy people who always come to Mao's side. It is really not appropriate to chat. Moreover, Qian Wen is also quite aggressive in asking for this meal. Ma Suqin hesitated for a while. She is not a tough person, so she agreed.
.
Qian Wen and Qiao Erqiang left.
On the way out of the factory, Qiao Erqiang hesitated, "Brother, the master was beaten."
"Yeah, I can see it." Qian Wen nodded.
Could he, an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner, have noticed that there was a contusion on the corner of Ma Suqin's eye?
"That...that..."
"Then what, what do you want to do?
I didn't see so many people in the workshop. Your master was secretive because he didn't want too many people to see or know.
In that situation, is it appropriate to ask?
Besides, family scandals should not be made public. Is it appropriate for you, a disciple and an outsider, to tell you?
Sometimes, remaining silent is also a form of protection.
Moreover, turning a blind eye does not mean not caring. The day after tomorrow is the weekend. Didn’t I invite your master to dinner? You can ask again then, okay?
If there is anything I need your help with, I will do my best to help. It would be better than just being reckless."
Qian Wen shook his head and preached.
Qiao Erqiang nodded, there were some people in the factory who were overly minded.
Moreover, the master is a factory flower, so it was really inappropriate to ask just now.
Qian Wen took Qiao Erqiang to the place where the bicycles were parked and got on the bicycles.
In fact, the injury on Ma Suqin's face is easy to guess, probably because she met Chang Benyong again.
Moreover, only Ma Suqin can solve Ma Suqin's problem by herself. If she doesn't make up her mind, no matter how much help other people give her, it will be in vain, and she may end up with a thankless job.
As for why Ma Suqin was invited to have a casual meal.
With Qiao Erqiang resigning, there would be no possibility for him and Ma Suqin. Why would he bother with this?
In fact, he wanted to seal the road between Qiao Erqiang and Ma Suqin even more tightly.
How could he not know that Qiao Erqiang, a pure-hearted man, could simply pretend that nothing happened when he saw his master being abused at home?
He is not Qiao Erqiang's follower, he always has time to pay attention to Qiao Erqiang.
I'm afraid that with Qiao Erqiang's kind help, he came and went, and it was nothing, but something happened.
Although he felt it was unlikely, Ma Suqin looked a bit charming and seductive, so he just didn't want to do it.
When the time came to invite Ma Suqin to the banquet, she asked her to bring her son, who was about ten years old. Between the dining tables, the boy, who was about the same age as Qiqi, was screaming at his mother.
In that scene, he didn't believe that Qiao Erqiang could have any further relationship with Ma Suqin.
It probably just stops the relationship between master and apprentice in the workshop.
In the play, Qiao Erqiang is able to accept Ma Suqin's son, half-year-old Zhiyong, mostly because the two have a deep relationship, and also because they have been separated for nearly one to two years. The pain of lovesickness makes Qiao Erqiang unconsciously let go.
I don't care about these worldly things anymore.
It was different now. He didn't believe that Qiao Erqiang could still accept Zhiyong, who was both in elementary school.
The two of them rode bicycles in a winding road. Qiao Erqiang followed Qian Wen to the entrance of an alley.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Push the bicycle inside and stop at the door of the first courtyard.
Uncle Li, whose real name is Li Tianchang, is the place where Qian Wen sells big fish in the river, and the home of the big fat man who collects their big goods.
Over the years, they still come here to sell big fish occasionally.
However, since Qian Wen went to college and became famous for his writing, he came less often, and even when he came, it was just for fun.
"Well, I'll take you to learn something from your Uncle Li."
As Qian Wen spoke, he reached out and knocked on the door.
There was someone at home and the door opened quickly.
The door was opened by a woman, a middle-aged woman, quite fat.
"Yicheng, are the top two coming?
This is another big product. The last time was years ago.
Come on, your Uncle Li is at home."
Soon, the middle-aged woman saw that the two of them did not bring the big stuff she thought they had, but instead brought many gifts that dropped by.
I felt strange in my heart, but I still went home to welcome him.
"Aunt Yun, this is for you and Uncle Li, a specialty from other provinces.
I went out recently and you guys should try it, it's pretty good." Qian Wen smiled and handed over the things.
Aunt Yun, who was calling her husband Li Tianchang out of the room, took the things and said politely, "Come on, why are you bringing things with you?"
It won’t be allowed next time!”
But there was a somewhat kinder smile on his face.
It's not surprising that there are so many people. Besides, I really came here to ask for help today.
In the room, the big fat man Li Tianchang came out with his belly sticking out.
When he saw Qian Wen, he narrowed his small eyes, shook his fan, and said with a smile, "Yicheng boy, I haven't been to my uncle's house for a while.
The second strong one is getting stronger again."
Qiao Erqiang said hello politely.
Seeing that there was no big deal this time and they even came to bring gifts, Li Tianchang knew that something was wrong, so he asked his wife to make tea and led them to the living room.
"Why do you still bring things with you? What's the matter?" Li Tianchang asked them to sit wherever they wanted and served them a plate of dried fruit to tell them they were welcome.
Qian Wen smiled and realized that they were already very familiar with each other. Although they did not have a close friendship, they had known each other for more than ten years, which was a bit more than ordinary friends.
He was not polite, pointing to Qiao Erqiang aside, "My brother is not young anymore, I want to find a livelihood for him.
I thought of Uncle Li and wanted him to take Er Qiang as his apprentice and teach him his craft."
The big fat man Li Tianchang is an old gourmet, his ancestors were famous chefs, he is also a good cook, and he is very famous in this neighborhood.
This time I brought Qiao Erqiang to learn skills.
He could give Qiao Erqiang secret recipes, but he couldn't teach him the cooking skills.
Everything has a foundation. It is impossible to become a peerless master by holding a peerless secret book and being illiterate.
Except for bastards of course.
Qiao Erqiang was stunned. He really didn't expect that his elder brother asked him to leave his job but he came to learn cooking. He thought he was going to find him a more prestigious and decent job.
However, he didn't refute after he came to his senses. There was nothing to be excited about. He actually liked cooking.
Besides, he believed in his elder brother.
Li Tianchang did not refuse, but fanned himself and looked Qiao Erqiang up and down.
It took a while.
"Can you cook?"
Qiao Erqiang nodded hurriedly, "I can do it."
"Well, let's eat here for lunch today, you do it." Li Tianchang said.
Qiao Erqiang turned to look at Qian Wen in shock.
"Go, get on your bicycle, buy some fresh meat and vegetables, and show your skills at Uncle Li's at noon." Qian Wen said with a smile.
Li Tianchang didn't refuse directly, but there was a possibility of success.
Although he and Li Tianchang didn't get to know each other in depth, they had eaten here several times. As the two chatted, he knew that the other person came from a family of famous chefs and had several generations of royal chefs.
The eldest brother is also a cook, and he was a chef at the Jinling Hotel. He is also a cook, but he prefers to delve into eating. He used to cook for leaders in a government unit, and now he runs a small restaurant.
Cooking according to your own preferences is more like a private kitchen, only for people who know how to eat, and surrounded by a circle of real gourmets and real craftsmen.
If Qiao Erqiang can lay the foundation with him, he will definitely be good.
Qiao Erqiang went to sell fresh meat and vegetables.
Li Tianchang drank tea, looked at Qian Wen, and said bluntly, "I may not accept it."
Qian Wen picked up the teacup and took a look at it. It was a good thing. The style looked like an old item.
After blowing on the tea foam and sipping the tea, Qian Wen frowned and put down the teacup, "It's too strong."
Li Tianchang smiled and took another sip without explaining.
"I'm paying money to learn skills this time. I hope Uncle Li will teach the top two for a year."
After hearing Qian Wen's words, Li Tianchang's smile disappeared, he put down the tea cup in his hand, looked at him seriously and said, "You can go back, I have something to do at noon."
This eviction was too blunt.
Qian Wen also knew that he had more or less violated some of the current rules. Now, learning a trade is a three-year apprenticeship, two years of service, and a five-year apprenticeship. In some trades, not only is there no money to be made, but one has to pay filial piety to the master in order to learn.
With real craftsmanship, I can support my family in the future.
The master at this time is a master in the true sense.
Not to mention that Qian Wen gave Qian a lesson, but Qiao Erqiang only studied for one year, which Li Tianchang couldn't accept.
He would never teach a disciple to starve his master to death.
Who would hand over their true abilities to outsiders in just one year?
"Uncle Li, don't worry, it's not too late to listen to what I have to say." Qian Wen asked Li Tianchang not to chase away guests so quickly.
"Yicheng boy, even if you say Po Tian, I won't accept your brother.
Give up." Li Tianchang said decisively.
Qian Wen didn't pay attention to Li Tianchang's tone and sudden attitude. He took out an envelope from his bag and put it on the table.
Before he could explain, Li Tianchang said bluntly with a dark face, "I know you have written several books and are rich now, but I won't teach you my craft.
Let's go, if you keep talking, don't kick on this door again."
I didn't expect that Li Tianchang, who is always smiling, holding a big belly, and giving people a harmless feeling, would speak so seriously this time.
Qian Wen paused, knowing that if he didn't explain clearly this time, the relationship between them would be worse than before.
Qiao Erqiang's matter will also be put on hold.
"Uncle Li, after listening to what I said, if you still feel offended, I will apologize, turn around and leave, and I will not disturb your peace again."
Seeing that Qian Wen looked sincere and had no intention of teasing him, Li Tianchang's frosty black face softened a bit, and he picked up the tea again and began to taste it.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! It does not say that explanations are allowed or that explanations are not allowed.
Qian Wen took a sip of strong tea. It was too bitter and he still couldn't get used to it. Then he took out a thick piece of money from the envelope, which was a total of five thousand.
Even Li Tianchang, who didn't care, was a little serious.
"Uncle Li, this is five thousand.
But it's not used to buy Uncle Li's family craftsmanship, but the tuition fee for the second strongman to lay a foundation with Uncle Li.
All we need is Uncle Li to lay a solid foundation for the top two players this year.
Basic skills like knife work, fire work, spoon work, etc.
I don’t need to teach you any special skills, I just need to have a solid foundation. After a year, I took Qiao Erqiang away.
It's that simple."
This time it was Li Tianchang's turn to be surprised and shocked.
Five thousand yuan to learn the basics?
That's five thousand, money that some people can earn in half a lifetime.
"Young boy, do you really want to learn this?
Don't try to confuse me. I can't be fooled by your sugar-coated bullets.
My ancestral recipes are only taught to true apprentices." Li Tianchang still didn't believe it.
"Uncle Li, if you only teach the basics, it's the end of the world if you don't teach anything else." Qian Wen said with a smile.
"Are you serious?" Li Tianchang was confused.
"Uncle Li, we have known each other for a long time. Do you think I am a manipulative person?
Are you still being naughty?"
"You can't learn this there, so you bring the top two to my place."
"I don't like the kung fu of those three-legged cats. I hope Uncle Li can lay the foundation of a famous chef for the top two."
"To become a famous chef, it is not enough to have skills." Li Tianchang said.
"That's our business. I hope Uncle Li can seriously teach the top two during this year." Qian Wen said seriously.
"Just the basics, knife skills, spoon skills, fire skills and other skills?" Li Tianchang looked at the five thousand yuan and asked again with certainty.
Qian Wen pushed the money over and nodded.
He is not sure and will not come to Li Tianchang. You must know that this guy not only loves to eat, but also loves money, and is also greedy for money.
It might be difficult for him to teach Qiao Erqiang a family recipe, but just the basic skills would be much easier.
Finally, Li Tianchang pocketed the money.
He also said: "After receiving the money, the skills of the top two players in a year will not be worse than anyone else's, they will only be better.
Of course, it’s just the basics and nothing else is taught.
Let Qiao Erqiang be prepared to endure hardships. One year is still a bit short. Time is too tight. Some things require talent. At best, practice makes perfect."
At noon, Li Tianchang ate the meal cooked by Qiao Erqiang and put the words back.
He also wanted Qiao Erqiang to be his apprentice, not an apprentice but a disciple, the kind of person who would be a teacher for a lifetime and a father for a lifetime. He would teach with all his heart and teach the true family skills.
Qian Wen refused, and they learned the basics.
From then on, Qiao Erqiang worked as an apprentice with Li Tianchang for one year, laying the foundation and learning the craft.
In the evening, Qian Wen also called Qiao Erqiang, who still didn't understand it yet and was still confused, into the bedroom and showed him the secret recipe he copied from the memory bookshelf.
There are dishes from all over the country, and each step above is very clear. Let Qiao Erqiang excerpt three dishes first. When he becomes proficient in these three dishes, he can learn other ones.
In fact, it is not bad to let Qiao Erqiang do business during this period. After all, it is all about making money, and he still has a lot of golden ideas, and it is difficult to lose money.
But after the two had a conversation, Qian Wen discovered that Qiao Erqiang was not a business material. Unless he kept a close eye on him, it would be better to teach him in accordance with his aptitude.
At the same time, Qian Wen also asked an acquaintance to inquire about an address suitable for private kitchen cooking.
He gave two directions, one was an old bungalow with historical charm, and the other was an old courtyard-style house.
Qiao Erqiang's affairs are almost settled. He has done everything he needs to do. Whether he can succeed or not depends on him.
Saturday.
Early in the morning, Qiao Zuwang started chattering endlessly.
"I found the job for Qiao Erqiang, and you just gave it to someone else so easily?"
"Useless thing, are you a dog? You will do whatever Qiao Yicheng asks you to do?"
"I gave you that job because of my shamelessness!"
"Can that poor cook have the job I'm looking for?"
"My brain is slipping. The whole family has no brain. They all listen to Qiao Yicheng. I am your father!"
"He, Qiao Yicheng, is not a human being. Don't compare yourself with him.
Isn’t it good to work hard and get married?”
Qian Wen, who was teasing Hei Yuan every day, plucked his ears and didn't pay attention to the noise, thinking about other things.
"It's time to go back to school to find the teacher. If you don't go back, it won't be justified."
You must know that he is still in graduate school. Even if he is favored by his tutor, the leave time is too long, which is a bit excessive.
Qiao Sanli, Qiao Simei, and Qiqi all ran to the attic next door because they felt that Qiao Zuwang was disturbing their studies by yelling. Qian Wen and Qiao Zuwang were the ones in the old house who were swearing and aggrieved.
I fed Tiantian some meat sticks and let him go out to play.
He looked back at Qiao Zuwang, who was still muttering in the main room while watching the TV, and shook his head. He had been talking about this for a while.
Just as he was about to walk next door, the door of the old house was pushed open from the outside.
"Brother-in-law, what are you yelling about again?
I heard it from afar."
It's my second aunt Wei Shufang, my uncle Qi Zhiqiang, and my cousin Qi Weiyi.
"Second aunt, uncle." Qian Wen greeted him.
"Yicheng, what is your dad yelling about?" Second aunt Wei Shufang asked strangely as she handed the fruit in her hand to Qian Wen.
Qi Weiyi followed behind and said hello to him, and Qian Wen responded with a smile.
"You are listening carefully."
There is no family scandal that should not be made public. No one knows who Qiao Zuwang is. There is nothing to cover up for him, and it can't be covered anyway.
Wei Shufang and Qi Zhiqiang listened carefully.
Wei Shufang's face turned dark, and she wanted to rush into the main room to find Qiao Zuwang, but Qi Zhiqiang behind her quickly stopped her.
"What are you going to do?"
"Look at what he said, is Xiaoyi an outsider?
Besides, why don’t the top two quit their jobs? The good news won’t go to outsiders, so it’s better to give the position to Xiaoyi than to someone else.” Wei Shufang said angrily.
"No matter what my brother-in-law says, we have to be grateful. This is the job he found!" Qi Zhiqiang reminded.
"I...I..." Wei Shufang was still very angry.
It's not that she doesn't have a grateful heart. Today, they, as a family, came here in large and small bags just to express their gratitude. However, when they came happily, they heard some weird words and made everyone feel angry.
Qi Weiyi scratched his head in embarrassment.
In the play, Qi Zhiqiang died of cancer. He took over his father's job, but now Qi Zhiqiang was interfered with in advance by Qian Wen. He was in good health, and his studies were average. He dropped out of school early. He doesn't have a formal job now. He is idle at home, helping the family
a.
Yesterday afternoon, Qian Wen told him to go to work at Yuhong Machinery Factory. He was extremely excited.
"Second aunt, you don't know who the old man is. Just listen to it. You are angry with yourself." Qian Wen took the things and walked to the kitchen.
"10%, there are fresh fish and crabs in it, you have to eat it now, otherwise it won't stink." Uncle Qi Zhiqiang hurriedly reminded.
"Okay, I'll steam it at noon."
Put fresh crabs in the pool. They are not very fat this season.
Qiao Zuwang also saw his sister-in-law and his family coming. He leaned on the door frame and said in a strange tone, "You just met the stupid Qing Qiao Yicheng.
He went out to inquire about how good the job at Yuhong Machinery Factory was. It was too late for others to be happy, so he was the only one who was confused.
You got a big deal."
Wei Shufang became even more angry. What she said seemed to be what they said to persuade the second strongman to quit.
Qi Zhiqiang felt a little embarrassed and smiled.
"Go, Sanli and the others are next door, go find them." Qian Wen patted Qi Weiyi's arm, while Qiao Zuwang was talking closely.
Qi Weiyi went to the next door, and Wei Shufang let go.
Their family took advantage, but they can't be pointed at the nose and said so.
Besides, Wei Shufang is too familiar with this brother-in-law. If he doesn't shut his mouth this time, the news in Shamao Alley will be uproar tomorrow. Who knows what he will tell others, and their family will still be embarrassed.
"Brother-in-law..." Qi Zhiqiang smiled dryly.
No matter what, it's because Xiaoyi of their family has a job, so we have to admit this.
"Hey, Zhiqiang is here. My sister-in-law keeps saying that you might have done it. Why is my son's job this time..."
Qiao Zuwang was interrupted by a livid-faced Wei Shufang just in the middle of his words, "Brother-in-law, you don't have to pay back the money you owe our family.
You are not allowed to mention Xiaoyi’s work anymore."
Qiao Zu looked at it for a moment and rolled his eyes. No need to pay back the money?
Is that...thinking about it, Qiao Zu looked at Chunliang Qi Zhiqiang and wanted to take the opportunity to get some more benefits.
But Wei Shufang knew Qiao Zuwang too well. Before he could speak again, she blocked his mouth, "Either it's written off in one lump sum, or you pay back the money now and Xiaoyi won't go to Yuhong Machinery Factory."
When the words came to his lips, they suddenly stuck, making Qiao Zuwang unable to hold them in.
But pay him back right away. He has been losing so much at mahjong lately, so he has that kind of money.
After smacking his lips, Qiao Zuwang snorted coldly and went back to the house. He didn't even watch the TV in the main room. He turned off the TV and went to the bedroom to sleep.
"bother!"
"Brother-in-law, if there are any bad rumors on the street, you still have to pay back the money."
"I, Qiao Zuwang, am not that kind of person. From now on we will write it off!"
When Wei Shufang heard this, she breathed a sigh of relief.
She didn't want to make matters worse. Her son Xiaoyi really needed a job, otherwise he would be idle at working age and the young man would be useless.
Seeing that he didn't have to take action himself, Qiao Zuwang was taken care of. Qian Wen was so happy that he pointed to the next door.
"Second aunt, uncle, let's go next door.
By the way, why didn’t Weimin come?”
"Weimin has a day off today and is looking at the store," Qi Zhiqiang said.
Wei Shufang looked at the attic next door, sighed heavily in her heart, and looked at her gentle nephew beside her.
Qiao Zuwang has been idle all his life and not engaged in serious work, but he has a good wife who has raised five children for him and a capable eldest son. Who can explain this?
Second aunt Wei Shufang and uncle Qi Zhiqiang came today specifically to express their gratitude. Without Qiao Zuwang's strange aura, everyone had a good meal in harmony at noon.
It was originally said that he did it, but in the end his uncle Qi Zhiqiang snatched it away.
Not to mention, good craftsmanship, the stir-fried spicy crab is really good.
Qiao Zuwang was so stuffed that his mouth was filled with rice.
"Xiaoyi, you report for work on Monday. Then I will ask the second strongman to take you there. You can find the way and register in the factory and leave your name."
"Thank you, cousin."
"Well, good job Xiaoyi."
Speaking of work, uncle Qi Zhiqiang mentioned Er Qiang, "Er Qiang really went to learn how to cook."
"Well, he is talented in this area." Qian Wen didn't explain much.
Qi Zhiqiang actually doesn't understand this aspect. He still thinks that a stable job is better than learning to cook. However, Qian Wen has always had his own opinion. Now it's done. He can only think about how much help the Qiao family will have in the future.
Bundle.
weekend.
Qiao Erqiang took a special leave and went to pick up his master Ma Suqin in the car borrowed by Qian Wen.
At the agreed intersection, after waiting for about half a quarter of an hour, Ma Suqin appeared, dragging her son Zhiyong along with her.
"Master's children are already this old?"
Looking at Zhiyong, who was similar to Qiqi, Qiao Erqiang in the car slowly opened his mouth.
Qian Wen felt relieved when he saw this scene.
Who wants to raise a son for someone else to play with?
"Brother, look at my master's son already so old, otherwise you shouldn't worry about him anymore.
I have some pretty good female classmates, but if it doesn’t work out, I’ll call Wen Jing, she also has a lot of classmates.”
Not only was Qiao Erqiang not at all what he imagined, but he also took a lot of trouble to worry about his elder brother.
"Gaba Gaba~"
The sound of cracking joints in both hands.
Then Qian Wen's fist hit Qiao Erqiang's face hard.
And he said grimly, "Brother, thank you for your concern!"
