A Saturday BBQ with Friends | Chinese Listening and Reading Practice

A busy week makes time with friends feel special. In this story, I prepare a barbecue at home, cook and eat with my friends, and enjoy an afternoon together. Below is an English translation of the story for reference. This Saturday, I invited a few friends to my home for a barbecue. We are all very busy and do not have much time to see one another during the week. So I was very happy and started preparing early. On Friday evening, I wrote a shopping list. I wanted to buy some lamb, beef, eggs, potatoes, corn, and green vegetables. I also wanted to buy fruit and drinks. One of my friends does not really like meat, so I bought extra vegetables. That way, everyone could eat something they liked. The weather was lovely on Saturday morning. The sky was blue, and the sun was out. I cleaned my home first, then went to a nearby store to buy everything. After I got home, I washed the vegetables and put the meat on plates. I also moved the table and chairs into the courtyard. I put cups, plates, and paper on the table. I was worried the sun might be too strong, so I set up a sun umbrella beside it. My friends arrived at three in the afternoon. Some brought fruit, while others brought ready-to-cook barbecue skewers. After putting their things down, everyone came to help me. One friend washed apples, another cut potatoes, and another put corn on a plate. I had been a little busy, but with everyone working together, we were ready in no time. We started barbecuing in the courtyard. I grilled the corn and potatoes first, then the meat. While cooking, I had to check and turn the food often. It would not be good if it got too dark. My friends helped too. As we prepared the food, we talked about school, work, and what had happened that week. The courtyard was filled with the smell of grilled meat and the sound of our laughter. When it was time to eat, everyone sat around the table. I ate two pieces of meat, a potato, and lots of green vegetables. The corn was sweet, and the apples were delicious too. We drank, ate barbecue, and spent a leisurely afternoon together. I often look at my phone while eating. But that day, I left it inside and did not even think about picking it up. I just wanted to enjoy being with my friends. We also took a group photo together. Later, the sun slowly went down, and it was not so hot anymore. We cleared the table and washed the plates. My friends helped carry the chairs back inside. When we had finished, we sat down to eat fruit and watch TV. Everyone had a smile on their face. Seeing my friends happy made me even happier. In the evening, my friends went home. I stood alone in the courtyard, looking at the clean table, and felt that the day had gone by so quickly. I like inviting friends to my home. When we shop, cook, and eat together, even an ordinary day can become special. I hope we can have another barbecue next time. Do you invite friends over for a BBQ on weekends? Let’s talk in the comments!